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Pontiac Vibe Test Drive - What Did You Think?

13 messages,  Last post on Jul 28, 2008 at 6:04 PM

You are in the Pontiac Vibe Forum.

What is this discussion about? Pontiac Vibe, Car Buying, Wagon

Messages Page 2 of 2

#5 of 13 I need a quick opinion from GT owners... by iconcilio

Jul 16, 2004 (5:35 pm)

I'm on a 24 hour GM "test" of a 2004 Vibe GT - which has the perfect options for me. My only incentive to get this now versus later versus a Matrix is the GM $3000 back. My current 2001 Altima SE's back seat is to small for my older son which is why I'm looking.
 
My first impression is I generally like the car -
It's roomy and comfortable for my wife and two kids, sporty, in between a car and truck as far as the ride. Although 20 more HP and 700 lbs less than my 2001 Altima, there is much less torque, and I have to rev to 5K to get the acceleration. Kinda noisy around that neighborhood (luckily the "...&Tunes" package hides this very well when I'm alone).
 
My other complaints are the hard plastic, typical of Pontiacs, and the cheesy veil for the cargo area. I looked at a Matrix XR, which to me appeared identical inside, although I didn't have tome to look in detail.
 
What are your feelings about the noise and interior quality? Do they stand up to time?
 
Also, are other people having paint problems?

#6 of 13 Re: I need a quick opinion from GT owners... [iconcilio] by thel

Jul 16, 2004 (7:56 pm)

Replying to: iconcilio (Jul 16, 2004 5:35 pm)
I have a Matrix XRS...similar to your Vibe GT. Yes the engine is noisy, so if you are leery of "flogging" your engine, don't go with the GT. The 2zz engine really comes alive above 6kRPM and is quite a hoot. Personally, I wish that the gearing were shorter so I could rev up to 6kRPM+ more often.
 
The interior of mine has held up well over the last 8 months/13000 miles or so. It trendy, but not too upscale with lots of hard plastic in the wrong places (arm rests, etc.).

#7 of 13 Test drove a 2006 by bporter1

Jul 09, 2006 (7:58 pm)

I finally test frove a 2006 Vibe, and I must say I was duly impressed. I thought the car accelerated well, handled pretty good, braked well, and was not that noisy. I mean it is a four cylinder. Very impressed, and will probably purchase a 2007 model.

#8 of 13 How is 2WD on ICE and SNOW by zoobaru

Dec 09, 2006 (4:17 pm)

I am seriously contemplating purchasing a Vibe. I would like the improved HP and fuel economy of a 2WD; however, I drive over a mountain pass to work and it at times ice and snow can be a factor.
I would really like feedback on how the Vibe performs in winter weather.
Thank You

#9 of 13 Re: How is 2WD on ICE and SNOW [zoobaru] by mikey00

Dec 09, 2006 (6:38 pm)

Replying to: zoobaru (Dec 09, 2006 4:17 pm)
I was faced with the same dilemma. The Vibe is underpowered to begin with so I didn't want the reduced HP of AWD engine. Also adding to that would be a little more weight, reduced mpg, higher initial cost, and a smaller gas tank. What I finally decided on is a FWD with StabilTrac which traction control is part of. Every winter I mount my 4 Michelin X-Ice tires, any good dedicated winter tires will work here. I think this combo provides a better winter solution than AWD. Check out StabilTrac, it's awesome.

#10 of 13 Re: How is 2WD on ICE and SNOW [mikey00] by zoobaru

Dec 09, 2006 (11:37 pm)

Replying to: mikey00 (Dec 09, 2006 6:38 pm)
Thank You Mickey00. Looking in the used market I haven't run across any with StabilTrac listed as an option. What year did StabilTrac become an option?
Good info though. My only other option is to opt for the Subaru again.

#11 of 13 Re: How is 2WD on ICE and SNOW [zoobaru] by mikey00

Dec 10, 2006 (8:21 am)

Replying to: zoobaru (Dec 09, 2006 11:37 pm)
I am not sure what year Stabiltrac became an option. Mine is an 05. A FWD without StabilTrac will still be a pretty good snow car as long as you put a good set of dedicated winter tires on it. You can find some more info on snow cababilities over at genvibe.

#12 of 13 I LOVE MY AWD Pontiac VIBE by krazyfroglady

Jul 16, 2007 (11:05 am)

I just found out that GM dropped the AWD model of the Vibe. I can not believe it. I know it's old news but it's new to me. I planned on buying AWD Vibes for the rest of my life, and had recommended this vehicle to many others, 2 others in my family bought one and love theirs, 2 of my friends loved mine so much that they went to buy one each and couldn't get the AWD , they bought the FWD and don't love it as much as they do mine. My AWD Vibe goes through any Michigan back road in winter, and handles like a the solid little bear it is. I WANT GM TO make AWD Vibes again. Come on, they finally had a real winner and then dropped it!!! That is insane. At least offer that as a special order!!Bring back the AWD Vibe. My brother went to replace is AWD Vibe last month and found out it was no longer made, so he bought a Dodge Caliber!! GM, wake up and give us back our AWD Vibes!

#13 of 13 Re: I LOVE MY AWD Pontiac VIBE [krazyfroglady] by birddog09

Jul 28, 2008 (6:04 pm)

Replying to: krazyfroglady (Jul 16, 2007 11:05 am)
Hey
It's back ....2009 AWD !!!!!!!!
 

Messages Page 2 of 2

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