Would you buy a Hybrid Vibe if offered?

[icon4x]

If Pontiac made avaibale a Hybrid Vibe, would you consider buying one? Since Toyota seems to be leading the market in the hybrid revolution, I wonder if Matrix and Vibe are next to be "Hybridized." Also, how many more times in this paragraph can I mention the word hybrid?

[tnpartsguy]

Hybrids are too complex, and don't live up to their hype. No thanks.

[Mr. Poopypants]

Under two conditions:1.) If the increased sticker price was worth the gas savings, the environment isn't my main concern with hybrids, I want to spend less on gas.2.) More power than the current Vibe.

[Ponyota]

No way, no how, not in this lifetime....

[GMJAP]

The hybrid Accord is more powerful than the V6. Doesn't sound weak to me.The price increase wouldn't have to all be made up through gas savings as long as power increased also.However, if cargo room decreased due to battery packs, I might not go for it.

[kostby]

EDIT: Deja Vu, eh Poopy!Sure, I'd consider a hybrid, with a few conditions:1) IF the hybrid combination was higher-performance than the standard engine, a la the (?Honda Accord?) hybrid which offers greater combined horsepower and greater performance than the standard gas engine, AND2) IF the cost difference between gas-only and hybrid could be recouped in the period of time a typical owner financed the vehicle (3-6 years) OR LESS.IMHO, even at the present state of energy prices (US$2.25/gallon), it's still ludicrous to pay a $10,000 premium over gasoline ($5,000 additional base cost, and $5,000 in uh, additional dealer markup) to purchase a vehicle that's only going to save the owner maybe $2,500 in fuel during the typical period of ownership.

[scherry2]

my wife sure would she is waiting for the malibu hybrid.

[ragingfish]

I think I probably would IF it wasn't priced too high over traditional versions...

[redlava]

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »I think I probably would IF it wasn't priced too high over traditional versions...Ditto. If they could give me an additional 15 mpg and 25 horses for under $24,000 I would definatly buy one. I was just talking about this the other day with a friend of mine.

[joatmon]

The mpg ratings on the Vibe were an important factor in why I bought one, and why I didn't buy a GT or AWD. I'd trade some power for some mpgs, but it would have ot be a reasonable trade. 70 HP and 40 mpg isn't a fair trade, but I'd do 100 HP for 45 - 50 mpg.

[GMJAP]

Quote, originally posted by joatmon »The mpg ratings on the Vibe were an important factor in why I bought one, and why I didn't buy a GT or AWD. I'd trade some power for some mpgs, but it would have ot be a reasonable trade. 70 HP and 40 mpg isn't a fair trade, but I'd do 100 HP for 45 - 50 mpg. That's not a hybrid, that's a VW TDI.

[scott_h]

Quote, originally posted by scherry2 » she is waiting for the malibu hybrid.Eeeek! You just triggered a flashback!After never-ending problems for several years with our Malibu, we finally traded it for.... our new Vibe last week!

[Stang2Vibe]

I would go for it under many of the same conditions others have stated. I wouldn't require the $ savings for fuel to equal the increase in sticker price, but I think it is reasonable to expect it to be somewhat close. My big caveat with the hybrid would be with the power. If I'm paying more for it, it should go faster. I won't get too hung up on power numbers, I'll be looking more at the acceleration figures that it can put up. The Accord hybrid is interesting because it uses the V6 powerplant mated with the electric drive. Yes it is showing that the V6 hybrid Accord makes more power than the traditional V6, but is it faster? Remember, fuel cells and electric motors are very heavy parts and will add significantly to the total vehicle weight. Theoretically, it could have 500HP but still be slower than the traditional powerplant car if the hybrid gains enough weight.The only hybrid Vibe that would appeal to me would be one that can outperform my '03 GT, get significantly better fuel economy, but not cost more than about $3,000-$4,000 over the price of my GT. I am a realist and therefore I admit that those requirements are a very tall order given current technology.

[Atomb]

definately.i don't care about 'power' ...i bought a Vibe so that's obvious.the increased fuel savings would be nice. but the thought that i'm doing SOMETHING to help my future kids and grandkids enjoy this planet is the best part.i'm quite sure my wife's next car will be a hybrid, and i know my next will definetly be one...now if they would price them in the vibe's range it would be no brainer!

[jwalcik]

in a heartbeat, however with some of the same caveats mentioned above. the truck i traded in when i got my vibe was only getting 19mpg. with gas prices being what they are, and not likely to take a significant dip anytime soon, the 27mpg i got out of the first tank i put through my GT was quite the blessing. if i could get say, 50mpg, and the same (or better) performance, i'd be willing to pay an extra few thousand dollar premium.

