Everything you need to know about the Vibe

[KITT222]

Format copied from Corolla9.com. If you know any of the unknowns (unk) please inform me and I'll edit the post as seen fit.

Year Model Engine Transmission
2003-2008 Base 1.8l 1ZZ-FE 4-speed auto and 5-speed manual
2003-2008 AWD 1.8l 1ZZ-FE 4-speed auto
2003-2006 GT 1.8l 2ZZ-GE 6-speed manual
2009-2010 Base 1.8l 2ZR-FE 4-speed auto or 5-speed manual
2009-2010 Base 2.4l 2AZ-FE 5-speed auto or 5-speed manual
2009-2010 GT 2.4l 2AZ-FE 5-speed auto or 5-speed manual
2009-2010 AWD 2.4l 2AZ-FE 4-speed auto

2003-2004 models have a cable-throttle, 2005-2008 have Drive By Wire (DBW). 2005/2006 Vibe AWD still had cable throttle.

2003-2006 Vibe GT with the 2ZZ-GE engine require 91 octane, or above. Any less may cause engine damage over time, and reduced performance.


Body
The 03-08 Vibes could come equipped with an OEM body kit, which included front fascia extensions, side skirts, rear bumper extension, midgate spoiler, and upper spoiler.

While the 05+ Vibes were revised, the same body kit can be fitted to all first-gen Vibes.

There are a number of body differences within the first gen Vibes




Some first-gen Vibes have tucked-in side skirts (such as the ones that came stock on my Vibe), mostly monotone Vibes. The flared skirts (pictured above) were a TSB offered since the unpainted and tucked skirts would get marred up pretty significantly (allegedly). Thus, after a certain year they're standard, but some before that year do not have them (TSBs aren't a required thing like recalls).

Mirrors: 03/04 had unpainted black mirrors, while 05+ monotones had body-colored mirrors.

Body/lip kit:


1. Upper deck spoiler
2. Midgate spoiler
3. Rear bumper fascia
4. Extended side skirts
5. Front fascia extensions

Weights:
03-08 base manual: 2701 lbs
03-08 base auto: 2778 lbs
03-06 AWD: 2976 lbs
03-06 GT: 2800


09-10 Vibes had minor differences as well. The AWD came with a factory roof rack, while the GT had a factory body kit with spoiler and big fog lamps

Base


AWD


GT


09/10 1.8L base manual: 2856 lbs
09/10 1.8L base auto: 2900 lbs
09/10 2.4L base manual: 2975 lbs
09/10 2.4L base auto :3055 lbs
09/10 GT manual: 3075 lbs
09/10 GT auto: 3155 lbs
09/10 AWD: 3155 / 1430


Engine

1ZZ-FE
1.8L
Bore = 79 mm
Stroke = 91.5 mm
Horse Power = 130 HP (120hp in Vibe AWD due to exhaust routing)
Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
SFI Fuel Injection
Unleaded



2ZZ-GE
1.8L
Bore = 82 mm
Stroke = 85 mm
Horse Power = 180 HP
Compression ratio: 11.5:1
MFI Fuel Injection
Premium Gas ONLY



NOTE (courtesy of shaeet):
03' Vibe GT's 2ZZ engines had NO smog pump & lift engagement was 6200RPM.
04' Vibe GT's have a smog pump & lift engages at 6400RPM.
05 Vibe GT's also have a smog pump and lift was raised to 6800RPM.
Swapping ECU's between an 04 and 03 is possible without any wiring but swapping a 03 ECU into a 05 require PIN's to be rewired. Corolla9.com has a lot of info on this since the Corolla XRS was sold in 05-06 and swapping matrix/vibe 03 ecu's is a common practice there. ALSO worth noting, the 03 ecu eliminates your smog pump if you have a 04-05, you can unbolt that extra weight & plug the hole coming from the exhaust manifold.

2ZR-FE
1.8L
DOHC 16-valve
Bore x Stroke = 80.5 x 88.3 mm
Compression Ratio : 10.0:1
134 HP
Unleaded



2AZ-Fe
2.4L
88.5 mm bore
96.0 mm stroke
Compression ratio: 9.6:1
158 HP
Unleaded



Interior

03-08 had the exact same interior, with the main/only difference being that the 03/04 models had a two-deck center console lid, while the 05-08 had a single-deck. Color for seat cloth was either a dark or light grey.




