2009 Vibe 1.8L Complaints to GM

[Waterlogged]

Hey GM:I want to replace my CRV with a high mileage hatchback. The 1.8L gets great mileage but you obviously want me to get the less thrify 2.4L by restricting access to many of the options. Why no alloy wheels, or sunroof, or stereo upgrades for the 1.8L? I previously owned a 2003 Vibe and want to buy another, but the restrictions don't make any sense and may push me to the Honda Fit.

[ToolGuy]

Yup what you state is true! I heard this is a Toyota thing not GM. The Corolla is the same way, again only what I heard though as I have never priced out a Corolla.I personally think it is a bad thing. People want more fuel efficient cars with standard equipment too! I told my wife if we get rid of our 2003 Vibe and look at a newer Vibe, do not expect the same car you have now.

[NibCrom]

Yeah, I'm pretty sure this is a Toyota thing. GM has been changing their attitude, i.e. offering better packages for the I4 Malibu, packages normally reserved for the V6. If you're talking about buying USED though, I have the 1.8L, a sunroof and Monsoon sound. I'm sure you could get alloy wheels too.

[ou.grizzly]

Speculation may be in the next year or two the 1.8 litre may be phased out, only the 2.4 will be offered in the Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix?Quote, originally posted by Toyota's Website »Edit2.4L 4-cyl, XRS, 5-Speed Automatic$19,950OptionsEditOption B View DetailsOption B: * All-Weather Guard Package-includes heavy-duty heater with rear heater duct, anti-chipping tape and heated power remote-controlled outside mirrors [CK] * 50 state emissions [FE] * Alarm [V5] * Carpet floor mats/cargo mat set (5pc. set) [17] [CF] * First aid kit [17] [3Z] * Leather Trim Package [7]-includes leather-trimmed seats and headrests, molded leather door trim, leather-covered center console with sliding armrest and front seat heaters [LA] * Power Package-includes power windows with driver-side one-touch down and remote keyless entry system with in-key transmitter [PO] * Power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade [1] [SR] * Touch-screen DVD navigation system [5,9] with AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, satellite radio capability [4] and six speakers [NV] * Wheel Locks [17] [WL]$5,119ColorsEditExterior:Blue Streak MetallicInterior:Dark Charcoal LeatherAccessoriesEditRear bumper protector [17] (EF) $66Mudguard [18] (DI01) $73Emergency assistance kit [17] (7R) $70Cargo tote [17] (9G) $40Cargo net [17] (GN) $49Ashtray cup [18] (DI02) $17XM satellite radio [17] (P7) $359Remote engine start [17] (V4) $529$1,203Delivery, Processing & Handling Fee$720View Your Customized eBrochureView Corolla WarrantyMSRP* $26,992 Price of a fully loaded Corolla is just shy of $27,000 dollars.

[garnermike]

such replacement would hurt the vibe's mpg, not something GM would want to do. remember that the 2009 vibe w. 2.4L was designed before $4 gasoline hit.

[ou.grizzly]

One also needs to take into consideration the way the new MPG ratings are calculated on all new 2008 Models which can be found at this government website http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/ratings2008.shtml, it states the follwing:Quote, originally posted by Fueleconomy.gov »EPA has changed the way it estimates MPG.Starting in model year 2008, estimates will reflect the effects of * Faster Speeds & Acceleration * Air Conditioner Use * Colder Outside TemperaturesWhat else do I need to know about the new ratings? * The tests lower MPG estimates for most vehicles.Yes, the 2.4 litre is a bigger engine and the MPG Ratings are slightly lower, but how one drives a vehicle also known as driving habits can be a major determiner too. By driving sensible, an owner can increase those ratings that are printed on the window sticker that is seeing during car shopping.

[Waterlogged]

It may be a "Toyota Thing", but GM can build whatever it wants into the contract. At least give me alloy wheels due to the cost and trouble of swapping out the TPMS sensors.

[scherry2]

Quote, originally posted by Waterlogged »It may be a "Toyota Thing", but GM can build whatever it wants into the contract. no they can't. thats why its called a contract.

