2006 Vibe - new color / minor exterior change

[NSimkins]

Stopped by one of my local Pontiac dealers this evening. They had three 2006 base model Vibes on the lot, one of them with the new "Stealth" color as well as another surprise. It appears that all 2006+ Vibes (two-tone and monotone) will now have the extended side rocker that was only available on the 2004+ two-tone Vibes (see pic 2 for a close-up). They were also pretty dirty (looks like they just got off the truck and weren't prepped yet... plus the Platinum Vibe looks like it was hit with a large chocolate milkshake on one side (no pic of that)).Click the thumbnail to enlarge. After the window opens, you can click the image again for an even larger version. You can somewhat see the comparison between the Stealth (close) and the Platinum (far):Sticker on the Vibe (large):As for a description on the new Stealth color, personally I think it looks close to a darkened/subdued teal color.I didn't see any other exterior changes for 2006, and the inside, still covered in plastic, didn't look any different than the 2005 Vibes I've seen already.Also, some other 2006 Vibe discussions:http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=16164

[ColonelPanic]

Good move on GM's part with putting those rockers on the monotones. Interesting color too.

[Kari]

Oooh I like that color, assuming it looks as good in person as in the pictures. What did that replace? Or is it just an addition?

[ArcsVibe]

Are you getting one CP? *runs and hides*

[ColonelPanic]

LOL! I'll have to pass. Not so much the car itself, as other people have had decent luck or something, I guess, maybe I could get a good one if I let the Mrs. pick it out. But that $19,015 for a Vibe with next to nothing on it is flat out ridiculous, IMHO. 'specially considering I can take that same amount or maybe throw another thousand at the most on top of that and get at least twice the car elsewhere. Sorry, Vibe, I'd give you another chance, but I just can't afford to.

[ragingfish]

CP, Kari, Nick:You should instantly recognize that color.

[Sputnik]

I like the new colour.

[ColonelPanic]

That's the same color? Cool! There's a used G6 GT down at the dealer with 10K on the clock in that color that I was checking out the other day... Ok, I REALLY like that color then.

[NSimkins]

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »CP, Kari, Nick:You should instantly recognize that color.Never thought about that raging.. it just looks a little different considering the type of vehicle (Vibe & G6) I think. Plus it was starting to get dark out too. Still looks good though.EDIT: also added the 2006 Abyss Vibe to the first post (missed it).

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by ColonelPanic »LOL! I'll have to pass. Not so much the car itself, as other people have had decent luck or something, I guess, maybe I could get a good one if I let the Mrs. pick it out. But that $19,015 for a Vibe with next to nothing on it is flat out ridiculous, IMHO. 'specially considering I can take that same amount or maybe throw another thousand at the most on top of that and get at least twice the car elsewhere. Sorry, Vibe, I'd give you another chance, but I just can't afford to. From some earlier reports I thought the "Preferred package" had changed and was less than $800. My memory may be wrong.This is the exact specs of my 2003 Vibe which had a total MSRP of $18,690. So the MSRP has increased only $325. However, the spread between MSRP and invoice has narrowed, and in 2003 there was a $2,000 rebate. Unless and until the 2006 Vibe has a rebate the actual difference when buying is probably about $2,700. P.S. Hard to believe that these days a car with 4 speed AT, AC, PDL, Power Windows. Power Door Locks, Remote Keyless Entry, Power Mirrors, Power Steering, Power brakes, fold flat seats, CD player, rear defogger, Tilt Wheel etc. can be considered "next to nothing on it". I still think it is a reasonable value. If I were in to 4 dr sedans I think a 2006 Sonata might be a better value, and if I wanted a bigger vehicle (with lower mpg as a trade off) a SWB T&C is about the same price, but I don't know of anything for $1,000 more that I would consider "at least twice the car". If you want to go cheap - my bro-in-law just bought a nice basic 2005 Focus 4dr sedan AT AC for $11,900 but IMO if you can afford it life is too short to drive a car that boring.

[Toasted7]

I think those look really nice. I wonder if I can get those rocker extensions for my '05 and it not cost me an arm and a leg?

[gargoyle]

Quote, originally posted by Toasted7 »I think those look really nice. I wonder if I can get those rocker extensions for my '05 and it not cost me an arm and a leg?Yeah, I like it too. And yeah, I want the rocker extensions for my '05 too. And yeah, I want to keep all my arms and legs too!Looks good, thanks for the pics!

