2005 PONTIAC VIBE HAS NEW LOOK AND FEATURESCHICAGO - A popular performer and an important part of Pontiac's ongoing product renaissance, the Vibe has been freshened for the 2005 model year with a new, distinctly Pontiac flair. Introduced originally in 2003, the Vibe marked a return to sporty, fun vehicles at Pontiac. The renaissance continues with the introduction of the 2005 Vibe at the Chicago Auto Show. Styling changes include a restyled front fascia and a grille inspired by the 2006 Solstice roadster. Like the Solstice, the Vibe's new appearance characterizes the contemporary performance look of other recently introduced Pontiac models, including the G6 sedan, GTO and Bonneville GXP. All of these new products strengthen the momentum of Pontiac's design and performance renaissance. "The Vibe has invigorated Pontiac with its unique spin on performance and versatility," said Jim Bunnell, Pontiac-GMC general manager. "It is bringing to the showrooms new buyers who previously didn't consider Pontiac - or, often, any other GM vehicle. The Vibe is our number one conquest vehicle, which means these new buyers aren't currently driving a GM vehicle."Additional features on the '05 Vibe include:- Available "Moon & Tunes" package with integrated sub-woofer - Available StabiliTrak vehicle stability enhancement system - Available leather seating - New fabric patterns in Slate and Graphite colors - Standard passive suppression advanced air bag system on passenger side - Available side curtain air bag system coupled with side thorax air bags (in seat) - Available programmable automatic door locks (available with automatic transmission and power package) - Tire pressure monitor standard on GT and AWD models - Available OnStar (with one-year Safe & Sound services). The 2005 Vibe's standard 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine (1ZZ) meets 2007 Ultra Low Emissions (ULEV II) standards. The dual-overhead-cam engine employs variable valve timing to continuously optimize performance and fuel economy. It is rated at 130 horsepower and 125 lb.-ft. of torque. Vibe's increasing popularity with enthusiasts is backed by GM with a line of tailored accessories and performance parts from GM SPO, including a sport package that includes front and rear fascia extensions, side skirts and dual spoilers. A supercharger also is available, which boosts horsepower by 30 percent and torque by 18 percent.Vibe posted 56,922 sales in 2003 - an increase of more than 45 percent over 2002. Production of the 2005 Vibe begins in May at New United Motor Manufacturing in Fremont, California.
Quote, originally posted by fuel4soul »It's not as aggresive looking, This kind of pisses me off, It was good before. Now it looks more like a minivan! I agree! I was just comparing pictures to figure out what was different that I didn't like - they flattened it out...and the grill does not meet the hood anymore.
Used to have: 04 Monotone Abyss 5 SpeedNow the proud owner of a black 2005 SRT-4230 Hp250 lb/ft torque
Geez, my 2003 looks much better in the front, and a lot more aggressive. The only thing I would like from the '05 is the new cloth. I think the original cloth is very hard to clean, and I don't think it will hold up well over time. Nevertheless, I find it appauling that they did not put telescoping steering and pedals on the car. If they had, I likely would have a second Vibe in my driveway. I'll stick with the Maxx. No mention either about puting on a second layer of paint. In a way, I'm glad I didn't get the paint sealant on my Vibe; I'll just take it to Earl Scheib and get it repainted in 2 years for $300.
Here is another vote against the new nose. While I don't hate it, I definately like the '03 and '04 front end better. It is much more agressive looking.
2004 Base Vibe - Frosty - Two Tone Automatic, ABS, 16 inch factory alloy wheels, Power Package, Cargo Nets and Mat
Love my 04 a lot better. Can't say the nose job sits well with me either, doesn't look tough enough. Looks like Pontiac isn't waiting 7 years before ruining it's look like they did with the Pontiac Sunfire...
2007 stage 2 Satin White Pearl Subaru STi 2008 stage 2 Subaru STi hatch See my car at: Mavrik's car page
I'm really disappointed in that front end. My lease is up in '06 and I was considering another Vibe because I like its style... now however it seems it lost some of its style. Maybe a Mazda 3 is in my future.
GenVibe Global Moderator
Current: 2012 Nissan Juke SL - Sapphire Blue Onyx (July '12 - present) Current: 2012 Nissan Leaf SL 100% Electric - Blue Ocean (Dec '11 - present)
I can see the front end coming to this though... since most of the new Pontiacs look like that. I personally prefer 03-04 The bottom half of the front end looks quite good IMO, I wonder what it'd look like paired with 03-04 upper half.(photochop anyone ? )The new features sure are nice too...I am mostly interested in Stability control and leather seats... it looks lovely!What's is "Available programmable automatic door locks (available with automatic transmission and power package) " ?
