Vibe and Matrix reliability - how do they compare to others?

mkaresh · Post by **mkaresh** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 4:28 am

Because existing sources of auto reliability information left much to be desired, in late 2005 I started conducting my own reliability research at TrueDelta.com. TrueDelta reports absolute stats like "trips to the shop" that make the differences between cars much clearer. Results are updated four times a year, so it's possible to provide reliability information on new models--like the 2009 Vibe--quickly. Also, any significant changes in a model's reliability become apparent quickly.Thanks to the help of people here, we've been providing results for the 2003, 2004, and 2006. In all three cases the results are asterisked for insufficient sample size, though. We very much need more participants.I'd also like to provide quick results for the f2009, but this will depend on how quickly new owners join up.Participants simply report repairs the month after they occur on a one-page survey. When there are no repairs, they simply report an approximate odometer reading four times a year, at the end of each quarter.To encourage participation, panel members receive full access to the results for free. For the details, and to help get your model year over the top:Vehicle reliability research

Psychobroker · Post by **Psychobroker** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 3:39 am

Don't ask Colonel Panic!

mkaresh · Post by **mkaresh** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 9:45 am

Nice upgrade to the RDX. I'm looking for more of those as well. I've started collecting data on the new MDX, but not the RDX. It doesn't seem to be selling as well.

b16er · Post by **b16er** » Wed Apr 25, 2007 1:31 am

I have heard of this type of thing before. Oh yeah, its called CONSUMER REPORTS.

northvibe · Post by **northvibe** » Wed Apr 25, 2007 4:46 am

well here is their explaination for why they are better than CRhttp://www.truedelta.com/piece..._code=

mkaresh · Post by **mkaresh** » Wed Apr 25, 2007 5:36 am

Quote »I have heard of this type of thing before. Oh yeah, its called CONSUMER REPORTS.That's kind of like saying, "I already have a horse. Why would I need a car?"

VivaVibe · Post by **VivaVibe** » Wed Apr 25, 2007 7:07 am

Quote, originally posted by mkaresh »I have 84 2007 Nissan Versas signed up. So why just 48 Vibes, for all model years?Maybe because Vibe owners have so few maintenance problems to track they'd forget the details before the report period. I presume your survey "issues" cover unexpected repairs, not voluntary or scheduled maintenance? There doesn't seem to be a place to indicate, and that would surely be important.I also think there should be a distinction between "mod" cars and OEM stock vehicles. Many of the GVC participants do performance mods on their cars. The difference would be important in any comparison.

mkaresh · Post by **mkaresh** » Wed Apr 25, 2007 8:53 am

CR has an annual survey. I think this is asking way too much of people's memories.I have people respond the month after their car is in the shop. The instructions state that maintenance and problems caused by mods are excluded. Just about everything else is reportable.If there are no repairs, people just have to provide an approximate odometer reading at the end of each quarter. This lets me update results four times a year.

mkaresh · Post by **mkaresh** » Mon Oct 01, 2007 3:23 am

I've started collecting data on the 2003, 2005, and 2006. But the sample sizes are borderline, so more participants for all model years would be very helpful. The August results included about 50 other models. I update quarterly, so the next set will be in November. Hopefully I'll be able to include multiple model years of the Vibe and Matrix then.For the details, and to sign up to help out:Vehicle reliability research

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 3:53 am

I had absolutely NO issues with my 03 Vibe GT unless it was something I did (like drive it into the ditch). Mechanically speaking, the car was great, including all the mods and taking it apart on a regular basis I did for 2 yrs. Unless you consider rocks cracking windshields or fog lights, no problems. Clutch sucked, and by 32K miles, it was on the borderline of possible replacement. I know the new owner who bought the car after me did replace the clutch within 6K miles. for how much or with what, I don't know.

mkaresh · Post by **mkaresh** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 2:28 pm

Thanks for the info.Just a note: only information provided through the surveys can be included in TrueDelta's analysis. Currently, it's looking like 2003, 2004 and 2006 will be included in the February results, but in most cases with an asterisk for insufficient sample size.If you've been participating, thanks. If you haven't been, please consider doing so.Details here:Vehicle reliability research

jake75 · Post by **jake75** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 3:29 am

