Greetings and a question

[meinmi]

Hello to all. I am thinking of buying a vibe to keep from driving my pickup so much. I can probably shift 75 to 80% of my driving to the vibe with a lot lower costs. I've had several as rental cars over the years and have been very impressed. I know I want to go with an automatic trans (I do a lot of interstate driving and I don't like having to shift); other than that I don't have any real fixed opinions. My biggest question right now is what is your folks opinion on the 2006 - 20007 models vs the 2008 - 2010? I read somewhere that 2007 was the last year for Toyota drivetrains but I don't know if that matters. I have a slight fondness for leather seats but they seem hard to find. Any and all input will be appreciated. Thanks

[09vGT]

The first generation Vibes were made from 2003-2008. Second generation was only 2009-2010. I have a '09 GT. I like it. Its stylish, rides a bit bumpy but I like it that way. Decent on gas. It can hold A LOT of stuff, I'm a college student, so I'm used to hauling crap around. The rear seats fold completely flat with the cargo floor. It isn't quiet though. So, if you are on the highway the radio has to be cranked up pretty loud, but again, I'm a college student, so my music is ALWAYS cranked up As far as I know, the only leather on the second generation is on the GT's and its not even full leather. On the 03-08's I think you could get full leather as an option. Also the second gens have steering wheel radio controls, which I think is a must. The lights are also really bright. Another positive on the second generation Vibes is all of the safety features. Standard 6 airbags on all trims, along with ABS, traction control, and stability control. Can you tell I'm biased?

[DeClerq]

All MY Vibes use a Toyota powertrain. 2003-2008:1.8 L 1ZZ-FE I4 Base models or1.8 L 2ZZ-GE I4 in the GT2009-2010:1.8L 2ZR-FE or2.4L 2AZ-FE I'm pretty sure leather was never a factory option in the Vibes. If you do find one with leather, it was probably put in aftermarket. 2005-2008 models are identical. 2009-'10 was the new body style and engines. Can't go wrong with either, probably just comes down to which one you think looks better.

[trb]

In my recent seach for our second Vibe, a 2010 this time, I found a few earlier Vibes with leather seats. Not a lot of them, but a few, and they were all 2005-2008 models.Just looked on cars.com and found a few. I'm pretty sure they are a factory option.http://www.cstatic-images.com/...0.jpgh ... 3.jpgLooks factory option to me - see the leather wrapped steering wheel, door panels and shift knob:http://www.cstatic-images.com/...4.jpgI found about ten 05-08 Vibes with leather listed nationally, so they are out there. But the only full leather you will get is aftermarket on the 09-10 Vibes since the GT only had the side bolsters in leather.Good luck on your search! I spent about 4 months looking for my second one, in my price range and color, and reasonably close to me.

[star_deceiver]

Welcome to GenVibe!!! They're all Toyota drivetrains.... pretty much Toyota everything.

[vibenvy]

Welcome to GenVibe! Everyone else has pretty much covered the differences between generations, etc. already, so I will simply say this... I have a 2009 Vibe GT and absolutely love it! It's good on gas, has enough get and up go to make driving fun without getting you into too much trouble (speeding), it looks amazing, it has tons of room, it's comfortable, etc. I could go on and on !

[TONY TAT2]

Hi !

[tpollauf]

Quote, originally posted by J_TO_ENVY » I have a 2009 Vibe GT and absolutely love it!!x2 For the few extra $$$ to get the newer model Vibes, it is well worth it Let us know what you end up getting and visit us here @ GenVibe often

[ohu812]

I would buy a 2007 or newer with the 5 yr or 100,000 mi powertrain warranty especially after dealing with a 2006 gm product and lack of powertrain warranty. just my two cents... but the vibe being a mainly toyota product, any year is good, my 2003 vibe has 175,000 miles.

[kostby]

Welcome to the GenVibe family!Your questions have been pretty well answered already, but a bit of clarification.The Pontiac Vibe was introduced in early 2002 as a '2003' modelThe First Generation was (2002)-2003-2004 in three variations Base 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto 1ZZFE engine AWD (All Wheel Drive) 4-speed auto only 1ZZFE engine (slightly less horsepower because of more restrictive exhaust system) GT 6-speed manual only with the 170 horsepower 2ZZFE (Horsepower rating for the GT gradually decreased a bit over the years.)Generation 1.5 (as I call them) were the smooth-nose 2005-2008's. Leather seating was offered as a factory option, and a subwoofer was included in the passenger-side rear hatch with the premium sound systems, also bundled with a sunroof.GT's (discontinued for '07-'08) all had a 6 speed manual transmission and the 2ZZ 1.8 engines with 'lift'The true Second Generation were the 2009-2010's, when the GT was reintroduced.1.8 engine standard on Base, available with 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto2.4 engine available on Base and GT, available with 5-speed manual or 5- speed auto, and the 2.4 engine AWD available only with 4-speed automatic.