Car: 2003 Two tone Base Frosty Vibe, Automatic, Safety & Security Package, Power Package and 16" alloys with 16" Blizzaks for winterNavigation: HP iPAQ 2210 + LeadTek 9537 BT GPS + iGuidance V2.1.1 + German-D mount.http://www.howardforums.comYour Mobile Phone Community & Resource
Yikes, that's just bad. Some of the little gadgety things would be nice, but I'm not sure I could stand that nose. It's not really ugly I guess, just plain. Of course, I'll just give it some time. It took a while for the '03 to grow on me. Maybe the '05 will as well. Thanks for the photos, Fuel!
I prefer the front end of my 2003 Vibe! I like a lot the new Pontiac G6 but I don't know why GM want to have almost identical front end on all their 2005 Pontiac?Quote, originally posted by huy397 »What's is "Available programmable automatic door locks (available with automatic transmission and power package) " ?It's probably the same feature as many other upscale GM models. The programmable door lock allow you to change the settings when you push the lock and unlock buttons on the key fob. You can program them to unlock all the the doors with a single press or disable the horn sound when you lock the car..... and some other things like that.
2003 Base Vibe, Salsa, 5-speed, Power PackageLow pitch hornPic of my Vibe
Taking a crease out of the nose is irrelevant to me. I'm pissed about the new features. They all should have been on the car from day one. Now the people who bought the 03/04 cars (and made it a success) are left in the cold. On a major release I would expect some of this, but not after two years and on the same platform.
Am I imagining it, or did they go back to the 2003 cladding? It doesn't look like it kicks out like the 2004 cladding does.
2003 Satellite AWD Two Tone, traded off at 180,126 kmNow the (fourth) catalytic converter is someone else's problem Now driving a 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan
Quote, originally posted by m4VibeGT »I like the body colored side mirrors. It might be a retro fit to the 03 and 04 models.Hey, I didn't notice that... that'd sure be nice !
Car: 2003 Two tone Base Frosty Vibe, Automatic, Safety & Security Package, Power Package and 16" alloys with 16" Blizzaks for winterNavigation: HP iPAQ 2210 + LeadTek 9537 BT GPS + iGuidance V2.1.1 + German-D mount.http://www.howardforums.comYour Mobile Phone Community & Resource
Stabilitrack and leather would be nice, but the auto door locks force automatic tranny, and like others have already said, what's up with that schnoz - Pontiac's way of getting even for slow aztek sales?I'm happier with my 2003 every day - in '04, they dropped 7 hp and ?? torque, then for an encore in '05 they added more stuff to it and made it "gentler". I saw the 2004 dash at the NAIAS and I'll stay with all red. I know there're some people who wish they'd waited for XM and leather, but I'd say there's definitely a tradeoff buying the newer cars...Then again - the new Vibe has this - http://www.gminsidenews.com/wa...1.jpg (moons and tunes built in SUB?)
My old Abyss GT - Power, Moon and Tunes, Monochrome Mods - Installed , then removed, Sylvannia Silverstars (Headlamp only)Future mods - ?
MINI VAN MINI VAN MINI VAN!!! Oh well I'll just keep buying 2003-2004 models lol. OOOO leather seats too look at that! Leather makes my back sweat I like mine better than the 2005.
Quote, originally posted by pmh013 »Am I imagining it, or did they go back to the 2003 cladding? It doesn't look like it kicks out like the 2004 cladding does.The monotone Vibes don't have that "new" piece on the cladding like the two tone. The picture is a monotone, which is probably why you don't see it.
GenVibe Global Moderator
Current: 2012 Nissan Juke SL - Sapphire Blue Onyx (July '12 - present) Current: 2012 Nissan Leaf SL 100% Electric - Blue Ocean (Dec '11 - present)
- Available "Moon & Tunes" package with integrated sub-woofer Eh, I can add my own sub. Pass.- Available StabiliTrak vehicle stability enhancement system Got the Traction control on a 2000 Grand Am, i'd destroy the car with it. (Don't need a computer trying to compensate for my driving)- Available leather seating Nice...but could always get this later.- New fabric patterns in Slate and Graphite colors Eh.- Standard passive suppression advanced air bag system on passenger side Eh.- Available side curtain air bag system coupled with side thorax air bags (in seat) Thorax? What, is this for ants and bees now?- Available programmable automatic door locks (available with automatic transmission and power package) Programmable how? My new alarm locks the doors automatically. Whoopy.- Tire pressure monitor standard on GT and AWD models Okay, i'd like this. A lot. I don't check my tires enough (lazy). This would be a good improvement.- Available OnStar (with one-year Safe & Sound services).Don't care. A lot. Very much.I kinda like the nose, but yeah, it's definitely less agressive. I don't think they've ruined it though. There's a lot more they can do to accomplish that.
