What made you buy the Vibe over the Matrix?

[ArcsVibe]

(removed)!! So true! I brought my wife to the dealer to check out the Vibe and got her so yeah that is another reason....although she also likes the Trix she prefers the Vibe

[Fun Bobby]

Easy - Pontiac styling and roof rack thats built to be part of the car. Just saw a Matrix with the add-on roof rack and it just doesn't look right.

[SGT]

I chose the Vibe for a number of reasons.. First off, I really like Pontiacs. I have had a number of them over the years, the Vibe is 5th Pontiac I have owned. I also favored the styling over the Matrix, love the front end, as well as the side view with the cladding over the wheel wells. Gives it a more agressive look. I really wanted a two-tone, not offered with Matrix because if gives the Vibe more of an 'SUV' appearance to me and that is the look I wanted, the Matrix looks more like a racy station wagon. Finally, I get a GM supplier discount and that coupled with the financing and ease of purchase (no haggling, etc.) clinched it for me. Both the Matrix and the Vibe a good looking cars, but for me the Vibe has the look I favored.

[Caretaker]

I chose the Vibe since the Matrix looks like a woman's shoe. I also cannot believe anyone would buy this type of car and NOT have a roof rack on it. Sorry Toyota, you blew it again!!

[ArcsVibe]

You Ricer wannabe!

[kaybeejay]

1) The Vibe is made 15 miles from my home.2) GMO discount3) I like the sharpness of the Vibe Style over the "Rice-boy" look of the Matrix.4) I am very impressed by the NUMMI Factory. (Toured there a few times). The quality of their work is top notch and I am proud to own one of their products.

[ArcsVibe]

Thanks to everyone who has answered the call of this thread...now for the rest of you...wasup?

[goodvibe]

It was between buying a Quasi Van that with skirts, is a little ricey for me or a Quasi SUV especially in 2 tone. I'm not into the Matrix skirts. They make the body look too tall for my taste. They also scrape when dropped. The Vibe on the other hand looks lifted off its wheels but I still preferred it. A dropped Vibe is just right. No scraping and looks good. I also occasionally use the roof rack and the overall utility is a big plus for me. I bought a shadow 2 tone GT because I hate when the bumpers loose paint and the shadow is a good color match. I prefer the solid colors except for 2 tone silver and of course my fav, shadow. Trd springs finished mine off. Also got a great deal. A couple hundred over cost with an extra grand on trade and rebates of a year ago. Wrote a check and pocketed the finance rebate too. All options, moon a tunes instead of 17" wheels. 16x7.5 summer wheels with 225/50 Bridgestone re750s are waiting in the garage. Stock alloys for winter.

[ArcsVibe]

Sounds like a sweet car! I was also going for Shadow but the wait here in Canada is ridiculous When the dealer informed me that a Neptune was available I jumped at the chance.I totally agree about the body looking "tall" It is still a nice car but that kind of threw me off.

[kaybeejay]

Quote, originally posted by maxx4me »I chose the Vibe since the Matrix looks like a woman's shoe. I also cannot believe anyone would buy this type of car and NOT have a roof rack on it. Sorry Toyota, you blew it again!!Toyota was marketing to a different demographic. They were going for the "rice-boy" crowd. Hence the side skirts and choice of colors.I think Pontiac was going for an older more active crowd, so they offered a roof rack and advertise more of its utility.This was a good call. That way, the two cars don't compete with each other in the same micro-market and Toyota/GM could use one R&D investment and appeal to two different demographics.

[rasermon]

Quote, originally posted by kaybeejay »Toyota was marketing to a different demographic. They were going for the "rice-boy" crowd. Hence the side skirts and choice of colors.I think Pontiac was going for an older more active crowd, so they offered a roof rack and advertise more of its utility.This was a good call. That way, the two cars don't compete with each other in the same micro-market and Toyota/GM could use one R&D investment and appeal to two different demographics.I agree with you kaybeejay. Well said my friend...

[Faultline]

I really wasn't weighing a matrix against a vibe in my decision, isntead, I had 2200.00 toward the purchase of any GM car accumulated on my gm credit card...and after looking at cavaliers, sunfires, malibu's, grand ams, some buicks.....the vibe won!...I like matrixes just fine...but the roof rack came in handy for the xmas tree again...It is probably the winning factor between the two for me!!

