2005 Vibe review

[03VibeGT6Spd]

I was sent this and couldn't believe what the first guy said.http://www.autosite.com/Review...e.aspI would like to give this guy a ride and show him what a Gt will do!

[GMJAP]

Totally agree with the review. Had the same impressions when looking. If ya want power, get a base with SC!

[03VibeGT6Spd]

Quote, originally posted by GMJAP »Totally agree with the review. Had the same impressions when looking. If ya want power, get a base with SC!A base with a Supercharger won't beat a GT

[nismo]

Yeah, I agree with 03VbeGT. The base with a S/C will not beat a GT. I am willing to put $10 on that. But the only restriction is that both of the Vibe drivers have to know how to launch their cars correctly. If either of you get a bad launch, someone will lose very badly or someone will lose by like an inch.Inder

[PhillyVibeGT]

Personally, I think that guy sucks, maybe he has too much fiber in his diet, he may also drive a VW..lol Love my 04' GT

[Dave_ca]

With the GT you really have to know how to drive it. I find it a very quik car (for a NA 1.8)-- However I have no problems with downshifting into 3rd at over 100kph to extract the speed required. It is all about what you are used to driving. Most people will not like the peaky power of the vibe... for the few like myself, we love it.

[03VibeGT6Spd]

Quote, originally posted by desert_dweller »Those thoughts were similar to mine when I test drove a GT vs Base. I was really not that impressed that to get the extra HP you needed to almost red line the engine. Now if the GT had a physically larger engine, then I might have considered the GT.The only thing that is simular between the two engines is the final displacement size.Yamaha's 2ZZ has a Shorter stroke and a larger bore, higher compression ratio, twice as many cam lobe's, It's like 2 engines in 1!My first Yamaha 4 cylinder redlined at 15,000 RPMS.It seen the redline several times a day, just about everyday of it's life.It was still running fine after 80,000 plus miles, when it was stolen.

[nismo]

Quote, originally posted by Dave_ca »With the GT you really have to know how to drive it. I find it a very quik car (for a NA 1.8)-- However I have no problems with downshifting into 3rd at over 100kph to extract the speed required. It is all about what you are used to driving. Most people will not like the peaky power of the vibe... for the few like myself, we love it.I totally agree with you there. I think that if you know how to drive the vehicle, then yes, it's quite peppy. And he said 0-60 close to 8 seconds? That's outragous!Inder

[GMJAP]

Quote, originally posted by TRD4reel »Yeah, I agree with 03VbeGT. The base with a S/C will not beat a GT. I am willing to put $10 on that. But the only restriction is that both of the Vibe drivers have to know how to launch their cars correctly. If either of you get a bad launch, someone will lose very badly or someone will lose by like an inch.Inder What makes you say that? I'm not arguing, I wouldn't really know, but I am interested in why you think that.

[ragingfish]

First off, a supercharged base model would give a GT a run for it's money, but in the end, would likely not win...As to the review, that's one of the most poorly worded, and factually correct, articles I've read to date. This guy is a pompous a$$ who hasn't a clue what he's talking about! He recommends supercharging the AWD model if you're considering it -- something that is not allowed by GM and immediately voids the majority of your powertrain warranty if done at all..He also says the AWD takes a 5% power loss due to added weight...come on...7 horsepower we're talking here...give me a damn break! It's not that huge a deal! Most people don't buy an AWD model for speed.Quote »Rear legroom is tight when tall people are sitting in frontLast I checked, that's the case in ANY car!It's poorly written and consistently negative articles like that which make me shy away from automotive critics when choosing a car...I do my own damn reviews.

[03VibeGT6Spd]

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »First off, a supercharged base model would give a GT a run for it's money, but in the end, would most likely not win...At the Michigan super meet, I asked the Vibe brand manager and the engineers that question.There response was that the supercharger didn't boast the engine upto the same power as the GT and if it was to the transmission's would hold it back.they also include the supercharged base still has a speed limiter.

[ragingfish]

As I said, it would be a good race, but the GT would win...

[AzFusionGT]

Perhaps this guy needs to stick with an auto trans...the appeal of the GT for me was the 6-speed tranny. It's a great car to drive and the boost at 6000 RPMs is a hidden surprise.

