ABS is standard on the GT but optional on the base in Canada as part of the Safety & Security pkg.
It really is a shame that GM plans on removing ABS from the standard features list on some of their cars. It was one of the few things that set GM apart from most other manufacturers. Granted it wasn't the most sophisticated system ever created, but it worked reasonably well. I guess the bulk of their sales come from areas where the climate doesn't produce too many slippery conditions like up here in Canada. Oh well...
Okay, so another thirty-something very happy to screw up Pontiac's target demographics by gleefully buying the Vibe. Neptune. 5M - Base. Moon/Tunes. ABS. Side airbags. Apparently the 20-somthing crowd doesn't want these last two standard, especially in manual This board was a great resource, BTW, in decision making. Got a GMO program, with some GM card discount and a Corolla trade-in. Very happy with the economics of the deal. The only fly in the ointment was the dealer had the new Mini Cooper sitting in the front lot when we walked in for pick up. Oooh, such a cool car!
Read my previous post. GM revised their policy and 82% of their vehicle will still carry standard ABS. I think they got a lot of slack for trying to cut the feature. That said, most other manufacturers seem to have ABS as an option on almost all of their cars/trucks.
Vibe: Standard AWD & GT, Option Base. Sunfire Coupe: Standard 1SC Package, Option 1SB, Not Available 1SA. Grand Am Sedan: Standard SE2, GT, & GT1, Option SE & SE1. Grand Am Coupe: Standard GT & GT1. Grand Prix Sedan: Standard GT 1SC & GTP, Option SE 1SA & 1SB, GT 1SA &1SB. Bonneville Sedan: Standard All models. Montana: Standard Reg 1SA, Ext 1SA & 1SE, AWD 1SX & 1SY, Option Reg & Ext 1SV. Aztek: Standard FWD 1SB, all AWD, Option FWD 1SA & 1SB.
There is an article in today's automotive digest "www.automotivedigest.com" stating that GM will no longer offer ABS and Side Air bags as standard equipment on most GM vehicles.
Although a good feature, it is a proven fact that a vehicle equipped with ABS may marginally reduce the stopping distance on wet road surfaces. However the stopping distance may increase in new snow or on gravel roads "National Organization for Automotive Safety & Victims' Aid".
As far as Air Bags are concerned, I find it amazing that many people who insist on having them refuse to wear seat belts. Apart from the driver, the seat belt is the primary safety feature of any vehicle (for collision protection). People forget that Air bags are supplementary systems that work in conjunction with seat belts.
I'm not saying that they aren't worth having. But there are other features that assist in protecting vehicle occupants that should be taken into consideration... crumple zones, side steel beams, etc.
I think I've said enough. The Vibe/Matrix are nice vehicles with or without ABS.
dindak: I did read your previous post. I was under the impression that most of GMs cars would be forced into option packages for ABS (which probably isn't that big a deal because very few people buy stripped-to-the bone cars anymore). But even if only 8% of GMs line gets the optional ABS treatment (I believe you said mostly the lower end models), it's still an 8% that GM had an advantage over other manufacturers in the past.
petl: ABS is not a feature meant to improve stopping distances. Although some good systems do slightly improve stopping distances on dry pavement, the real reason these are such good features is the ability to maintain steering control under hard braking.
ABS is not the be all and end all of safety features in a car, but I would want to have it just in case rather than have to remember to pump the brakes to steer clear of a obstacle under emergency braking. And really wouldn't you rather have something that may help you avoid a collision in the first place?
On the ABS issue, I agree with you. I also like having DRL's. Anything that will help avoid accidents. I guess the point I was trying to make is that having all these features give some people a false sense of security (because of air bags I don't have wear my seat belt - I can drive faster, the ABS will help me stop quicker). Nothing can replace alertness and common sense. A little courtesy and respect doesn't hurt either. Maybe I'm a little too old.
Has anyone seen both the Lava and the Salsa? My dealer still hasn't received either color. From the Pontiac website, it appears the Salsa is a an overripe tomato color red (darker red) whereas the Lava is a bright red, like a fire engine red. The name Lava to me, though, implies an orangish-red, like the hot lava from a volcano. These "customer selected color names" are confusing. Thanks.
