Pontiac Vibe

montanafan · May 2002

Sorry, I gave a better answer in the other forum where you first asked, but I think I forgot the fascia question. No fascia cut at all. Didn't have a ruler, but dosen't stick out as far as some hitches I have seen. Looks like if you had the right size wrench you could take it on and off as needed. Probably takes less the 10 minutes to put up. Has a 1-1/4" box, so should take bike racks. Good luck.

beater · May 2002

Thanks again. This time for posting to this forum. Your information was very helpful. I'm going to order tommorrow morning. Hopefully, by this time next week, I'll be all set. Nothing like buying a new car during it's first year of production.

1matrix · May 2002

Any Vibe owners out there have the optional DVD Nav System? How well does it work for you?

I just read a very critical review of the Navigation System found on the Matrix (see

http://www.thecarplace.com/agtrix.htm

I opted for the Nav System when I ordered my car (a $1,890 option), but now I am having second thoughts.

montanafan · May 2002

I think the reviewer would have an easier time with the system if they read the instruction manual. I read it one day at the dealership. And later played with the system on a car in the showroom for a few days. Hit the hard key for menu, first joystick key is"Suspend Guidence", or fourth joystick key is "volume" and can sut off the volume from there. The CD slot in the dash will also accept a music CD. And more importantly, who want to change the CD is the 6-Disc cartridge while driving, and why would it be better in the trunk. Also I don't find myself ever changing the bass/treble while driving. 1Matrix, when you get your car just read the manual and enjoy.

dscsayers · May 2002

My Monotone Vibe GT is slated for production sometime this week. I have been looking around and found that Eibach makes the Pro-Kit and the Sportline-kit which fits the matrix xr and xrs... Seeing that the vibe and the matrx are machanically identical am I correct in assuming that if I order one of the two suspension kits for my Vibe they will fit? If someone could answer this for me that would be great. I think that I'm right, but don't want to waste my money knowing that the springs won't my old Range Rover which I'm driving now... Thanks in advance

orlandoguy1 · May 2002

Ok guys--looking at the Vibe--like the car--hate the price. I know the car is built in the US in the Toyota plant--the sticker says like 80-85% of the parts are US made--will this effect the reliability of this car in the future?????The dealers here in Orlando do seem to have quite a few cars--not many seen on the road.Whats the pros and cons of the car? The only 2003 car in this catagory that I really looked at more than once.the Matrix looked too plain--short on standard features--Mazda 5--have a Protege already--would not buy another one-Areio seemed cheap looking on inside and noisy---so would like some feedback please.Thks

johnclineii · May 2002

I know this is the Vibe forum, but many of us are interested in competing cars, too. Orlandoguy1, you said you would not buy another Protege. Why? Cause you already have ONE, or because you wouldn't buy the same car again? Could you tell us, please?

jfigueroa1 · May 2002

I THINK THE VIBE LOOK TO MUCH JUST LIKE THE
AZTEC.NOT TOO BRIGHT, I WOULD RATHER BUY THE TOYOTA DUE TO THE RESALE VALUE.

tkapres1 · May 2002

I went to change the oil in the Vibe over the weekend (after 1 month and 1700 miles)and did not have any luck finding a new filter. I went to two different part stores with no luck. The owners manual just has GM part numbers which do not work at a non-dealer store. Does anyone have the correct part number.

Thanks

dindak · May 2002

Vibe does not look like an Aztek. Look again.

touareg88 · May 2002

Dindak is right. "Too much" of an Aztek ?? Where did the "too much" come from. I am not really a Pontiac fan but personal bias aside just to be fair if you look at it "objectively" it does not look like an Aztek. Don't say it just because you don't like it.

It's a Pontiac Aztek but not an Aztek Pontiac. Get my Vibe ?

touareg88 · May 2002

News Clip that just came out today. Matrix/Vibe owners you have something to be proud of since.....(read below)

"Toyota's 1.8-litre VVTL-i engine, which powers the Celica GT-S, Matrix XRS and Pontiac Vibe GT, won the Best 1.4-litre to 1.8-litre award at the Fourth Annual International Engine of the Year Awards ceremony, held at Engine Expo 2002 in Stuttgart, Germany.

The International Engine of the Year Awards 2002 were voted for by a panel of 40 top automotive journalists from 18 countries including the US, France, the UK, South Africa, Australia and Canada."

