Pontiac Vibe

dverespey · February 2002

Just luck of the draw on what a particular dealer has. Those cars are being made.

Looks like AWD or GT will have ABS, less likely on other models.

ecarmack · February 2002

I saw a Vibe today at the dealership, but it was already sold, so I only got to sit in it. It was a lot taller than what I expected, but looked pretty good overall. Unfortunately, no 5 speeds on their list yet. The salesman tried to tell me I could get the $2,002 rebate if I took delivery before the 28th. I told him that could not be possible, that it is not applicable on 2003s. Another salesman spoke up that I was correct. I think the other guy was just trying to get a deposit out of me.

montanafan · February 2002

The Vibe I drove only had automatic transmission, no other options. The dealer said they have to order the cars before they get the prices, so they keep the early ones with low equipment. Also keep in mind that no Pontiacs have ABS or Side Air Bags as options, so the dealers/Pontiac may not have an idea (past experience) how popular they will be.

magnetophone · February 2002

Do Vibes come with power windows standard?

hpulley4 · February 2002

Base Vibe up here needs the "Power Package" to get power windows, locks, etc. Base model windows are cranked. Not sure if the USA base models are decked out similarly.

magnetophone · February 2002

Does anyone have photos or an account of the wheel covers? Or are alloys standard?

I am a very anti-wheel cover person (think they're ugly) and Pontiac is especially tactless with making those faux-racy plastic wheels.

chmeeee · February 2002

16" Wheel covers are standard on both the base and AWD Vibes according to my brochure. The wheel covers in the pictures look just about identical to the alloys, but no guarantees about how they will look in person.

ying20 · February 2002

Just got back from dealer , cdn pricing was just released today.....base vibe $20,500, awd $26,500
GT $26,550.......What a rip off compared to the Matrix. I hope GM pays for this horrible decision

Tup · February 2002

Pretty much what I had anticipated. So a base Vibe is $400 cheaper than a Matrix XR but the Matrix XR comes with power windows, power doors, keyless entry, alloy wheels, cruise control, leather wrapped steering wheel.

It looks like in Canada the Matrix XR is the best value. We bought the Base Matrix with keyless entry, power locks, alloy wheels, illuminated entry and we paid 18,700 (Canadian) plus freight and taxes.

Tup · February 2002

For those in Canada wondering how the other numbers compare:

The matrix AWD is $20,315
The Matrix XR AWD is $24,110
Apparently the Vibe AWD is $26,500 (is this with freight?)
The Matrix XRS is $24,540
The Vibe GT is apparently $26,560 (not sure on freight again)

So the Matrix has more variations and combinations and seems to be a little cheaper. Keep in mind though, that in Canada, the Vibe does match Toyota's 5 yr 100,000KM powertrain warranty(unlike in the US).

nymeria · February 2002

Does anyone know if the dealer-installed supercharger that's supposed to come out next year will be compatible with the AWD? I hear that the reason the AWD has less horsepower is because the exhaust is restricted compared to the base or GT engine. That might not work out so well with a supercharger unless something's done about the exhaust - and that might turn out either expensive or void the dealer warranty.

clyde2000 · February 2002

After adding the packages I would want (Sport, Safety, Power), I'm guessing the price would come up to about $24000 or more. That's about $2000 - $3000 more than I was figuring. I can get a better equipped VW Golf for much less than that. There's a 4 year bumper-to-bumper warranty on VW cars now too. VW Canada also has a grad rebate (only $750) though I don't know if that still applies this year.

I guess I'll know after a test drive if the Vibe really is worth it, because right now I don't think it is That's really too bad... I've been planning to get a Vibe ever since I first saw it.

