Equipment Details of AWD Models

[xspirit]

I'm probably going to buy a Vibe, and it would be in the Canadian market.

On the "must have" list are:
- awd
- stability control
- folding front passenger seat
- the more airbags the better

I'm hoping you experts on these cars can ensure the accuracy of what I've learned about them so far.

- Two generations: 2003 to 2008, and 2009-2010
- awd version available in all the years except 2007 and 2008
- in 2009, awd available on base version only
- awd version 2009-2010 equipped with 4-spd automatic and 2.4L engine only
- stability control was a $1000 option on the first generation starting in 2005, standard on the 2009-2010
- very few of the first generation awd models had the stability control option
- side curtain airbags were available as an option starting with the 2005, standard on the 2009-2010
- all the first generation models had the fold-flat front passenger seat
- 2009's have fold-flat front seat with 2.4l engine, all 2010's have it

I like the styling of the first generation much better than the second generation, but if the combination of features I want is just too rare on the first generation, then I'd have to get used to the bunker design of the 2009-2010.

[zyzyix]

Hi:


AWD for the Vibe was from 2003-2006. AWD and the sporty models were gone for 2007 and 2008 1st Gen. AWD was reintroduced for 2009 base model Vibes only.
I'm not quite sure, but I believe stability control was first offered in 2005, side air bags being offered for starting in 2005 as well.
Gen for Vibes- 1st-2003-2008, 2nd-2009-2010

[09vGT]

I have an 2009 GT but I do know that all of the trims have the front & rear side curtain and front, seat mounted, thorax airbags. Also included, as you have said, is stability control, traction control, and ABS. I have no idea on the folding flat front seat. I know mine does, but the GT's pretty much had all of the options, minus the AWD.

[vibenvy]

I am not sure on exactly which 2009-2010 models have the fold flat front passenger seat. I know it was standard on all GTs, but I'm not 100% sure on how it worked with the AWD models.

I do know that all 2009-2010 AWD models are only available with a 4-speed automatic transmission. In addition, they all have a 2.4L engine, 5x114.3 bolt pattern for the wheels and IRS (Independent Rear Suspension).

[xspirit]

Thanks for the excellent feedback. That's the sort of info I was looking for. I'll update my "list" in the op as it comes in.

A question outside the equipment list, is: do the Vibe's engines have timing belts and what is the replacement interval? It's common for people to sell used cars just as this comes due.

[vibenvy]

I believe I have read on here that they all have timing chains...

[xspirit]

I believe I have read on here that they all have timing chains...

Excellent.

[zyzyix]

Thanks for the excellent feedback. That's the sort of info I was looking for. I'll update my "list" in the op as it comes in.

A question outside the equipment list, is: do the Vibe's engines have timing belts and what is the replacement interval? It's common for people to sell used cars just as this comes due.

Timing chain,

Yes, some owners will try to sell a car before a timing belt replacement would be due. On some cars this service can be costly due to the many components that have to be removed to get to the belt.

[Scwmcan]

From what I can recall from my research this summer, the only 2009 vibe that didn't come with the fold flat front seat was the base 1.8l models, all the 2.4 l models had it which of course includes the AWD.

[xspirit]

Along the way I've figured out that all the AWD models have an AWD badge on the hatch. The 2005/2006's with VSC/Stabilitrac have warning lights that show up when the ignition is turned on, and a Traction Control off switch in the lower left corner of the dashboard. This will help a lot because ads often don't mention these things or have them wrong.