I have a 2003 Vibe GT and i love the fact that its a 6 speed manual. I would so much rather have a manual than an automatic because to me, its just that much more fun to drive! So now i want to know, what does my GenVibe Family prefer?!
I prefer the automatic transmission. My first car back in '63 was a 1960 Mercury Comet with a manual. Then I got a new '64 Comet Caliente with an automatic transmission and I've stayed with automatics ever since. I think, for the most part, some younger people prefer manual transmissions because they're "more fun," but having to constantly shift gets old after awhile. It used to be that manuals were quicker than automatics, but this is no longer always true. Whichever floats your boat is what you should get.
Quote, originally posted by Old Tele man »...me? manual...wife? automatic...guess who wins this decision (see below)?Lucky for me both me and my fiance prefer manual. She owns a scion xa manual and i have the vibe manual (problem is she can be more of a man then some men sometimes. she hunts and ENJOYS gutting the deer). Will never drive an automatic again. I drove my jeep and it was auto. I got bored quick. the stick keeps me occupied so i dont do something like text and drive
Turner Buick GMC(717)354-4451 x122(484)639-1921I dare you to call me
Quote, originally posted by GMJAP » manual! x2 First car was a '63 Plymouth Valiant with the small 170 slant six and "3 on the tree". Then my Chevy truck, '78 with the inline 250, and also "3 on the tree", then a pair of '74 GM F-bodies both with small block Chevys and a 3-spd Saginaw in the Firebird, and a close ration 4-spd Muncie in the Camaro, then I downsized to an '87 Ford Escort, 1.9L and a 4-speed, then I replaced my Chevy truck with then a new (and still own it) '92 F-150, inline 300 with 5-speed on the floor, and finally my Vibe GT 5-speed.Do you see a pattern here or what MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS all the way baby
Quote, originally posted by Old Tele man »...me? manual...wife? automatic...guess who wins this decision (see below)?Ditto for me! I wanted a manual in my 10 GT, simply because I much prefer being in total control of what gear I am in. I hate the slow automatic downshifts in most cars. At least with the Vibe I can sometimes drop it down a couple of gears in the Sport mode so I am in 3rd or 2nd and ready to punch it to pull into an opening in the other lane.I'm saving the next manual trans for a newer Mustang, maybe a 2012 GT in a couple of years. That way my wife can't complain about it too much. It won't be the "family car".
Thomas
the "Mustang Guy"
1987 5.0 LX Mustang
2016 Mustang GT - current daily
2004 Satellite Vibe &
2009 Red Vibe GT -twin's cars
2003 Neptune Vibe GT - prior daily
2010 Red Vibe GT - RIP 6/16/14
2006 Platinum Vibe - son's car
every car I get after the Vibe will be a manual. At the time I didn't know how to drive one, that and the only manual Vibe on Craigslist at the time was too expensive. I may do a manual swap eventually. The automatic is archaic, and it does seem like the ratios are too far apart at times. My throttle position can at times be between gears, so I have to turn OD off to keep her from constantly going between gears. I occasionally make the joke that I have a gear for every cylinder, when it actually is pretty much the only thing that bothers me about my Vibe. I'll be getting into my moms 5-spd Wrangler soon enough to practice shifting, so I'll have the skills for when I get a manual. Theft deterrence is a plus, and I don't touch my cell phone when I drive anyway, so I want a manual because it's a manual! It's a dying item, and I want to hold onto it. More car control = good.
Manual all the way. My first car was a '97 Saturn SL2 with an auto, and when I finally learned in my dad's vibe I was sold on the idea. The more I drive it, the more I'm in love with rowing my own gears and having that third pedal. Now, whenever I drive an automatic I feel like I'm missing something, or just not as connected as I usually am.
