None of the cars I have tested lately have felt this way, including the Mazda3 (2014), Hyundai Elantra GT, Accent, or Veloster. Of course, being 4'10" may make the difference here. I think the Mazda3 and the Elantra GT felt the closest to the vibe.meinmi wrote:My fault for not being clear; it is not the ride height of the car at all but the way you sit in the seat. I really, really like the vibe because it sits more like a pickup. In so many cars you cannot adjust the seat high enough to feel like my legs aren't straight out in front of me with my (removed) barely off the floor.
Interesting you brought up the Encore, as that is pretty much a direct replacement for the Vibe in the US market. I see the Encore for those who like the CUV aspects of the Vibe, and the Sonic for those who like the hatchback aspect of the Vibe. My top list for cars similar to the Vibe (practical, hatchback, good mileage, compact) would be Mazda3, Sonic, Impreza/XV Crosstrek, VW Golf, maybe XB or one of the 'funky' hatches like the Soul. If Chevrolet brings the Cruze hatchback to America with the next generation, than that will easily be a Vibe replacement of proper size.Vibe87Mike wrote:I am currently looking around for a replacement for my 2003 AWD Vibe--194,000 and still running strong! I have looked at several autos but the closest vehicle to my Vibe is the Buick Encore. Slightly smaller with a bit less cargo space, but more luxury interior wise. Gas mileage on the Encore is a step up too from the Vibe.
The Ford C-Max resembles the Vibe a lot. The ground clearance on the Vibe is much better and the Encore has better clearance than the C-Max.
The Ford Escape and the Mazda CX-5 is close to the Vibe also.
jake75 wrote:I had assumed the Buick Encore was a hatchback - learned something today. The Mazda CX-5 and Ford Escape seem significantly larger than the Vibe but I never actually compared the specs. I saw a Hyundai small hatchback when I was out today - that might also be a Vibe replacement.
Well, that and it's the only thing with close to the same cargo space.star_deceiver wrote:When it was time to change, I decided that I wanted something completely different.... So I got something completely different!
....well almost... It's still Red!
Most of us would have to go to Canada to get the Trax. Isn't the tsx $30,000 and up?thebarber wrote:Chevy Trax
Jetta wagon
tsx wagon
Cx5
Mazda3
robtco99 wrote:Our 07 vibe got totaled a few months ago and we looked for a solid month for a good first gen vibe at a decent price within a few hour driving distance to replace it and came up empty handed. Some of the prices at dealers are outrageous. Almost pulled the trigger on a focus hatch but, I know of a person that is having trans problems with a '12 focus and another person who's '12 focus that had gotten lemon law, so I skipped it. The focus st's are awesome, but I can't justify almost paying mustang gt money for a focus. We ended up getting a prius c, which is considerably smaller, but my wife loves it, and it gets great mpg. We have a suv if we need to haul something.
I am still secretly on the look out for a good deal on a first gen vibe, because my wife and I really miss it. It was the best all around vehicle that we have ever owned. If I buy one I'll use it to replace my daily driver buick regal. I love having hatchbacks after having the vibe I don't think I'll ever have another sedan.
It is offered in the US. Its called the Buick Encore.WhgVibe wrote:Being in the US I wasnt familar with the Checy Trax so I looked it up on line. Looks pretty good but its hard to tell by just pictures. Im always amazed at the cars not offered in the US by our own manufacturers. Doesn't make sense to me but alot of what they do doesn't make sense at times...
I sense a general consensus here that, at least for what a new Matrix would cost, there are several better alternatives. I bought my 2003 Vibe at a time I didn't need a new car because the price was right after $2,000 rebate, $2,003 GM bonus earning and at a $49 0ver invoice dealer. I bought my new '09 because the price was even more right than the '03 - after selling the 2003 it only cost me $3,654 including tax. Trading up 6 years to a Vibe with multiple air bags, ABS Brakes, & Traction Control at that difference was a no brainer. I suppose if you could find a good used late model Matrix at the right price it would be a reasonable choice.musicmanmu wrote:Has anyone mentioned the Matrix? Seems like a logical option. I've had my eyes on the newer Subaru Impreza Hatchbacks too, as they have similar cargo space and better MPGs. I have to presume they'd be as reliable as the Vibe is?
Hey Vibolista, Can you compare the C-max to the Vibe concerning Hiway handling, comfort, noise and MPG? I may go hybrid next time.vibolista wrote: We rented one in Florida for a week and found it to be very quiet and responsive on the road. Definitely handles and drives much better than a regular Prius. It has about the same sized interior as a Vibe. Exterior is within an inch or two of the Vibe in every direction. At this moment, the Ford C-Max would probably get my vote if I had to replace the Vibe. I just wouldn't spend the money to buy a new one.
I don't see any negatives with the xb, other than it still using an ancient 4sp auto and gets so so mpg. The interior is surprisingly roomy, a lot roomier than the vibe interior.jake75 wrote:Is there something negative on the 2nd Gen Scion xB?
To buy a Venza don't you need to be in a whole higher tax bracket?KITT222 wrote:Toyota stopped Matrix production so they could direct more people to the Venza. Or so they could at least remove all traces of GM from their lineup.
Kinda/sorta. It starts at $28k MSRP, $4000 more than a Rav4.jake75 wrote:To buy a Venza don't you need to be in a whole higher tax bracket?KITT222 wrote:Toyota stopped Matrix production so they could direct more people to the Venza. Or so they could at least remove all traces of GM from their lineup.