2008 vs. 2009 Vibe

perkpat · Post by **perkpat** » Wed May 28, 2008 10:43 am

New to site. considering a purchase and can get a better price on the 2008 model. Is the 2009 worth the difference? Also, the 1.8 lists significantly better city fuel economy than the 2.4. I was leaning toward the 1.8 for that reason primarily. Any thoughts from you vibe gurus?

WaveAction · Post by **WaveAction** » Wed May 28, 2008 11:04 am

personally i'd go with the 08..just cause i like the look better..and if u want better gas milage..going with a bigger engine aint the way to go..unless u wanna go fast in the 2.4l..then it's really no point getting the vibe for fuel economy...other then the engine and the ugly styling of the new vibes..theirs really no difference between the 2

ramenboy... · Post by **ramenboy...** » Wed May 28, 2008 11:41 am

welcome to the forumthe o9 vibe has a new engine, which i believe provides more torque at the low end vs. o8. however, it has gained a bit of weight, so i think the first gen vibes are a bit easier on gas. i have an o4 which has gotten as high as 34mpg and averages at least 29mpg, combined city/highway. can't answer real world for the o9s, but some of our newer members who own them can chime in.good luck in the search! great cars, whichever year you choose!

jake75 · Post by **jake75** » Wed May 28, 2008 11:52 am

Quote, originally posted by perkpat Â»New to site. considering a purchase and can get a better price on the 2008 model. Is the 2009 worth the difference? Also, the 1.8 lists significantly better city fuel economy than the 2.4. I was leaning toward the 1.8 for that reason primarily. Any thoughts from you vibe gurus?The EPA mog calculations changed for the 2009's so the numbers are lower -closer to real life. Not sure there is any real diff in mpg 08 vs 09.The '09 Vibes have as standard 4 wheel antilock disk brakes, stability control, traction control, and side air bags. If that added safety stuff is worth it to you the 09 is at least an equal buy - in particular considering it is an '09 so the trade-in value when that time comes will be higher. Personally, from a financial standpoint I think buying an '08 is a sucker bet compared to the '09's.

altimar · Post by **altimar** » Thu May 29, 2008 3:50 am

Actually the EPA ratings changed for 2008. Comparing 1.8L with 4Auto, '08 and '09 both get 26MPG city and 33 & 31MPG highway respectively. Realistically, no difference. (The '07 using the old rating was 31/36.)Like Jake said, the '09 comes with a few extra goodies, but on the other hand, many dislike the new styling and miss the glass hatch opening. I think the rear visibility is reported to be a bit worse. I don't think there are any rebates on the '09 yet, but at least in my area there are $2250 in rebates on the '08. You may have trouble finding an '08 that has what you want, since they were only produced for a few months, I think.Don't forget to get an insurance quote! It may be drastically different on the two models.

Burns1210 · Post by **Burns1210** » Thu May 29, 2008 7:31 am

One look at the new '09 Vibe made me run screaming to the '08s at the back of the lot.

CoolAKid · Post by **CoolAKid** » Thu May 29, 2008 11:54 am

When I stopped in at my local dealer a month or so back to get my first actual look at an '09, the salesman who sold me my '06 a little over a year and a half ago tried his best to put me into an '09. I just smiled, shook my head, climbed back into my '06 and drove away extremely happy.

lowincash · Post by **lowincash** » Thu May 29, 2008 1:35 pm

you guys really like the 08's? i think the 09's look great...the previous ones look kinda outdated. but i don't know...i was never a fan of the old vibes...actually never a fan of vibes at all until i saw the new one.

jneufel · Post by **jneufel** » Fri May 30, 2008 6:22 am

I'm kinda new here. I have an stock 05 vibe, absolutely love it. Saw the commercials and thought the 2009 looked great. Saw one in a parking lot, and thought, i would never buy that car. Am I in the minority here? Both the exterior and the dash I thought were very unappealing

altimar · Post by **altimar** » Fri May 30, 2008 6:32 am

From the comments I've seen, probably at least 2/3 of the existing members prefer the older model styling. FWIW, I like the original look better than my '07. As for the '09, I think it's just okay, the rear end is kind of weird and it's just too chunky looking. I haven't looked at one up close and personal, however.

moongdss · Post by **moongdss** » Fri May 30, 2008 9:16 am

I love the look of the 03-04 Vibe's front end. I was sad to find they had changed it by the time I got around to buying my 06 along with ditching the roofrack crossbars When I was trying to decide which I liked better, the Matrix or Vibe, I went with the Vibe because I liked the cladding and it was cheaper (for the same car). When I saw the 09, I was sad they lost the cladding, it looks just like a Matrix to me now and the front end looks even less like the 'mean' 03-04 front. Other pet peeves: Back window doesn't open. They also got rid of the handy cargo channels in favor of rubber stop strips. Wish they had added the rubber strips, but kept the channels.