[Merzbow]

That's a sharp lookin color.EW hubcaps...A girl in my school has the extended side skirts on her monotone 2004 Fusion AWD. I think it's because she got hit from the side and they put those on instead of the regular ones??? Either way it looks really nice.What's the difference between the Shadow color and Platinum? I bet if they were next to eachother I could see but they look almost the same to me. Did they just rename it?

[tangerine]

I like that color, very nice looking. There is a pic of them side by side they aren't the same. As for the pricing of Vibes going up is also one thing that had me teetering on buying another vibe. A Vibe GT is $27,740 at dealers around here, and I found a carry over 05 350Z loaded for a little over $25000 with rebates. When I first got my Vibe I payed $19,000 with every option available on it...2 years later they jump $8000?

[ragingfish]

GT has always been about $4k more then a base.

[redlava]

Maybe it's my shi*ty monitor, but I don't really like the stealth color from those pictures. I will have to see it in person, it might look better thaen.

[ColonelPanic]

Almost $28K on a Vibe? Kinda goes to support my "Sorry folks, the Vibe is great, but the Vibe is getting too overpriced for its own good these days" theory, but unfortunately I'm considered a whacko for coming up with such a thing. lol!

[ramenboy...]

here's another vote for stealth. that color is hot.re: rocker panels, i'm glad my o4 came with them.

[george]

That color does absolutley nothing for that car ecs without the chrome wheel option look sok on te G6 but the wheels help no thanks just looks like the sand beige color on centurys just in different shade BLAHHHH nothinjg sporty at all like the rockers though

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[george]

are you for reall a GT for 27 get out of hear i paid 22.700 for mine and it was loaded damn somethings wrong with that picture

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[george]

Fish are you going to buy a car or what? check out a gto if you want to get another pontiac you can get one of those as cheap as a G6 now there giving them away! at least buy something that will run if you want to blend in take the bus lol

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[ragingfish]

Quote, originally posted by george »Fish are you going to buy a car or what? check out a gto if you want to get another pontiac you can get one of those as cheap as a G6 now there giving them away! at least buy something that will run if you want to blend in take the bus lolWho the hell can afford gas for a GTO right now? That, adn the cost of insurance, are the two main reasons the GTO got dropped off the list...twice. I'm down to a G6 variant or solstice. I can assure you that my mind will not waiver from those 3 options.I'm still waiting for the dealer's call the Solstice came in. Should be ANY day now.

[ColonelPanic]

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »Who the hell can afford gas for a GTO right now? Oh, those people exist, I'm sure... Kinda like those people who can actually pump a zillion dollars into the tank of their insert large suv here and still be able to eat dinner that week. That must be nice! I know I ain't one of 'em, I often have to choose whether it's more important to eat or put gas in this tiny little car..

[george]

great point fish but you know a GTO still gets over 22 miles a gallon on the highway and hauls (removed), reason i dont own one same as most there F-ing ugly like a grand am with a v8 this comming from a big gto fan my first car was a corvette yellow 70 Goat that i loved, cragers big block um the days. lol but your right those days are gone and but that car is a great car really sound mecahincly they just missed the mark and styling with it its a shame and if your looking at the solitise dude wait another year and get the supercharger lets be real factory installed wow nice car i was real close to buying an HHR even order it just didnt sign the papers got my car appraised they wanted to give me $8,000 for it i fell over with laughter i have $5,800 in acces. on it witch they could careless about lol and paid $22,700 just over 2 years ago and all i wanted was pay off and cost for the new one well that obulesly was asking to much so i just painted mine and redid the car why kick to the curb the best car on the market in its price range and all that its a toyota running gear i look forwrd to driving the wheels off my car not to say i would not buy an HHR they are a hot (removed) vehicle really awesoem that 2.4 but who knows maybe i can talk the GF out of her new liberty for one take care later

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[ColonelPanic]

Woo hoo, just go for an automatic, 16 city/21 highway with an entry fee! (read: federal gas guzzler tax!) The G6 might not be able to have its tires roasted off completely in a matter of seconds, but 32 MPG on the highway isn't anything to laugh about...