The cigarette lighter could have either been covered, or had a green ring around it. Those with the green ring had the Smokers' Package added, and came with an ashtray that would sit in the cupholder. From my experience, it was a popular option which dealers added, but wasn't necessarily ordered for a smoker. Also, the 03/04s have a 12v outlet in the center console. 05-08s don't, but the wire harness is still there (in case you want to add your own).

03/04 center console


05-08 Center Console

(Thanks to user GMJap for posting these pictures a LONG time ago)

09-10 Vibe had similar interior, with 2010 getting a silver shifter plate for the auto instead of black

09:


10:


Gauge Clusters

There was a color change from 03 to 04. 04 to 08 have the same gauge cluster color pattern

03 was all red (top) while 04-08 had white numbering with red outlines (bottom)

*note: upper cluster is GT model

03/04 gauge clusters are swappable. 03/04 clusters cannot be put into an 05-08 Vibe and vice-versa. 05+ clusters will beep at you if you don't have your seatbelt on.

09-10 cluster:



Wheel information
Lug pattern:
-03-08: 5x100
-09-10 1.8l: 5x100
-09-10 2.4l: 5x114.3

Bore:
All 1.8l: 57.1mm
All 2.4l: 54mm

Offset
All 1.8l: 34-42mm
All 2.4l: 39mm


Factory Wheels
All 1.8l Vibes, from 03-10, had these hubcaps:


09 1.8l had no alloy wheel options

03-08 16" alloy


03-08 17" alloy

Not a GT wheel - optional for all 2003-2008 Vibes

09-10 2.4l base/awd hubcaps


09-10 2.4l base alloy (17")


09-10 AWD alloy (17")


09-10 GT alloy (18")


All rims were wrapped in Goodyear Eagle RS-A all-season tires, except for the 03-08 17" rims. They had summer-only Dunlop tires. The 09/10 GT 18" rims were equipped with Goodyear Eagle F1 A/S-C all-season tires.


OEM Tire Sizes:
205/55/r16
215/45/r17
215/50/r17
215/45R18


EPA MPG
City/Combined/Highway

03/04 Vibe base manual
25/28/33

03/04 Vibe base auto
25/27/31

03/04 Vibe AWD
22/25/29

03/04 Vibe GT
22/24/28

05-08 Vibe Base Manual
26/29/33

05-08 Vibe base auto
25/27/31

05-06 Vibe AWD (AWD discont. in 06)
22/25/29

05-06 Vibe GT (GT discont. in 06)
22/25/29

09-10 1.8l manual
26/28/32

09-10 1.8l auto
26/28/31

09-10 2.4l manual (GT and base)
21/24/28

09-10 2.4l auto (GT and base)
21/24/29

09-10 AWD (2.4l 4-spd auto)
20/22/26

All for now, may add modifications to post later

[A Psycho Martyr]

hmmm....
this will clear a lot of things up for newcomers
and most likely some older ones as well

[MrEd]

Nice post! The one thing that's not cleared up for me, though, is that third "button" on the dash next to the radio on my 05 base.

You know the one - it's a dummy plug right below the AC/Recirculate buttons. What option would have put a working button in it's place? Is that for AWD only (like a diff lock or something?)

[BlueCrush]

Nice post! The one thing that's not cleared up for me, though, is that third "button" on the dash next to the radio on my 05 base.

You know the one - it's a dummy plug right below the AC/Recirculate buttons. What option would have put a working button in it's place? Is that for AWD only (like a diff lock or something?)

Nope. It's a dummy button on the AWD as well. Might be for something on the Matrix though?

[SeattleJeremy]

RE: The dummy button.

It looks like the Matrix style bezel was designed first. Then Pontiac's bean counters said no to the clock, because there is a clock in the radio, so they moved the window defrost button to where the clock was to fill the space. Thus leaving a blank spot in the multi-button block left of the radio.

EDIT: My theory about the dummy buttons was proven wrong after looking at the release dates of the different styles. I got nothing *shoulder shrug*

[ehoff121]

Great info post. Let's keep it going as a wiki...