[drunkenmaxx]

Quote, originally posted by desert_dweller »I am just saying that I did not notice any difference in the two cars proformance till the GT was at high RPMs, which granted was pretty cool but to me not work the money. I do not need the extra power at such high RPMs, If the GT had a larger 4Cyl or a 6Cyl or more power across the entire powerband then I would have considered a GT.The odd thing is that I kick myself in the a$$ for not giving more consideration to the AWD.....maybe next time.while the AWD is not a speed demon, it definitely has some pep. plus, driving in the snow is more fun than a pain in the (removed)! there is one thing about the SC base: low end torque

[GMJAP]

Quote, originally posted by drunkenvibe »there is one thing about the SC base: low end torqueThat's why I wonder if the GT would really beat a SC base. (in a long drag, sure b/c of the speed limiter). But in a short run, the SC base gives you more low-end torque and HP over the whole range, according to what I've seen. The GT has to climb up to 6000+ to get the real boost.So in a short drag, I think it'd be too close to make a call, assuming equal drivers. Plus, in terms of performance I care about, such as quick acceleration for avoidance or traffic issues, seems like the SC would be better due to low-end torque and broader range of HP increase. When I need to move, I need to move now, and I wouldn't cruise the GT at 6000rpm.Also, ragingfish's reply on the AWD HP loss brings up a question I've had for a while:If 5% HP change is no big deal, why does anyone toss money at a CAI? Especially when the same thing can be accomplished by just replacing the temp sensor with a resistor to always read cold?Inquiring minds want to know. Cheers!

[soldierguy]

Ok...I don't have my Vibe yet, but I looked, poked, prodded, sat in, and played with one for months, and finally took it on a long test drive. If I had never driven it I wouldn't have ordered it...the drive is what convinced me to order one.Yeah, the engine noise was noticable. At cold start, I thought it was loud, but it quieted down quickly. Under normal driving it was fine...but I like to hear what's going on under the hood. I never felt like the engine was threatening to bust free and shower me with molten metal bits...to me the sound was great...sort of an eager, angry sound that was music to me and not harsh. The sounds complements and enhances the sporty feel of the car.These auto writers bug me...it seems that they get so used to driving Audis and Lexuses (Lexi?) that they expect every car to be a rolling isolation booth. I don't want an isolation booth. I want a car that engages me...one that has a perky personality that entices me to drive. I like reading all the car magazines (some would call it an addiction...lol) because I'm a car nut. But I also know that the writers get paid to identify differences between cars, quirks, problems, etc. So I read with interest comments about performance, handling, braking, space ultilization, interesting features, technical specs, etc, but kinda gloss over the comments about noise because for the most part I don't agree with their sensitive ears.

[ToolGuy]

This guy is a dumb (removed)!Quote: "Let’s say that like so many residents of the United States, your heart tells you to buy an American car to support both your country and your neighbors, but your head tells you to buy a Japanese car for long-term reliability and proven resale value."Give the American Public more credit jack (removed)! Quality gaps have lessened over the years this is not the 1960's or 70's! Todays worst car is still better then the best car years ago! Get your big dumb assed head out of the sand and become a real automotive enthusiast!!!!! Since he said this he must think this too. Buy American does not mean crap anymore and very, very, few cars are designed and built in the US anymore let alone are composed of parts from all over the world.

[GMJAP]

Quote, originally posted by MiVibe-ToolGuy »This guy is a dumb (removed)!Quote: "Let’s say that like so many residents of the United States, your heart tells you to buy an American car to support both your country and your neighbors, but your head tells you to buy a Japanese car for long-term reliability and proven resale value."Give the American Public more credit jack (removed)! Quality gaps have lessened over the years this is not the 1960's or 70's! Todays worst car is still better then the best car years ago! Get your big dumb assed head out of the sand and become a real automotive enthusiast!!!!! Since he said this he must think this too. Buy American does not mean crap anymore and very, very, few cars are designed and built in the US anymore let alone are composed of parts from all over the world. Uh.... the Vibe has worse depreciation than the Matrix, simply because it's "domestic". So, the buying public at large seems to agree with this guy. Also, a quick browse through Consumer Reports or long-term tests at a mag such as R&T will quickly make it apparent that the quality and reliability of American cars still lags Japanese.I think you are correct in that overall, the average quality has increased significantly i the last 30+ years. Still Japanese manufacturers have a lead over domestic and European makers. This is not to say domestics are crap cars at all - there's good, there's better, and there's best.So I don't think this guy is a dumbass at all. All the stats support his claims: domestic doesn't have as good resale value, and still lag in long-term reliability.