Michael Karesh, TrueDelta, has this site www. truedelta.com where vehicle owners report service issues. You become a member by participating and then you get access to the information. From what I have seen the Vibe/Matrix are at the very low end of the problem scale. He is always looking for more participation - all makes and models - so his data becomes more relevant and statistically sound.

score1231 · Post by **score1231** » Sun Jan 27, 2008 2:29 am

Don't know what to tell you. Got an 04 Gt never had any problems.

jake75 · Post by **jake75** » Sun Jan 27, 2008 6:28 am

Quote, originally posted by score1231 »Don't know what to tell you. Got an 04 Gt never had any problems.So register at that website and your lack of problems will become part of the database.

mkaresh · Post by **mkaresh** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 3:57 am

Quote, originally posted by jake75 »So register at that website and your lack of problems will become part of the database.Couldn't have put it better myself. Thanks The entire reason I'm conducting this research is because no one else was providing actual numbers for repair rates.Right now I'm providing the average number of repair trips per car.Once the sample sizes are large enough, I'll also provide the chances of getting a car with no problems and the chances of getting one with a lot of problems. The hard part: getting the sample sizes large enough. That's where you guys come in.Vehicle reliability research

northvibe · Post by **northvibe** » Wed May 07, 2008 1:06 am

oh forgot about this thread, yeah theres a bunch of 09 owners coming i also hope owners or previous owners of older vibes post up.

mkaresh · Post by **mkaresh** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 4:09 am

Thanks for the support, I appreciate it.Still very few 2009s signed up. Same with the Matrix. So they're not yet in the survey. The 2009 Corolla is, though.I did recently post updated results for the 2003-2006. The repair rate is low across the board--these appear to be solid cars.For the full set of results, and sign up to help (if you haven't already):TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey resultsEspecially need 2009s!

mkaresh · Post by **mkaresh** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 10:52 pm

Updated results recently posted. The 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006 all continue to require few repairs. The sample sizes are small, though, so three of these results are asterisked, and none are visible on the site itself to non-members.Not enough participants to post results for more recent model years. Hopefully more owners with sign up and participate, as we'd like to provide solid results for all model years, including the new 2009.The current set of results:TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results

mkaresh · Post by **mkaresh** » Wed Dec 03, 2008 4:15 am

Updated results have been posted for the 2003, 2004, 2005, and 006 Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix. The repair rate for all four years is around 30 successful repair trips per 100 vehicles per year, which is better, even much better, than average.Sample sizes remain marginal for all but the 2006. And we don't have enough data for 2007 and up. So additional participants are needed, for next time.For the full set of results, and to sign up to help:TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results

mkaresh · Post by **mkaresh** » Mon Feb 09, 2009 3:27 am

The latest Car Reliability Survey results were recently posted. For the Vibe and Matrix, repair rates continue to be better than average for every model year from 2003 through 2006. A big thanks to everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in May, August, and November. Additional participants would be very helpful. Only for the 2006 did we have a sufficient sample size. The 2005 fell three responses short of the minimum, while the 2003 fell a single response short. So these other results are asterisked and visible only to members on the site itself.We now have a separate results page for each model. The one for the Vibe:Pontiac Vibe reliability comparisons

momsvibe · Post by **momsvibe** » Tue Mar 31, 2009 9:38 am

Michael, I thought you were in Farmington. Did you move? I'll add our recent Vibe to my TD set-up.

mkaresh · Post by **mkaresh** » Tue Mar 31, 2009 1:12 pm

Moved five years ago Would like to move again. Know anyone looking for a house in West Bloomfield?Yeah, neither do I ;(On the Vibe, can you shoot me an email? Might need to get it caught up.

mkaresh · Post by **mkaresh** » Tue Apr 28, 2009 3:49 am

280 Vibe and Matrix owners signed up so far. A very good start, but more remain needed.Car reliability research

mkaresh · Post by **mkaresh** » Sun May 31, 2009 4:43 am

We've updated the results for the Vibe and Matrix to include owner experiences through March 2009. In terms of successful repair trips per 100 cars per year:2009: 32, better than average, marginal sample size2006: 49, about average2005: 19, better than average, marginal sample size2004: 54, better than average, small sample size2003: 24, better than averageThe small sample sizes probably explain the variation from year to year.A big thank you everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in August and November. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.Pontiac Vibe reliability comparisons