Well, I was ready to pick up my Vibe today. Dealer agreed to honor GM supplier price which is about invoice. I also have the $500 GM Loyalty rebate plus $1479 credit from the GM card. I was very happy since I am getting a good deal because this is a brand new model. I also secured a 5.9% financing from PeopleFirst for 60 months. The sales rep. got the paper work ready and presented it to the F&I manager. Meanwhile, I was excited and spent the next 15 minutes checking out every inch of the Vibe I am getting. Then, i was asked to go into the room and the manager told me that if they are to honor the GM supplier pricing, I will have to take up the dealer financing which is 7.8%! I ask him to go pound sand and walked away. The Vibe that I almost got has the following options: Automatic Power package Moon and tunes ABS Automatic Monotone Appearance. All this for only $16574.74(after all rebates) plus TTL. This compared to a $19800 MSRP. Over $3k off!
Well, I need to vent. I went in with so much anticipation.... I guess I will try another dealer tomorrow. But my feeling is all of them will give me the same bullcrap since this is a "hot" model. One way or another, stealerships will try to get that extra profit.
My wife and I purchased a Salsa Vibe base model with power package March 4, 2002. We are in our mid fifties and obviously NOT what Pontiac marketing had in mind, judging by the advertising. I just waxed the Vibe using Zymol and the deep dark red really looks great. We found the Vibe to be very comfortable on two long trips (200+ miles) and the interior space is quite amazing. Average mpg at 1300 miles on the odometer is 31. Only complaint so far is at night the low beams are set too short for the wide open unlighted spaces we drive. The dealer has promised to fix this problem. We love this car / suv or what ever it is.
The article I read was dated April 16, 2002. It is not old. Just to clarify, the "autonews" article does not state that 70%+ will have ABS. The article quote is "antilock brakes still will be standard on about 70 percent of GM's North American volume in 2003, down from about 95 percent this year". It doesn't appear to me that GM revised anything. Although the "autonews" article is more elaborate than the "automotive digest" article, the message is the same in both. ABS will become an option on low-end GM cars. Incidentally I had read both articles.
In your previous posts you stated that 80% then 82% of GM vehicles would have ABS as standard equipment. Not sure where you got these percentages. Based on the available written information, they don't appear to be accurate.
Got the 82% from an article in the paper. Originally, GM stated they were dropping ABS from almost all new cars and trucks but "clarified" it to 70% according to this article.
Whatever the number, ABS will still be standard on more GM cars/trucks than any other manufacturer.
Dindak: too bad you aren't getting the v. It seems like you are the ideal market for it. Can't convince her on internal size/storage? How do they compare safety wise? The Alero is a good buy for the $, and is pretty good looking. Still, I think you'd have more fun in the vibe. Too bad you can't get what you want.
I also wonder is GM screwed up their demographic on this car. It seems to me that the ones young people would want are priced much too steep (ie. thousands more than the Civic-S, Matrix etc. But is is easily in the price range of lots of people in 30-50s. Sounds like Aztek marketing II. They had intended it to be purchased by post-college 20's types, when in fact, they are soccer moms in their late 30-early 40s. Who pays these guys?
Good to hear from you again. I think the base Vibe/Matrix is well priced for youth. Consider a Civic with air is not a heck of a lot less. The new Suzuki wagon is probably better priced though.
My wife hates hatch backs and although she thought this was better, she still said she didn't like it. Better not to push it as she will just complain about it. Vibe was a perfect vehicle for us but I guess we will just live with less convenience. Alero is one of the nicest sedans out there IMO and the new Ecotec made it even better. I'm sure we will be happy with it.
The Monotone Package gets rid of that ugly gray body cladding on the bottom of the Vibe. For $500, Ponitac will make it the color it should have been (the color of the Vibe you choose).
As for the Alero, drove it once, VERY nice car. Then I checked out the crash ratings at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (they do the offset crashes) and it scored VERY poorly.