[corgivibe]

I test drove both and almost bought the Matrix, but didn't like the styling as much as a the Vibe and also, the Matrix did not come in Envy! I wonder how many Vibes were painted Envy?corgivibe

Attached files

[joatmon]

Quote, originally posted by corgivibe » I wonder how many Vibes were painted Envy?According to http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=6023, remarkably few. Thanks for saying hi, you've been a member for a while. Post us a pic of your Corgis in http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=2767

[Mavrik]

Well my decision for buying a Vibe was an easy one. I have been driving GM products since I got my license and will always be a big fan. My first car was an 89 Cavalier Z24... rusted but got me places heh. My next car was a 96 Sunfire GT which I really loved, no probs with that car what so ever. It was time for a new car however and the 2003 restyled Sunfire just doesn't do a thing for me but make me turn away. I work for GM so obviously I wanted a GM and something sporty and the Vibe just really caught my eye. Behind the wheel of that car I got a thrill for driving that I really got hooked on. I ordered one in the summer of 03 and got the 2004 Vibe in Dec 03.Its the regular Vibe 5spd Fusion in monotone. 16inch steel rims and hubcaps, no power windows or locks cause those are a convenience that becomes very inconvenient when broken (which happens, parts wear out) It has the amped 6 speaker 6 disc stereo system and all that jazz. Basicly for me its a model I plan on building upon. I'm looking into 17 inch chrome rims, after market spoilers ($3000 for the body kit on factory order was out of my $$$ range at the moment of order) I plan on lowering it also but not right away. Its a sweet set of wheels, anyone that mocks it hasn't tried it. Some people don't like the colour either but I believe it is the right amount of colour for that car. To much of that colour could be ugly but its perfect on the vibe.

[sylvainber]

i had to replace my old car instantly when it was totaled in an accident in december 2003... so i had to work with immediate dealer inventory.i had already decided to buy a vibe in 2004 (much later in the year mind you...) for the following reasons:- i liked the styling of the vibe better right off; cleaner lines (matrix styling looks contrived, over-chiseled and 'faux race car' to me... hullo, the base model has a corolla engine...)- base model on the vibe was a little more $$ than on a base matrix but with much better equipment list (power mirrors, roof rack for starters)- gm offered a better rebate - dealer offered better financing terms than even my credit union did- pontiac dealer here has excellent reputation for their service dept (a factor for after sale support)i wanted a manual transmission so that limited my choices: they only had one on the lot. apparently, in suburban chicago, automatics are the norm... so i couldn't get the power group and the moon and tunes i wanted... oh well... i saved 2 grands i love my vibe (salsa 2 tones). can't wait to take it on a road trip (next summer to my beloved montreal)sylvain

[ArcsVibe]

Welcome to genvibe!!Gotta post some pics of your ride

[stalin]

Well, I wanted an all white, 180hp, stick, sunroof, and nav system. Pontiac said impossible at the time. Toyota said 120 days. I waited the 4 months and got a super white XRS.

[Nick1556]

I chose the Vibe because Toyota said I wasn't approved for a loan with them. The Pontiac dealership gave me a 1000 bucks off the price cuz it was a "demo" car which only had 200 miles on it. Also, I got another 1000 bucks off because my mother drives a Pontiac as well. Then, without putting any money down, they let me take home the Vibe that day and allowed me to pay them next week, not bad, eh?! lol

[ArcsVibe]

I am glad to see this post still alive!Come on people tell me more!

[tatooine315]

Ok..here it is...I really wanted a great car..So I looked at the MURRANO' and well since I dont have 55,000 dollars and do not even make that much a year...after looking for somthing similiar (in my own mind anyway) I spotted the VIBE and It was love at first sight....Sporty, Bigger than my old 6 year old Huyandai, and Since I am an artist you try fitting a sofa or set piece in an ACCENT, so the cargo room...Sort of like a miniture MURRANO...but not really..hee,hee,...Afordable 15,500, cool looking and to me a little bit nicer than the MATRIX..(Though my brother is a TOYOTA dealer mechanic, He prefers the MATRIX)..so all around I LOVE MY NEW CAR!!!! I am hoping to keep it just as long as my last car...6 or 7 years!!!!!!!GO VIBE!