On the other hand, since the price is higher than most of us thought (okay maybe only me), perhaps this means that dealers will be able to budge on price afterall.

nymeria · February 2002

Does anyone know if the dealer-installed supercharger that's supposed to come out next year will be compatible with the AWD? I hear that the reason the AWD has less horsepower is because the exhaust is restricted compared to the base or GT engine. That might not work out so well with a supercharger unless something's done about the exhaust - and that might turn out either expensive or void the dealer warranty.

a_l_hubcaps · February 2002

Being in the hubcap business, I like to keep up on the new developments. Do any of you Vibe enthusiasts happen to know how the 16" wheel covers on the Vibe are held on? I hope for your sake that they use GM's very effective Theftlock design (five plastic caps that twist-lock onto the individual lug nuts), but I hope for my sake that they're the traditional bang-on type, because that means I will be selling a lot of them :-) If anyone happens to know which it is, I'd be interested in the answer.

-Andrew L

zircon2 · February 2002

Hard to believe that the general priced the car higher than Toyota. Despite the fact they are the same Toyota car, the Toyota will resale higher because most of the public will be blissfully unaware of the Vibe's pedigree. It takes balls to follow the Asswreck fiasco with higher than Toyota prices. More importantly, I bet it will mean that they missed the price point to get the 20-somethings to buy them in Canada. They have again sacrificed sales to squeeze an extra $2000 from the buyer. Oh well, wait until December when they have zero financing and steep discounts, just like all the other GM prodicts.

Tup · February 2002

Maybe the pricing is a reflection on the fact that they know that there is limited production. Also, I suppose for the AWD model they didn't have Toyota's worry of pricing it too close to the RAv. Certainly with the pricing, the Matrix which can be had for $16670 will appeal to younger Canadian buyers (even giving up AC) than the Vibe will at $20,500(even with AC).

golfboy · February 2002

Dated Feb 12 2002

"General Motors of Canada Ltd. today announced the Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the all-new 2003 Pontiac Vibe. (Models - Vibe, Vibe AWD, and Vibe GT).

The MSRP for the base Vibe is $19,150 and comes equipped with an impressive list of standard equipment that today's customers expect in their vehicle, including air conditioning, in-dash 115 Volt AC outlet, adjustable roof rack, rear cargo track system, lift-gate with lift glass, fold-flat passenger and rear seating, dual front air bags, CD, power mirrors, front and rear variable intermittent wipers, driver's seat height adjuster, 130hp VVT-i engine with a 5-speed manual transmission, and much more.

The popularly equipped base model - with remote keyless entry, power door locks, power windows, cruise control, 16" alloy wheels and 4-speed automatic transmission, will offer great value at an MSRP of $22,120.

The Vibe AWD with a MSRP of $26,150, is equipped with 4-speed automatic transmission and a host of standard features, such as seat mounted side air bags, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, 6-speaker premium sound system, remote keyless entry, power door locks, cruise control, and power windows.

The sporty Vibe GT starts at $26,550 and is powered by a 1.8L DOHC high performance engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, offering consumers a spirited 180 horsepower and 130 lb.-ft. of torque. Vibe GT is loaded with standard equipment including seat mounted side air bags, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, remote keyless entry, power door locks, cruise control, power windows, rear disc brakes, 16" alloy wheels, and a 6-speaker premium sound system."

My thoughts...

I think that GM has something up its sleeve. There is no way they will stay competitive in this market with these prices and will definitely lose market share (especially to its twin - the Matrix) if they plan on offering the Vibe at face value. GM my offer some incentive bonuses and maybe bring in introductory 0% financing or something to get people into the showrooms. To me it doesn't make sense why GM would price the Vibe so high compared to similar hatches unless they plan on progressively marking down.

But if you do a little fudging of the numbers, a "popularly equipped" vibe without auto (subtract approx $1000) is $21120 while an XR is $20925 (granted you don't get leather steering wheel in the vibe). That's a pretty close comparison given GM's tendency to allow for negotiating room.