scooter · Post by **scooter** » Fri May 30, 2008 9:31 am

I personally like the looks of the 09 GT. Not the base so much, but that's just my opinion. I'd say you can't go wrong either way you'll get a great car. The 09s have more safety features standard (airbags, stabilitrak, active head restraints, 4 wheel disc ABS - but does have a bigger blind spot), a bit more power in the 1.8. Some have complained about the electric steering on the 09, saying it doesn't provide the same "feel". The 09s will certainly cost you more at his point, with the rebates on the 08 to offset the depreciation it has already incurred being a year old. So really, probably comes down to those 3 primary things: The costs, the looks, safety.

scooter · Post by **scooter** » Fri May 30, 2008 9:44 am

One other thing, I think the current incentives are to expire in a few days.... You could gamble if you are interested in the 09s more and see if they put an incentive on them (I've been patiently waiting...). I'm sure if they do it won't be anywhere as generous as the incentives on the 08. I'm guessing the Vibe is probably one of the few GM vehicles doing well right about now, with the decent gas mileage... So maybe they won't.

Dzone · Post by **Dzone** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 5:50 am

I agree very much with moongdss

scooter · Post by **scooter** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 7:45 pm

Still no incentives on the 2009. Funny how Toyota has had 0% financing on the 09 Matrix for 2-3 months now, but still NOTHING on the Vibe. Guess GM likes being number 2.

kowell · Post by **kowell** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 10:29 pm

0% financing in the matrix? damn you guys are lucky.... we have 5.4% on the Vibe and 5.9% on the Matrix over here..... The old models didn,t get any good financing offers in canada until 2008,right before the new model was introduced....

busa1300 · Post by **busa1300** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 3:12 am

I was lookng at both the 09 and 08 before the 09's came out and decided to go with an 08. Rebates, leather seating (on a 1.8L) not to mention I was tole you couldn't get the moon and tunes package on an 09 with a 1.8L motor.Endded up with a loaded 08 in the color I wanted (well not quite I didn't get the 17" rims I wanted but I can always addd them). Other then 4 wheel disc brakes I got everything I wanted that they offered.

hjwii · Post by **hjwii** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 12:54 am

Quote, originally posted by altimar Â»From the comments I've seen, probably at least 2/3 of the existing members prefer the older model styling. FWIW, I like the original look better than my '07. As for the '09, I think it's just okay, the rear end is kind of weird and it's just too chunky looking. I haven't looked at one up close and personal, however.Isn't that what everybody said when the "new" Vibe popped up in 2004? Hate the new, love the old.... in a few months, the new car will be acceptd; in a few year, there will be an all out love fest for the '09s when the new '12/'13 pops up...

4X4CHICHI · Post by **4X4CHICHI** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 7:35 am

I drove an '09 gt two days ago. yaaawwwwn!!! GT my (removed). It almost felt, dare I say it, " refined". ugh

GenuineVibe · Post by **GenuineVibe** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 8:46 am

Each to their own... but i prefer to 2009 to the older models hands down. More safety features, modern interior and smooth styling exterior! Can't go wrong!

Bikerscum · Post by **Bikerscum** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 9:24 am

Quote, originally posted by scooter Â»Still no incentives on the 2009. Funny how Toyota has had 0% financing on the 09 Matrix for 2-3 months now, but still NOTHING on the Vibe. Guess GM likes being number 2. There is the $500 "conquest" rebate on the '09. It's oddly not advertised anywhere, even on Pontiac's site, but it's there... I got it on my purchase two weeks ago. Prices also seem to vary a LOT in different parts of the country. In some areas, a couple hundred off sticker is all they'll give. Here in Cal, the invoice price is the start of negotiations.... they're happy to move a car. (And they get a $579 dealer holdback).

farles · Post by **farles** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 9:42 am

Fact is, and pesky human nature says, that those who have the older model will prefer that to the new model, and vice versa. They are both great but we are comparing apples to oranges. I loved my 2005 but love the 2009 better...but I was also getting bored of the '05 and the '09 is new and exciting.They both have the same basic concept...crossover stying and utility with car manners and underpinnings. Comes down to looks, feel, refinement, etc.I digress...it is sad that there are no incentives on the Vibe. I agree with Scooter that GM aren't pushing hard enough to be #1 again

Colorado Vibes · Post by **Colorado Vibes** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 11:13 am

I h ave had my 09 AWD in steel blue for 3 weeks now. I realy like the car. Since I have the AWD, I have the new 2.4 motor. Last tank of gas I got 25mpg all city with about 25% A/C usage. Can't wait for it to break in completely. I do drive it easy.

