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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 Pontiac Vibe Forum.

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

Messages Page 26 of 29

#246 of 285 Re: Matrix roof rack [templer] by herzogtum71

Aug 06, 2006 (9:11 am)

Replying to: templer (Aug 04, 2006 7:25 pm)
Answer in a word: No.
 
The top of the Vibe hatch is shaped a bit differently than the Matrix hatch to allow for the hatch opening without interference from the roof rack.
 
I checked into this with our 2003 Matrix because I wanted a roof rack but agreed with my wife that the Matrix was the better choice for us than the Vibe. Check the design for your model year Matrix, but I suspect the situation is the same as for the 2003s.

#247 of 285 Can I Install Matrix Center Console In Vibe? by igo2xs

Aug 14, 2006 (8:26 am)

Call me picky, crazy, what have you! I would like to know if it would be possible to replace the center console in my 2005 Vibe with one from a 2005 Matrix (ie A/C Control, Rear Defroster button, Clock)? Judging from the photos of the two, they seem pretty well matched. If I went to a Toyota dealership, would they do it? It would a great mod and certainly make my Vibe unique! Thanks for your thoughts and suggestions.

#248 of 285 Price Comparisons? by 350sb

Aug 21, 2006 (1:52 pm)

I'm just starting the Vibe Matrix thing and wondered if someone could direct me to some kind of a comparison of equipment VS price. Thanks

#249 of 285 Re: [pdrake] by i_luv_toyota

Sep 05, 2006 (4:23 pm)

Replying to: pdrake (Jul 08, 2006 6:06 pm)
The Vibe and Toyota Tundra are made in the same factory in California.
 
No.
 
The Tundra is built in Indiana and soon to be Texas. I'm sure you meant the Tacoma, right?

#250 of 285 2006 VIBE vs. Matrix CRASH REPORTS VARY by patvizina

Sep 10, 2006 (8:38 am)

Hi,
I am down to the wire on these two cars and was slightly surprised to see the crash test ratings are different. Does anyone know why? Per Edmunds, the passenger safety on the VIBE is Good VS. Excellent on the Matrix. Does this mean GM did something cheaper with the body?

#251 of 285 Re: 2006 VIBE vs. Matrix CRASH REPORTS VARY [patvizina] by herzogtum71

Sep 10, 2006 (1:45 pm)

Replying to: patvizina (Sep 10, 2006 8:38 am)
This reminds me of the Geo Prizm and Corolla. Same car, but one was listed by some reviewers as compact and the other as mid-size.
 
I have heard about GM being cheap with the paint. Not a safety item, but you probably will want to check to see if the Vibe paint issues have been resolved.

#252 of 285 Re: Toyota parts or GM? RE:#235 [roy15] by remaxmarty1

Sep 12, 2006 (7:31 pm)

Replying to: roy15 (May 18, 2006 8:09 pm)
Hi Roy,
 
I'm researching possibilites of a class action on the uneven tire wear issue on the Matrix. We bought an '06 and notice the wear at 200 mi. I can't believe there isn't any recall information - our service center mechanic out here said this is normal for this car - what did you do about your tire wear?
-Marty

#253 of 285 Re: Toyota parts or GM? RE:#235 [remaxmarty1] by steine13

Sep 13, 2006 (4:33 am)

Replying to: remaxmarty1 (Sep 12, 2006 7:31 pm)
class action on the uneven tire wear issue
 
I'm guessing this is not a joke...
 
Uneven tire wear comes from worn suspension parts or poor alignment. Cars are often not well aligned when they roll off the assembly line.
 
You need a mechanic, not a lawyer.
 
FWIW, my '04 Vibe ran its lousy OEM tires down in 27k miles. And it did so very evenly.
 
It had a couple other niggling things wrong with it that the dealer fixed. Life with cars is like that.
 
A law suit over tire wear....??? Nuts.
 
-Mathias

#254 of 285 Tire wear by capitano

Sep 13, 2006 (5:40 am)

The only thing I noticed about tire wear on my matrix was that pretty much all of the wear occurs in the front.

#255 of 285 Re: Toyota parts or GM? RE:#235 [steine13] by remaxmarty1

Sep 14, 2006 (5:08 am)

Replying to: steine13 (Sep 13, 2006 4:33 am)
Thanks for the input. I am a professional mechanic - 25 yrs - aviation - the tire pressure monitoring system on the "Matrix" not VIBE is a copy from the Airbus aircraft. Of course before I was an aircraft mechanic I was and still practice auto maintenance. I think either the factory specifications are wrong or the bushings in the suspension system are made not made to the engineers elasticity specification or they need a stiffer composition.
 
Back to the issue - the "professional" mechanics at the dealership have had this car in their shop 6 times; each time they were asked to address the tire wear, each time they stated there is nothing wrong.
 
You be the judge - the inner most tread band of all the tires is 1/4 lower and feathered with the rear tires wearing worse than the front. To boot - the tire noise while driving is so loud you can't hear the engine.
 
Call the tire manufactures or read a newspaper ad - the tires are made to run a lot longer than 15 to 20K. We have met several people at gas pumps who have tried all brands of tires - no improvement to wear on their vehicles.
 
Lastly you should know - aggressive tire wear increases suspension system wear and heat stress on the tire - just like low tire pressure - increasing the probability of other less common tire failure. Forget about the reduced life of the suspension system - you can just buy extra warranty and tires - that's what you expected when you bought the car right? It must take less gas to wear out tires prematurely anyway - correct?
 
I just don't find it acceptable for dealership mechanics and customer service people to look me square in the eye and say abnormal tire wear is acceptable for 'this' car.
 
-M

Messages Page 26 of 29

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