roof rack bars

[Kevin Miles]

first generation of Vibes had transverse roof rack bars (great for kayaks, snow boards). 2nd Gen (2007+) has side rails, but no cross bars. GM shows ugly fits-all vehicles cross bars for Vibe but not orig. Vibe cross bars. Any clues here?

[prathman]

Quote, originally posted by Kevin Miles »first generation of Vibes had transverse roof rack bars (great for kayaks, snow boards). 2nd Gen (2007+) has side rails, but no cross bars. GM shows ugly fits-all vehicles cross bars for Vibe but not orig. Vibe cross bars. Any clues here?Clues to what?The Gen1 cross bars look nicer and are more aerodynamic, but they're hard to remove and don't take standard accessories. Some reviews of the Gen1 Vibe complained about more wind noise than in the Matrix as a result of the cross bars.The later 'Utility Bars' have even more wind noise, but are very quickly removable so it's less of an issue. They also take standard 'Thule-compatible' accessories (they appear to be made by Thule). Overall I prefer the 'Utility Bar' approach for carrying kayaks/bikes/furniture/etc.

[JohnC]

I agree with the utility bars being best, my 04 crossbars make alot of wind noise unless i move them all the way back.

[skimaxpower]

The 2007-2008 GM bars are indeed made by THULE. They're super sturdy, and accept any THULE rack part. This is especially handy for things like bike racks, which need a very secure base.I prefer the look of the old bars, but the utility and removability of the square bars makes them a winner too. If wind noise is a problem with the square bars, you can always get a THULE faring.