A few things to add/edit:

1) Engine list -> 2003-2006 AWD 1.8l 1ZZ-FE 4-speed auto

2) The 2005 AWD has a wired throttle, unlike the 2005 Base

3) The interior had slight changes Gen 1 to Gen 2, the two that come to mind are a reduced height center console in Gen 2 that lacked an additional storage compartment under the lid and the Gen 2 removal of the 12V socket inside the center console.

[KITT222]

You're right. When I'm on my pc I will add those in, including pics of the 03 vs 05 console. But I have to refute that Matrix>Vibe bezel claim. For 03/04 the bezel was the same:
http://www.autos.ca/testdrives/images/0 ... s_int1.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Please note I'm not 100% confident in this statement.

05+ got the special bezel with the clock. The dummy switch holds a wire that does something with the air recirculation. I have no idea what is it, but it's kinda handy that you can just let your bezel hang there when you're behind it working on things.

[SeattleJeremy]

Oh, very interesting.
KITT222, you're right. My theory was defiantly wrong. Have no idea why in the first two years there is a dummy button.
I never looked at the 03-04 Matrix bezels before. It looks like they Matrix even used the GM radios in 03-04, then changed to Toyota HU's 05+.
Maybe, Toyota HU's don't have a clock, so that's why the clock was added.

[KITT222]

Oh, very interesting.
KITT222, you're right. My theory was defiantly wrong. Have no idea why in the first two years there is a dummy button.
I never looked at the 03-04 Matrix bezels before. It looks like they Matrix even used the GM radios in 03-04, then changed to Toyota HU's 05+.
Maybe, Toyota HU's don't have a clock, so that's why the clock was added.

Toyota HUs don't have a clock. The Corolla and Celica in my family both have separate clocks. I like it in the Celica because it is right in your line of site when you're driving, instead of having to turn your head down and take a look.

Note to self: add lift points, and that other thing you thought up earlier today that you've forgotten...


EDIT: for the use of this post, and actually the entire forum, the 1st generation is considered to be 2003-2008, with a mild refresh in 2005 (call it gen 1.5 if you choose). Gen 2 is 2009/10.

[tpollauf]

Great write up Nick This will definitely be a good resource page for all of us to use.

[MrEd]

Oh, very interesting.
KITT222, you're right. My theory was defiantly wrong. Have no idea why in the first two years there is a dummy button.
I never looked at the 03-04 Matrix bezels before. It looks like they Matrix even used the GM radios in 03-04, then changed to Toyota HU's 05+.
Maybe, Toyota HU's don't have a clock, so that's why the clock was added.

Toyota HUs don't have a clock. The Corolla and Celica in my family both have separate clocks. I like it in the Celica because it is right in your line of site when you're driving, instead of having to turn your head down and take a look.

Note to self: add lift points, and that other thing you thought up earlier today that you've forgotten...

My 1979 Celica GT had a clock right in the dash by the gauge cluster. It was an old analog style one that you could hear the "tick tock" as it moved the 2nd hand around. I loved it. Everyone else always thought it was strange since their cars had either no clock or one in the radio. Those Toyota engineers, always thinking

[paul]

kitt22 thanks i know now that my 03 & 04 can take a hood & front grill from 05 to 08 my 03 needs a hood & grill so im hunting junk yards for a rear end total & silver too so no painting needed ill need luck on that one, i have just found a 03 in my town in the bone yard that i need parts off of( engine gone) like seats & carpet & center consol lid & carpet floor mats im wanting to buy my 3rd vibe asap that needs those parts, at a $4000 sales price, as soon as i can sell my last & final saturn sl2 ,03 salsa with junk yard engine , 04 silver with painted everthing & gt 17" rims a nice ride even with scuf & dent in hood , clean, a keeper, how can i get the panel for the big speaker in hatch ?

[vibenvy]

Offset
All 1.8l: 34-42mm
All 2.4l: unk

The 2.4L offset is +39mm.

2AZ-Fe
88.5 mm bore
96.0 mm stroke
Compression ratio: 9.6:1
150 HP
Unleaded

The 2.4L HP is 158.

All rims were wrapped in Goodyear Eagle RS-A all-season tires, except for the 03-08 17" rims. They were equipped with (unk) tires.

