My Vibe Impressions

[michiganguy]

Well, been driving my 2006 Vibe since the middle of August and got my first oil change the other day. Thought it was about time that I got around to listing my feelings about the new Vibe. Fuel economy: Have 4300 miles, and am averaging about 30.3 in mix of city/freeway driving. Not bad, but hoping it will improve.Driving comfort: I did find, like others have said, that the driving postion is a bit different. It didn't take long for me to feel rather comfortable driving the car, though. Very satisfied. Ride: The only negative so far, is that the ride is kind of choppy going over bumps. From what I read here on the forum, a lot of that is attributed to the Goodyear RSA's. I'm actually looking forward to the time that I need to change tires!Vision: Hasn't really bothered me. I got used to the side view mirror pretty quickly, and really don't have a problem with any blind spots.Handling: Very satisfied. I find the steering, braking, etc. very responsive.Overall utility: One of the main reasons I was interested in the Vibe, besides its economy, was the overall utility it seemed to offer. It took me a year of analyzing it (as Zuben would chide me), but I have found that the utility I expected has definitely been fulfilled. I have hauled a new front door and screen door, countless pieces of 8' long molding, TV's, a new miter saw from Home Depot, many boxes when helping my daughter move into an apartment, and countless items from my many trips to Costco.The storage compartments in the car have been very useful, and the cargo netting has provided me more utility than I expected.A couple of weeks ago, the wife borrowed the Vibe to go on a weekend shopping trip with a girl friend to the Birch Run outlet mall for you Michigan folks). So I was stuck for the weekend with my old Taurus which my wife now drives. The first time I got in the car, I smashed my head into the roof. And when I got out of the car, I forgot how I had to raise my knees up and boost myself up to get out of the car. This reminded me of how comfortable the Vibe is with regard to getting in an out of the car, because of the higher seat postion.Color: I have the platinum (which is not my favorite....still love Fusion!) but have to admit, it does not show the dirt!Leather: I have the leather interior, and really like the appearance and comfort, but I have begun keeping a micro fiber cloth in the storage comparment so I can easily wipe up dust, etc. which really shows on the leather. I also find myself being very careful when hauling stuff so as to not scrape the leather. I'm 50/50 regarding the leather interior....like the appearance, but don't like the inconvenience of being so careful with it. Overall....I am VERY satisfied with the Vibe, and would like to thank all the members here who graciously offer so much great advice.Oh....and since its Thanksgiving, I guess I should also thank GM (Nummi) since I have not had to take the car back to the dealer for anything so far!Oh...and also, let me thank GM for keeping the Vibe somewhat rare and unique by not advertising and marketing the Vibe at all!!!Regards...and happy holidays to everyone!!

[VforVIBE]

Well, I'm glad to hear your Vibe is going well for you,

[northvibe]

Awesome! I love my vibe too! just hauled 3 guys and lots of stuff home from college yesterday for our thanks giving break and it was still handling great and was fast on the accel. happy thanksgiving

[djb383]

Fourteen months now and still haven't been to the dealership for any warranty work. Can't say that about our Saturn Vue but it's still a nice ride anyway.

[808 Vibes]

No problems here either; we're thrilled too. I think so far Frosty has over 7,000+ miles and I just made 4,000+. All we've had were a couple of oil changes. No complaints, just love love love our Vibes!