Tup · February 2002

Well then, those prices are pretty close to the XR then! The Matix gives you alloy wheels and a leather steering wheel while the Vibe gives you fog lights, the household plug and the roof rack for around the same money. Also, the Vibe in Canada makes it easier to get side airbags and ABS. So all in all fairly close....unless you want a base or AWD or GT/XRS where the edge goes to Toyota.

golfboy · February 2002

You're right Tup, the edge does seem to go to GM in mid-trim. But I noticed that the base matrix offers a package that includes alloys, A/C, power locks and keyless entry (still have to crank your own windows) for $19320 with MT. That compares to $19150 without keyless and power locks for the Vibe. Chalk up one more for Toyota.

You're also right in that only the Vibe offers the 115V outlet in base and AWD modes. The base and XR Matix don't even get an option for it. It is standard on the XRS Matrix. The XRS wins against the Vibe GT by a mile ($2000 price difference and the XRS has standard 17"s!).

logic1 · February 2002

Zircon: I doubt that the Vibe will be discounted this year. The interest level in the car is very high, the irrevelant Aztek notwithstanding. Come back in the Fall and report about sales, why don't you?

As to pricing difference, Toyota makes and sells the Matrix in NA, but it reports profits in Japan. The Japanese government is doing all it can to keep the yen artificially low. Toyota can cut margins razor thin and still be able to show a good balance sheet as long as the yen trades at 133 to the dollar when it should be 100 to the dollar.

Matching Toyota's prices would mean making so little on sales of the car it would not be worth GM's while to sell it.

Peterun · February 2002

Drove from LA to Laguna Beach, to Palm springs. 32.3 mpg . . .I was amazed. A/C on the entire time. Varied speed between 60 and an occasional 80. Only negative is that the 180 hp version of this 1.8 liter calls for premium unleaded. One other item: Not one single thing not working correctly on this vehicle. Not a rattle nor a squeak/creak. I'll continue with mileage checks for a bit. Pete

dindak · February 2002

For those who have never bought from the General before I will tell you that they pad prices more than Toyota and Honda. There will be plenty of negotiating room, I guarantee it. When I bought my Intrigue I got over $3000 off list (no cash back, that was negotiated). Try and get $3000 off an Accord.. it will never happen.

The Vibe model I'm looking at (base with auto/ power package) is listed at $22120. I'm guessing it can be had in the low $20k range, maybe less. Matrix base with B option is $20320 (a similar car). I doubt GM will offer 0%, but some interest rate incentive may appear down the road.

Tup · February 2002

Dindak: I know GM is usually good at discounting it's vehicles but that is easier for them to do when they have a parking lot full of them. I don't see them discounting the Vibe all that much when there are only 70,000 for all of North America. I don't see there being a huge Vibe inventory in Canada for some time. So you might get a reaction of...."If you won't pay MSRP then the next guy will" for a while anyway. GM card will help though.

Golfboy, that Matrix with the package inc AC, power locks, keyless entry and alloy wheels is exactly what we bought (ordered it end of November before pricing was announced). We paid $18,700 plus freight, tax. I should have a picture of it on the net soon. It's black and we just got the windows tinted...looks great!

dindak · February 2002

You are probably right and the pad will go into the dealer's pockets if they can get it. Fortunately I don't need the car till June/ July so I can wait it out. Look forward to seeing your picture.

zircon2 · February 2002

The price difference will force GM to match Toy's prices. There is no logical reason people will spend up to $2K more for the GM version of this Toyota car. I am still betting on reasonable prices come December.

dindak · February 2002

Prices won't change but the negotiating room be there. There are always people who don't negotiate much and just accept the price. My buddy bought his truck for just under list but because the monthly payments looked good he just went for it. Salesman must have jumped for joy on that afternoon. The invoice numbers should be available on carcostcanada.com soon so it will be interesting to see how much room they really have.

golfboy · February 2002

It doesn't make sense though that GM would have higher prices simply for negotiating room. People want to feel like they got a good deal and negotiating down to Toyota's MSRP for a similar car (and identical under the skin) is not my idea of getting a good deal.