I think each transmission has its advantages and disadvantages.My first car was a manual ('77 Dodge Aspen R/T with 318 and 3+OD 4 speed), and it was a nightmare to own. The previous owner had apparently smoked the clutch, and then replaced it without machining the flywheel. After I owned it a while, the clutch plate cracked - which is when we found the issue. The first transmission also had a porous aluminum case and first gear synchros were gone - so I got another used one. That one was horribly noisy, so they gave me another. That one was terrible going into second and 4th, and dumped its fluid through a bad front seal all over my new clutch - so I had it rebuilt with many new parts, only to continue with shifting issues. Finally gave up and found a 3 speed - that one worked (put it in myself - learned enough by that time at 18). Never had so many transmission issues as I did with that car. Swore to never buy a used manual car again! I also swore never to take it across a busy border crossing again after being stuck at one for a couple of hours once. Those clutches weren't friendly on knees - especially slightly beefier aftermarket ones...Drove manuals for company trucks for a while - a couple of S10's and Sonomas with 2.2L's. The Sonoma had a broken spring in the shifter so 3rd and 4th were a little tricky to locate at times - just somewhere in the middle. Otherwise had no complaints - except that my left leg was sure sore for the first few weeks - 9+ hour days with mostly in town driving. Got used to it though. Sometimes would hop into my automatic car at the end of the day and just about put my foot through the floor as it tried to push the non-existent clutch pedal (the S10 had a pretty heavy clutch, so it had taken effort all day prior).First car I bought new was a 1995 Neon. Loved the manual - despised the automatics in those. It was a fun little car to drive - but after a couple of years I inherited another car for free, and the job scene was "iffy" - so I sold it for what I owed. It didn't feel all that "well built" after a while - so I didn't mind getting rid of it anyway. The replacement '79 Aspen 4 door with slant 6 wasn't exactly as entertaining to drive - but the price was right. It had been my grandpa's first new car too - so I didn't mind getting it. He only got to enjoy it for less than a year before he passed away - so I made sure it got plenty of use eventually - at least until the body became too rotten to safely repair anymore...My last manual was a 2002 Sunfire I bought new. I didn't even drive an automatic - it didn't really interest me based on my experience with Neons in the past - and I learned to drive in my mom's Olds Firenza (dressed up Cavalier) with automatic - so I was somewhat familiar anyway. I liked the Getrag 5 speed in those cars - double synchros on 1st and 2nd, and synchronized reverse. Unfortunately after I had it about 3 years, I began having trouble with my left leg. Not just soreness - but a lack of response at times. It was aggraveted more if I was tired - which aggraveted me more trying to drive in that condition. I tried to "re-train" myself to work around it - but it varied from day to day. I kept trying to deal with it for a further 4 years - but traffic conditions were getting worse by the day compared to when I bought the car - so when the "deals" on the Vibes were good in early 2009, I decided to make the switch to another automatic car.I most definitely miss the manual at times - but the fact that it was getting very challenging for me to try to drive it some days will prevent me from going back. Maybe for a "toy" - but not something I have to drive daily.When stuck in traffic, I found that the manual in the Sunfire wouldn't allow me to "creep" at the same speed as most other cars - forcing me to continually engage/disengage the clutch. I didn't mind the "work" aspect so much as I was concerned about the potential wear on the clutch (remembering the experiences with my first car). I have appreciated having the automatic in the Vibe many times on my commute in traffic.I also purchased a slightly larger (for me - 16' aluminum with 25hp) boat in 2005 - and I sure didn't like the abuse I had to put the clutch through to get it out of the water with the Sunfire. Steep launch ramps were not its friend! The Vibe does awesome for that task - never rolls back - the parking brake always holds well - and with the hatch open I can clearly see exactly what I'm doing with the car vs. the water. The first time I went to pull it out with the Sunfire - the car almost had a swim!The so-called manual mode on the Vibe isn't really very "manual" - I think it was just a cheaper way to make the shifter rather than have more detents for lower gears. I really only utilize it for towing when I want to lock out 5th gear on some hills - otherwise D works just fine. I've learned over time how to get it to do what I want (at least sometimes) - but moreso learned what it "does" - and adapted to it. Monkeying with the shifter only seems to consume more gas - as you can't force it to upshift any sooner than it "wants" to anyway - and it will still downshift whenever it feels the need regardless of what gear you select.Unfortunately for me, owning a manual no longer is a sensible option. At least my brother owns the identical car with manual transmission - so I still get to "play" on occasion - but I know from those experiences that I don't want it anymore for daily use. I've probably logged about half a million km on manuals over the years - so at least I got some experience and "know" how to drive one if I need to. It's something I think everyone should at least learn - it teaches more control than just "mashing the pedal" to go as many people around here seem to do it anymore.Sorry for the novel... just get going sometimes...John
In all honesty, I prefer an auto for the daily driver car. Traffic on RT495 in the DC Metro area has always sucked but now it is so bad(I thought traffic would improve after that damn ICC opened up but I was so wrong) the Vibe stays home and the not so gas friendly LeSabre is the daily driver. In fact since the end of Oct 2011 the Vibe has only been driven 1700 milesI like manual for a classic car or a nice warm weekend car
I have only attempted to drive a manual once. My ex taught me a long time ago on a POS Chevy Beretta. I did really well, but have never had the chance to try again. I would love to learn how to drive a manual someday, but for now I prefer automatics. Autos are all I've ever driven. IMO the daily driving I do would not be very conducive to shifting.