[VibeChick]

I never considered the Matrix. I think it's weird looking.I first saw the Vibe earlier this year when I was walking past a dealership lot that I pass frequently. At first I thought, get an SUV or get a car, what is this thing? I did a bunch of research, took a couple of test drives, and was smitten.It wasn't love at first sight, but it grew on me. I love my car. Never thought I would care that much about a hunk of metal...

[MailGuy]

After having my old car die on me my wife said why not buy the Matrix. I told her the Matrix was way to expensive and I think the Vibe looks better. So I would have to say I bought the Vibe because I only paid $12900 for it, I Loved the style and the orange paint job. Besides, for every Vibe I see on the road I see about 15 Matrix cars. I like having something different.

[QWIKGTA]

cause i only buy PONTIAC'sRob

[ArcsVibe]

Yeah a Fiero!!!Always wanted one of those. Which model did you have?

[ArcsVibe]

Hey new members I want to know your reasons as well please. Come share your stories!!

[spideymike1]

Well back when the Vibe was just hitting I loved the Envy color - I am probably one of like 3 people that would admit that. anyway, as much as I loved it, I wasn't in the market (i.e. no money) Both my mother and sister were though and they both bought one. Base for sis, AWD for mom. At first I was a little mad, I didn't want to have three of the same car, but realized I don't live with them and who cares. Then I saw fusion orange. I had about 2k in GM money plus the rebate and said the hell with it! I love it!

[ArcsVibe]

Good choice!!!You have to post some pics of your ride!

[showpokey]

Price (GM rebate)Gas MileageMy old 97golf needed $ 2000 in repairs Wanted a more reliable car for when the new baby comes.Preferred the look And wanted to reuse my Tule Rack from golf. Was told by dealer it would be easier with the vibe (not quite!! will post picture latter when I get better with digital camera I got for my birthday)PK

[ArcsVibe]

I felt like bringing back this thread for the new guys and gals that joined our site....tell us why please!

[Celtic_Curse]

Easy Toyota powerplant and Pontiac styling.

[soldierguy]

I like the styling of the Vibe better than the Matrix. A few others have said similar things to what I think...the Matrix looks a little too "boy-racer" for me, especially around the fender and bumper area...just something about the way Toyota did the fender & bumper skirts doesn't appeal to me at all. So I never seriously considered the Matrix.So for me the choice was between a Vibe GT, a Chrysler PT Cruiser Turbo, and a Volvo V50 T5. I like the Cruiser, but I'd feel self-conscious driving something that looks like that. The Volvo was nice, but I didn't like the interior much...the center console is really cool, but the dash itself looks and feels cheap. I was prepared to be totally unimpressed when I drove the Vibe, but I was wrong...really wrong. I owned one Toyota once and it was DULL, and I've never owned a GM car at all. But the Vibe drives great, looks great, and the interior feels like it's built of better materials than in either the Cruiser or the Volvo.Plus, I really liked the way the Vibe GT felt when I test drove it...it felt like it was a sports car that didn't know it was wearing a wagon body....the other two felt more "adult" to me, and not in a good way, like I should be 50 or over to drive either one (I'm 37). Throw in the fact that the Vibe GT's price undercuts the Chrysler by a bit and the Volvo by about $9000 (comparably equipped and no discounts applied), and the Vibe was a no-brainer of a choice. Yeah, I could afford the Volvo no problem, but why bother when the Vibe GT will give me what I want & need at a good price.Now I just have to wait until I get back to the states to get mine...can't wait!!

[MikeReilly]

Three things got me in a Vibe rather than a Matrix:GM Visa dollarsBetter system for doing options. With the Matrix in Canada it's mostly all or nothing packages. With the Vibe you can choose things like ABS one at a time.Toyota is no haggle where I live. Pontiac will deal. Both have about the same markup over invoice. Makes sense to me to save the $$

[SCTM]

And by the time you get your Vibe (60-90 days) new GM promo will probably be back ("Win&Ring" usually beginning by November til January) and you'll be eligible. Ordered my Vibe on july 17 and got it on Jan 14... and got few more $$ on this promo at that time. + Gm/Visa. I was lucky to wait 6 months to have mine...