Editor's Note : The International Engine of the Year Awards 2002 are presented by industry magazine Engine Technology International, published by UK & International Press, a British company that receives no advertising or financial support from any car manufacturer or distributor.

Cheers everyone.

1matrix · May 2002

Thanks, Montanafan, for your response. Someone else at the Matrix site told me the same thing, that the reviewer should have read the manual. I am one of those who likes to read manuals before using things, so hopefully I'll be able to enjoy the Nav system when I get it. Thanks again!

orlandoguy1 · May 2002

In response to why i would not buy the Protege again..a few reasons. The car is under powered..lack of available dealers for service--not to mention not being happy with the service when u can find it..its an ok car--but-rather get a Toyota next time. In response to the Vibe looking like the Aztek..not at all. The aztek looks like a clumsey mini van(which I guess it is). The Vibe looks compact-sort of butch and I think sort of sporty to a degree.

johnclineii · May 2002

Orlandoguy1, thanks!

touareg88 · May 2002

I wonder how the VIbe would rate on the crash tests since the other GM Pontiac models seems to rate poorly..hmmm. This is not good for the image.

"Toyota Motor Corp. led as nine midsize cars got the top ranking in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's front-crash assessments, the first time all vehicles in a round of tests earned a "good."

Only five models -- General Motors Corp.'s Pontiac Grand Am, Oldsmobile Alero, Chevrolet Cavalier and Pontiac Sunfire and Daewoo Motor Co.'s Leganza -- received a "poor" in the 40-m.p.h. tests, according to the group's Web site.

johnclineii · May 2002

touareg88, the Vibe shares essentially NOTHING with the other Pontiac models. It shares far more with the other Toyota models, especially the Matrix (of which it is a near twin) and the Corolla (sister) and Celica (cousin).

Crash results cannot be predicted with certainty. If they could, there would be no need for TESTS.

touareg88 · May 2002

Thanks johnclineii, I get your point

.

FYI, regarding the International Engine of the Year 2002. The other engines that were picked for the 1.4 to 1.8 litre category that came after Toyota's VVTL-i were (accdg to rank).

2. BMW 1.8-litre Valvetronic (316ti)
3. Ford diesel 1.8-litre TDCi (Focus)
4. Toyota hybrid 1.5-litre (Prius)
5. Volkswagen 1.8-litre turbo (Audi S3, TT, SEAT Leon (210bhp+))
6. Volkswagen 1.6-litre FSI (Audi A2, VW Golf, Bora)

Just a Sidebar: Subaru engine was on the 1.8 to 2.0 litre category and it ranked way at the bottom. Honda was on top.

npaladin2000 · May 2002

Hmm...how many engines were in the competition total?

touareg88 · May 2002

I was checking the GM Canada website and did a search on the Vibe GT availability. It says there are 25 Vibe GT available for EACH area that is Toronto, Mississauga and Oakville. That makes the total 75. BUT I don't see the GT in the dealer lots. What gives ?? The number is highly suspicious and I am not sure if it would be the same case for the info you get from GM buypower.

I have a friend who put an order back in March for the GT and they told him he would be able to get it at the end of June 2002 (Originally May this week) due to production delays. The lead time seems to be 16 weeks from order date instead of 8 weeks.

npaladin2000,

For each category, I think they were asked to pick the TOP 5 or 6 engines to be judged out of the total available. I will e-mail them to see what the original list was.

touareg88 · May 2002

This is what I got from the e-mail reply:

To qualify for inclusion in the International Engine of the Year Awards an engine must be housed in a car currently in mass production and on sale in more than one country. As you can imagine, the shortlist is enormous (over 550 engines), so we only publish the top six finishers....

Hope this answers you query.

Kind regards

--
Graham Johnson
Editor, Engine Technology International,
Testing Technology International,
and Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology
Chairman, International Engine of the Year Awards

raven18 · May 2002

i would think that those components would fit the Vibe. TRD also makes springs for the Matrix, which lowers the ride height 1.25 inches, and supposedly helps eliminate body roll. You can check them out at www.toyotaparts4u.com ($259.00)

shadowsurfer · May 2002

The following latest results from JD Powers detailed trademark study should be a good indication on the quality of the Matrix/Vibe (base and 180 model).

