Open question for GenVibe Members

[ParknVibe]

Being here for over three years. What is it about owning a Vibe, that seems to me, has taken over each of your lives? Sincerely Curious

[CAMOGIRL]

That's a good question. I wouldn't word it as taken over, rather, supplemented for me. I've always loved cars and the vibe represents the first car that I handpicked for myself. It's also my latest hobby, taking care of the maintenance and little mods myself. I do get sad because most vibe owners don't seem to love their vibes like we do. I only just got my first wave from a fellow viber the other day

[KITT222]

For me it would be any car. I'm only 17 so I have to make car payments on this Vibe and pay for her gas myself too, so I have two jobs (currently. Both at seasonal but the beginning and ends of the seasons overlap). But I have been into cars for my entire life and was so excited to get my own car that a year and a half of research went into deciding on the Vibe. Now I love my car so much that I obsess over it. I'm an introvert and cars are my main passion, so I can't get enough of it. It may appear that it has absorbed all of our lives, but that's probably just because you see the Genvibe side of it. If you saw thew Facebook side you'd see that I'm a pretty weird kid, but also that a few Genvibers have real lives.

[jake75]

Out of the mainstream cars seem to create a bond. Examples include the PT Cruiser, the Vibe, the Matrix, the Chevy HHR. Almost anything more unusual than a 4 door sedan might qualify.

[csxt8058]

I've always been someone who takes pride in their vehicles, so all my cars/trucks over the years were something I would talk about with others. As for the Vibe, I think it started when my wife got her first Vibe in the fall of 2002. It was a 2003 AWD and I was amazed at the room, function, and looks of the car. She then got an '05 base Vibe 5 spd. and that was a great little car, again, just a nice all around vehicle. That's when I decided to get a Vibe of my own, knowing how handy it was, and I liked the looks of the 09/10 Vibes.That's when I found GenVibe and I was amazed at how many other people felt the same as I did about the Vibe, and being here, talking about things, sharing pics., experiences, etc. is so much fun. It makes me proud and happy to own a Vibe and since joining here, I'm always looking for another Vibe owner around Plattsburg and surrounding areas to acknowledge a wave, or a chat in a parking lot. However, as CAMOGIRL mentioned, so many Vibe owners are oblivious to what they drive, and to them, it's just another car on the road. JR

[Capt.Vibe]

To be honest, it's a love/hate relationship in my case. Love the comfort hate the lack of sportiness. The Vibe was never on my list when I was in the market. I was kind of forced into one because of the ridiculous rebates Pontiac was giving summer 2009. The deal was simply too good to pass up despite an uninspiring test drive.Compared to my 98 Civic Si the Vibe is not a sporty drive, the clutch travel is long, clutch bite takes forever, the throws on the manual are long almost like driving a bus, so so handling, there is virtually no engine braking, the electronic throttle lags and the rev hang when changing gears is annoying. On the other hand the ride is nice, the car is whisper quiet, super comfortable, versatile and fuel economy is great, and everyone can finally sit in comfort which was not the case with a 2 door, so it's grown on me. No longer have to do strategic shopping at Costco like I was doing in my Civic since the Vibe swallows everything. As for the wave thing, not going to happen. I waved at a lady who had the same Red Hot like mine with the same wheel covers and she just looked at me bemused with a blank stare so that's the end of that.

[Mark]

Bought my 2 y/o Vibe in '06 with 38k on it for $13k. So far it's been the best, most reliable car I've ever owned, bar none. I found Genvibe when I first got it by googling how to remove the roof rack cross bars, or some other mod. Either way, I've never made any mod or upgrade or performed any maint on the car without looking or asking here first.