[5lbsofswisscheese]

The minute I saw the Vibe concept car in Car & Driver I said "That car will be mine." Of course, I also said that about a couple of other concept cars. About the time they hit production (April '02) I was getting sick of my Chevy Tracker I was in a smartbuy with and got a flyer for GM's "pull ahead" program in the mail. The very next day I took advantage of it, and went out and bought the Vibe.I actually liked the styling on the Matrix better at the time, but I had the opportunity to get out of a car I had grown to loathe early.. The Vibe's appearance has actually grown on me quite a bit: I now prefer its appearance to the Matrix, except for the little arrowheads on the fenders. I just can't stand those for some reason, but I like the rest of the car enough that I'm already on my second Vibe!Also, the GM employee discount is a real motivator to buy GM products, too.

[ColonelPanic]

I actually wasn't thinking about either the Vibe or the Matrix when I ended up buying my car... But the main reason I'm still in anything GM was because of the dealer...And in hindsight, I'm very glad I didn't end up with the Toyota, I can't say that I like the local Toyota dealer...

[ArcsVibe]

Just wanted to revive this thread since we do have quite a few members that have recently joined and I would love them to share their thoughts with us regarding this.

[sloth]

Main reasons I ended up with the Vibe was because I traded in 2 pontiacs and thought I'd get the best deal from a pontiac dealer. I was probably wronged, they screwed me, I should of walked away from the deal but I didn't.I like how the vibe looks over the matrix. I think the matrix just looks like it's missing something without the roof rack. Plus I like the front-end of mine better.

[stahl]

I had to buy mine.Some time in 2002 after my wife's 93 Dodge Shadow died on the highway she needed another car. We just wanted something cheap. They had a 2000 Sunfire on the lot at the dealership. Low mileage, but used. We test drove it, liked it, bought it and were very satisfied with it (and still would be, but we gave it away to family). Anyhow, at the time we had seen the Vibe commercials on TV and they also had one in the showroom. I looked at it, liked it, and wanted one. I told the dealer that I'd be back for it.Since I didn't want to be a liar, Jan 2005 I went back there and bought one. Better late than never.I didn't give it too much thought or compared with other cars. All I saw was tons of rebates, looks good, drives well, reasonably roomy, liked the mpg, and wanted one ever since they came out. Sign me up.

[lloydp21]

For me it was easy. Toyota makes a good car, but the local dealer leaves much to be desired, IMO. At the Toyota dealer they make you feel like they are doing you a favor by talking to you.At my local Pontiac dealer, they make you feel like they appreciate you coming onto the lot. This is my 4th vehicle from this same dealer. The sales woman I deal with always gives me what I consider a good deal and ensures the vehicle is prepped properly before it goes off the lot. And she calls every so often to see if I'm still happy with the deal.And the service department is excellent. No runaround, no hassle, just get the work done, provide me with a loaner and actually check to see if there are things I missed that need work.The sale Saturday was typical. Walk on lot, told Pam what I wanted, test drove, signed some papers and drove home very happy.And I bought the whole deal. 6yr/100,000Mile warranty, 6/60 prepaid maintenance service and the car. Paid a fair price and don't have to worry about any out of pocket for a good long while.

[mickeymouse]

$3500 in GM card earnings.Plus I liked the looks of the Vibe over the Matrix.