I'm convinced they will bring in some incentives later on in the year and maybe make up packages that include some of the aftermarket parts they are coming out with (the supercharger for example). They may also be factoring in the number of people holding GM cards (as this is the only manufacturer specific benefit credit card out there I believe) and the draw that would have to bring people into the showrooms especially before the end of ther year when you can redeem up to $3500 for the Vibe ($1500 limit starting next year). Once that kicks in you may see more of a price drop. Just my ramblings...

dindak · February 2002

Actually it makes perfect sense as it keeps continuity in it's pricing policy. GM always leave plenty of room for negotiating in it's list prices so they had to do the same for Vibe. My dad always buys GM or Ford and walks in knowing the list is just a starting point for negotiating. GM card has nothing to do with the pricing as that is always something you bring up after you negotiate and not everyone has a GM car to begin with.

Toyota I know for a fact is slowly moving to the Saturn one price model. They have already done so in Quebec and the the rest of Canada will follow. I suspect the Matrix and Corolla are already priced to the bare bones and there is generally going to be no negotiating.

dplachta · February 2002

I haven't heard of a program change that will cause a $2000 drop in GM card earnings. We have $3500 saved up on our card and have for years. Plan to buy a new car one of these years and want the whole rebate!

magnetophone · February 2002

I saw both a Matrix and a Vibe last night... I was impressed with both very much! The rear seat room in them are pretty good. It seems like it would be a great car to make long trips in. It's the perfect size...something leads me to believe that if these two catch on, it'll be just as big as like the first Dodge Caravan, or something like the Renault Scenic craze in Europe. There's no reason for an SUV anymore.

But two things I noticed - the base wheels on the Matrix and Vibe are UGLY! And I also noticed that the Matrix's interior is identical except for chromed-rings in the speedometer area. I particularly liked the manual HVAC vents. I also saw the new 03 Corolla (nice car! had no idea it was out already)

Any ideas on which one is supposed to sell more?

golfboy · February 2002

Dindak - I agree that GM typically does leave room for price adjusting whether it be by negotiating or setting sale prices throughout the year or handing our rebates like they do this year ($2002 cash back). I bought my Grand Am at a GM advertised sale price that was pretty close to invoice and $2000 less than MSRP. But in Canada anyways, they have never really had a vehicle so closely matched with another (the US has seen the Prism and Nova so perhaps US posters can shed some light on the pricing differences between those and similar Toyota products) and it's blatantly obvious to any smart consumer that you have to pay $2000 more for the same car with a pontiac badge.

But having never shopped for a Toyota I am unfamiliar with how their dealers work. Are they all "one-price" shops not budging an inch? If that's the case across the board then it may not be that bad a thing. But trying to get a Pontiac dealer to bring down the price versus paying exactly what you see, I would do the latter just for ease of shopping. Because if the best you can do is get it down to the same price as the MSRP of essentially the same vehicle, what's the point?

As for the GM card, who do you think takes the hit for every rebate redeemed? GM does. It's the dealers who don't care if you have it or not. GM could have factored that into their dealer invoice price thus hiking the MSRP.

Dplatchta - In Canada there is a changeover to having limits set on how much or your earnings you can spend on a particular car starting next year (Jan 2003). Until then your $3500 is all good! Not sure if similar things are happening in the states...

dindak · February 2002

dplachta : In the U.S. it's www.gmcard.com. Program is a little different in Canada so I can't help you much. The card is changing from 5% (500/yr) to 3% unlimited next year. I know there will be limits on the amounts for less expensive cars also so I suspect the Vibe limited will be C$1500 up here. This year it will still be $3500.

golfboy : Spread between invoice and list at GM is much bigger than Toyota. I suspect the invoice of the two cars is almost identical. GM earnings would not be factored in as Vibe is no different than any other GM car in the eye of the company. GM card rebates probably only apply to 20-30% of sales anyway.

zircon2 · February 2002

I am eligible for GM family pricing. They used to offer generous discounts, but it is my feeling that this % reduction has been reduced to the point that I can walk in and negotiate a better deal than taking the automatic employee discount.