J.D. Power and Associates'
Annual Initial Quality Study
Most problem-free cars

Compacts

Toyota Corolla <============= *****
& Toyota Prius (tie)
Chevrolet Prizm

Sporty car

Mazda Miata
Toyota MR2 Spyder
Toyota Celica <============ *****

www.jdpower.com.

jas28 · May 2002

Unfortunately, they are not - these results were for 2002 M/Y vehicles - the Matrix and Corolla are 2003 M/Y and are both major changes over the 2002 vehicles.

jfigueroa1 · June 2002

what would the aztek call the vibe?
/////mini me//////

dindak · June 2002

There is an extreme shortage of Vibes in Canada. The dealer I went to in Oakville said they were only allocated 14-16 Vibes for the year. That is not a lot of cars in a city of over 100K. Last time I drove by they had no Vibes on the lot.

npgmbr · June 2002

Im not sure im gonna get the Vibe just yet. Its a toss between the Vibe and the VUE. Cant seem to make up my damd mind. But very excited about both.

Im so ticked off that GM is screwing up yet again. Certain models of the VUE have had production problems and the Vibe is in short demand as well. What gives with GM? Every time they launch a new model there are always such delays.

Most annoying is that there is a Pontiac dealer just 5 blocks from my Apt. here in Arlington, VA. I pass them daily and have looked to spot the Vibes. I have yet to see one (1) on the showroom floor or on the lot. Funny thing is I saw a bunch of what looked like new Ford Expeditions on the lot.

GM is screwing themselves yet again.

montanafan · June 2002

http://media.gm.com just posted sales for May. 3,333 Vibes sold. With a target build of 48,000 units this year. You can see why they are hard to find (except McNamara in Orlando per a previous post). And there is no launch delay. For comparison: Matrix sales in March were 3,452 and April were 3,346, Vibe sales in March were 2,014 and April 2,561.

orlandoguy1 · June 2002

Was there today--only about 8-10 Vibes there(Mcnamara) Test drove one. Great little car-suv-whatever. U don't feel as if your in a small car because u sit up high. Had a friend with me who drives a Jag and he seems to think the Vibe even rode better--imagine that!! In my opinion, I think they could do better on the pricing(but that may just be me)I can't seem to want to fork over $20,000 for a small car!!!!! Well--maybe one day I'll break down and get one.

touareg88 · June 2002

Thanks for the info Orlandoguy. I guess they are expecting more Vibes to sell there in Orlando relative to here in Toronto (Canada). The website I checked indicated there will be around 75 available in the top areas.

montanafan,

48K only. Was the original target 70K ??

dindak,

That's definitely not a lot to go around. I guess this would make it difficult to get the price down.

montanafan · June 2002

My understanding from what I have read and seen posted is that simular to the Prizim, Vibe production is limited by a maximum capacity of 55,000 in their agreement with Toyota at the NUMMI plant.

zircon2 · June 2002

2 dealers in Windsor area, 1 with 1 vibe, the other with 6. Of the 6 a few were base, a few were AWD, and one was a disco GT with every option (paint, security, navigation, sunroof). If you ask me, 31 plus is really steep. All but one were 29K plus. A little Acura with 200 HP is only 30. $675 to get the car painted correctly is kind of like Mercedes isn't it? Their short-term greed will cost them cross-over sales.

joelis · June 2002

The Voltz looks cool. The Aztek still looks like crap.

revka · June 2002

Your information is very much appreciated. However, if you'd like to share a photo from another website, we ask that you post a hyperlink to the photo location instead of embedding it directly into the message. This will help insure that we are not infringing on any individual's copyright protections. For further clarification on this matter, please refer to our Town Hall guidelines. Thanks for your participation.

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dindak · June 2002

The sales lady I spoke with offered $500 off with out asking if I took one of the cars that was on the way back at the end of April. She said they were expecting them in with in a month. I have seen a few around Oakville so it would seem they are selling before they get to the lot.

touareg88 · June 2002

Thanks dindak for the info.

Revka, can we post the photos from the ones taken by Edmunds. tkx.

shadowsurfer · June 2002

The Consumer Guide for July 2002 gave the Pontiac Base/VIBE GT a score of 55/57. The only CON they have is the ENGINE NOISE which is nothing new. I think the average for the cars in this category is around 45. Other scores. I think Mazda Protege5 got a 53. The Ford Focus ZX5 got a score of 59. The PT Cruiser got a score of 61.

Click the link below.

http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/new/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/22805.htm#ratings

shadowsurfer · June 2002

I was looking at the height stats. The Vibe seems to be taller by 1.2 inch vs the Matrix, 62.2 vs 61.0.

