How can I improve the quality of the ride?

[GSVibe]

I've had my '05 base manual Vibe just over a year now.I like it except for the quality of the ride - too bumpy.It transmits every road irregularity to the passengers: cracks, bumps, seams, bridge connections, etc. Mostposters here have wanted a stiffer ride, I want a smoother one.How much does the suspension vs the tires play in this.My previous car was an '86 Saab 900 with 15" 185/65 tiresvs the Vibe's 16" 205/55 and had a much smoother ride.Any comments or suggestions?Thanks--Paul

[VforVIBE]

This might help:http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=26059

[Raven]

Trade it in on a Buick Lucerne.

[Ol' Timer]

Quote, originally posted by Sunny »Trade it in on a Buick Lucerne. That really is a good suggestion. But all seriousness aside, I'm running snow tires that are 195/65/15 on steel rims. I find the ride much smoother vs the 16" RSA's. I'm sure there are 16" tires out there that will give you a better ride as well. But a 15" with a higher profile sidewall will usually give you a better ride than a lower profile 16" tire.

[WaveAction]

it all comes down to the tires side wall..the lower profile the tire is, the more you're gonna feel every lil bump..so if you really want a smooth ride, get 195/65R15 oreven 195/70R15, or like sunny suggestion, buick lucerne/allure, they're very nice cars, I drive them everyday at work

[lexicon]

I agree wholeheartedly that the Vibe does indeed transmit the road bumps etc through to the passenger compartment.I recently completed a 16 hr trek and in my opinion, your discomfort is due to several things:A) The psychological impact of the NOISE being transmitted makes a significant difference to the joy of the ride. My suggestion,(I will do this eventually) is to do a complete soundproofing of the Vibe. I am going with the stuff called QuietCar , a liquid roll-on material that will isolate the noise.B) You are at the mercy of the quality of the road. I noticed that hwy 101 in California stunk, and better quality freeways in Orange County(405fwy) (Ca) are superior-or at least some fwys are. There are less bumps and much quieter highways out here.C) The VIBE/Matrix is a lightweight car. Period. You MAY get better results with tires that absorb more harshness.D) I am not sure,..... others may comment on this, but I will get better springs. I am going with the 1.2" drop springs by TRD or Eibach Pro Springs. A mild drop, and , it MAY plant your Vibe/Matrix better instead of being tossed around. So, it MAY be a little more solid. OR, at least that is what I am going for. (Also add the Progress rear say bar) it made a difference in handling(not noise related).Overall, I am pleased with the car. But , it needs some tweaking. (IMO).The seats could be better (Just my opinion)

[48-remi]

I am running tire pressure of 32 front but 30 on the rear. There is only 40 % of the weight on the rear so you don't need as much pressure. The next tires will be something smoother...Mt wife's Maxima is set at 33 psi front and 30 psi rear, this from the factory!Rémi2006 Base, Neptune Blue, debadged, Fast Wheels-Tango.