2003 Vibe GT Lava"He inched his way up the corridor as if he would rather be yarding his way down it.""For a moment, nothing happened. Then, after a second or so, nothing continued to happen." - Douglas Adams...we all miss you
Quote, originally posted by Jahntassa »- Available "Moon & Tunes" package with integrated sub-woofer Eh, I can add my own sub. Pass.- Available StabiliTrak vehicle stability enhancement system Got the Traction control on a 2000 Grand Am, i'd destroy the car with it. (Don't need a computer trying to compensate for my driving)- Standard passive suppression advanced air bag system on passenger side Eh.- Available side curtain air bag system coupled with side thorax air bags (in seat) Thorax? What, is this for ants and bees now?- Available programmable automatic door locks (available with automatic transmission and power package) Programmable how? My new alarm locks the doors automatically. Whoopy.Jahntassa - don't take this the wrong way, but how would you even begin to add a sub that's as well intergrated and unobtrusive as the sub in that pic? Not that I doubt your skill, but that sub is nice enough by itself to make me want to put up with that front end and higher payments. Stabilitrak has nothing in common with the traction control on your old grandma. wipe out that memory and think active handling from the vette (prolly no competition mode though). 03 vibes already offered thorax bags in the seat - the new part is the side curtain bags (i think). Helpful if you're planning on being t-boned by an SUV. Programmable door locks are like other Gm vehicles - they let the car lock your door automatically when you drive off (or not) and you can set when the doors unlock. I'm just hoping that the controller they put these features on will finally let you "pre-lock" your car with the keyfob. I always have to wait around the car until my passengers all climb out before I can hit the lock button. Not sure if the alarm system already lets you do this.
My old Abyss GT - Power, Moon and Tunes, Monochrome Mods - Installed , then removed, Sylvannia Silverstars (Headlamp only)Future mods - ?
Thanks fuel for the pics.. I had an inkling that you may beat me to posting them! In regards to the front fascia, it will take some time for me to get used to (once seen in person), but I really expected something like this as you see most other Pontiac's getting the same front treatment.To also point out, and you can tell from the pics, I was wrong when saying the roof rack would be gone completely. Apparently all they did was remove the cross bars and left the side bars intact. Now that I look at other vehicles, they also leave off the cross bars from the factory. Apparently, now that I look back on what I was told, the crossbars should be obtainable from your dealer and supposedly a different type of rack will also be available. Time will tell.
About the roof rack, I suppose it's reasonable compromise between keeping the Vibe fairly out-doory-looking and pushing the Vibe a little over the to the Matrix end in terms of styling.ie. painted mirror, less aggressive appearance.Quote, originally posted by NSimkins »...Now that I look at other vehicles, they also leave off the cross bars from the factory. Apparently, now that I look back on what I was told, the crossbars should be obtainable from your dealer and supposedly a different type of rack will also be available. Time will tell.That's a interesting idea... I wonder if the cross bars can be installed relatively easy by the owner though?I can see someone having a ski rack, a bike rack and possibly yet another rack of whatever else... and change the racks for different occassions.Question: is the roof rack usable without the cross bars ? If the new Vibes won't come with those two cross beams anymore...the new price better be lower then !
Car: 2003 Two tone Base Frosty Vibe, Automatic, Safety & Security Package, Power Package and 16" alloys with 16" Blizzaks for winterNavigation: HP iPAQ 2210 + LeadTek 9537 BT GPS + iGuidance V2.1.1 + German-D mount.http://www.howardforums.comYour Mobile Phone Community & Resource
What is the sense of having a roof rack if it doesn't have a the crossbars. I happen to like it the way it is, even though I will probably never use it. Excuse me if this is a dumb question, but can you still use a roof rack without the crossbars?
2004 Base Vibe - Frosty - Two Tone Automatic, ABS, 16 inch factory alloy wheels, Power Package, Cargo Nets and Mat
Seeing the ugly 05 means I most likely will NOT be getting a vibe when it comes time to trade in...which brings my painful decision down to 2: Solstice, or G6?!?!?