I posted earlier on how a dealer was trying to forced me to use their high interest financing if they are to honor GM supplier pricing. Well, I finally got my Vibe yesterday from another dealer that let me use my own financing and still give me GM supplier pricing. This is what I've got: Base Vibe Automatic ABS Moon and Tunes Power Package Monotone Appearance Color is Abyss (Black) Out the door price is $18948.18 (after all rebates plus TTL)
Already had 160 miles and I am happy with it. Some people complain of lack of power but I find it adequate. It is not going to win any drag races but it has good utility, good handling and good MPG. These are the attributes that I am looking for. I was crusing at 85mph and engine is very quiet and extremely stable. There is some road noise because of the low profile tires but not annoying. Steering is tight and road feel is very good. In fact, almost as good as my other car, a 2001.5 VW Passat.
and congratulations on your new Vibe! Glad you got the terms you wanted. We appreciate hearing all the details.... I'm sure your information will be helpful to others here. We look forward to hearing more about your Vibe experience. Happy motoring!
Just weaseled out of work for half an hour to go to my dealership. I'm looking at the Vibe GT they have in stock. As with most of the Vibes I've seen, it has the moon & tunes package. I didn't have much time to look at it, so I have a question for the current owners out there. Is the radio in this package the 6 disc in dash changer or what? Haven't seen much discussion of this option since the specs first came out last year. Did they decide not to include it in the final model?
elehto - The Moons & Tunes package comes with a single cd player with 6 speakers - I believe that the extra 2 speakers are the tweeters that are placed in the corners of the windows. I have seen some places list it as the premium 200 watt monsoon sound system, but this is NOT a monsoon system. From all the GM's I've seen with a real monsoon stereo, it usually says it quite prevalently across the radio, which this one does not.
A 6 disc changer is available as an option on all the trim lines, and the navigation system also featuers a 6 disc changer system (I think).
looks better than painted bumpers that are all scratched up after 3 years. If you live in the burbs this is not much of a worry. But when you park in the city alot, you would appreciated unpainted bumpers. Go to New York City and look at all the new cars with practically no paint left on the back bumper and you will agree.
The rear washer fluid dispenser only has a single opening in it. It will only send a stream of fluid down the center of the back window rather than fully wetting the glass.
Is there anyone who owns a Vibe w/opt Navigation system? Where do they put the 6-cd changer? Is it touch screen? I Am considerng a Vibe with NAV system.
The Vibe booklet that is available at the dealers does not mention anything about the speaker system being a Monsoon system; only that it is a 200 watt system with 6 speakers. There is a tweeter mounted in each of the front doors next to the window.
....and the dealership close to me (ie Kerr) finally got a GT available for test driving. Overall the vehicle looks great. I also prefer this to the Matrix since it is better looking. The dealer at Toyota once told me to go for the Matrix over the Vibe since it has the name TOYOTA. I wonder if he would say the same thing for the Toyota VOLTZ which is the Pontiac Vibe in Japan.
The minuses are I was disappointed with the sound system. The gearbox is kinda notchy indeed which I can get used to. And...I don't like the lower body cladding.
In possession of my new Abyss Vibe with monotone appearance for 5 days. Already put on over 500 miles. So far, 3 complete strangers approached me and complimented on how good the Vibe looks. One time it was at a gas station. Second time was at a grocery store and the last one was at my apartment complex. 2 of them are seriously into buying one. Driving impression..... Engine noise is really quiet... Much quieter than all the 4 cylinders that I have driven. Of course, it is still a 4 banger, it will not be as quiet as a 6 cylinder. Driving at 80mph, rpm is at 3100. Engine noise is almost not audible. Probably it is because of the road and windnoise. Some might find the road noise intrusive but I would think it as sporty. Engine power is just adequate for everyday driving. I have no issue with it. Some people will think it is underpowered. My advice is to go and test drive one before buying and regret later. Rumor is that there might be a supercharger in the works. I haven't really push it yet because I am still breaking in. I get it up to 85mph, it will happily stay there all day. So far, I have gone as high as 90mph for a brief moment and the Vibe is very stable and composed. This is because of the big, wide and low profile tires. 16 inch and 205/55 series tire is very unusual for vehicles of this size. Suspension is pretty stiff also. Your mother in law might complain about bumpy rides but I just love it. Steering it pretty quick too. This makes the Vibe really responsive to sterring inputs. One comment on the air-conditioning outlets. It takes some time to get used to adjusting the direction of airflow because the design is a little unconventional. Rotation of the outlet is needed to get the air flow to certain directions. Have gone out with my wife for grocery shopping. My advice is to get the carpet mat and cargo net or the cargo organizer. This is because the hard plastic will make the grocery bags roll from left to right and front to back. Also, getting these items will be cheaper if it is ordered or come with the car. If you are to order later, it will be much more expensive. Overall, I really like the sporty nature of the Vibe(quick steering, stiff suspension and road feel).