Front/Rear leg room comparos:

Vibe is 41.8/36.3

Rav4 is 42.4/32.6
WRX is 42.9/33.0
Jetta is 41.5/33.5
Focus ZX5 is 43.1/37.6
Aerio is 41.4/35.2
Mazda P5 is 42.2/35.4
PT Cruiser is 40.6/40.8 ==> very generous
CRV is 41.3/39.4
VUE is 41.2/36.4
Civic Hatch is 42.2/33.0

hpulley4 · June 2002

I think you'll find the roof rack explains the discrepency.

protegextwo · June 2002

"Boxes, Size Small"

Chrysler PT Cruiser

Ford Focus ZX5

Pontiac Vibe

Mazda Protegé5

Suzuki Aerio SX

Toyota Matrix XRS

http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caranddriver/comparisontests/2002/june/200206_comparo_boxes.xml?

Very interesting....

-Larry

touareg88 · June 2002

Larry,

Thanks

. Check the message #1161 below if you are referring to the Car and Driver comparo since this was already posted by odman. The comments for the C&D review were it was an unfair comparison since they used the BASE Model (130hp) for the VIBE to compare it to the Matrix XRS (180hp).

#1161 of 1242 Car & Driver Comparison by odman May 13, 2002 4:31am

Here is the actual link to Motor Trend's comparo titled "The Next Bandwagons".

http://motortrend.com/may02/wagon/wagon_f.html

revka · June 2002

Sure, I don't see a problem with linking Edmunds' photos into appropriate discussions here. Although, keep in mind that photos will increase the down load time; and depending on the message board/discussion, another host may have a different attitude about embedding Edmunds' photos directly into the messages. In other words, I can't answer for every board/host here, but it's certainly okay to do that (within reason) in Hatchbacks and Wagons. Hope this is helpful. ;-)

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Host
Hatchbacks & Station Wagons Boards

1matrix · June 2002

Montanafan, how did you come about those Matrix sales figures you posted? Toyota's website doesn't seem to have them.

montanafan · June 2002

I stopped by the library, and they have a subscription to Automotive News. Sometimes can find it in the waiting rooms or showrooms of dealers.

beater · June 2002

I ordered a Draw-Tite hitch for my vibe thru etrailer.com. Cost with shipping was $98.82. Delivery took about 7 working days. The installation was no problem. There are 6 existing holes with weld nuts in the frame of the Vibe. You align the hitch with its 6 holes with those and install the 6 bolts which come with the hitch. The hitch is about 20 lbs so it helps to have somebody help you hold it until you get the first two bolts installed. Total time was under 15 minutes.

It should be noted that the instructions indicated that Toyota matrix models, except for the base model, would require removing part of the fascia in order to complete the installation.

Hope somebody finds this information useful.

vonnyvonce · June 2002

White with alloys, moon and tunes, power package, side air bags, automatic and security system has finally arrived. So far it's superb. It is not a race car but does not pretend to be. It is practical and fun. Contrary to some posts I find the tunes very nice. Sounds as good as any other car I've been in. Yes it's not a car that you'll hear the tunes 2 miles down the road from but the sound is fine.

It's been raining terribly for last 2 days so I have not given it the full check out but overall neat little car. Updates to follow.

dindak · June 2002

Noticed this weekend that Kerr Pontiac in Oakville had a black GT if you are interested. Looked really sharp.

pjr99 · June 2002

dscsayers:

Just read your post re: Eibach springs for your Vibe. I just took delivery of my GT, with Moon and Tunes, Power pkg, Side Air bags, in Dash 6 CD, Satellite/Graphite. Today it is in the shop having a 2-Tone leather package installed. Wednesday, it gets the windows tinted.

Springs: I've been considering sprigns from The Progress Group.

http://www.progressauto.com/

I have spoken to them. They have sold several sets for the Matrix. They believe that the springs will fit the Vibe. The set will lower the Vibe 2.2" and should not stiffen the ride. The bump stops must be cut in half to increas the travel.

The set lists for approx. $229.

Not sure if I will do it or not?????

Any thoughts on this?

Thanks in advance,

Phil R

drivinisfun · June 2002

Robert Bowden hated the instrument cluster display...

http://www.thecarplace.com/03matrix.htm

How much of the Matrix criticism in this review, applies to the Vibe?

dindak · June 2002

Probably all of it applies to the Vibe also. They both have the same Pontiac designed interior.

Pontiac Vibe

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