What makes the Vibe a "THRILL TO DRIVE"?

[kasda7]

This is a great community...I'm considering buying a Vibe. So far I think the looks are pretty cool. But the one thing I havent really experienced in the test drive is the thrill of driving a Vibe (it's a little boring just going down regular dealer-approved routes). So for you all you Vibe owners, could you describe for me what exactly makes the Vibe a thrill to drive? Some people say the sound system rocks, others say it hugs the road? What do you think?

[MailGuy!]

Welcome! The thrill for me comes on at about 4000rpm. Also the feeling that no matter what corner I throw it into, it just seems to hang on. In my initial test drive it felt to me like it couldn't handle high cornering speeds. Once I bought it and really got a chance to put it through it's paces I was pleasantly surprised. Another thrill is knowing that when you're done playing the car is very relaxed and refined.

[Triton]

First of all, welcome to GenVibe! It really depends on what you test drove. If it was an AWD, they aren't really a get up and go type of car. The base auto is alright from what I understand, but the base manual is a little bit more fun. The cool part about the base is that you have the option to get a supercharger which is a great add on for acceleration. I have a GT and love it. The really cool part about the Vibe is that because it is mostly Toyota underneath, there are a lot of mods available. Most mods you can do yourself and they really go a long ways. Lower it, add an exhaust system and an intake and it really helps this little car. I'm sure there will be many others who will contribute to your thread here. If you have any detailed questions, feel free to IM me anytime.

[drunkenmaxx]

i have an awd, it is sluggish,like triton said, but it has perks. it sticks to the road definitely. the ride is smooth. steering is responsive and somewhat tight, the way i like it. the ride height is more than your usual car, but not haus like an suv. the sound of the engine also rocks, especially if you get a CAI. it is a very fun car, and you will get compliments.

[tots]

I wouldn't describe the Vibe as a thrill ride - don't get me wrong it's a fun car to drive and it gets lots of attention, but it's not a powerhouse or a super handler.I think it's the car's versatility, bold looks (at least the '03 and '04), and higher stance that make it a fun ride. I think the base with a 5 speed adds a little zip (admittedly a biased opinion as I own a base 5 speed!), and the excellent mileage makes me feel good at the pump. You can add a supercharger to the base to give it more life, I think I would opt for that combination over the GT. The GT does have 50 more horse than the base, but that extra horse is available in a very narrow RPM band near the top end.

[nismo]

First off, Welcome to Genvibe,Second, I have a 04 automatic. I love it. I take turns pretty quick. But what I have noticed though is that the Vibes that come with the Continental tires are terrible in handling. So, if you do get one, make sure that it does not have the Continental tires on the 16's or 17's. I got Goodyear's stock. They're great. I think it's a fun car for like long trips, besides the fact that it has the power inverter outlet. It's jus a fun car on the freeway. There is no other joy when I'm cuttin in outta traffic and it's so easy because it is a small car. I like though. If you really want to get a Vibe, get the base and slap the supercharger on it before you even drive it off the lot. That way you pay less for more. Inder Singh

[fuel4soul]

http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=1862

[Mavrik]

I drive an 04 base 5spd fusion coloured Vibe (see sig link for pics) an awsome car and a thrill. Pretty peppy and will be once I get the supercharger installed. Its a thrill to drive, sporty appearance and a lot of room believe it or not.

[Stang2Vibe]

I also extend a warm welcome to you!I mostly agree with what has already been said here. I'm a GT owner so the answer to your question for me can be summed up in one word.LIFT!!!I love the effect of the VVTL-i engine in the GT. True, the powerband is at its highest near the top end, but with the way it is geared, you can stay in that high powerband shift after shift. And when you don't feel like flying all over town, the engine gets great mileage. So it's like two engines in one. Great concept. Kind of like the Vibe itself. It can be more like a car in some ways, and more like an SUV in other ways. It is extremely versitile. I can pile in a bunch of gear and go camping. I can pile in a bunch of people for a night on the town. I can take it to the racetrack to see what she'll do one day, then go pick up a big screen TV for my mom the next. It's the biggest small car I've ever seen. (not physically, but in what it can do overall).You really should give the Vibe a REAL test drive. If the dealer won't let you see what the car can do and get a real feel for it, you really need to visit another dealer. They should have no problem with letting you get a good feel for the car. My salesman wanted me to pust the car even further that what I was doing. I'm glad that I did or I probably wouldn't have bought it. The one I drove was the one I bought. Now I'm one happy "Viber".

[Houston]

I have both a Pontiac Grand Prix GTP and a Vibe. The Grand Prix is a terrific car that beats the Vibe in most catagories. The tight turning-circle of the Vibe is great and makes for very easy parking. It can haul big stuff, too - stuff that the GTP wouldn't even think about. Most importantly, to me anyway, is that the Vibe is just plain more fun to drive. Lots more fun.

[Faultline]

The Vibe is a very fun car to drive!!...Its is so fun that I put a turbocharger on mine...I will admit that it is more fun to drive now, but I have to say that in a base 5sp, it is a blast to zoom around in

[Jahntassa]

'03 GT here, and while I do dearly miss my Ford Probe, the Vibe is definitely much more fun.As someone has on their back window "You just got beat by a wagon!"The GT can definitely haul (removed), no matter what you're doing with it. It corners like a dream, even with few mods done to it. (See: Strut tower bar, and too broke for anything else!)Where's the thrill? Not in the dealer tour. You need to rev the thing up to redline to really feel it. At least in the GT. Other than that, it's fairly cheap (20k, compared to most fast yet family cars), it holds a lot, and it's quite comfortable. I've driven from Atlanta to NJ about 8 times (Roundtrip) in mine, and it's very comfy. Even better, on the highway, it gives you the power to get around almost anyone. The thrill for me is threading traffic, especially when you can go from sixth to third gear, and still have enough power to blow by a lotta people.There are few people dissapointed with the Vibe. Granted, it has it's share of issues. Being only in the second year of production, that's bound to happen. (I think it's second year..) Read through this forum, and you'll get a taste of every issue that's been detected, and a whole lot more praise for this little car.

[yank dini]

Handling

[Robert G]

I have an AWD. Although I am sure that the GT is even better, I find that the AWD is a fun car to drive. It is "tossable" -- it feels planted and secure both on the highway and in tight turns. It has enough torque and doesn't feel sluggish off the line. It has a good looking and comfortable interior, with seats which are great under spirited driving. And best of all for me in Chicago, with AWD and snow tires, it feels as safe and planted in bad weather as in good.