2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe GT - 5-Speed Auto – Garage
2009 Steel Blue Metallic Vibe GT - 5-Speed Auto – Garage
Quote, originally posted by Houston »I prefer the automatic transmission. My first car back in '63 was a 1960 Mercury Comet with a manual. Then I got a new '64 Comet Caliente with an automatic transmission and I've stayed with automatics ever since. I think, for the most part, some younger people prefer manual transmissions because they're "more fun," but having to constantly shift gets old after awhile. It used to be that manuals were quicker than automatics, but this is no longer always true. Whichever floats your boat is what you should get.Agree - for all those reasons. Also, as you get older something that is simple is better - safer..When you figure in the cost of clutch replacement(s), I am not sure the slightly higher mpg is of any real advantage either. And on resale, you will get a good part of the added cost of the AT back.
2009 Vibe 1.8L Carbon Gray AT Power Pkg 1/12/092003 Vibe 1.8L Neptune AT Mono Power Pkg 1/27/03 [sold 2/2/09]2007 T&C SWB 7/31/07 "Broke people stay broke by living like they're rich. Rich people stay rich by living like they're broke."
I prefer automatic now. I learned to drive standard very young. I was about 10 years old, driving my dad's old Datsun pickup around the back yard..making my parents laugh hystericially. My first truck was a 4 speed standard, and then I got into driving commercial trucks with 10, 13, and 18 speed transmissions.Now I just like the convenience of not having to shift all the time. JR
2010 Ultra White AWD-Railfan Customized...on to a new owner in 2015 2008 two tone Salsa base model..current railfan rig
Quote, originally posted by jake75 »Agree - for all those reasons. Also, as you get older something that is simple is better - safer..I'm with the older guys.....days of enjoying manual shifting are over....unless its a 1971 Hemi Cuda...
I've got both, I enjoy both. The Vibe is an automatic for it is mainly the wife's car. That being said if I'm heading into the city where traffic is to be expected, I'll choose the automatic over the stick everytime. Sitting with the clutch depressed and in and out repeatedly gets wearisome after awhile. Automatic is SO much better in heavy traffic!Get what you prefer but everyone should know how to drive a stick. You just never know in what situation you may be pressed upon to drive one.What makes me laugh is on the show The Amazing Race , every season SOMEONE gets on the show and ends up in a car with a stick shift and CANNOT DRIVE IT!!! You'd think if you are selected for the show, go learn how to drive a stick, you know your're going to need to do so, so you don't look like a dork on national tv!Dave
The closest I came to driving a manual was on my supercharged 1990 5.0. Mustang. It had a C4 trans with a manual valve body. Other than that everything has been an auto. At this point in my life the only way I would have a manual trans would be on a weekend car. No way I would drive a manual everyday to work. Too many traffic lights....LOL
* 2003 Vibe Auto Satellite Silver w / Moons & Tunes
* Kenwood Excelon KDC-X597
* Polk DB651-Speakers
* Soundproofcow Roadblock R sound deadening in all doors
* Drop In K & N Filter
* NGK Iridium IX Plugs
* 27 MPG City/Highway with AC on
I'm a manual guy, myself, and like some others here, my significant other can't drive stick.I always thought I'd be a manual-for-lifer, due to the control you get, more engaging experience, and the extra fuel economy. It's getting somewhat harder to stick to that vision, with the double-clutch transmissions coming out these days, now faster and more efficient than the manuals (not to mention launch control features on some cars). For now, I'll be "sticking" around for the foreseeable future, though.
