Opinions Please - Which one?

[ichabod]

Hello all...I've been looking at new cars and keep coming back to the Vibe. Basically I am looking for something fun, economical, and roomy (I'm 6'5+, so roomy is important). I haven't had a chance to take the Vibe for a test drive yet, but for those who have it which model would you suggest? Base, AWD, or GT? If the darn AWD would come w/a stick that'd be the way I'd go, but it doesn't. Also, I will most likely upgrade to a supercharger to get some power out of it, so would the AWD be a better option for traction and the independent suspension, even though it's an automatic?Thansk for any opinions!-Brian

[kaybeejay]

I have the GT. I wanted the extra power, otherwise there isn't much difference between the base Vibe and a Toyota Corolla. Also the 6-speed manual is fun too.Really though - test drive them all and then check your options again.

[Stang2Vibe]

As we've discussed on here at great length, the supercharger will be available for the base Vibe engine only. Supercharging the GT engine will most likely blow it up, according to our resident engine building expert, andrewmva. I haven't read any problems with putting a SC on the AWD Vibe, but I'm not sure if it came up. I would imagine it would work, but wonder if the AWD components were meant to handle the increase in power.As for which model to choose, the GT was a no-brainer for me. I would not have even considered this car if it had come with only 130 HP. But that's me and I'm a bit of a speed freak. I want something that can get up and go. Something that could pass for a family car with all the utility of a wagon and can really scoot is very appealing to me. People pulling out of stoplights take one look at my car and assume they can easily pull ahead of me and cut me off until I blow past in a blue blur. Then they are like, "what the hell was THAT!" I love it. A good looking, functional sleeper car with great aftermarket products potential, what more could I ask for?And for being tall and fitting in the Vibe--I think that you should fit, we have a few people on here who are about as tall as you and they say they have little to no problems fitting in their Vibes. I'm not sure of the other models, but I know the GT has a seat height adjustment knob on the side of the driver's seat that should help the seat accomodate your height. The best advice is to go test drive one and play around with the seat to see if you can fit comfortably. Good Luck and I hope you end up finding the right Vibe for you!

[DopeVibeGT]

It all depends. If you want traction in the winter, you should get the AWD. It doesnt have much power, but it will get you through the snow better than the other two models.The base would be a choice if you want something cheaper and/or an automatic. It has a little more power than the AWD Vibe, but is only FWD. A S/C Will be available for ir, but it will only give you the power of what the GT already has, with a little more torque.The GT is the choice if you want bang for the buck and love to shift gears, since there is no auto for it. But why would you want an auto in a GT? Loses the fun! Unlike what some say, they are trying to get a S/C for the GT, if it is possible (Compression is the main problem, but that can be lowered), but you really dont need it. The GT flies, cranking out 180 HP, 50 HP over the stock! Some dont like having to rev it up past 6K to get the valves to kick in, but thats the fun. When they do kick in, it feels like a turbo. So, just think of it as a base vibe with a turbo. And yes, I'm a little bias, since I have the GT. LoL But have driven the other two, they just didnt do anything for me.It all comes down to what YOU want. They come in plenty of choices, so decide away.

[SCTM]

Whichever you take, don't forget to take "power package" (windows-doors-cruise and rear window) my only regret I did not. Now looking for aftermarket doorlocks (difficult to find due to flexible wire connecting hatch-lock) otherwise it's great little-big car for tall guy.

[NovaResource]

Brian, this is simple, if you want the supercharger, get a base Vibe. The supercharger is not available for the GT engine and is not recommended for the AWD.If the supercharger isn't as important, and you want power, go with the GT.

[snowbeast]

brian, just remember, whichever vibe model you end up getting-be prepared for all the girls who will be oohing over your "cuuuuuuuute car!" (well, at least, that's what i think everytime i see my vibe, or others' (which is rare in these parts). ) on behalf of the women out there who don't have their own vibes, please allow at least some of us to go for rides in your car! LOL! good luck on your decision!

[ichabod]

Thanks everyone! Well if the S/C really only puts the base near the GT model, then if I get one I might as well get the GT from the start and have the bonus of 4 wheel discs and the 6 speed. I need to sell off a few of my current toys before I buy anything, but I really appreciate all of the responses! WRT the female compliments on the car, I definitely won't mind but the soon-to-be misses might! Thanks again everyone! I'm going to try to get a test drive in a GT soon and torture myself a little. -Brian

[Project Shadow]

I guess I am a little late on this discussion but I have to put a vote in for the base. The important figures to look at are torque. The GT having 130 @ 7800 (or something close to that) vs the base having 125 @4200 I believe. I agree that the kick in the pants at 6000RPM is fun like crazy but the 5 sp base gives good response all over especially when broken in. The main advantage is not having to drive like Vin Deisel in order to make a quick lane change. I'm not dissin the GT, I love it for the same reasons the owners do but seriously, the advantage isn't night and day. According to a review I read the GT only beats the base by around half a second. I pondered this for months and drove both many times. I think the SC will push the base well past the GT. Put your 3 grand in the bank untill the SC is ready!