[binary]

Quote, originally posted by tangerine »I like that color, very nice looking. There is a pic of them side by side they aren't the same. As for the pricing of Vibes going up is also one thing that had me teetering on buying another vibe. A Vibe GT is $27,740 at dealers around here, and I found a carry over 05 350Z loaded for a little over $25000 with rebates. When I first got my Vibe I payed $19,000 with every option available on it...2 years later they jump $8000?Damn, there goes the Vibe sales... and shortly after, the product line. Unless they're going to be giving some massive discounts... that's still a good way to spook potential customers. Guess they have to make up for that BS employee buyers program

[ColonelPanic]

GM's trying to price the Vibe out of existance, that's my theory. They may not have a choice considering you know who that is also involved with the production of these cars...

[ragingfish]

Quote, originally posted by george »if your looking at the solitise dude wait another year and get the supercharger lets be real factory installed wow nice caragain.gas.with the current state of the economy, and my god, gas prices, the ONLY thing on my mind with a new car right now is fuel economy. power is second to that. and i assure you, having to fill with premium right now is a requirement that will bump a car immediately to the list of rejects.no supercharged solstice. as much as it pains me to say that.

[ColonelPanic]

I'm right there with ya man... In light of recent events, I think it's a good idea to investigate some smaller alternatives for my next vehicle... Maybe going up a couple notches like I was wanting may not be such a good idea.

[george]

you guys make me laugh! buying a car for gas reasons is one hting but choosing a style and giving up opetions or certain body styles because of it you will have a car an average of 3-5 years this gas crunch is only temperay buy what you wnat , besides your driving the best car now in the market as it is look in the jd powers the vibe gets awesoem scores across the board, the g6 dosent and forget a 4 banger in a g6 that big of a car with a motor smaller than ours no thanks and for the price of the vibe your right prices should not raise but then agin it is toyota and you dont see them doing dealer dicounts to sell cars go to a toyota lot they will tell this is the price if you dont like it step aside the guy behind you will buy it , and theres a reasons there some of the best cars out there now awesome quality ride and and durabilty

[esjones]

Check out that VIN on the window sticker --> 400108! Must have been built on the first day of production!

[jake75]

If I ever get unhappy with my Vibe, all I need to do is remember my 1986 VW GOLF 4 dr HB.

[ColonelPanic]

Toyota, schmoyota... If these are the greatest cars on the road, why the hell am I at number 25 for major warranty repairs at the moment? And god knows how many additional things I've had to fix on my own... Why is it that since the beginning, at least one trip per month for non-maintenance service concerns has been necessary? Why is it that I'm scared to take this car on any trip that will last longer than a couple hours, fearing it may not make it to its destination? If you doubt the validity of my statements, feel free to browse the Problems & Warranty Issues forum, it has been clearly documented all over that forum. This is the worst car I've ever owned hands down, and it's got Toyota's name written all over it. This just in, they're quite capable of building a complete piece of crap, and if you think I'm just one poor soul who ended up with that one lemon, you're in for one heck of a surprise there, buddy!!! You can keep your Toyota, I'm getting something that doesn't suck so much (removed)... And I'll probably save a (removed) load of money and get more equipment to boot. It's not just me either with quality issues... How many complaints about bad paint, squeaks, rattles, god knows what else? And if your clutch hasn't died on your GT yet, it probably will eventually. Just trying to put things into perspective. Not trying to trash our cars, but just trying to acknowledge the fact that there ARE plenty of problems with them despite the Toyota "engineering."Sorry for the rant, but I'm just fed up with hearing how great Toyota is when I can't keep my car out of the damn shop. The Vibe shall be the first and last Toyota product I purchase - this wasn't the "Toyota" experience I was expecting, all this taught me was that they are underpowered, overpriced, overrated, and not as reliable as everyone wants to believe... I'll be more than happy to go elsewhere.

[jake75]

I've got AT and not a GT so can't comment on that issue. Otherwise - no serious complaints from me in the 31 month's/17,000 miles I've had my Vibe. Neptune paint holding up well. Sqeaks and rattles minor - it's not a Lexus you know! Car has never failed to start. Done nothing except oil changes and tire rotations. My impression is that is the norm for majority of those reporting on this board. If you got a lemon, they should have made you a deal to trade it in. Have to say I had a PT Cruiser for 39 months/26,000 miles and much the same experience though I was seeing some things that had me questioning the wisdom of keeping it long term. So far nothing has caused me to consider trading the Vibe. Might do that if a deal I can't refuse comes along as was the case when I bought the Vibe ($5,000 off a $18,690 MSRP). Vibe will get a little more use as with current gas prices my Chrysler T&C sits unless I really need the room fr some reason.) I do not doubt your sories and problems but that does not appear to reflect the experience of the majority of owners. [I had a lemon 1977 Buick Estate Wagon that was not typical.]