03VibeOttawa–’03 Salsa 5spd. Fast Wheels Blade 17â€s/Fuzion Zr1s (summer),Blizzak Revo1/’04 WRX rims, (winter),Tokico HP Struts,Tein S-Tech Springs,Progress RSB,K&N Typhoon SRI,SLP ram air hood,Magnaflow CB,DC header. Sold 11/9/2012 w/ 217,633kms.
miata is a manual and no way in hell I would own an automatic miata. The vibe is automatic because that is what I found and it was cheap. If I had had a choice I would have taken a manual but having an automatic isn't that huge of a problem in a commuter vibe.
i've owned both, and for a daily driver, i'm probably an automatic for life guy. that being said, i do not like the a/t in my '10. it's always searching for gears, especially when i let off the gas and then get back on it. borderline unsafe at times...
I've had both types and I prefer the manual. Will continue to buy manual if I can until my knee gives out.
1997 Civic EX sedan w/auto trans2001 Accord EX sedan w/5-spd manual2009 Vibe 2.4L w/5-spd manual, sunroof, monsoon, GT spoiler, Magnaflow muffler and rolled SS tip, lowered on H-Tech springs, window tint, debadged (save the red arrow!).
Probably sooner rather than later - when I was 18 I wrecked a moped and screwed up my left knee. Fortunately I was driving '72 Plymouth Fury with an auto then so I could drive with my right foot.But now starting about a month ago my right knee gives a little "pop" if I try to stand up from a crouching position.
1997 Civic EX sedan w/auto trans2001 Accord EX sedan w/5-spd manual2009 Vibe 2.4L w/5-spd manual, sunroof, monsoon, GT spoiler, Magnaflow muffler and rolled SS tip, lowered on H-Tech springs, window tint, debadged (save the red arrow!).
It all just depends on the year in which your base vibe is. 03-05 5 speeds had some serious tranny problems, but after that they've been really very solid. My '03 GT is the 6 speed and still has the original tranny (with no problems) and the original clutch. So overall i'd say i've had miraculous luck with my manual. And i just turned 152,000 miles if that tells you durability.
I like manual, it makes you more engaged in driving, it is not just fun factor for me, when i am driving automatic i feel like i am in passenger seat.With our smaller engines it is better to have manual, we don't loose power through torque converter, cheaper to fix.Also i am originally from Europe where they have had mostly manual, i have seen only one automatic, much greater power put to the wheels that way.By the way great forum guys i enjoy it every day, i am new to the site.
Brandort3,There is no evidence the problem with the 5 speed has been fixed.I can find failures in 2006 and up.I don't see any specifics of a design change.I talked to MonkeyWrench racing and was told there is no fix and all 5 speeds will fail prematurely, failing quicker with more time spent in 5th gear. Since MonkeyWrench racing has people from England shipping them cars to work on I would have to assume they are legitimate.I'm going with "best information available" - the 5 speeds are still junk and will cost you multiples of $$$ in any fuel savings over an automatic - in this particular vehicle.
tgferg67,I wasn't saying that the 6 speeds and later years didn't have any problems, i know they do. I was just saying that from experience from talking to many people and reading countless posts that the 5 speeds tend to have more problems. Any car you buy will have problems with it at some point in its life, whether its an automatic or a manual. I'm not denying anything that the mechanics at Monkeywrench have told you is not legitimate, i would trust them definitely. I'm just an enthusiast who loves his Vibe and has just done a lot of reading. I love both manual and automatic. No harm intended!
My wife and I both prefer "proper gear boxes." ALL my own cars have been 3, 4 or 5-speed std shifts.BUT, that said, there are some good arguements for an automatic. For example, I used to go to NYC quite a bit and a stick can be a pain when in that kind of city traffic. Then there are the stop lights every block, and always (it seems) red.Also, with the advent of "flappy paddle gear boxes," there is a new twist. I could be interested in trying these automatically shifted manual gear boxes at some point and lose the third pedal.
FJ's Garage Thread "There is no tool you can buy that will replace experience." - Josh Mills, C.K.DeLuxe January 2011 GenVibe MOTM
i'm with Joatmon on the choice.I enjoyed my manual on my last Vibe, but this one has made me wish i went auto with my second one. Manual trans are supposed to be tougher and lower maint, not with a toyota....It comes down to: i prefer manual for the weekends and for sport, but for normal driving duties i don't enjoy it as much as i used to. My Magnum is auto, but i can select gears and hold em at redline if i want so i really don't miss out on anything fun wise.Next daily driver will be an auto as well.
