Looking for a crossover....

[Terran]

I may be up for a new car here soon. I'm looking for something with good horsepower and a lot of options. I was just curious what other crossover-style vehicles you guys considered before purchasing the Vibe. What's good/bad about each one? What made you choose the Vibe over the others?I'm currently looking at:Pontiac Vibe (of course)Honda ElementSubaru ImprezaMazda Protege 5Any others you think I should consider? And why? Which in my list deserve a closer look? etc... Thanks!

[Sputnik]

I really didn't look at anything other than the Vibe for crossover type vehicles. I wanted a small GM Car that looked good and had functionality. Luckily they came out with the Vibe right when my lease on my Chevy Cavalier was up. Worked out great and I love my Vibe. I notice you didn't have the Toyota Matrix in your list. Any reason for the omission?You could also view the thread where people list their reasons for buying a Vibe over a Matrix (if you haven't looked already, that is).http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=2146&page=1

[Terran]

I'm not a big fan of the styling on the Matrix. That's why I left it out. Since the Matrix and the Vibe are essentially the same, I just put in the one that I thought looked better.And yes, my list isn't ALL crossovers, I just want more storage than a car, but not pay a fortune for it.

[Flip-Side]

My options were the Vibe, Saturn Vue, and the Pontiac Aztec. I hated the Aztec looks so it was out. The vibe was chosen for cost, reliability, and good fuel economy. The one I would have bought (if I had a bit more cash) Would have been the Vue. You can get the 180hp v6 with all-wheel-drive for fairly cheap. Saturns are reliable, and the plastic panels make the car light, and dent impervious. Not to mention how in the next few years honda will be supplying engines for the Vue. Saturns downfall is the cost of replacement parts, but that will not be a big problem because chevy will be putting out a "clone" very soon, meaning cheaper costs.

[shenandoah24]

I guess that I have been a Vibe groupie from the start. I never considered buying a different car. When I finally decided that it was time to give the Happy Meal (Cavalier) a rest, I made up my mind that a Salsa Vibe would be my next car. I honestly love it. It has a TON of room to haul things and plenty of room for the family. IN the words of my six year old step-daughter----"IT'S THE COOLEST". Good luck on your car hunt!!!!!

[rasermon]

I traded in a GMC truck for my vibe, so I needed cargo room. The Pontiac Vibe has it with the back seats folded down. My second choice was the Subaru Impreza WRX, but lack of cargo space.

[Terran]

So, the WRX wagon just didn't have as much cargo room? Or did the seats not fold down? The WRX wagon is currently neck-and-neck with the Vibe.Thanks!

[rasermon]

quote:So, the WRX wagon just didn't have as much cargo room? Or did the seats not fold down? The WRX wagon is currently neck-and-neck with the Vibe.Data taken from Consumer Reports.Impreza wagon: Cargo volume, cu. ft. 20.5Pontiac vibe: Cargo volume, cu. ft. 25 Yes the seats do fold down in the Impreza. The Impreza is a great car, but the vibe was more versatile for me.

[Terran]

Excellent. Thanks for the info! I guess it's just a matter of price now. The Vibe wins by quite a bit. ...well at least the way I would spec them out! hehe. Even with the new Supercharger thrown in there.I have until summer to decide, so I've got PLENTY of time.

[Chris]

Just a few notes from my purchasing experience:Mazda P5 - actually has 130 hp base. Really nice car but not really crossover. Don't know the 'stated cargo room' but it's really small. A great sporty car... not really a great 'utility' car.Sube base TS (wagon - same size as wrx but cheaper) - probably the best handling, quickest li'll utilitarian car out there! Seriously, this thing kicks in base power and handling with it's full time 4wd... love that baby. I still wouldn't trade my Vibe due to the 'old' design of the interior (seats don't fold flat like the vibe and useable cargo room is quite a bit smaller IMO) and slight price premium but it's totally worth a look... 165hp/166lb/ft niceDon't forget the PT Cruiser... don't laugh. I took one out on a lark but wow! If you're looking for utility, this thing's got it with decent power (150hp). Sure 'fit and finish' is not 100R% but, take one for a spin... they're fun.Suzuki Aerio - um different but if you're open minded it's an interesting car with 140 hpthere are a few others but I thought I'd just open you're eyes a bit. Have fun! Test drive lots then make your decision.FYI, I have a base Vibe and even in hindsight, would not trade it. The combo of affordability, utility, fun and semi uniqueness still rule for me.