2009-2010 Vibe GTs came equipped with Goodyear Eagle F1 A/S-C all season tires.

[KITT222]

Thanks Carrie! Edited for new content, better formatting, and better headers.

[vibenvy]

Thanks Carrie! Edited for new content, better formatting, and better headers.

Looks good Nick !

This should definitely be stickied!

[hotbug1776]

The dash dummy button holds a cable to keep the recirculation "door" from working in certain instances or settings. Recirculation is blocked in defroster mode, even with the button pressed. As for why it's a dummy button, I don't know.

[dewaker]

Great article, thanks KITT222! I got my 06 GT Vibe in September 2012 and was doing some research on other vibes. This article answered all my questions.

[vibenvy]

Great article, thanks KITT222! I got my 06 GT Vibe in September 2012 and was doing some research on other vibes. This article answered all my questions.

This is exactly why I reported it as being important so it could be stickied by a mod. Glad it was finally stickied so it will now stay at the top where it belongs! Again, great work Nick !

[Nyx8]

03/04 center console

That center console looks pretty awesome, wonder if I can convert my 2006 to that?

[KITT222]

That center console looks pretty awesome, wonder if I can convert my 2006 to that?

Yep, you just need to find the console. Those two screws allow the top to come out. Many have done it.

[Mazzy21]

Was there a slight difference in color options of interiors on the 2nd gens? I'm asking because I saw a '09 GT "in person" and the interior looked black, where as most pics of the same car ('09 GT) I see online look grey, albeit a dark-ish grey. Along with that, I did see one or two pics online that actually did look like a darker color (the "black") so I'm wondering if there really was a "black" and a "grey" interior option or if it's just a trick of the camera?

[Rayven01]

Was there a slight difference in color options of interiors on the 2nd gens?

The upholstery, yes. Mine is most definitely very black and I've seen the grey you're talking about in others.

[vibenvy]

Was there a slight difference in color options of interiors on the 2nd gens?

The upholstery, yes. Mine is most definitely very black and I've seen the grey you're talking about in others.

No. All 2009-2010 Vibes have black interiors. The GT has leather accented seats, whereas the 1.8L and 2.4L Bases and AWDs have all cloth, but all 2009-2010 interiors, regardless of model, are black. The color can look deceiving in pictures due to lighting, etc.

[Rayven01]

Wow, you're right.. ebony is listed as the only available interior. There must be some serious sun-fading going on in some of them because I've personally sat in some when I was car shopping that were nowhere near as black as mine.

[thebarber]

for the record, the guage setups are different in 03, 04, and then 05-08

from my 04:



from an 05-08

[KITT222]

You have the GT cluster, the other cluster you have pictured is from a base.

[shaeet]

I'll add to this cuz I've found a lot of differences between the 03-05+ model years. Also some of this knowledge assumes the same-year vibe is identical to the same-year matrix:

1: Vibe GT's have additional interior bits including:
-chrome interior door handles
-chrome trim on the front door panels
-fabric inserts on the rear door panels
-chrome e-brake handle button
-leather steering wheel (instead of rubber)
-leather shiftknob/auto gear shift handle (03 only)

I haven't seen any of the above on a non GT Vibe, but the Matrix XR and XRS has all of the above also.

2: The gray seats w/black plastic interior is 03-04 only I believe, 05-08 only had black interior option

3: The 03-04's had a cigarette lighter in the center console & also had a flap door on the main cigarette lighter plug, 05+ had illuminated green ring around the main cigarette lighter & no lighter in the console but the wiring is there.

4: 03-04 door panel molds are crappier than 05+ from my experience. All 03-04's i've looked at have a detent on the drivers door panel top above the door handle due to crappy plastic molding. Maybe i'm crazy but my 05 and a 07 matrix i've seen didn't have htis problem

5: 05+ Vibes/Matrixes have a better lower-console (below shifter) bin. The latch on hte 03-04 is a peice of crap & barely holds it closed. Hitting a bump too hard or slamming the gearshift will open the bin on the 03-04's. The 05+ has a much larger latch mechanism to keep it shut. You have to swap the entire lower plastic console assembly if you want an 05+ bin, the bin itself won't do it, i've tried.

6: 06+ Vibes have sideskirts (I think). My 05 does not and the earlier ones didn't either.