07 1ZZ 5spd Stealth - Sold
03 1ZZ 6spd Shadow w/NAV - For Sale
06 AWD Stealth - Current
07 Magnum SRT-8 - Current
There is a lot of negative posts about the Vibe manual, but I've had no issues. It's already got over 100,000 miles on it, and later this year will mark 8 yrs and I've never had a transmission issue. I even used it to start teaching my wife manual, during which it took quite a bit of abuse! (Don't tell her I said that )
2005 Platinum Base ManualSide & Curtain AirbagsABSPower PackageTinted Windows"Mods": 'old-style' center armrest, center +12v, wheelskins leather steering wheel, AC/Recirc blue backlight, beeps on keyless entry, dome light switch, AC insulation, PCD10 10-disc CD/MP3 changer, AAI-GM12 AUX audio input, K&N filter, "shark fin" antenna.
Quote, originally posted by GMJAP »There is a lot of negative posts about the Vibe manual, but I've had no issues. It's already got over 100,000 miles on it, and later this year will mark 8 yrs and I've never had a transmission issue. I even used it to start teaching my wife manual, during which it took quite a bit of abuse! (Don't tell her I said that )
I'd like one of those automatics with manual option. I rented a Lincoln MKZ for about a week once, and it had that option. It was fun to shift in manual and when I wanted to relax I just left it on auto. So i'd prefer the hybrid of the two!
I've got a 2003 AWD auto and best friend has an 04 manual. Definitely jealous that mine isn't manual at times. Then again I'll never give up the AWD with the New York winters I get to drive in - the 04 manual is not pleasant at all in the winter.
Quote, originally posted by GMJAP »There is a lot of negative posts about the Vibe manual, but I've had no issues. It's already got over 100,000 miles on it, and later this year will mark 8 yrs and I've never had a transmission issue. I even used it to start teaching my wife manual, during which it took quite a bit of abuse! (Don't tell her I said that )your sig says you have an 05. you got the improved bearing design over the 03/04 so you should be able to drive for a long time without issue. My previous 07 was the same way. It never gave an issue for the over 100k miles i drove it and was a great car. My 03 sucked when i hit 110k and had to swap the transmission out.
07 1ZZ 5spd Stealth - Sold
03 1ZZ 6spd Shadow w/NAV - For Sale
06 AWD Stealth - Current
07 Magnum SRT-8 - Current
How am I supposed to smoke, eat, talk on the phone and shift at the same time? Give me an auto & let me steer with my elbows so my hands are free for other things, heh heh
In all seriousness, I've always lived in densely populated areas with high traffic and never could come to terms with getting a manual. I like to step on the gas and go.
2006 Stealth Vibe <-- Current
2010 Subaru Forester <-- Wife's Current
I miss my 1992 Saturn SC2 - drove it for 12 years
I do enjoy my 03 GT, but I have to say when there were times I couldn't drive it due to injury or gout, it was pretty hard to find someone who could move it for me when needed.
I have the luxury of the use of a work provided vehicle which is auto which makes it easier to see a doctor or something when gout hits my left foot
Would you agree to debris acceptance? 2003 Vibe GTMods installed GM Top and Mid-Gate Spoilers, Cosmo CAI, TWM Short Shifter with Desert Eagle weighted shift knob, TWM Bronzoil Shifter Cable Bushings, Magnaflow Cat Back Exhaust, Unichip, Injen Billet Aluminum Engine/Sparkplug covers and oil cap, Optima RedTop Battery, Lineage Ground Wire KitAwaiting install: Energy Suspension Motor Mounts, DC Sports Header
I prefer a manual over an automatic any time. Funny story, I used to work for a car rental company and we occasionally get tourists from eastern Europe. One time this young couple rented a car. After all the paper work has been done and they hopped into the car, and then I notice them sitting on the lot for about 5 minutes. So I went outside and see if I could assist, thinking maybe they needed direction or something. So I opened the door and ask them if they needed help, the guy looked at me and said:" we don't know how to drive an automatic." That was quite a stunner for me, lol.