I have been following this topic for quite some time, anyway I test drove a Vibe on Saturday. I was impressed by the whole experience. I currently am driving a Buick Regal GSE (the one with the supercharger) so the Vibe would be a totally different ride. The power was not bad and the ride and handling were pretty good. Engine noise was a little buzzy at start out but it quieted down as I got up to speed. The only thing that I did not care for too much was the gauges and the red lighting in the tunnels. I guess it takes some getting used to. All in all I would buy this car and would recommend it to anyone looking for a good small car. Oh by the way I test drove a base Vibe with no ABS and an automatic tranny
Good to hear about the positive feedback you received - Pontiac really needs it. I test drove a 180 HP version, and compared to my wife's new CR-V 5-speed or my 99 5-speed accord, it was really loud. It was also very roomy and the seats were really nice (much nicer than the CR-V.
How have you found the lighted console at night and during the day? I have heard it can be difficult to see.
Anybody see price reductions on this car yet? I can't believe they will get MSRP for the high end ones.
During daytime, the console lights are at its highest intensity and I have no problem reading them even during bright shiny days. It might become a problem during dawn, dusk and cloudy day when the head-lights/tail-lights kick on automatically. If this happen, the console light will reduce intensity and some people will have difficulty reading it. HOWEVER, it can be easily remedied by turning the console dimmer to its maximum. This way, the console light always stay at its maximum intensity and will not dim even if the head and tail lights are turned on.
I've seen a few more Vibes on the road lately. Looks like supply is starting to finally filter into these parts. My buddy went and tested one this week and is seriously considering it for his family of 4.
My sattelite base vibe is 2 weeks old today, and I've got a couple of gripes that I hope the dealer will address pretty quickly. First one is the center compartment, underneath the shifter. I opened mine the other day and a metal spring popped out, and I didn't think that was good...I can't figure out how it goes back in, either. Did't think that a new car should be spitting pieces at me. It's the spring that helps push the compartment open when you hit the button.
My second gripe is that with less than 500 miles and mostly over decent roads, my alignment seems way outta whack. On the highway it wants to veer left all the time, and it makes it quite tiring to drive.
Hopefully the dealership will rectify these ASAP, considering the car has less than 500 miles and is still practically new. Other than that, I really like it. Some accomodations need to be made in that it does have some sqeaks and rattles when it's cold, and things do slide a lot across the back if not tied down, but other than that, no complaints.
As for the sound system, I realize that GM's information never said anything about the Monsoon sound system, but nearly EVERY car information site I saw listed it as a monsoon system. Wonder what happeend there...
I just discovered this forum, and this is my first post. On April 12, my wife and I paid cash for a Frosty (white) base Vibe, automatic, abs, moon and tunes, power package, monotone appearance package. MSRP was 19.8, we paid 19.3 plus taxes, title and registration (mid-Michigan).
Overall we absolutely love the car -- stylish, roomy, fun to drive, sufficient pick-up, plenty of room for an infant seat in the back without causing the front seats to be right on top of the dash. Great car.
But, I've noticed two problems. One is the pull to the left during acceleration that I've seen mentioned here and/or elsewhere.
The other one is that on the right-side doors, the paint chips if you breathe on it. Okay, not that easily, but close. Twice I have chipped the paint on the Vibe even while _gently_ opening the Aztek door next to it. Drove 15 mph down a dirt road and the result was three more chips.
At first I thought it was just coming off the cladding, the result of the "monotone appearance" package being a crappy job. But some of the chips are also off the sheet metal.