[GMJAP]

Quote, originally posted by Stang2Vibe »The Accord hybrid is interesting because it uses the V6 powerplant mated with the electric drive. Yes it is showing that the V6 hybrid Accord makes more power than the traditional V6, but is it faster? Remember, fuel cells and electric motors are very heavy parts and will add significantly to the total vehicle weight. Theoretically, it could have 500HP but still be slower than the traditional powerplant car if the hybrid gains enough weight.The V6 Accord: 240hp with 7.4s 0-60Hybrid Accord: 255hp with 6.9s 0-60The hybrid is about $3300 more.

[michaelgt]

I do not drive the conditions that make a hybrid gain mpg. Of my 45 mile commute (each way), I have 10 miles of 2-lane at 55 mph, with two intersections. I have 34 miles of freeway (and most of the time I am at 75+ mph), and one mile to the parking deck. Therefore, I do not see that a hybrid is going to save me money turning off the engine at either of the two traffic lights.

[Atomb]

Quote, originally posted by michaelgt »I do not drive the conditions that make a hybrid gain mpg. Of my 45 mile commute (each way), I have 10 miles of 2-lane at 55 mph, with two intersections. I have 34 miles of freeway (and most of the time I am at 75+ mph), and one mile to the parking deck. Therefore, I do not see that a hybrid is going to save me money turning off the engine at either of the two traffic lights. No offense, Michaelgt, as i see this is the case with the vast majority of north americans (yes EVEN canadians are at fault). Your comments point out 2 very important obstacles to the adoption of a cleaner mode of transportation on our continent.1. You drive what sounds like a FAR distance to get to work (sprawl is just brutal...not 'urban sprawl' but people feeling that they can afford to live dozens of miles away from their work).2. the "what's in it for me, right now!" mentallity. Or no view of the future.This article will say it all: http://www.wired.com/wired/arc...?pg=5

[joatmon]

I have a long commute, and it sucks for a number of reasons. It's not completely a "what's in it for me" decision though. Mostly, but not completely. Anway, lets all steer this thread so that it doesn't have to get moved into the political asylum. I wonder what kind of power/mpg combinations you could get out of a hybrid Vibe. Electric motors can be heavy, but they can also put out mass quatities of torque.

[Kari]

I really think it's only a matter of time before the prices on all the hybrids come way down, as the technology becomes less "new." When I bought my first CD burner, it cost me $400, and it was an 8x, which at the time was the fastest you could buy. Now you can buy a 52x internal drive for 1/10th that price if not less. All technology goes through those stages -- it's always more expensive in the introduction/early adopter stage. Once we start getting into the "early majority" stage, which one can only hope isn't too terribly far down the road, prices will start to drop.

[tnpartsguy]

Eventually all cars will have some sort of hybrid system to increase mileage. Remember the Jetsons? I thought we'd have flying cars by now......

[kep427]

For those who say they don't live up to the hype, I disagree. I know about 1/2 dozen Prious owners around here and have asked them what they thought of their cars. Although like all cars, they don't get the EPA mileage ratings (as we all know neither do our Vibes); all the owners said they loved their cars. Lots of room, plenty of power, good feel, and no problems so far.I'm quite certain I would get one if they were more mass produced (therby a bit cheaper).

[joatmon]

another factor that might get me to buy a hybrid would be if they were made in this continent. Buy American, keep the jobs here.

[Atomb]

Quote, originally posted by joatmon »another factor that might get me to buy a hybrid would be if they were made in this continent. Buy American, keep the jobs here. so much for steering away from the politics, eh? i'm glad to see more companies getting on board with the technology. nothing brings down prices like competition!i've spoken to two complete strangers driving prii (is that the correct plural form? ) and they both not only raved but let me drive around with them (i don't normally drive with strangers...)i was suitably impressed.

[MadBill]

Anyone who's thinking of a hybrid should check the lease costs, which would likely reflect a huge issue, namely trade in value. My cousin's father-in-law bought one of the first Insights in his area. He really liked it and enjoyed showing off the technology, but when the Civic hybrid came out, he was more than ready to trade up to a more practical seating capacity. Unfortunately, his long time dealer wasn't nearly so ready! After a lot of stammering and shuffling, he admitted he just didn't want the Insight as a trade in at any price, due to concerns re out of warranty service costs and a shortage of mechanics capable of major hybrid repairs...

[joatmon]

Quote, originally posted by Atomb »so much for steering away from the politics, eh? yeah, you're right, but maybe nobody will take extremist exception to my comment this time. I hope.I thought about buying a prius, but it was more than I could afford at the time, so I bought a Vibe instead. I also did not like the instrument cluster in the center of the dash. In the Vibe, with the speedometer down in there, the passenger really has to make an effort to see how much I am speeding.