lowincash · Post by **lowincash** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 12:23 pm

i agree...people will most likely be bias with what they have...but for me i have neither one of them. i'm one of those who would not take a second look at the previous vibes but when i saw the new one...i never thought i would like it so much loloriginally i was going to get the 09 gt next month but i think i am going to wait till end of the year...have to save up again...my down payment money went to donations for the China earthquake. new car can come later =/

3_D · Post by **3_D** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 2:20 pm

I definetly enjoy my 2009 Gt more than my 2005. It is an all around better vehicle. Even with the high price of gas, I just get in it and drive around

4X4CHICHI · Post by **4X4CHICHI** » Fri Jun 13, 2008 5:23 am

I love the new looks but to call it a GT is just putting letters behind the Vibe name. It means nothing as far as horsepower. maybe a little handling package. I did see a strut stablizer. i absolutely love the 18" rims though.

lowincash · Post by **lowincash** » Fri Jun 13, 2008 12:06 pm

i guess if you like to rev the heck out of the engine or like to drive in high rpm then the 08 gt's are ok...but if you want good low end and don't have to make the car struggle to go up a hill, the 09 did it right

Dzone · Post by **Dzone** » Fri Jun 13, 2008 12:31 pm

To compare and make it fair one should place GT to GT or base to base.There is not one thing the 2009 Gt has on me that the 2005 Gt does not have.I have rear disk brakes, all the airbags 2Dash 2 front curtain 2 seat and 2 rear curtainand Sattelite radio with a Sub and Onstar plus full leather, thats not available on the 2009, only partial.Plus more HP/180 to me I like the older style, especialy front end 2003/2004

Bikerscum · Post by **Bikerscum** » Fri Jun 13, 2008 1:07 pm

I have to agree with a previous poster.... if the '08 Vibe was all I had to choose from, I'd be driving a Mazda 3 right now. To each his own, but the styling of the '09 sold me. I really like the look of it.

trask · Post by **trask** » Fri Jun 13, 2008 1:16 pm

I bet you have more storage space in the doors and center console then the new 09 GT. It has been reduced a lot, but they made up some of it in the glove box, its pretty big. I am very impressed with the handling of the 09 GT, but then I am comparing it to the 07 vibe I had. Wish they had more than one accessory plug in,they could have placed it in a much better spot, and the overhead eyeglass container could be bigger. I really like the telescoping steering wheel. I can get the right comfort level. The new dash and instrument panel I think is better, I hardly notice the oval instrument gage, which I thought was kind of different at first, but I have gotten used to it.

lowincash · Post by **lowincash** » Fri Jun 13, 2008 1:29 pm

i'm not sure if the 05 gt's have the independent rear suspension or not but the 09 GT's and i think the AWD models have rear independent suspension instead of the torsion beam. i drove the base 09 and GT...the GT's handling felt more there...hard to explain =/i only wish the 09 GT has the full cloth seats like the ones on the matrix/corollas. i don't like leather. my current car has leather and it's hot as hell in our 80-90-100degree weather =/ For me the 09 GT would be my perfect car if it had full cloth seats and have better rear visibility lolbut ya to each their own i guess...people are obviously going to be bias to what they have. i am coming from a 2002 maxima with 255hp/246tq...i will be giving up almost 100hp to save some gas lol

lowincash · Post by **lowincash** » Fri Jun 13, 2008 1:32 pm

actually...if the 08's have the 2.4L engine and independent rear suspension i wouldn't mind getting it...it's not a bad looking car. just don't really like how the headlights are always on in that car. my coworker is driving a rental (not sure what year) and the headlights are always on. i like the 09's headlight setup...have the daytime running lights in the high beam...that way the bulbs will last longer i think.

farles · Post by **farles** » Fri Jun 13, 2008 11:09 pm

I agree with Dzone, you gotta compare apples to apples. The difficulty in this case is the 2009 GT took a different direction than the previous GT's. They went away from a true 'drivers' care to more refinement. The car's engine speaks to that, as does the amenities, options, extra soundproofing, etc. The 2009 weighs some 300lbs more than the old one. This has been the trend for some time. Remember the early 90's with all the turbocharging?...MR2, Talon, Stealth, RX7, Eclipse...this made way to valve timing and high rpm's, Integra, Celica, Vibe, S2000,..now to refined engines with clean torque right up the rev range and a focus on fuel economy. The 2009 GT is following that trend, which can be taken as good or bad I do miss the old days of my MR2 Turbo and Eagle Talon Turbo

garnermike · Post by **garnermike** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 1:01 am

Got to see/drive the 2009 Vibe. I do not like the Matrix-like restyling of the rear sides. One of the reasons I chose a Vibe over a Matrix when I bought my '06 was my dislike of the Matrix look.