Has anyone else seen this problem? I haven't talked to my dealer yet so I am hoping for some anecdotal support.
Frosty Vibe, automatic, power package, moons and tunes, alloys, side air bags, security. Sounds like my ride. Ordered end of March, to be built May 6 and here (Massachusetts) mid to late May. Just expressing my jealousy. Happy motoring.
The Vibe is primarily my wife's, and she absolutely refused the aluminum wheels. She didn't think they looked that much better than the base wheels, and she would not pay $400 for shiny hubcaps, she kept saying. She actually wasn't real happy about the $500 for the monotone thing, so we rationalized that the $500 under MSRP was really not paying for the monotone. And we both really like it now that we have it. Unless that's why my frickin' paint keeps chipping.
Now, how I ended up with the Aztek when she was the one who persuaded me that it was worth buying in the first place, I still haven't figured out.
(BTW -- I'm 29, she's 27, we have an 8-month-old daughter and just moved back home to mid-Michigan after living in DC area for five years. For those interested in demographics.)
Ok how does this work? Never had a car with it. I was under the impression that turning it on gives better gas mileage while HWY driving, but the Vibe starts with it on. So would there be a point to turning it off?
I just spent about 20 minutes behind the wheel of a Vibe GT this afternoon. My overall impressions were very positive. My main question is this - is there a big performance difference between the base Vibe and the GT, both having manual transmissions? I currently drive a Focus ZX3 and really like it, but I want to get something with 4 doors and still be sporty and roomy enough for my family. Thanks to anyone that can help.
During normal driving there won't be much of a performance difference between a base Vibe with a manual transmission and the GT. By normal driving I mean below 4500 or so RPM's.
Should you decide to rev the snot out of the GT, there will be a big difference, probably 2-3 seconds in 0-60 time. These engines act pretty much the same below 6000. It's not until you hit the extended rev range of the GT engine that you get the benefits.
However, the GT is geared a little lower, and with that 6 speed it should help you to get the revs up quickly if you want.
I like these cars, but they've got motorcycle engines in them. They're fun to drive when you want but they get old when you're just trying to get someplace. I'm holding out for a supercharged version.
Comments
It really is a shame that GM plans on removing ABS from the standard features list on some of their cars. It was one of the few things that set GM apart from most other manufacturers. Granted it wasn't the most sophisticated system ever created, but it worked reasonably well. I guess the bulk of their sales come from areas where the climate doesn't produce too many slippery conditions like up here in Canada. Oh well...
This board was a great resource, BTW, in decision making. Got a GMO program, with some GM card discount and a Corolla trade-in. Very happy with the economics of the deal.
The only fly in the ointment was the dealer had the new Mini Cooper sitting in the front lot when we walked in for pick up. Oooh, such a cool car!
Sunfire Coupe: Standard 1SC Package, Option 1SB, Not Available 1SA.
Grand Am Sedan: Standard SE2, GT, & GT1, Option SE & SE1.
Grand Am Coupe: Standard GT & GT1.
Grand Prix Sedan: Standard GT 1SC & GTP, Option SE 1SA & 1SB, GT 1SA &1SB.
Bonneville Sedan: Standard All models.
Montana: Standard Reg 1SA, Ext 1SA & 1SE, AWD 1SX & 1SY, Option Reg & Ext 1SV.
Aztek: Standard FWD 1SB, all AWD, Option FWD 1SA & 1SB.
Although a good feature, it is a proven fact that a vehicle equipped with ABS may marginally reduce the stopping distance on wet road surfaces. However the stopping distance may increase in new snow or on gravel roads "National Organization for Automotive Safety & Victims' Aid".
As far as Air Bags are concerned, I find it amazing that many people who insist on having them refuse to wear seat belts. Apart from the driver, the seat belt is the primary safety feature of any vehicle (for collision protection). People forget that Air bags are supplementary systems that work in conjunction with seat belts.
I'm not saying that they aren't worth having. But there are other features that assist in protecting vehicle occupants that should be taken into consideration... crumple zones, side steel beams, etc.
I think I've said enough. The Vibe/Matrix are nice vehicles with or without ABS.
petl: ABS is not a feature meant to improve stopping distances. Although some good systems do slightly improve stopping distances on dry pavement, the real reason these are such good features is the ability to maintain steering control under hard braking.