[northvibe]

I picked the vibe over the matrix, because it looked sportier, had fog lights, roof rack and rims. the dealer recommended the vibe over the toyota too, for the same reasons, you get more for less!! oh yea it was cheaper too

[Atomic]

Well, let's see, now.The Matrix seems kind of, shall we say, "ricey"? (and I LIKE Japanese cars)The sheet metal shapes are less masculine than the Vibe, the Pontiac dealer was much more agreeable to deal with, they seemed to be genuinely pleased to sell me a car.Unlike the Toyota dealer, who I felt was somewhat arrogant, like:"So you want a Matrix.We don't have any in stock right now, and they are about a four to six week delivery.No, they're not at all the same as the Vibe, the 2005 Pontiac doesn't use drive by wire (a lie).The Matrix uses the same motor design as the new SC460, just smaller.The Vibe doesn't use the Toyota engine, it's a GM" (another lie).Yeah, right.Now, I admit I was playing dumb, and asking all kinds of silly questions, to give the illusion that I HADN'T been checking these things out for a while, to see if this guy was going to try and spin me a tall tale.That, in itself, was enough to turn me off the Toyota.Then to find option choices different, even stuff like the 110v adaptor is an extra in the Matrix.Plus, this site had so many helpful ideas, how could I NOT get a Vibe.

[BOZACK]

I needed a car and a friend suggested the Vibe. I did not like the looks of the Matrix when I found out it was the same. I don't like the sides of the Matrix the way they are molded in. I also like the front end of the 2005 Vibe a whole lot better than the previouse years.But the main reason was the gas milage. I was getting 14 mpg with my old car.

[damronjr]

This outta get some replies: Stupidity! I sat in a Matrix(which I actually liked better) and said, hmm, this seems cramped. Went to the Pontiac dealer and sat in the Vibe, and said, hmm, this is great, all the while not realizing they are exactly the same and all I had to do is put the seat back in the Trix and it would have been the same!!!! All the same, I'm happy!

[binary]

Quote, originally posted by lloydp21 »For me it was easy. Toyota makes a good car, but the local dealer leaves much to be desired, IMO. At the Toyota dealer they make you feel like they are doing you a favor by talking to you.Same here. I liked the price, and the dealer was a no-B.S. guy who told us the price with discounts - gave us a chance to drive a couple of different vibes, and also suggested driving a used one to see how it feels after 30k miles. He also gave us fair trade values for our cars, and we were treated with respect. When we had a question he didn't know the answer to - he called the service manager to confirm instead of B.S. his way through.All in all, I like the matrix too. The styling is much more "tuner" - which in itself isn't a bad look. But I want to do my tuning my own way

[ramenboy...]

dude, you kill me!i bought mine used, but in beautiful condition. i was looking for a mazda 3, and went to a dealer who said he had a couple. when i got there, there weren't ANY. but i saw a matrix and a vibe next to each other on the lot. went straight for the vibe, and never looked back

[jmf2]

Well duh,The Styling! and having owned both a 03 and 05, i must say i like the 05 grill more.Oh yeah, and toyota ain't got FUSION!!!

[Puckman27]

a few reasons:1) well since toyota doesn't even like the matrix (they sell the vibe in japan w/ a name like voltz or something), why would i?2) just looking at the two next to each other, it makes it kinda easy to tell which is the better looking car. the matrix is too blah 3) i'm w/ Pontiac for life, so thats another factor.

[Jaycie685]

I didn't know what a "Vibe" was until our ship pulled into Hawaii for a couple of days. I went to one of those car rental places and looked at what was available and all they had were large cars. I can't drive large cars because I'm really small (I'm 4'11") and large cars are harder for me to drive. It's like driving a boat! I saw a Vibe parked in the lot and asked to rent it but it was already reserved for someone else. "Darn it!" I said to myself. Well while I was about to walk over to the next car rental place and wouldn't you know it, a Vibe comes rolling past me. Turns out it was being returned! So I went and rented it out and fell in love with it. I loved that it was SUV-ish but at the same time not too big. I also loved how it drove higher than a regular car allowing me to see over the steering wheel perfectly without having a hard time. I also liked the amount of storage space with the seats folded down. I loved how it was very gas friendly! I rented it for three days and only used half a tank! I pretty much loved everything about it! I researched both the Matrix and Vibe upon returning home and test drove both and I came out with this:1. The Vibe is 6 inches longer than the Matrix (more space!)2. The Matrix seemed "smaller" in the rear. I guess with it being scrunched at the end like that gives it less space.3. The Vibe has better body styling over all. 4. The Vibe came with roof rack and rails in which you would have to pay for it on the MatrixThe Vibe won over the Matrix. I haven't had any problems with is so far and it is just a great vehicle over all!