[09vGT]

I wouldn't say I LOVE the Vibe. It definitely wasn't on my list of cars to get either. I was sort of forced into it. I was a new college student, and needed a new car. My grandparents pay for the car, so I didn't have the ultimate choice. My first choice at the time, was the Altima Coupe or Pontiac G6 coupe. It has come in handy having so much cargo room with moving, and moving my crap around too and from home. I did however got to chose to get a GT. If not, I wouldn't have gotten the Vibe. They are just too bland. I have a year and a half of school left, and PLAN on getting a new car then. Preferably a two door coupe with decent power. I'm more of a fast car kind of guy, not a practical car driver.

[jkm311]

My 2006 was the first car I bought brand new. Heck, it was the first car I'd ever purchased period (great leases floated me for a long, long time). Being the only owner "on the clock," I set about taking great care of this car, and it has taken care of me, hauling stuff everywhere, using little gas in most instances to do so, and I am still just as fond of its looks today as I was 5 years ago. Helps that I am two payments away from complete payoff. The only problem I have ever run into was the PCM, which is NOTHING. The only thing that would make the Vibe perfect for me? About another stock 40 horses in the base engine. Done.

[beemerphile1]

Quote, originally posted by Ivibe »What is it about owning a Vibe, that seems to me, has taken over each of your lives? Certainly hasn't taken over my life. I bought my first car in 1972 and have owned many since then. My list of past cars includes some exotic sports and performance cars. The Vibe is a very well designed and built car but in reality it is just an inexpensive economy car.I stop in here now and then to keep up on information regarding repairs, mods, and upkeep.

[orange_crush]

for me, detailing & getting the vibe up to par has somewhat taken over my weekends these days. the previous owner, since she owned a mercedes benz as her "real" car & used the vibe as her commuter, left me with quite a cleanup job. luckily, i got a good deal on the car & it's still strong mechanically so now it's just a matter of spiffying up the interior & exterior to my liking. honestly, at first, i had a bit of buyer's remorse but as the car comes together, i'm really appreciating it. overall, i'm happy to own the vibe as my very first car. i'm also grateful to have such a resourceful site to turn to!

[03VibeOttawa]

Quote, originally posted by Ivibe »What is it about owning a Vibe, that seems to me, has taken over each of your lives? Like others have said, mine hasn't taken over my life, but is a pretty big part of it. I love the extensive aftermarket goodies available for the 03-08 back a few years ago when I had the mod bug. Right now my car is pretty much anything I need it to be:-It hauls everything I need to move inside it (I still have yet to use/need the rook rack).-It handles like it's on rails, thanks to the mods I did.-It can give me high RPMs fun, or sip fuel better than most hybrids or economy cars out there thanks to the 5spd and weight of only ±2700lbs- it's my choice every time I drive.-It's required a very reasonable amount of repairs/replacements since new.-They made so many 03-08s and 1ZZ-FE cars in general, I'm pretty sure if I'm still driving this car in 15 years, it will be easy and (relatively) cheap to get parts.My only real beef with my Vibe is the clutch - it's really not meant for sporty driving *at all*, and is brutal to operate in cold Ottawa winters. That said, I'm not someone who would let a minor complaint cloud an otherwise fantastic ownership experience. Anyway, great thread we've got going here, and I'm proud to be a part of it

[Houston]

My first new car was a 1964 Comet Caliente that I loved, but a drunk totaled it and almost killed me. I've bought many new cars since those days, including a 1967 Pontiac Firebird 400 convertible and 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix. I enjoyed all of them, but find that my 2009 Vibe is, by far, the most practical of the bunch. The Firebird was the most fun of all.

[djkeev]

Quote, originally posted by Ivibe »Being here for over three years. What is it about owning a Vibe, that seems to me, has taken over each of your lives? Sincerely CuriousHasn't taken over my life at all. It's dependable good looking transportation. It delivers my 30 MPG's I require of a car. My wife it happy with it and it can carry a heaping helping of STUFF!!Now, Ask my about my Air Cooled VW's THEY can take over a life in a heart beat!!Dave

Attached files

[Caretaker]

In a few words:Toyota32 cityWagonIn a lot more words: I do extensive research before buying my cars. I have had several Corollas. I expect my Vibe will be money well spent, as were my other Corollas. I do have complaints with the car: finding a comfy driving position for a tall driver is not easy; the front and rear passenger leg room is pathetic; and the 4 speed tranny is pretty poor in comparison to today's Hyundai 6 speed autos. Once the latest Hyundai i-30 or i-40 comes to our shores, I will depart with this car. Until then and depite those complaints, the first three lines I posted above trump all other comments.