7: The 04 Gauge cluster is indeed the white/red but its MUCH DIMMER and hard to see during the day. The 05+ is MUCH BRIGHTER and easy to see during the day. Apparently 03-04 gauge clusters are swappable & 05-08's are swappable but swapping a 05-08 to a 03-04 model isn't possible without some serious wiring.

8: 03' Vibe GT's 2ZZ engines had NO smog pump & lift engagement was 6200RPM.
04' Vibe GT's have a smog pump & lift engages at 6400RPM.
05 Vibe GT's also have a smog pump and lift was raised to 6800RPM.
Swapping ECU's between an 04 and 03 is possible without any wiring but swapping a 03 ECU into a 05 require PIN's to be rewired. Corolla9.com has a lot of info on this since the Corolla XRS was sold in 05-06 and swapping matrix/vibe 03 ecu's is a common practice there. ALSO worth noting, the 03 ecu eliminates your smog pump if you have a 04-05, you can unbolt that extra weight & plug the hole coming from the exhaust manifold.

9: 03-04 Vibe 1ZZ's have drive by cable throttle bodies. 05-08 1ZZ Vibes have drive by wire (electronic) throttle bodies and the cruise control module is different as a result.

10: 03-04 Vibe instrument clusters don't beep (only blink) when you unplug the drivers seatbelt while driving. 05+ clusters both blink & beep but have a feature that allows you to silence the beep (search forums for the how-to).

11: 03-04 Vibe drivers seat height adjustment is by knob. 05+ has a lever that you pull up or down to raise/lower seat.

12: 03-04 Vibe rear seat "LATCH" badge graphics on the rear seatbacks are different than the 05+....somehow i notice this stuff lol...

For you Matrix fans here are a few tidbits I've found also:
-03-04 Matrix XR's don't have the body kit as standard. They have sideskirts but the front & rear bumpers may or may not have the underspoilers (and holes to attach them) depending on if the "appearnace" package was purchased.
-05+ Matrix XR's have a different front bumper without a attached lip spoiler (redesigned front bumper with integrated lip) but the rear spoiler is the same as the 03-04's, attached via T-clips. Sideskirts also standard
-03-04 Matrix XR's did'n't have alloy wheels standard. Pretty sure 05+ they were standard, but on 03-04 they were an option
-03-04 Matrix XRS's came with 16" alloy wheels standard & the 17" were an option. 05 XRS's had 17's standard (not sure if this is the same for the vibe GT)
-Base model Matrix's have black mirrors & door handles although they are a rare sight in my experience.

[zythr]

I'll add to this cuz I've found a lot of differences between the 03-05+ model years. Also some of this knowledge assumes the same-year vibe is identical to the same-year matrix:

1: Vibe GT's have additional interior bits including:
-chrome interior door handles
-chrome trim on the front door panels
-fabric inserts on the rear door panels
-chrome e-brake handle button
-leather steering wheel (instead of rubber)
-leather shiftknob/auto gear shift handle (03 only)

I haven't seen any of the above on a non GT Vibe, but the Matrix XR and XRS has all of the above also.

2: The gray seats w/black plastic interior is 03-04 only I believe, 05-08 only had black interior option

3: The 03-04's had a cigarette lighter in the center console & also had a flap door on the main cigarette lighter plug, 05+ had illuminated green ring around the main cigarette lighter & no lighter in the console but the wiring is there.

4: 03-04 door panel molds are crappier than 05+ from my experience. All 03-04's i've looked at have a detent on the drivers door panel top above the door handle due to crappy plastic molding. Maybe i'm crazy but my 05 and a 07 matrix i've seen didn't have htis problem

5: 05+ Vibes/Matrixes have a better lower-console (below shifter) bin. The latch on hte 03-04 is a peice of (removed) & barely holds it closed. Hitting a bump too hard or slamming the gearshift will open the bin on the 03-04's. The 05+ has a much larger latch mechanism to keep it shut. You have to swap the entire lower plastic console assembly if you want an 05+ bin, the bin itself won't do it, i've tried.

6: 06+ Vibes have sideskirts (I think). My 05 does not and the earlier ones didn't either.