ABS is not the be all and end all of safety features in a car, but I would want to have it just in case rather than have to remember to pump the brakes to steer clear of a obstacle under emergency braking. And really wouldn't you rather have something that may help you avoid a collision in the first place?
The Vibe that I almost got has the following options:
Automatic
Power package
Moon and tunes
ABS
Automatic
Monotone Appearance.
All this for only $16574.74(after all rebates) plus TTL. This compared to a $19800 MSRP. Over $3k off!
Well, I need to vent. I went in with so much anticipation.... I guess I will try another dealer tomorrow. But my feeling is all of them will give me the same bullcrap since this is a "hot" model. One way or another, stealerships will try to get that extra profit.
Sam
Average mpg at 1300 miles on the odometer is 31.
Only complaint so far is at night the low beams are set too short for the wide open unlighted spaces we drive. The dealer has promised to fix this problem. We love this car / suv or what ever it is.
http://www.autonews.com/news.cms?newsId=1984
In your previous posts you stated that 80% then 82% of GM vehicles would have ABS as standard equipment. Not sure where you got these percentages. Based on the available written information, they don't appear to be accurate.
Whatever the number, ABS will still be standard on more GM cars/trucks than any other manufacturer.
I also wonder is GM screwed up their demographic on this car. It seems to me that the ones young people would want are priced much too steep (ie. thousands more than the Civic-S, Matrix etc. But is is easily in the price range of lots of people in 30-50s. Sounds like Aztek marketing II. They had intended it to be purchased by post-college 20's types, when in fact, they are soccer moms in their late 30-early 40s. Who pays these guys?
My wife hates hatch backs and although she thought this was better, she still said she didn't like it. Better not to push it as she will just complain about it. Vibe was a perfect vehicle for us but I guess we will just live with less convenience. Alero is one of the nicest sedans out there IMO and the new Ecotec made it even better. I'm sure we will be happy with it.
As for the Alero, drove it once, VERY nice car. Then I checked out the crash ratings at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (they do the offset crashes) and it scored VERY poorly.
Well, I finally got my Vibe yesterday from another dealer that let me use my own financing and still give me GM supplier pricing.
This is what I've got:
Base Vibe
Automatic
ABS
Moon and Tunes
Power Package
Monotone Appearance
Color is Abyss (Black)
Out the door price is $18948.18 (after all rebates plus TTL)
Already had 160 miles and I am happy with it. Some people complain of lack of power but I find it adequate. It is not going to win any drag races but it has good utility, good handling and good MPG. These are the attributes that I am looking for. I was crusing at 85mph and engine is very quiet and extremely stable. There is some road noise because of the low profile tires but not annoying. Steering is tight and road feel is very good. In fact, almost as good as my other car, a 2001.5 VW Passat.
Sam
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Station Wagons Boards
Thanks
A 6 disc changer is available as an option on all the trim lines, and the navigation system also featuers a 6 disc changer system (I think).
http://carpoint.msn.com/vip/Jedlicka/Pontiac/Vibe/2003.asp
....and the dealership close to me (ie Kerr) finally got a GT available for test driving. Overall the vehicle looks great. I also prefer this to the Matrix since it is better looking. The dealer at Toyota once told me to go for the Matrix over the Vibe since it has the name TOYOTA. I wonder if he would say the same thing for the Toyota VOLTZ which is the Pontiac Vibe in Japan.
The minuses are I was disappointed with the sound system. The gearbox is kinda notchy indeed which I can get used to. And...I don't like the lower body cladding.
Does someone know.....
Is there anyplace on the WWW I can get a Graphic of the Torque & HP curve for both the VVT-i and VVTL-i engines?
Best Regards to All..
http://autozine.kyul.net/technical_school/engine/vvt_31.htm
I would guess that the VVT-i engine is very similar up to the 600 RPM mark.