[ParknVibe]

Quote, originally posted by Ivibe »Being here for over three years. What is it about owning a Vibe, that seems to me, has taken over each of your lives? Sincerely CuriousWell, my answer is, having this forum or site for the Vibe's owners. It is its power and the input of all of you that keeps your interest about your "VIBE" alive. I find it surprising that over 200 members from around the USA and Canada in a 24 hour period came on line to this forum and to this thread and took an interest in this question I asked.Without your deep interest in the vibe. you would not keep coming back to this forum. The Matrix forum or any other car ownership forum does not come close to the numbers members that KEEP coming back to this place on a daily or I should say hourly basis as with the GenVibe. I return here on a daily routine alot during any givien day. Everyone seems to always make time for this forum and spend a lot of time contributing to it. This forum is becoming more then just owning the Vibe. But having the common ownership of a certain make of a car seems to have taken over our lives.

[TONY TAT2]

My wife hasn't taken over my life !!!If she try's I'll trade her in !!!

[kostby]

For me, it's all about the people of the GenVibe community. Certainly the cars are a common link that got us here in the first place, but it's the friendly community, harmless horseplay, and witty banter that keeps me coming back day after day.Yeah. I love my Vibe, too. It's the best, most versatile vehicle that's ever owned me. Not the first (74 Audi), nor the fastest (89 Saab), nor the most fun (84 VW Rabbit Convertible), nor the biggest (96 Ford Taurus), just the best one so far.

[vibenvy]

As many others have already said, I wouldn't say the Vibe has taken over my life, but it is definitely a very important part of it. I have loved cars pretty much my entire life and since I got my license in 2000 I have always strived to take the best care possible of my vehicles as far as cleaning, maintenance, etc. The Vibe is my fourth vehicle, but the first brand new one that I have paid for entirely on my own. In my opinion the Vibe is definitely the best of the four vehicles I have had so far. It's got plenty of room for passengers and/or cargo. The exterior is absolutely beautiful. The interior is great. It handles and rides great and has enough power to make it fun to drive without being a gas hog/ticket getter. Everytime I walk out of a store, work, home, etc. I just stare at it and get the biggest smile on my face. I couldn't be happier with it and I plan on having it for a long long time to come.I also want to add that GenVibe is a huge part of being a Vibe owner for me as well. The people here are the best of any forum on the internet, car or otherwise. I have had the privilege of meeting quite a few of you in person and I had the absolute best time I have ever had a car-related funcition in Indy last summer (2010). I really hope we can get another meet setup for next year. I make sure to check in to GenVibe at least once a day to see what's new and help out wherever I can. I pride myself on being able to help others out with my vast (and typically useless ) Vibe knowledge.In short... I love my Vibe and I love GenVibe ! Vibe WOO !

[blackphoenix]

I think the better question is how has the vibe affected our lives.First of all, I LOVE cars. Looking at them, dreaming about them, driving them, maintaining them, just everything about them. As my sig says, I have owned and driven a few Pontiacs already and I am loyal to the brand. I'm still royally pissed at GM for axing Pontiac, but oh well. I take pride in all my cars, whether it's a POS or a showroom beauty. The Vibe has been THE best car I have ever owned. I had an 09 with AWD, but that got totaled in an accident last year. Now, I have a 2010 GT, and my god, this thing is sexy! I just love looking at it. The very fact that this car is a Toyota underneath speaks volumes! It is so well built and functional that it fits my lifestyle perfectly. I just admire the thought that went into building this thing and seriously think GM can learn a lot from Toyota.The only complaints I have are the seats are a bit firm for long trips and I wish it was more economical (35mpg +), as I barely get over 26 right now. I wish they offered the GT with a 6 speed manual and a turbo!