7: The 04 Gauge cluster is indeed the white/red but its MUCH DIMMER and hard to see during the day. The 05+ is MUCH BRIGHTER and easy to see during the day. Apparently 03-04 gauge clusters are swappable & 05-08's are swappable but swapping a 05-08 to a 03-04 model isn't possible without some serious wiring.

8: 03' Vibe GT's 2ZZ engines had NO smog pump & lift engagement was 6200RPM.
04' Vibe GT's have a smog pump & lift engages at 6400RPM.
05 Vibe GT's also have a smog pump and lift was raised to 6800RPM.
Swapping ECU's between an 04 and 03 is possible without any wiring but swapping a 03 ECU into a 05 require PIN's to be rewired. Corolla9.com has a lot of info on this since the Corolla XRS was sold in 05-06 and swapping matrix/vibe 03 ecu's is a common practice there. ALSO worth noting, the 03 ecu eliminates your smog pump if you have a 04-05, you can unbolt that extra weight & plug the hole coming from the exhaust manifold.

9: 03-04 Vibe 1ZZ's have drive by cable throttle bodies. 05-08 1ZZ Vibes have drive by wire (electronic) throttle bodies and the cruise control module is different as a result.

10: 03-04 Vibe instrument clusters don't beep (only blink) when you unplug the drivers seatbelt while driving. 05+ clusters both blink & beep but have a feature that allows you to silence the beep (search forums for the how-to).

11: 03-04 Vibe drivers seat height adjustment is by knob. 05+ has a lever that you pull up or down to raise/lower seat.

12: 03-04 Vibe rear seat "LATCH" badge graphics on the rear seatbacks are different than the 05+....somehow i notice this stuff lol...

For you Matrix fans here are a few tidbits I've found also:
-03-04 Matrix XR's don't have the body kit as standard. They have sideskirts but the front & rear bumpers may or may not have the underspoilers (and holes to attach them) depending on if the "appearnace" package was purchased.
-05+ Matrix XR's have a different front bumper without a attached lip spoiler (redesigned front bumper with integrated lip) but the rear spoiler is the same as the 03-04's, attached via T-clips. Sideskirts also standard
-03-04 Matrix XR's did'n't have alloy wheels standard. Pretty sure 05+ they were standard, but on 03-04 they were an option
-03-04 Matrix XRS's came with 16" alloy wheels standard & the 17" were an option. 05 XRS's had 17's standard (not sure if this is the same for the vibe GT)
-Base model Matrix's have black mirrors & door handles although they are a rare sight in my experience.

In other words, 05 and later Vibes are the ones to get?

[KITT222]

I own an 04, so let's clear some of these things up:

-My 04 has black seats. This black material could have been a highly purchased options, with the other option being grey cloth for certain model years, but I haven't seen enough grey cloth interiors to make this assumption.

-The green ring around the cigarette lighter was a part of the smoker's package, as my 04 has the green ring.

-Door panels I'd like to hear more on... Mine are fine and sturdy.

-The flared skirts were from a TSB, some 03/04 two-tones have them, and I'd like a set for my montone. I believe excessive rock chipping to the tucked skirts was why they came out with the flared ones. But since it was a TSB, only some owners got them done. I have seen two-tone 05s with the tucked skirts.

-Gauge cluster brightness I haven't been able to experience, but you are true about swappability.

-Good info about the 2ZZ and lift engagement. I'll add it to the main post.

-Cable and electronic throttle bodies covered. Cable throttles stayed on the GT and AWD until their discontinuation.

-03/04 clusters do indeed beep, but I haven't experience it while driving since I always am belted. I'll try it some time today.

Oh! Mirrors.... 03/04 had black unpainted mirrors, while 05+ had body colored mirrors. I'll add that, too.

Thanks shaeet!

[shaeet]

yea i've never seen grey cloth in a vibe but this 04' matrix i have sitting in my driveway has it. IMO its ugly since the door panels & carpet are still black.

[canadave]

I'll add to this cuz I've found a lot of differences between the 03-05+ model years. Also some of this knowledge assumes the same-year vibe is identical to the same-year matrix:

7: The 04 Gauge cluster is indeed the white/red but its MUCH DIMMER and hard to see during the day. The 05+ is MUCH BRIGHTER and easy to see during the day.