[ichabod]

Thats what I should have addressed a little more in the first post. I was wondering if it would be worth it to wait and get a base for now. I'll have to do a little more research on the s/c - if the base is equipped w/the 4 wheel antilock does that mean that the rear drums are upgraded to discs? I'm assuming it does.

[Project Shadow]

Nope, rear drum. The braking has ample power though. The rear brakes only account for 30% anyway. The available 17" tires on the GT do give better cornering though. The trade off would be smoothness in regular driving situations.

[Yoda]

Don't forget fuel and insurance costs in your decision... GT uses premium and most insurance agents charge 10% more. I think the base car is a little quieter on the road mostly due to stock exhaust note differences and slightly taller gearing in top gear. If you want/need an automatic - your choice is really easy. Can anybody confirm that the AWD has rear discs and an independent rear suspension?

[Stang2Vibe]

The AWD is the only Vibe model with the fully independent rear suspension. The other models, I believe, use the Corolla's semi-independent rear suspension. The GT has standard front and rear anti-sway bars. I also believe that the GT is the only Vibe model with 4 wheel discs (standard on GT as is the ABS)

[Triton]

The GT is the only modes with 4 wheel disc brakes. You can however get the ABS on the Base and AWD models. I have a Vibe brochure right here, that's where I read that from. I'm sure the website says what is available as well.

[NovaResource]

quote:Can anybody confirm that the AWD has rear discs and an independent rear suspension?All Vibes have a independent rear suspension but the AWD rear suspension is different. Only the GT gets rear discs.base = disc/drum, ABS optional, rear torsion beam independent suspensionAWD = disc/drum, ABS standard, rear double wishbone independent suspensionGT = disc/disc, ABS standard, rear torsion beam independent suspension

[Triton]

quote:All Vibes have a independent rear suspension but the AWD rear suspension is different. Only the GT gets rear discs.base = disc/drum, ABS optional, rear torsion beam independent suspensionAWD = disc/drum, ABS standard, rear double wishbone independent suspensionGT = disc/disc, ABS standard, rear torsion beam independent suspensionHey Scott, all I could find is the rear torsion beam with MacPherson struts. Does that mean it is independent? I was under the impression that the AWD was the only model with independent suspension. Could you let us know?

[NovaResource]

The rear torsion beam suspension in the base and GT is a semi-independent suspension as the rear wheels are not linked directly together however, the AWD has a "real" independent suspension with double wishbone control arms.More info:http://autozine.kyul.net/technical_scho ... n21.htm'03 Corolla (similar but not exact to the Vibe):This is a VW Golf rear suspension but similar to the Vibe:Fiat:

[Triton]

Thanks Scott!!! Awesome information. It helps to be thouroughly educated about your car. Interesting what that link says about the type of suspension we have. Thanks again!

[Stang2Vibe]

I think they had to give a fully independent suspension to the AWD Vibe because the rear differential probably would not fit under the car with the torsion beam in the way.

[canadavibegt]

quote:Hello all...I've been looking at new cars and keep coming back to the Vibe. Basically I am looking for something fun, economical, and roomy (I'm 6'5+, so roomy is important). I haven't had a chance to take the Vibe for a test drive yet, but for those who have it which model would you suggest? Base, AWD, or GT? If the darn AWD would come w/a stick that'd be the way I'd go, but it doesn't. Also, I will most likely upgrade to a supercharger to get some power out of it, so would the AWD be a better option for traction and the independent suspension, even though it's an automatic?Thansk for any opinions!-BrianBrian if you have not made a decission yet here are my thougths.I got the GT... same reason as most HP.....6 speed and 4 wheel disksI have heard the supercharged base Vibe which may be available next year will be close in HP and equeal or better in torque but only in 5 speed... i would hope the 4 wheel disks will be included.....there are tons of aftermarket parts already fo rthe Vibe so getting more bang is pretty easy......I am 6'3" and about 205 lbs..... I have tons of room including leg room and since the shifter is console mounted it does not get in the way...Most everyone I have met loves the car....... girls and guys.......I hope you get a chance to drive on eI think you will buy one on the spot.........

[Triton]

quote:Most everyone I have met loves the car....... girls and guys.......I know what you mean. I really like to see other Vibe's on the road. I seen one this morning and was admiring it quite a bit. I know others are doing the same when they look at my Vibe.

[ichabod]

Thanks for all of the opinions everyone!-Brian

[vibe owner]

Ichabod, I'm 6'4" and drive a GT. If I had it to do over I would also consider the base engine with supercharger. My experience says the base engine could cut insurance in half for a young driver. Pontiac will install a supercharger on the base engine, but not if it has AWD -- apparently the components aren't up to the extra power. See all my advice at http://vibeowner.home.attbi.com