[kramer]

needed a newer car and the ex had a vibe we had to put a hitch on it in a hurry cause my boat got recoverd in arkansas it done well on the trip had a friend that wrecked one so i got a deal on 07 36000 miles and vibes already proved itself so not took over my life but added to the fun .....

[ponta2147]

The Vibe is my first car (which I did not get until after college, at age 23) and I purchased it myself with no help. I'd wanted a Vibe since 2007, when I decided I wanted a hatchback and the Vibe was my favorite. I got even more excited about it when they redesigned the body style, but didn't buy the car until after Pontiac was killed off. Being part of this community (though not as active as I used to be... lack of spare money = lack of car time, oops) has really contributed to the love of the car. I probably won't keep it forever though... car technology keeps changing and, sad to say, the 2.4L is kind of lame in the gas mileage dept. compared to the amount of power it has (case in point, my husband can get the same mileage in his 215hp V6 G6 GT, yes he has gotten 30mpg in that thing and he is not a hypermiler by any means). Soooo depending on my cashflow and changing technologies, it'll probably get replaced before it's worn out (though certainly not planning on it for at least two more years, unplanned events notwithstanding.) Eying the new Ford Focus right now, but who knows what will come on the market in the meantime!Still, I love this car and enjoy taking care of it, it has been good to me on long and short trips (it's driven to DC and to Atlanta from Chicago so far, as well as several trips to Indianapolis) and I'm excited for what the future with this car will bring.

[jkm311]

Quote, originally posted by ponta2147 »Eying the new Ford Focus right now, but who knows what will come on the market in the meantime!I had my eye on the Focus, too. Until I saw just how much smaller the cargo capacity was v. the Vibe (much lower ceiling height/arc). The one thing I will give the Focus is it certainly *looks* more comfortable than the Vibe. I don't have much of a problem with the Vibe like some others on here have expressed, but I can just tell the Focus has more of a cockpit-comfort surrounding you. Just really bummed about the size. And I was *really* looking forward to the ST version, too. Who knows what I'll end up with after the Vibe. I'll enjoy no more payments after December for a bit.

[joatmon]

Quote, originally posted by Ivibe »Being here for over three years. What is it about owning a Vibe, that seems to me, has taken over each of your lives? Sincerely CuriousI went through a phase where it was very important to me, but I think that would never have happened if it had not been for this place. There was a contagious atmosphere of excitement and energy, the stuff people would do to help strangers on the internet was really impressive. Probably still that way, but for me some of the excitement is gone. Coming up on nine years of ownership, >250K miles, the Vibe has gotten to be rather routine to me now.

[cptnsolo77]

I have always been the type to maintain anything that I own & my cars are no exception. Now that Im a bit older & understand that banks want to KEEP you in debt, put you in a 6 year loan....by the time you are done paying off the car you are ready to jump into another loan because after 6 years you probably are, since the mileage will be so high. Its a vicious cycle that keeps the banks in business. When I pay off the Vibe I want to be debt free for many years & build a healthy retirement fund. 70 is way too old to still be working. With that being said Im VERY particular with the Vibe. When I pay this puppy off I want 300 dollars in MY pocket not the banks. 300 bucks a month for 6 years would have been 21,000 in my pocket & thats without interest !!! I want to retire with dignity.....As a side note, the Vibe has been the most reliable car that I have owned & very easy to maintain. It does a great job for what it was designed for !

[star_deceiver]

Get's from A to BHas the capapbility of getting 40mpgTurns all the ladies heads!I got the red one, so that makes it the best And once it's paid off (which will be around April as I'll probably dump my tax return on it and pay it off in one lump sum) I'll have that extra $250 every payday to fritter away on Starbucks and Road Trips!!!!