I assume you're saying this because you've owned these/looked at these...is it possible your experience might be due to differences in the setting for the cluster brightness knob? Our 04 Vibe seems fine with brightness, and we have the brightness set to max.

[shaeet]

I'll add to this cuz I've found a lot of differences between the 03-05+ model years. Also some of this knowledge assumes the same-year vibe is identical to the same-year matrix:

7: The 04 Gauge cluster is indeed the white/red but its MUCH DIMMER and hard to see during the day. The 05+ is MUCH BRIGHTER and easy to see during the day.

I assume you're saying this because you've owned these/looked at these...is it possible your experience might be due to differences in the setting for the cluster brightness knob? Our 04 Vibe seems fine with brightness, and we have the brightness set to max.

It might be adequate but in really bright sun I have trouble seeing the numbers on the cluster in the 04's I've driven. My 05 doesn't have that problem. The contrast is really vivid in comparison, almost like its LED backlight VS bulb backlit but not sure cuz I've never removed the cluster to take a look.

[Aquell]

Hi,

my wife drives a vibe base 04 model. I really like the car and I think it looks like a cool car.

We are having some issues lately. The ac stopped working and the car shakes a lot during braking. They did replace the pads an resurfaced the rotors like a year ago. I went to a different shop and they said the brakes look oke. So I dont really know what to do.

Right now I do not have the space nor the tools to work on the car myself. Hopefully this will change in the future. I am planning to drive this car for a couple of more years. Right now it has 125K on it, which is not to bad.

Any tips are more then welcome.

[TheInternal]

oh nice. glad to see this got bumped to the top after I posted a slew of noobie questions... the 2003 - 2006 GT model requies premium gas? Like... the highest end of the three options at the pump? or just 87 octane?

[vibenvy]

oh nice. glad to see this got bumped to the top after I posted a slew of noobie questions... the 2003 - 2006 GT model requies premium gas? Like... the highest end of the three options at the pump? or just 87 octane?

I believe they require a minimum of 90 octane to run properly. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong...

[KITT222]

oh nice. glad to see this got bumped to the top after I posted a slew of noobie questions... the 2003 - 2006 GT model requies premium gas? Like... the highest end of the three options at the pump? or just 87 octane?

I believe they require a minimum of 90 octane to run properly. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong...

91 octane is the recommended octane.


EDIT

Added a few details, including the 91-octane bit.

[alkyexpress]

I own an 04, so let's clear some of these things up:

-My 04 has black seats. This black material could have been a highly purchased options, with the other option being grey cloth for certain model years, but I haven't seen enough grey cloth interiors to make this assumption.


-Door panels I'd like to hear more on... Mine are fine and sturdy.

My 04 has a grey cloth on the seats and the insert on the door panels , with a black door panel .

[Tommychu]

Hub bore is 54.10, not 57.10. All Toyotas with 4x100 and 5x100 use that bore.
The 5x4.5 hub bore is 60.10.

[vibolista]

I have a snip of the OEM '03-'08 "Matrix" wheel size and offset chart, which also pertains to '03-'08 Vibe, of course. Just note that Matrix got 2 hub cap styles, while the Vibe had only one for those years. Plus their aluminum alloy wheels look significantly different.

Specs are identical for the '03-'08 Matrix/Vibe wheels.



Enjoy!

[kingcaff]

Very Nice post with some solid information!!

[Bastranz]

Awesome write-up! So, wait, if the gauge from the 04 Vibe is swappable with the gauge cluster of the 03s, does that mean one could retrofit an 03 with the white numbers of the 04 Vibes, or is there more that is needed to make that work?

[KITT222]

Awesome write-up! So, wait, if the gauge from the 04 Vibe is swappable with the gauge cluster of the 03s, does that mean one could retrofit an 03 with the white numbers of the 04 Vibes, or is there more that is needed to make that work?

It is possible, and I have a spare 03 cluster that I have fit in my 04 just to see it for myself, but the problem with doing that is the mileage is stored in the cluster. And I have no idea about how to change that number, or even if GM/Toyota would do it.