[michaelgt]

AtombIf I moved each time I got a new job (or responsibility changed at current employer), I would have to pack my family in a trailer. Over the last 10 years, I have spent considerable time at foreign locations for work. Therefore, to move my family to downtown Detroit to live while I am in China, Korea, UK, AU, or Canada, does not make sense. Additionally, there is not any available farm land for sale within 15 miles of the GM World Headquarters (in US). My children would not have the experiences of raising animals. If your job was transferred from Mississauga to Markham, you would move to be closer to your work? What about if your job was moved to Oshawa? How far do you drive on weekends? Can you raise your own food (meat and vegatables) where you live? As far as the what is in it for me right now, I do not think that any current hybrid would make a significant difference on my mpg. The hybrids are supposed to be optimal at stop and go traffic. I adjust my start time to eliminate stop and go traffic. My Vibe has averaged 32 mpg for the life of the vehicle (60k miles). Therefore, those individuals that say the EPA ratings are off, do not drive the vehicle similiar to the method for calculating the rating.

[kep427]

Quote, originally posted by joatmon » In the Vibe, with the speedometer down in there, the passenger really has to make an effort to see how much I am speeding. Good one Joat! It does make it tough for my wife to check on how unbelievably slow I'm going (she's the leadfoot in the family)

[icon4x]

I just met a guy this weekend who sold his wife's '03 Hybrid Civic for only $1000 less than what he purchased it for. People are paying lots of money or hybrids, even used ones. If GM played their cards right with a hybrid Vibe, they'd probably have to make a wait list of buyers.

[Atomb]

michaelgt:You have an interesting situation. You work in many different areas but always come back to the detroit area. So i can understand your arguement for being where you are to allow your family to enjoy life while you're away.But I can safely argue that there are MANY (and I've worked with quite a few) people in the Toronto area that commute across the city or from the far reaches of areas that don't have to and could save themselves a lot of headaches/money and the world a lot of pollution if they would just relocate. I'm not saying they need to move to a new city or country, but spare the complaints about how bad traffic and smog is in the city when you drive 1.5 to 2 hours each way through the city to get to work every day!You obviously have the ability and know-how to raise animals and create your own meat and vegatables. The vast majority don't or don't want to. But they still insist on buying the 'nice home' where ever it is and end up driving twice or 3 times as far to get to work. I know when i bought my house 2 years ago, my search area was determined by the locations of our jobs (wife and I). And when my commute became worse (due to increased housing in my area) (coupled with the fact that my job was not satisfying me the way it used to) i looked for a new job that was NEAR my home and in a direction that didn't require me to sit in standstill rush hour traffic everyday.What i'm getting at is that our jobs are what we do everyday between time of relaxation and enjoyment with our families. We will relax and enjoy the time with our families no matter where we live, but our commutes we can alter so that part of our day is not so bad and we stop adding to the pollution/costs/etc of our civilization.I know many will have counterpoints, etc.to get back on topic....that's an unfortunate story, MadBill. There needs to be a common acceptance before any of this is successful. If the dealers aren't on board but the people and manufacturers are, then there's a serious disconnect.I think GM/Ford/Toyota are doing a good job bring out the technology...but if their dealers aren't accepting it, we'll never see if filter down to the consumer!

[Dave_ca]

I would buy a Hybrid in a second if I could afford it. The accord is decently priced and may very well end up being my next vehicle! Atomb: I agree with your point of view 100% If this was the right time, or right forum I would of discused this much further.

[zionzr2]

I'd be interested in the Hybrid, butneed to increase power (as they need to do anyway)need to increase economy quite a bit (these already get great economy)need to keep the relitve costs down. Preferbly keep an AWD option!!I'm not picky or anything

[Stang2Vibe]

Quote, originally posted by Kari »I really think it's only a matter of time before the prices on all the hybrids come way down, as the technology becomes less "new." When I bought my first CD burner, it cost me $400, and it was an 8x, which at the time was the fastest you could buy. Now you can buy a 52x internal drive for 1/10th that price if not less. All technology goes through those stages -- it's always more expensive in the introduction/early adopter stage. Once we start getting into the "early majority" stage, which one can only hope isn't too terribly far down the road, prices will start to drop. I don't know, it depends on the technology. Look at the technology of burning oil to produce various forms of energy. The technology gets older and older, but the price keeps going up and up!