[nygiantzz1]

Quote, originally posted by ou.grizzly »Yes, the 2.4 litre is a bigger engine and the MPG Ratings are slightly lower, but how one drives a vehicle also known as driving habits can be a major determiner too. By driving sensible, an owner can increase those ratings that are printed on the window sticker that is seeing during car shopping. You are correct. I recently bought a 2009 with the 2.4 and I've burned through 2 tanks so far. 1st tank=31.4mpg, 2nd tank=30.5mpg. I believe the window sticker said 22 city, 29 hwy. I'm above that on both tanks.

[ou.grizzly]

Quote, originally posted by Waterlogged »It may be a "Toyota Thing", but GM can build whatever it wants into the contract. At least give me alloy wheels due to the cost and trouble of swapping out the TPMS sensors.The mileage of the 2.4 litre is very good actually, why not just purchase a Base 2.4 litre model? If you go through the threads of owners who purchased the new 2009 Vibe with the 2.4 litre option, they are getting ratings above EPA Sticker. Quote, originally posted by nygiantzz1 »You are correct. I recently bought a 2009 with the 2.4 and I've burned through 2 tanks so far. 1st tank=31.4mpg, 2nd tank=30.5mpg. I believe the window sticker said 22 city, 29 hwy. I'm above that on both tanks. That is very good mileage and just think as the engine breaks in those numbers will more than likely increase.

[djb383]

It's absolutely crazy that car companies pay people huge salaries to sit in meetings and dream up option "packages".........what you can and can't get on a vehicle based on something as idiotic as to which engine the vehicle has.

[Nelson]

HEY!!! I just bought a 09 Base model 1.8L with a moon roof, but steel rims. The stereo upgrade was available but they didn't have one on the lot and we couldn't wait. Good luck finding one. Cuz that's the one I wanted. I miss the monsoon.

[ColonelPanic]

If I was ever going to buy another Vibe, I would want the 1.8... I could give a crap less about getting where I'm going fast, I want to get there using less fuel. The 1.8 has some decent features I like - all the safety equipment, for instance. But not having simple things like the fold-down front passenger seat on that trim level is ridiculous. They're forcing people to buy the more thirsty model to get the level of equipment they desire.

[mydogsowner]

I agree with wanting better MPG over bells/whistles. That's my own personal priority. As such, being able to get the ABS brakes and the traction control as standard. for a lesser MRSP, was a real bonus for me. I am actually grateful that Pontiac priced this vehicle with what's important to me for less than the 2008 Base Model. They even squeezed out more HP from the 1.8L too.I know I will use the storage pockets everyday on the back of the seats. The passenger seat folds forward enough to 'prolly fit in some extra long items if needed. Will I regret it not laying flat later? I doubt it for what I use my car for.Also, on my last car, both motors on the power windows broke down and needed replacing. The car was already aged at that point and I didn't want to put repair expenses into it, so I lived without working windows for years. I thought the manual windows this time might actually hold up better for as long as I own my cars. I've only had two for the last 21 years.I am also glad to give up the moonroof and the lifting glass in the hatchback too. To me they only represent more areas for water to leak into.I find the stereo quite able for listening levels I like. For performance and strictly fun, I ride a motorcycle. If I desired that from a car, my priorities would be very different.

[prathman]

I agree that the customer should have more flexibility about what options to get without being tied to certain packages offered only with a particular engine. One customer may want the bigger engine and a pretty bare-bones car in other respects while another may want maximum fuel economy but an otherwise option-rich car. Seems like restricting the choices has also hurt the car makers when conditions change, such as the recent gas price increases.While it's good that the gas economy of the 2.4 has frequently been better than the EPA estimates, that doesn't really change the fact that some consumers will prefer the 1.8. We get consistently well above the EPA numbers with the older 1.8 engine and would expect to do so with the new one as well.

[tx_wrx]

personally i would like a Vibe that looks like the GT with the 1.8L. I would also like a Scion xB with a 2.0L or 1.8L. But i really dont like the 2.4L Toyota engine. Toyotas 3.5L v6 gets way more HP and only slightly less MPG. It only gets a few mpg (1-3) less than the 4cylinder in teh Camry. But what i was really hoping the Vibe would get was the 2.0 turbo in teh Solstice/Sky/HHR SS/Cobalt SS. It is a great motor and gets identical if not better mpg than the 2.4L toyota.