Kincaid · Post by **Kincaid** » Mon Jul 06, 2009 1:54 am

I signed up my 2009. I knew of your site before from doing lots of research on vehicle reliability for several models I was interested in - I especially appreciated your vehicle reviews.

mkaresh · Post by **mkaresh** » Tue Aug 04, 2009 12:20 am

Thanks, I'm glad it was helpful.Updated results soon. We continue to need more participants to cover all model years.Car reliability research

mkaresh · Post by **mkaresh** » Tue Sep 01, 2009 3:43 am

We've updated the results for the Vibe and Matrix to include owner experiences through June 2009. In terms of successful repair trips per 100 cars per year:2009: 26, better than average2006: 46, about average2005: 27, better than average, marginal sample size2004: 50, better than average, marginal sample size2003: 34, better than averageA big thank you everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in November and February. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.Pontiac Vibe reliability comparisons

mkaresh · Post by **mkaresh** » Mon Oct 05, 2009 9:47 pm

331 Vibe and Matrix owners now signed up. A great start. The more owners participate, the better the information we can provide to everyone.Car reliability research

mkaresh · Post by **mkaresh** » Sun Nov 29, 2009 1:41 am

We've updated the results for the Vibe and Matrix to include owner experiences through September 30, 2009. In terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:2009: 222007: 302006: 472005: 322004: 532003: 33All are better than average. Marginal sample sizes for the 2004, 2005, and 2007. (We were just one car short for the 2004.)A big thank you, once again, to everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in February and May. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.Toyota Matrix reliability comparisons

mkaresh · Post by **mkaresh** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 12:28 am

We've also introduced two new statistics, "Nada-odds" and "Lemon-odds," to indicate the percentage of cars with no repairs in the past year and those that required 3+ trips to the repair shop. Not enough data on the Vibe for these--need more participants. To see how they look for other models:Nada-odds and Lemon-odds car reliability stats

mkaresh · Post by **mkaresh** » Thu Jan 21, 2010 1:28 am

Now 374 Vibe and Matrix owners signed up. Not one of them? Details here:Car reliability research

mkaresh · Post by **mkaresh** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 1:05 am

We've updated the results for the Vibe and Matrix to include owner experiences through December 31, 2009. In terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:2009: 172007: 322006: 432005: 372004: 452003: 38All are better than average. Good sample sizes for all but the 2007.A big thank you, once again, to everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in May and August. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.Pontiac Vibe reliability comparisons

mkaresh · Post by **mkaresh** » Mon Mar 29, 2010 10:50 pm

Just enhanced the related repair history survey so that it can (optionally) be used as a personal car maintenance record. As always, more participants would be helpful. Updated Car Reliability Survey results in May, with a preview for participants next month.Car reliability research

mkaresh · Post by **mkaresh** » Tue May 04, 2010 1:05 am

Updated results in about two weeks.As always, the more owners participate, the better the information we can provide to everyone.

mkaresh · Post by **mkaresh** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 10:47 pm

We've updated the results for the Vibe and Matrix to include owner experiences through March 31, 2010. In terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:2009: 202007: 302006: 272005: 362004: 362003: 60All are better than average. Good sample sizes for all but the 2007.A big thank you, once again, to everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in August and November. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.Pontiac Vibe reliability comparisons

mkaresh · Post by **mkaresh** » Sat Jul 17, 2010 11:16 pm

427 Vibe and Matrix owners now signed up. A very good start, but more are needed to provide precise results for all model years. To help us provide better information on your year:Car reliability research

mkaresh · Post by **mkaresh** » Wed Aug 25, 2010 1:15 am

We've updated the results for the Vibe and Matrix to include owner experiences through June 30, 2010. Other sources of car reliability information won't cover the more recent months until the summer or even fall of next year. Repair frequencies, in terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:2009: 212007: 402006: 212005: 382004: 892003: 63The 2004s, with a very high average odometer, are about average. The others are better than average. Thank you, once again, to everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in November and February. To see how competitors compare, and to sign up to help:Pontiac Vibe reliability comparisons

mkaresh · Post by **mkaresh** » Sun Nov 14, 2010 2:25 am

Starting this month we have a new question to measure, as objectively as possible, the severity of a problem. Many people have been asking for reliability stats that weight problems by how severe they are, and once we have enough responses with the revised survey we'll start providing this.Also, updated reliability stats this month.As always, the more owners participate, the better the information we can provide to everyone.Car reliability research