[robtec88]

5: 05+ Vibes/Matrixes have a better lower-console (below shifter) bin. The latch on hte 03-04 is a peice of crap & barely holds it closed. Hitting a bump too hard or slamming the gearshift will open the bin on the 03-04's. The 05+ has a much larger latch mechanism to keep it shut. You have to swap the entire lower plastic console assembly if you want an 05+ bin, the bin itself won't do it, i've tried.

We have a 2003 and a 2006 Vibe. The bin latch on the 2003 does suck...or should I say, it used to suck! GM issued a TSB with regards to that issue on the 2003-2004 Vibes. It's such a simple fix that I was pissed off at myself for not thinking of it. All you do is take out the bin, on the bottom side of the bin hinge points, place a piece of felt (sticky on one side) to the two hinge points on the bin. Place the bin back in the console - Voila!!! It really does work - no more opening up by itself when ever you hit bumps or fart too hard! It opens very smoothly and no rattles from the bin either. It's a simple miracle fix that costs pennies and 2 minutes to do.

HINT: don't use too thick of a felt tape - the thin stuff is all you need to hold enough tension on the latch mechanism.

So those with a 2003-2004 Vibe, give this fix a shot - you'll be very surprised.

[lannvouivre]

no more opening up by itself when ever you hit bumps or fart too hard!

BAHAHAHA!

[cc333]

Very nice write up!

Anyway, one minor correction: we bought our 2006 base Vibe, and it came standard with the AC plug (offset on the right, with the on/off switch for it in the center).

And the part of the passenger side door panel which carries the cloth-like stuff is separating from the rest of the panel. I took a look while fixing up the rear-view mirror, and found that the plastic rivets are getting brittle and breaking away. I fixed one by driving a spare screw from the mirror into it, and it helped significantly. I tried doing this to another one, but it didn't hold (and I don't feel like removing the panel again, though I may at some point to make some adjustments to the mirror and for some deep cleaning of the door itself).

So, if the '03-'04 models were prone to this, I can say that the '06 model isn't completely immune either. The fix, however, is quite simple if one is careful not to drive too far and dimple the outer surface (I did this, but fortunately, it doesn't show).

c

[Cool]

Other things that I have noticed between the first and second generation are:

1) Second generation, the hatchback glass opening feature has been taken away

2) The hard plastic in the back has been recessed in the Second generation. First generation, it is completely flat. Presumably for heavy loads, it can't rest against the hatchback

3) Satellite radio in Second generation that also has the ability to plug in your cell phone music wise

4) Blower settings have given a half setting in the Second Generation

5) Consol in Second generation has the secondary storage again

[lannvouivre]

GVWR on my base, auto, FWD 2006 is 3845 lbs.

[Slodge12]

hello, im just curious my pontiac seems to have the 2ZZ-GE VVT-i engine and its a 2007 Pontiac Vibe now would i be able to switch out that engine for a 2ZZ-GE VVTL-i engine?

[KITT222]

hello, im just curious my pontiac seems to have the 2ZZ-GE VVT-i engine and its a 2007 Pontiac Vibe now would i be able to switch out that engine for a 2ZZ-GE VVTL-i engine?

Did you mean it has the 1ZZ-FE? Black intake manifold instead of silver one? If so, a 2ZZ-GE swap is possible. But it requires a conversion to manual, and a whole new ECU and harness. Trading for a Vibe GT might be easier. Otherwise...

http://www.monkeywrenchracing.com/index ... 6cgla2g6g7

[lannvouivre]

hello, im just curious my pontiac seems to have the 2ZZ-GE VVT-i engine and its a 2007 Pontiac Vibe now would i be able to switch out that engine for a 2ZZ-GE VVTL-i engine?

Did you mean it has the 1ZZ-FE? Black intake manifold instead of silver one? If so, a 2ZZ-GE swap is possible. But it requires a conversion to manual, and a whole new ECU and harness. Trading for a Vibe GT might be easier. Otherwise...

http://www.monkeywrenchracing.com/index ... 6cgla2g6g7

If you have a manual transmission, you're pretty much set. You definitely would have a 1ZZ-FE engine stock because the last 2ZZ-GE Vibes were made in 2005 for the first generation.


Nick, they had an automatic transmission available for the Matrix XRS from like 2003-2005. I don't know if the Vibe GT is the same story or not, and because it is so super-rare, eh, I don't really want to look it up.