[ColonelPanic]

It would have been dreamy if the dealer who sees me there all the time would have tried to make me a deal... I could trade with them of course, but they know the Vibe's history quite well and know it's not a good car, and therefore would give me even lower than it's already horrid trade-in value. I can't win for losing. They see me often, and when I walk in there, a salesman asks "what's that piece of *bleep* in there for now? you gotta get rid of that damn thing!" Yeah, that bodes well for me getting top dollar on my trade. lol! I'll be going somewhere where they know nothing about Sir Knocksalot. I know it's not a Lexus, but it still leaves much room for improvement.

[george]

wow need we say more dude sounds like someone needs to learn proper matainance on there car and drive the **** out of it , lets see i have had my Gt since 03 new i drive an average of 150 miles a day use it for work work out of it have just shy of 70,000 miles on it never been in the shop still have a clutch" witch i can explain why most dont have one now again they dont know how to drive one these cars dont have the torque like a v8 you have to learn to drive these cars correct and not ride the the clutch taking off and down shifting , and as far as you smacking on the vibes I'm sure all the happy customers here will dissagree with you sorry to hear your ahving so many problems we are all family here but dude get real some cars just have more problems it happends like i said never had mine in the shop not even for one thing i be curious to see how you take care of your so called peice of**** could have alot to do with it "like they say you take care of the they take care of you besides even though they are new cars it kills me too thing that some people dont think they ned to lift the hood proper matainnce goes along way , i have run mobil one 5-30 in mine from the day of its first oil change and just enjoyed it i love my car and 70,000 miles and the same cluth should say something now it will need replaced sometime like any other of course same as the brakes even them when i had my wheels off the clean them and the chassis before the show i still have over half a pad left with that many miles , again its not miles its how you take care of them hope things get better but memeber every time you want to go get another car of lesser quality and orice atke alook in the JD powers book and flip to the pages that read TOYOTA and see how many check marks are at the top of the page on about every car for recomended buys you will find more than any other cars you do the math good luck car shopping !!!

[ragingfish]

What reports are you reading?Because last I checked, the Vibe had the most reliability concerns of any model in the Pontiac family. My dad bought a G6 sedan last December, only a few months after it hit dealers, and after almost a year, has not had a SINGLE repair done to it. Only maintenance.The G6 is one of the most solidly built, well rated cars in the GM portfolio.

[millster]

Let's bring it back on topic please. This looks unlikely to end well otherwise.

[NSimkins]

Quote, originally posted by george » i be curious to see how you take care of your so called peice of**** could have alot to do with it "like they say you take care of the they take care of you besides even though they are new cars it kills me too thing that some people dont think they ned to lift the hood proper matainnce goes along wayIn ColonelPanic's case, his documented and repeated problems do not relate to a lack of maintenance or abuse of his vehicle. From my observations, he has taken care of his Vibe from day one but still has problems to date (and continually). There are lemons in the bunch and anything mechanical on a car (whether a entry level or luxury brand) can have problems, some fewer or more than others.Anyway, let's get back to the topic at hand.. the 2006 Vibe.

[george]

fish i hope he would not have any problems the g6 is a good car after all it is a pontiac besides its not even a year old !!!!

[george]

and back to the color i think naaaaa on the vibe not sporty enough rather have white red or black much sportier

[ColonelPanic]

I still don't see how that's the same color as that on the G6. No doubt that it is, but I guess it's just the car itself that makes it look so much different.

[briandb]

So, looking at that window sticker... is the rear cargo mat now standard? I also noticed "Rear seat heater ducts" listed... I don't think our '05 has that...

[ColonelPanic]

Got to check out the one lone '06 Vibe that the dealer had on their lot yesterday. Not sure what got into them, they haven't had any Vibes out there in a very long time. It was equipped pretty much like every other Vibe they've ever put out there as far as I can tell. Base, automatic, alloys, moon & tunes (er sun & sound.) Can't say 100% what else it had, since the window sticker was the generic one which was suffering from a lack of any useful information.The painted 04+ style rocker panels look pretty good in person.

[rAERRK]

19k for a base Vibe?