YES!I still visit GenVibe periodically. I have not forgotten about my "original" family over here!
The doors on the Vibes now automatically lock anyways...I don't know what conditions must be in effect for them tt lock quite yet, but I remember just sitting on my porch one afternoon and the doors locked without me hitting the botton on accident or anything good thing the keys weren't in there.
It automatically locks after 30 seconds I believe, if you've unlocked it without opening the doors. At least thats how mine seems to work. Also I don't think it locks like that if your key is in the ignition.
GenVibe Global Moderator
Current: 2012 Nissan Juke SL - Sapphire Blue Onyx (July '12 - present) Current: 2012 Nissan Leaf SL 100% Electric - Blue Ocean (Dec '11 - present)
Quote, originally posted by Kari »*hugs her 03* That new nose is uuuuuuuugly. But leather is cool.i'm with you on that. and yes, i love leather. anything to make mine a little different from everyone else....
trdvibe: nice leather... I love how you got "Vibe" on it BTW, I wonder is "(removed) warmers" can be an option now with leather seats.After a week of unhumanly cold weather and having sat in a co-worker's BMW... I am really starting to appreciate heated seats.
Car: 2003 Two tone Base Frosty Vibe, Automatic, Safety & Security Package, Power Package and 16" alloys with 16" Blizzaks for winterNavigation: HP iPAQ 2210 + LeadTek 9537 BT GPS + iGuidance V2.1.1 + German-D mount.http://www.howardforums.comYour Mobile Phone Community & Resource
yes, (removed) warmers are very nice. i only installed one for the drivers side, but may install one on the passengers this summer.... all in good time and all cost money!
The Vibe has invigorated Pontiac with its unique spin on performance and versatility," said Jim Bunnell, Pontiac-GMC general manager. "It is bringing to the showrooms new buyers who previously didn't consider Pontiac - or, often, any other GM vehicle. The Vibe is our number one conquest vehicle, which means these new buyers aren't currently driving a GM vehicle."I believe this is the biggest mistake Pontiac makes with the new front end that looks just like every other Pontiac. For the non-GM buyer (I am one), looking like another Pontiac is a BAD THING !!
Bellwilliam2003 S/C VibeTrim : Base, Abyss , AutoOptions: Moon & Tunes, Power Upgrades: Supercharger, Split Second A/F controller, 225/45-17, My other cars are PTE Miata, 13 Tesla S, 13 Volt, 06 997
Quote, originally posted by bellwilliam »The Vibe has invigorated Pontiac with its unique spin on performance and versatility," said Jim Bunnell, Pontiac-GMC general manager. "It is bringing to the showrooms new buyers who previously didn't consider Pontiac - or, often, any other GM vehicle. The Vibe is our number one conquest vehicle, which means these new buyers aren't currently driving a GM vehicle."I believe this is the biggest mistake Pontiac makes with the new front end that looks just like every other Pontiac. For the non-GM buyer (I am one), looking like another Pontiac is a BAD THING !!same here. i wanted another toyota.
trd--those seats look great! You installed them yourself if I remember correctly, right? And did you get them from Attention to Detail in Connecticut? I've been thinking really hard about getting that kit. I like the red, maybe I can get mine in blue to match my exterior. And where did you locate the switch for the heated seat? Sorry for going off-topic, but I had to know.I agree with most everyone else in this thread so far about the changes. I like the bottom of the new front end, but I'm not thrilled about the top, it does make it look more like a minivan. And the roof rack issue, what's up with that? I see that GM tapped into the fact that probably 90% of us have removed the crossbars ourselves, but honestly, what good do the side rails do without the crossbars when you need to use the roof rack? I'd rather just do what I did, take them off and store them in the basement until I would need to use them. Instead of getting rid of the crossbars, they should have gotten rid of the stupid-looking R/C car antenna. It gets in the way of putting anything large on the roof anyway.
Former owner of a 2003 Vibe GT---Great car that gave me 8 years and 83,000 miles of trouble-free service.Current owner of a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited AWD.
Quote, originally posted by Stang2Vibe »trd--those seats look great! You installed them yourself if I remember correctly, right? And did you get them from Attention to Detail in Connecticut? I've been thinking really hard about getting that kit. I like the red, maybe I can get mine in blue to match my exterior. And where did you locate the switch for the heated seat? Sorry for going off-topic, but I had to know.yes, i installed them myself. they took a long time, but i think they turned out great. pretty easy, just time consuming. i did buy them from atd in conn too. the switch for the heated seat came with the heating element kit. fits perfectly where the useless coin holder was.