3_D · Post by **3_D** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 6:24 am

Yea, it bothered me too, but now it has really grown on me. I'm liking it more each day!!! Of course, it could be psychological

Burns1210 · Post by **Burns1210** » Sun Jun 22, 2008 12:01 pm

Looks like Pontiac is letting me down again... Seems like every redesign of the Grand Prix gets worse and worse .They peaked in the early to mid 90's with the two-door front end...those small lights were sharp, IMHO. The last Grand Am design I thought really sucked. What was with the ridges down the length of the doors? And now the Vibe...maybe I'm just getting old!

GenuineVibe · Post by **GenuineVibe** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 7:40 am

As far as i understand, the G5 is basically the new sunfire, the G6 is the new grand am, and so on. The Vibe is just the vibe remodeled. Seems like pretty good improvements all round.

goodvibrations · Post by **goodvibrations** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 8:49 am

I love my 05 but given the choice between the 09 and the 08, I would definitely go for the 09. You will pay more but you get more. You will have a new car for 2 years so that will help resale. You get more safety features as standard equipment. You get a telescopic steering wheel. Your rear glass does not open but many people say they don't use it anyway. Yes as much as I love the old Vibe I would think the smart money would go with the 09, and for the difference in gas mileage consider the 2.4. My only gripe is that you have no protection from door dings.

shane_c · Post by **shane_c** » Wed Mar 16, 2011 8:15 am

did I also read somewhere before that the 09+ have less cargo room behind the rear seat?

jake75 · Post by **jake75** » Wed Mar 16, 2011 8:52 am

My 32 year old nephew was in an accident yesterday on I-75 north of Dayton, Ohio. A semi jackknifed, hit a concrete barrier that was pushed into the driver's side of nephew's car going the opposite direction.. Tore the entire side of his new Honda Crosstour off. The side airbag deployed - I think it saved his life. [The 16 year old girl driving a Cavalier convertible that the semi cab ended up on top of is still alive but in critical condition.] IMO that is a major reason for a 2009 vs. 2008 - side airbags are standard. Due to the expense I doubt that many 2008's or prior have them.Link to photos here:http://www.daytondailynews.com....html

rAERRK · Post by **rAERRK** » Wed Mar 16, 2011 9:40 am

Quote, originally posted by WaveAction Â»personally i'd go with the 08..just cause i like the look better..and if u want better gas milage..going with a bigger engine aint the way to go..unless u wanna go fast in the 2.4l..then it's really no point getting the vibe for fuel economy...other then the engine and the ugly styling of the new vibes..theirs really no difference between the 2

rAERRK · Post by **rAERRK** » Wed Mar 16, 2011 9:42 am

wow just noticed how old this is. what the h

jake75 · Post by **jake75** » Wed Mar 16, 2011 1:16 pm

Quote, originally posted by shane_c Â»did I also read somewhere before that the 09+ have less cargo room behind the rear seat?I had an '03, now an '09. IMO difference is not of any practical concern.

10vibe · Post by **10vibe** » Thu Mar 17, 2011 4:45 am

Cars comparison: Edited*2009 versus 2008 Pontiac Vibe, scroll to bottom for specs and measurements:http://www.cars.com/go/compare...101A0This one compares 2009 vibe, 2009 matrix, 2008 matrix, 2008 vibe:http://www.cars.com/go/compare...101A0Has anyone mentioned the 09+ taillights looks a little "Altezzish" hahaha

reparent · Post by **reparent** » Sat Mar 29, 2014 11:24 am

For the record, I have had an 06 vibe (which is the same as the 08) for over 2 years and currently have over 350 000 km, I still like my 06 vibe very much! I just bought an 09 automatic vibe so my spouse could learn to drive (she doesn't want to learn standard) and I regret getting an 09. My biggest disappointment is that there is a lot less room then previous model. With the baby car seat in the back with our 06 vibe no problem but the 09 vibe is much tighter, I normally have the baby seat on my back but I had to move it to my spouse's side so I don't have to move my seat forward. My spouse however has to move her seat forward and now has her legs almost touching the dash, not very comfortable. The trunk space is also smaller and we do see the difference.

The car looks good and is made sportier and drives a little better, all good feature if you don't have kids but as a family car with 2 kids the previous generation is so much better (space wise). One other think I'm not crazy about the 09 is that they've lowered it from the ground so you have less clearance, perfect for better handling I guess but not as good for winter driving where I live. The storage box in the middle of the 2 front seats is also bigger with the 06.

If you do not have kids you will probably like the 09 better, but if you have a family and you need the maximum space possible you will probably like the previous model better. I thought I read the engine has more torque or more HP on the 09, the automatic which has had negative reviews from previous model for its lack of power is not a problem at all with the 09 (I've never driven an automatic on previous model so I can't compare) but driving the 09 automatic on highway, if I need to pass a car its not a problem at all.

That's my 2 cents!

2008 vs. 2009 Vibe

2008 vs. 2009 Vibe

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