Thinking about a Vibe

[dbrauch007]

I'm looking for some info. I went to the GM dealership yesterday and it was the first time I even considered buying a Vibe. I was very impressed with the standard features and the interior in general. Plugging a laptop into my dash? Awesome! One of my questions though is does this thing have enough power? The GT trim boasts 180 hp but only 125lb torque. I've read reviews that the high revving engine is loud and the engine/tranny aren't matched properly. Just wondering what someone who owns one and drives it regularly has to say. Thanks.-Doug

[Mr. Poopypants]

Sorry, we don't have any info for ya. You've come the right place. I have had my Vibe for almost 3 years now. Personally, I really wasn't looking for a ton of power, so I only have the base. I was looking for better mileage than my last car. So, I can't really weigh in on the GT model. Then engine is a little loud in my car, but I have a CAI so that is kinda by design. But IIRC the engine is a little loud at high revs, but they may have improved the noise reduction in the 2005. I have not really seen much problem with the engine/tranny combo, I actually like the drivetrain better than my last few cars. So, long story short, I do not regret buying my Vibe at all. I have had no mechanical issues at all and maintenance is a breeze. Hope this helps.

[joatmon]

Quote, originally posted by dbrauch007 »One of my questions though is does this thing have enough power?The hard part about answering that question is figuring out what "enough" power is. It is a subjective thing, the only way you are going to really know is if you drive one. I am satisfied with the power in my base Vibe. I'd like more, but I'd also like more mpgs. The Vibe is a great compromise of those things for me. Some people will not be satisfied with the power in the Vibe, even in the GT. Everybody wants something different out of a car.So take a couple of good long test drives and really put the car through a test. If you are going to spend that much money on something, make sure it is going to meet your requirements

[scherry2]

try test driving one. I wish I would have known about lift in the GT before i bought my base vibe. from what many say on this site, lift will give you power in the upper RPM's that you won't get from a base.

[iinan]

I have had my 04 GT for just over a year and I really enjoy it, IMHO the GT is a great car, it is very comfortable to drive on a long trip, the 6 speed is great and for my uses it has plenty of power. (I do burn soley prem. gas in it as recommended for the GT). Thats just my 2 cents worth, good luck with your descision .

[dbrauch007]

I agree with what was said above, I'm going to have to test drive one. I'll keep you posted. Thanks for the quick replies.-Doug

[Dave_ca]

The power issue is going to be subjective. I drive 95% highway and I have no problem dropping into third at 100(60mph). Low end tourque is wanting, but I dont have any traffic to deal with in a city driving enviroment so its a non issue for me. The 1.8 2zzge is a very loud engine. Under full accerlation (especially after lift) even completly stock, you will have bystanders on the street staring at you (its kind of emberrasing).

[DavidPIL]

Hiya...Don't have much to add that hasn't already been said but one thing you have to not be afraid of is down-shifting to get the engine into higher RPMs. When I first got my Vibe, I was coming off of driving a Ford Ranger 5 speed. Not a lot of oomph but still felt like it would go easier in lower RPMs.Oddly and sorta contrary to my last statement, for the 6 speed, it's not all that easy to pick a wrong gear. Had that trouble in my truck - if I needed to accelerate, it was too easy to pick to high of a gear causing the engin to lug. Except for starting from a stop, once ya get going, it's less testy than any other manual I've driven. The Clutch seems to be that biggest issue, not the tranny itself. I love the tranny and how non-fickle it is. Once ya get used to it, you still might have an occasional problem with it and feel very embarrased in traffic, but it's still a FUN car to drive... Great travel car (unless it's windy). After 46,000 miles, I'm still enjoying it.Davep.s. I guess I had more to add than I thought