I must admit that I am puzzled by this pricing strategy. I had expected prices a little lower than Toyo.

The drop in GM card earning on Jan 1, 2003 is worrisome. I will simply stay in my Honda if they don't drop the price by December and throw my card away.

dindak · February 2002

Why would you expect Pontiac to charge less than Toyota? The pricing is no surprise to me at all as 3 of my last 5 cars have been from GM and I know how the pricing works there. I sometimes wish the rest of GM would go the Saturn route, but I guess old habits die hard. My suggestion to you would be to bring the Toyota pricing in to a GM dealer and tell them to simply match the price. That is what I will do if needed.

GM card drop to 3% does kind of suck, but it's still a free card and there aren't any other free card out there that offer as much. My other is an Amex Air Miles card, but 1 mile for $20 doesn't add up fast.

clyde2000 · February 2002

Although I currently own a GM product (a Cavalier, my first car bought used), I probably wouldn't be looking at the Vibe if it wasn't for the GM card (I have about $1200 to use so far) and the grad rebate which is currently $1000.

So maybe they don't make as much money per vehicle but they figure better to make some money than none at all. When you're the largest car maker in the world you can afford to do business like that and still be profitable.

scott31 · February 2002

Pontiac dealers aren't going to be able to match Toyota pricing. When I priced out my Matrix XRS vs a GT, the Matrix MSRP was very close to the GT invoice....there isn't any room for dealers to go.

It will be a Matrix for me, I'm not paying $2k for a luggage rack.

dindak · February 2002

I assume you are talking about a Vibe GT when you say GT.

You have just made my point. The Vibe invoice is about the same as the Matrix MSRP. Matrix prices will not be negotiable, Vibe's will be had for around invoice. It's all the car price shell game.

dverespey · February 2002

Just had a chance to test drive a Vibe around the plant. Really nice and solid. More room inside than I thought it would have. Pretty peppy too with the base engine.

Fun car...

squiredogs · February 2002

If I get the AWD, I want to get some alloy wheels that look like the 5-spoke concept ones. Can that be done through the dealer before taking delivery? If I can, or if I went aftermarket, is there a reason I couldn't go with 17" or 18" like on the concept? Is there an engineering problem with that and AWD? I know someone said that larger wheels and the moonroof are a bad idea. I don't want a moonroof anyway.

I want the 6 CD in dash. From the way I read the options on edmunds, it looks like that is not available with the 6 speaker monsoon system. So I guess I would have to spend on some speakers and an amp too. I have to have a factory head this time - I've had enough windows busted over the years for a stereo's sake!

And last, if I want to carry a surfboard on the roof rack, it looks like the antenna would block me from using half of the rack. Do those antenna's unsrcrew?

Anyone know, or have an experienced guess? Still no Vibes around here in New Jersey... Happening ever?

montanafan · February 2002

Antenna does unscrew. The Premium speaker system only comes with the Moon Roof, for $500. 6-Disc in dash is compatible. Do not know answers on wheel upgrades, Tire Rack is the usual quoted source for wheel/tire questions.

mpgman · February 2002

Seems to me that one could get a Honda CR-V for the price of a well equipped Vibe.

By the way, am I correct in that Vibe might be the only car where you can get a loaded or top of the line (GT) version without power windows, etc? The brochure I saw shows power accessories as optional on all models.

nymeria · February 2002

I don't know how tough it is to get a good deal from a Toyota dealer, but I do know that the last two times I was involved in buying a car (Acura and Pontiac), we paid VERY close to invoice. Admittedly, we had to walk out of the Acura dealer when they said we didn't even have a place to start, but by the time my husband and I got home, there was a message from the Acura dealer begging us to come back. If you play your cards right - go at the end of the month, know all the costs, etc. - AND are willing to walk away if necessary, I would expect both dealers would deal. But if not, Matrix/Vibe fans are in the perfect position. If you're trying to buy a Matrix and they won't budge, tell them you'll be heading down the street to check out a Vibe. Or vice-versa. Of course, things may need to cool down first. I notice that all three Matrices delivered to our local dealer were gone within about a week. And here I was hoping to test drive one this weekend. No Vibes in NJ yet.

