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Toyota Matrix vs. Pontiac Vibe - Compare Notes

285 messages,  Last post on Nov 12, 2010 at 7:29 PM

You are in the Toyota Matrix Forum.

What is this discussion about? Pontiac Vibe, Toyota Matrix, Wagon

Messages Page 27 of 29

#260 of 285 Cheapened Matrix by oubaasjohn

Oct 03, 2006 (8:40 am)

I just traded my 2003 Matrix for a 2007.
I noticed two items that I want back from my 2003:
1 The glove box lid on the 2007 falls open whereas the 2003 had a little aircylinder to lower it gently.
2 the standard radio on the 2003 is better than the 2007.
Back in 1997 my VW golf had an input port for the radio so that one could play other sources through the radio. This is an optional extra in the Toyota. Ability to play MP3 music on a car radio should NOT be an extra...
Gripes: The map light switches on the Matrix. What a dumb place to put them! Easy to turn on accidentally when adjusting the mirror and unnoticeable in daylight so they stay on.
The brake warning light is the same colour as all the other little lights and easily missed. Driving with the parking brake slightly on is NOT good.
Wiper blade attachment point needs to be improved for Canadian ice storm driving. If you start frozen wipers you will strip the teeth on the cog where the blades attach to the car. An expensive and potentially dangerous - when you cannot use the wipers in freezing rain - design for wiper blades. (This is not a Toyota problem but applies to most cars I believe.)

#261 of 285 Re: Toyota parts or GM? RE:#235 [remaxmarty1] by rocky101

Jan 28, 2007 (10:28 pm)

Replying to: remaxmarty1 (Sep 12, 2006 7:31 pm)
My 06 Matrix has approximately 15,000 miles on the clock; the tires have been rotated per the maintenance schedule. The mileage is all highway. I am a little anal about tire inflation. Back to the dealer for alignment check once. Uneven wear, especially in the front and an annoying harmonic from the front. The Continental tires are on the wear bars and need to be replaced now. Interesting to hear of other similar stories. If there is any other information regarding resolution, please post.
 
Rocky

#262 of 285 Re: Toyota parts or GM? RE:#235 [rocky101] by moos

Mar 25, 2007 (12:53 pm)

Replying to: rocky101 (Jan 28, 2007 10:28 pm)
go to the matrix board and lok up the tire wear issue.

#263 of 285 Re: Toyota parts or GM? RE:#235 [rocky101] by caliberchic

Mar 26, 2007 (4:47 pm)

Replying to: rocky101 (Jan 28, 2007 10:28 pm)
Here ya go link

#264 of 285 Re: Toyota parts or GM? RE:#235 [steine13] by pjk2

Jun 12, 2007 (3:48 pm)

Replying to: steine13 (Sep 13, 2006 4:33 am)
I have a GM that got 58K on the original tires. My daughter has the exact same car and has over 50K on the original tires and they still look pretty good.

#265 of 285 Re: Pontiac Vibe vs Matrix pros and cons and rust proofing [oubaasjohn] by pjk2

Jun 12, 2007 (3:57 pm)

Replying to: oubaasjohn (Oct 02, 2006 6:47 pm)
All you have to do is make sure your vehicle is made with a galvanized body and stainless steel exhaust. I have a 92 Pontiac Bonneville that looks better than some new cars. Driven every day in Pgh area and only has minor rust.. that is only under the car... it also has it's original exhaust!!! unheard of around the Pgh area. I also have a 99 Pontiac Montana that still looks like new and a 02 Buick that all have stainless steel exhausts and galvanized bodies. Cars that need rustproofing gadgets are made with 70's metal and paint technology.

#266 of 285 I like the Matrix better, but Vibe is close. by kevinarnold

Jun 13, 2007 (8:43 pm)

1. The Matrix looks better inside and out. The Matrix has a sleek look for a wagon, the Vibe is more box shaped. Matrix has tighter interior.
 
2. The Vibe is a little less expensive, but doesn't hold its value as well as Toyota. Is the Pontiac name associated with quality or cheap plastic? What is your visual when you hear the Toyota name?
 
3. The "Matrix" has a cooler name, the "Vibe" would have a cool name if this were the 60's. "Matrix" might be the coolest car name after the "Mustang". "Vibe" is a cooler name than "Yugo".
 
4. Vitamin D is not overrated. Sun roof is cooler than a luggage rack.
 
5. Carpet in the cargo area is just stupid.
 
I give the edge to the Matrix in every aspect except price, where you might see a $400-$500 difference depending on options. If you are looking for a less expensive alternative, look at the Ford Focus Wagon.
 
Both the Matrix and the Vibe are the two best SUV alternatives on the market in my opinion. If the 2009 Blade doesn't get better gas mileage than these two its not an improvement.
 
These two models have the smartest engineering I've seen in terms of efficiency and functionality. I predict they will be popular used cars for years to come.

#267 of 285 Re: I like the Matrix better, but Vibe is close. [kevinarnold] by kiawah

Jun 14, 2007 (5:59 am)

Replying to: kevinarnold (Jun 13, 2007 8:43 pm)
kevin,
 
Why do you think these cars (Matrix/Vibe) don't appear to be selling very well? I'm interested in one of these as a vehicle for daughter. Haven't test driven yet, but have talked to a couple owners who absolutely love them. Looks to me to be a pretty nice package, but I don't see many on the roads, and see diminishing models/options (awd dropped). I would want all the latest safety (side curtain air, vsc), and find availability slim to none.
 
It just may be that it's coming to the end of the model run and everyone knows it, like I've decided to wait.

#268 of 285 Dodge Caliber by oubaasjohn

Jun 14, 2007 (7:08 am)

What about this car? The Dodge Caliber seems directly designed to be competition for Matrix and Vibe.
- The Dodge Caliber looks almost military (an interesting design trend for a country at war)
- The Dodge C has bigger wheels than the Matrix or Vibe.
- The Dodge C has a built in cooler (for beer?)
- The Dodge has a (I think stupid) removable sound system and cabin light.
- The Dodge is about $2000 dollars cheaper.
So why is Chrysler not selling these like hot cakes?
I will answer that question as I drive a toyota - the quality is not there. Some not so obvious differences are that the door seems on the Japanese designs are filled with resin while the Dodge relies on a paint coat to protect the seems. The Dodge Caliber design leaves body panel overhangs around the wheels which appear unsupported and look cheap. The Dodge C also looks cheaper on the interior and some of the seat covers looked poorly designed with colour stripes - these may appeal to younger drivers but I look for classic long lasting appeal in a car not flashy, get tired of it tomorrow trendy bits.

#269 of 285 Sorry, Door seams not "seems" by oubaasjohn

Jun 14, 2007 (7:10 am)

Correction to my message previous.

Messages Page 27 of 29

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