[ToolGuy]

No he is a dumb (removed) in the entire article, like others stated. And if the buying public were more educated like they should be on the Vibe they would know it is not a domestic car, no car really is anymore hence parts from all over the world. I work in the auto industry so I can comment on it with good knowledge... And not ALL imports hold their value... Disagree in the quality lagging with foreign, look at Mitsubishi. Plus the foreign companies tend to hide recalls hoping they will just go away versas the domestic companies addressing them better. For Euro look at Mercedes and VW. My wife used to work for VW and I can tell you stories that will make your head spin. VW has engine oil sludge issues too. Foreign does not equal better, very old school thinking. Magazines are bias too i.e. C&D. Long term tests in car mags do not come right out and say this american car lags in quality compared to foreign cars if so then cars like Corvette would not have won awards in 1998 and the new Vette this year. The new Mustang, Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum too. Just read an article in C&D on the new GTO versas the new Mustang, never mentioned quality in them versas a foreign car. In fact the HP power numbers and times were compared to a BMW. Sounds like you know the above examples because you stated not all domestic cars are crap, but the buyng public and lots of article writers need to look at these too. The awards do not lie... I am not bias and have driven, worked on and detalied lots of cars, foreign and domestic. About the biggest POS I have driven and detailed was a 300K Lambo. For 300K I would think it would be flawless or mostly. People buy what they like now a days, all about style, loyalty to foreign or domestic means very little today.

[GMJAP]

Quote, originally posted by GMJAP »That's why I wonder if the GT would really beat a SC base. (in a long drag, sure b/c of the speed limiter). But in a short run, the SC base gives you more low-end torque and HP over the whole range, according to what I've seen. The GT has to climb up to 6000+ to get the real boost.So in a short drag, I think it'd be too close to make a call, assuming equal drivers. Nice to see someone put it to the test, and prove my point:http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=14614

[Houston]

I worked in Inspection/Quality Control/Customer Satisfaction (Gm kept changing the name) for thirty-three years at Buick in Flint, retiring nine years ago. I had difficulty believing, and you would too, how much the quality of GM cars increased over the years. Yes, Japan forced GM to do it. GM learned its lesson the hard way and is now producing top-notch vehicles - and there ain't nobody gonna convince me otherwise.

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by Houston »I worked in Inspection/Quality Control/Customer Satisfaction (Gm kept changing the name) for thirty-three years at Buick in Flint, retiring nine years ago. I had difficulty believing, and you would too, how much the quality of GM cars increased over the years. Yes, Japan forced GM to do it. GM learned its lesson the hard way and is now producing top-notch vehicles - and there ain't nobody gonna convince me otherwise.Unfortunately there are a number of us old folks that hold a grudge - mine relates to a piece of crap Buick Estate Wagon I bought new in 1977. It went through ignition coils and starter motors like Norm on Cheers through mugs of draft beer. You never knew if it would start. The dealer couldn't figure it out. When I wrote GM they told me I should go to my dealer who was the best source for such information. Against my advice my son bought a GMC Jimmy in 1996. He sure regretted that piece of GM Junk! Maybe in 2005 things have changed but I'm not going to be the Guinea Pig.

[Houston]

Can't say that I blame you. On the other hand, your son bought his truck nine years ago. Lots has happened since then.

[Z600]

I don't see anything wrong with this review. Sounds to me as though he liked it (Yay, Vibe!). I have to agree with him on the best of lineup... I think the Base is the best bang for your buck (say that 5 times fast!). The HP gains aren't worth the extra payment $$$ and extra insurance $$$. And the base model is noisy under acceleration... I can attest to that one. Like bangin' a spoon in a coffee can. Two things I did catch him on:1) The AWD was "detuned"? I thought the reduced HP was beacuse of a difference in exhaust routing, due to the different drivetrain? Not sure I'd call that "detuning"... makes it sound like they did it on purpose.2) Since when has the Vibe come in "wild" colors????? Correct me if I'm wrong, but 4 neutrals, 2 reds, a dark blue, and a rust don't really qualify for "wild" status, do they? ~ Z600