[Stang2Vibe]

Quote, originally posted by Dave_ca » Atomb: I agree with your point of view 100% If this was the right time, or right forum I would of discused this much further.I was going to throw around the "eco-hippie" comment that I typically reserve for ColonelPanic, but Joatmon has made an effective appeal to the kinder side of my heart. But in any case, I am extremely interested in hearing more on the thoughts that these guys have on urban sprawl, living in the suburbs, the desire to reward your own hard work and intelligence with a nice home that is not in a crime-ridden pit of filth, etc., but I won't do that here. I really want to hear your thoughts and engage in a thoughtful discussion of those things, so I'll start a thread in the Political Asylum and I promise that I will try my hardest to keep things on a non-personal, intellectual level.This is most fascinating to me because I cannot think of one single city in the history of the world where you can have a population density of 500,000 or more per square mile that is cleaner, less polluted, and less crime ridden than a rural area with a population of 100 or less per square mile where people commute to work for a relatively long distance. The prevalent thinking here seems to be that the more people we can jam into a smaller space, the better off we are. This blows my mind and seems completely counterintuitive and highly undesirable. I can't even begin to imagine what a huge pit of filth and debauchery would result if the entire world population lived only in one giant megalopolis. I find it nearly intolerable to live in a city with a population around 1 million, I'd have to blow my head off if my only option was to live in a city of over 6 billion people. And this is all beside the point anyway. Hybrids will only prolong the pollution of the earth through the consumption of oil so I say if you want to do something to leave a better world to your future decendants, work on developing an alternative fuel, not ways to keep prolonging the use of the ones that we already have.Well, that's the teaser. Please explain to me why my thinking is wrong over in the P.A.

[Kari]

Quote, originally posted by Stang2Vibe »I don't know, it depends on the technology. Look at the technology of burning oil to produce various forms of energy. The technology gets older and older, but the price keeps going up and up!Isn't that increasing because of the cost of oil, though, and not the cost of the technology itself?

[jake75]

As a nation we have wasted 30+ years since the energy "crisis" in 1973. The conservatives were wrong in giving in to the oil barons on tapping the Alaskan oil - should have saved that for future generations. The liberals were wrong in opposing nuclear power development. Shame on GM and others for marketing Hummers and similar gas guzzler models.

[micheles_bad_vibe]

.

[DaddyVibeMI]

For my opinion, I would buy Hybrid that gas prices drive me crazy because I drove at least 50 miles a day in my truck 15 mpg. I know that Hybrid is pricey but you have to paid price to worth it save ton of money on fuels....

[Dave_ca]

I will admit from the get-go I consider myself spoiled. I live in a community with under 800,000 people in the entire province. My town is a small trucker/famring town of 5000 people, and I travel to another small community up the river (about 50km away) with a population of only 1000 people, maybe less. It could be said that I waste energy- why not move closer to where I work ? Well this is where I have to take back my earlier comment about the other fellow being right. I now have to disagree with his comments. I live where I live because its where I want to live. I am close to a hospital (where I work is about 30 minutes from a hospital), there are all the basic needs of life- and even a movie theatre (its brand new, used to hve to travel an hour to go watch a movie). I guess what my point is that I will do what ever I can to conserve energy- I even use those low energy light bulbs. I would buy an alternative fueled car if these where offered at a price I could afford. Hell id run my house off of solor enery and a wind mill if this was fesable! But I do have to admit I was wrong to say people should live inside a city just to conserve fuel. I would never bring my family into any of the major american cities, maybe all the stories are not true but I dont care- I have seen/heard too many bad things. What a difference a week makes to one self. After reflecting on this issue I cannot imagine why I made the comment I did, it seems absurd to me.

[Thewhite]

Quote, originally posted by GMJAP »However, if cargo room decreased due to battery packs, I might not go for it.ya, same for me

[NUBlackshirts]

Nope. I was stationed long enough in Japan to realize how cheap our gas is in the States (even with today's prices). I want the power. That's why I bought a GT. I'm addicted to LIFT! As a bonus, the GT gets way better mileage than my '97 Bonneville ever did. On the other hand, if they start making hydrogen-fueled cars with good power......

[soldierguy]

I'd buy one as a second car, primarily for going back and forth to work. But it'd have to meet certain requirements:1. Decent power, and availability of a manual transmission. Or at least a really good automatic with auto-stick, tiptronic...whatever you want to call it.2. The mileage gain would have to offset the initial cost within the life of the loan (5 yrs).3. Availability of a moonroof. Seems like all the hybrids on the market are not available with a moonroof. Stupid I know, but I like moonroofs.4. A warranty on the battery/hybrid portion of the drivetrain that would last the life of the loan (at least 50,000 miles).5. Operation would have to be invisible to me as the driver...no weird lurching, odd bumps or lags in power delivery...seamless.6. Safety. One of the reasons I splurged and impulse-bought the Grand Cherokee was safety...I recently saw a bad accident that made me realize that I want to drive safe vehicles. It'd have to be a top-performer in crash tests, and there'd have to be some sort of nearly-indestructible encapsulation of the battery pack.7. An integrated display showing whether it's running on batteries, the engine, or both, plus the remaining charge on the batteries. Something like that would encourage me to drive with a lighter foot. The Civic Hybrid has a pretty good display...the Prius is too far out there for me...it's gotta show the information, but be attractive to look at.If a manufacturer can meet those requirements, I'm there. I think the Vibe would be a good candidate for a hybrid powertrain.