Driving impression..... Engine noise is really quiet... Much quieter than all the 4 cylinders that I have driven. Of course, it is still a 4 banger, it will not be as quiet as a 6 cylinder. Driving at 80mph, rpm is at 3100. Engine noise is almost not audible. Probably it is because of the road and windnoise. Some might find the road noise intrusive but I would think it as sporty. Engine power is just adequate for everyday driving. I have no issue with it. Some people will think it is underpowered. My advice is to go and test drive one before buying and regret later. Rumor is that there might be a supercharger in the works. I haven't really push it yet because I am still breaking in. I get it up to 85mph, it will happily stay there all day. So far, I have gone as high as 90mph for a brief moment and the Vibe is very stable and composed. This is because of the big, wide and low profile tires. 16 inch and 205/55 series tire is very unusual for vehicles of this size. Suspension is pretty stiff also. Your mother in law might complain about bumpy rides but I just love it. Steering it pretty quick too. This makes the Vibe really responsive to sterring inputs. One comment on the air-conditioning outlets. It takes some time to get used to adjusting the direction of airflow because the design is a little unconventional. Rotation of the outlet is needed to get the air flow to certain directions.
Have gone out with my wife for grocery shopping. My advice is to get the carpet mat and cargo net or the cargo organizer. This is because the hard plastic will make the grocery bags roll from left to right and front to back. Also, getting these items will be cheaper if it is ordered or come with the car. If you are to order later, it will be much more expensive.
Overall, I really like the sporty nature of the Vibe(quick steering, stiff suspension and road feel).
How have you found the lighted console at night and during the day? I have heard it can be difficult to see.
Anybody see price reductions on this car yet? I can't believe they will get MSRP for the high end ones.
It might become a problem during dawn, dusk and cloudy day when the head-lights/tail-lights kick on automatically. If this happen, the console light will reduce intensity and some people will have difficulty reading it. HOWEVER, it can be easily remedied by turning the console dimmer to its maximum. This way, the console light always stay at its maximum intensity and will not dim even if the head and tail lights are turned on.
My second gripe is that with less than 500 miles and mostly over decent roads, my alignment seems way outta whack. On the highway it wants to veer left all the time, and it makes it quite tiring to drive.
Hopefully the dealership will rectify these ASAP, considering the car has less than 500 miles and is still practically new. Other than that, I really like it. Some accomodations need to be made in that it does have some sqeaks and rattles when it's cold, and things do slide a lot across the back if not tied down, but other than that, no complaints.
As for the sound system, I realize that GM's information never said anything about the Monsoon sound system, but nearly EVERY car information site I saw listed it as a monsoon system. Wonder what happeend there...
Overall we absolutely love the car -- stylish, roomy, fun to drive, sufficient pick-up, plenty of room for an infant seat in the back without causing the front seats to be right on top of the dash. Great car.
But, I've noticed two problems. One is the pull to the left during acceleration that I've seen mentioned here and/or elsewhere.
The other one is that on the right-side doors, the paint chips if you breathe on it. Okay, not that easily, but close. Twice I have chipped the paint on the Vibe even while _gently_ opening the Aztek door next to it. Drove 15 mph down a dirt road and the result was three more chips.
At first I thought it was just coming off the cladding, the result of the "monotone appearance" package being a crappy job. But some of the chips are also off the sheet metal.
Has anyone else seen this problem? I haven't talked to my dealer yet so I am hoping for some anecdotal support.
Thanks...
Now, how I ended up with the Aztek when she was the one who persuaded me that it was worth buying in the first place, I still haven't figured out.
(BTW -- I'm 29, she's 27, we have an 8-month-old daughter and just moved back home to mid-Michigan after living in DC area for five years. For those interested in demographics.)
During normal driving there won't be much of a performance difference
between a base Vibe with a manual transmission and the GT.
By normal driving I mean below 4500 or so RPM's.
Should you decide to rev the snot out of the GT, there will be a big difference, probably 2-3 seconds in 0-60 time. These engines act pretty much the same below 6000. It's not until you hit the extended rev range of the GT engine that you get the benefits.
However, the GT is geared a little lower, and with that 6 speed it should help you to get the revs up quickly if you want.
I like these cars, but they've got motorcycle engines in them. They're fun to drive when you want but they get old when you're just trying to get someplace. I'm holding out for a supercharged version.