Old Tele man · Post by **Old Tele man** » Sun Nov 14, 2010 2:37 am

..."Thanks," for keeping us advised, the information is much appreciated!...unfortunately, those numbers are only a tiny percentage of total manufactured for each respective model year, correct?...also, all Vibes were made at NUMMI in Fremont, CA, while all Matrix's were made up in Canada (I believe)...so, there's probably a statistical difference between them!

star_deceiver · Post by **star_deceiver** » Sun Nov 14, 2010 2:41 am

Tried to apply... this is what I get: Fatal error: Call to undefined function encode_password() in /home/truedel/public_html/tish.php on line 430Went through it 3 times, everything filled out correctly...

mkaresh · Post by **mkaresh** » Sun Nov 14, 2010 4:45 am

We changed to a new login system about the same time you tried to sign up. It should be fine now.

mkaresh · Post by **mkaresh** » Fri Jan 14, 2011 12:58 am

The entire point of statistical analysis is that you can get accurate results by surveying a small percentage of the total population.As for the different plants, this make a difference between the two models possible, but not probable, especially given Toyota's highly standardized manufacturing process. When the combined repair frequency is low, this suggests that the result for each model is also low.

mkaresh · Post by **mkaresh** » Fri Jan 14, 2011 1:00 am

We've updated the results for the Matrix and Vibe to include owner experiences through September 30, 2010. Other sources of car reliability information won't cover the months since April until the summer or even fall of next year. Repair frequencies, in terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:2009: 172007: 422006: 262005: 422004: 892003: 75The 2004 is about average, while the others are better than average.A big thank you, once again, to everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in February and May. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years. To see how competitors compare, and to sign up to help:Pontiac Vibe reliability ratings and comparisons

Old Tele man · Post by **Old Tele man** » Fri Jan 14, 2011 2:48 am

...back to the NUMMI-made Vibes vs. the Canadian-made Matrix's....didn't the NUMMI vehicles use predominately USA-manufactured parts while the Canadian vehicles use Japanese-manufactured parts, ala' the infamous "sticking gas pedal" etc.???...we've got two Vibes in your database, '04 and '09.

mkaresh · Post by **mkaresh** » Fri Jan 14, 2011 2:58 am

I wouldn't expect the Matrix to use mostly Japanese parts because Toyota has been pushing to source as many parts as possible in North America, but really don't know.I do know that that gas pedal actually stuck in very few vehicles.

tpollauf · Post by **tpollauf** » Fri Jan 14, 2011 3:34 am

Just entered my 2009 Vibe GT to the database and although not driven much at all ........ NO PROBLEMS at all to report Thanks for the tip & link .......

mkaresh · Post by **mkaresh** » Sat Mar 26, 2011 3:27 am

We've updated the results for the Vibe and Matrix to include owner experiences through December 31, 2010. Other sources of car reliability information won't cover the months since April until the summer or even fall of this year. Repair frequencies, in terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:2009: 192007: 432006: 272005: 352004: 752003: 65The 2004s, with a very high average odometer, are about average. The others are better than average. Thank you, once again, to everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in May and August. To see how competitors compare, and to sign up to help:Pontiac Vibe reliability ratings and comparisons

vibolista · Post by **vibolista** » Sat Mar 26, 2011 11:42 pm

Just signed up my '08 Vibe. Absolutely no problems yet.

mkaresh · Post by **mkaresh** » Thu Jun 30, 2011 1:03 am

We've updated the results for the Vibe and Matrix to include owner experiences through March 31, 2011. Repair frequencies, in terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:2009: 142007: 432006: 272005: 432004: 912003: 76The 2004s, with a very high average odometer, are about average. The others are better than average. Thank you, once again, to everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in August and November. To see how competitors compare, and to sign up to help improve this information:Pontiac Vibe reliability ratings and comparisons

ClunkClunk · Post by **ClunkClunk** » Thu Jun 30, 2011 2:04 am

Any chance we'll see 2008s included? I'm curious how my 2008 stacks up against my wife's 2007, to my dad's 2006, to my sister's 2003.