Having looked over the one thats at our dealership here where I work, I think its a look that could grow on me... but I still don't like it as I love the 03-04 look.
I personally like the GXP inspired grille but would have left honeycomb in the grill area below the bumper instead of the horizontal slats.Just the same the '03/'04 front end does look more agressive and is my preference.I wish they'd brought the GXP to production instead (with most, if not ALL, of it's performance AND appearance tweeks) as an additional offering and left the rest of the line as is; much like the old Firebird and TransAm.
One of my local dealers finally got a selection of '05 Vibes in stock. Stopped out there today and snapped a few pics. They're growing on me little-by-little. Link below: 2005 Vibe dealer stock - Jim Pace Pontiac - Niles, Ohio
The new front end is VERY ugly. They've lost the sportyness off it and turned it into a minivan looking things. I'm just glad I got my 03. I'm thinking Pontiac is going to lose their loyal people. As of the 05 models, the only one I would think of buying is the GTO. The new G6 that replaces the GA is ugly, at least the pictures I've seen of it. I may have to go to a Cobalt SS next or maybe an Evo.
Pictures of my ride!!'03 Vibe GTMy AED GA!Work in progress
If they're trying to get the older people (us in our 40's) I don't like the 2005 front end either. I like my 2004 look. Just because you're not in your 20's anymore doesn't mean you don't want to own a more sporty looking car. Give me the looks of the cars from 30 - 45 years ago.
My wife decided NOW was the time to buy her new Vibe, simply because she doesn't like the new front end (I agree). We both like the sportier look of the 04.
Wow... I can't get over all the hate for the '05 front end. I had the option of getting a '04, but chose the '05 instead since I hated the previous AZTEK like front end. Guess I just like the cleaner look being a Honda owner also.
I'm going to have to get used to the new front end styling. After I see a few more, maybe I'll grow to like it. As is, I do not think it is an improvement. It looks too happy, or too "wagon next door." I don't think its ugly. It just has too much of a plain jane look to it, and almost reminds me of some of the earliest Windstar minivans from years ago with their Taurus-esque front ends.
went to the dealer yesterday and i think the front end would look pretty good if the chrome rim was not there.......on a side note, the washer nozzles are now 'misty fans' instead of the 3 'super-soaker' jets per nozzle we have.
I have signatures turned off so I'm not even sure what mine says in this space!
Quote, originally posted by Atomb »...on a side note, the washer nozzles are now 'misty fans' instead of the 3 'super-soaker' jets per nozzle we have.Yep, I noticed that too!It's very interesting, around here the Vibe never was popular. I keep an eye out for fellow Vibers, but haven't really seen that many. I'm on the road quite a bit, and hardly have ever seen another Vibe out there. That looks like it's changing.This week I noticed the most Vibes out on the road around here than I think I have ever seen before. And not a one was a 2003 or 2004! Scoped out a Neptune, two Lavas, a Salsa, and an Abyss. Now, five sightings isn't much to a lot of you guys, particularly those from Michigan, but down here, seeing that many is just downright odd. Perhaps the '05 will be a better seller around here, if what I've seen is any indication.In contrast, the Matrix has always been a dime a dozen around here. Purely a regional thing, I suppose - YMMV depending on where you're at.
I saw an 05 Salsa monotone with the spoiler package on it at a dealer in Brockville. Its very sharp looking.Also saw an 05 Neptune monotone today on the way back to Ottawa. Also very nice looking. The 05s definitely look good in some of the colours.
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I wanted to buy a VIBE last year to replace my winter driver (2000 Metro), but my significant other found the front end far too ugly.New grill, problem solved. I'm picking up my 2005 silver base model on Thursday.I see a lot more Matrixes (Matrices plural?) than Vibes around here (Ottawa), but with the rebates and my brother's GM employee discount, the Vibe was a better deal, even with the extended warrantee.
well welcome to the Vibe world then, always room for another one haha, we gotta show up those Matrix owners hah, so far I'm out numbered 10-1 at the meets I go to.
2007 stage 2 Satin White Pearl Subaru STi 2008 stage 2 Subaru STi hatch See my car at: Mavrik's car page
when i got my '03 vibe a lil over a month ago, my mom called it cute and i told her i'd slap her if she said that again..... the matrix is the cute one.But now, the new '05 vibes have turned into the matrix..... its a really sad thing :-(i kinda liked the new design in the pics, but i've seen some on the road, and i'll just say i'd never buy one.... they should've left 'em alone!!
05 front end is way better than previous models, the previous model front end looked to much like a sunfire. Unless you own one you will probobly always hate it.
This is Carbman I think the Vibe should have been left alon at the rate it is going it will be a non-agressive cross between a mini-van and a 5 door Civic and as a Vibe lover that kills me to say that.
I hate it I am glad I own what I like to call a gen 1 Vibe its like I have been telling every one else in ten years it will be a non-agressive cross between a minivan and a Civic.