dindak · February 2002

Finally sat in the Vibe at the Toronto Auto Show. They had 3 or 4 of them there, one of them a base with auto. The base model looked the best with the aluminum wheels IMO. My wife was not as keen so I will have to sell her on the idea as she says it's a glorified wagon.

Inside the Vibe is very much the same as the Matrix. I can only assume it will drive the same as the Matrix I tested. I definitely like the looks of the Vibe better in every respect. That said, the base Matrix is ok also.

mpgman : Cheapest CR-V you can buy in Canada is a base AWD 5-speed for about C$28K. The AWD Vibe all decked out can't even come close if you pay MSRP.

Peterun · February 2002

All's good, as you know, but have discovered one disconcerting item which I cannot demonstrate: Two separate occasions, the Matrix would not start. Yes, I had pressed the clutch all the way to the floor. I would turn the starter . . . .the lights would shut off, and NOTHING! No cranking, no turn over. Finally, after a minute of this, the car started. This occured twice. What's that about? HELP!

leafguy2727 · February 2002

Why I got my XR today and almost starting crying tonight. I went to a friends house and drove home on the highway with the emergency brake on, I know, I'm embarassed to admit it................ my god!!!!!!!!! Thank god it wasn't fully cranked but enough that when I got home a realized what had happened there was smoke coming from the rear brakes and a burning smell. I can't believe how stupid I am!!!! and how small the E-brake light is and how it blends in with the dash!!!! Please help, is this that bad? What would have been burning?

jimxo · February 2002

I am impressed with the Vibe/Matrix car, however I am disturbed with the sales person I met. Upon entering the shark infested water's, I began talking to a easy going chap with a sloppy appearance. I said the car was well thought out and had a good fit and finish. I explained I was not immediately ready to buy but wanted to sit inside for a minute. He had no problem with that, except when I was leaving I said to him " you guys are going to sell alot of these". He replied "I hope so, but you just never know".

Now surely the Aztek was alot of hype and turned out to be a flop, but come on this car is basically a Toyota. If the Pontiac sales people are not excited about the car then who will? On this particular day the floor model was the only unit in stock, today they have two more units. The original is still on the floor, one up on the ramp near the street and one directly in front of the door where guest enter the store. Not one unit sold as of today. WOW!

tomsr · February 2002

I am 56 years old and I talk like a kid.That's
what the test drive in the 180 hp 6 speed did,
it made me young again.Too bad the rush hour traffic interfered with letting the engine sing.
The price was great at $19500.The only problem I have is salesmen.The ground effects kit bottoms out on driveways and the engine has to and loves to wind out.They should have put this engine in the RAV4.

dindak · February 2002

leafguy : Dope! Sorry to hear about your misfortune. I'd have it checked just to make sure.

jimxo : It's one guy, I wouldn't worry about it too much. The hype at the Toronto Auto Show for the Vibe was unreal. I've also seen the Vibe ads hitting TV every night now. Marketing machine has to start slow as there is almost no supply yet. Local dealer has none yet.

zircon2 · February 2002

Dindak: what will the price difference be on the high end (180HP) ones? Am I right that the general will seek 2K more?

n8magic · February 2002

Not to worry, the most damage you could have done is pads/rotors. I did that once with my old Hyundai. Not a very nice smell is it?

*edit* I misread and thought you had rear discs. Since you have drums, you didn't likely do any damage... they can take quite a beating.

Another question for all: Have any Canadians seen a Vibe on the dealer lot yet? No sign of them around my parts. (Southern Ontario)

Pontiac Vibe

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy