What is "Notchy?"

[esjones]

I've read a couple of reviews of the 6-speed transmission on the GT that call it "notchy." Could someone explain that term to me, please?Thanks.Earl

[Flip-Side]

I test drove both the gt and base manuals, and the 6-speed seemed to like quicker, harder shifts. Go fig since the GT is made to be fast. If "notchy" means "sport-tuned", they're right. Otherwise...ya got me.

[NSimkins]

Notchy refers to "stiff shifting" and/or "lack of freeplay".I guess whether this is good or not depends on the driver's preference.Review quote: "A 6-speed manual transmission, which works with a light, long-throw clutch, is offered only in the XRS. Its action is so notchy and vague that it will only be loved by diehard manual-shifter fans."Link: Click (look under "Exclusive Transmission") (it's about the Matrix, but the exact same thing)Some people say this type of shifting reminds them of a large truck.

[Vibester]

Interesting. I had read that review before getting my GT. I figured it was something I'd have to live with. My previous vehicle was a MB C230 Sport Coupe. I guess I was just lucky. My GT has a smoother, quicker shift than my MB. The words "smooth" and "buttery" come to mind.Have a good one.

[NSimkins]

quote:Interesting. I had read that review before getting my GT. I figured it was something I'd have to live with. My previous vehicle was a MB C230 Sport Coupe. I guess I was just lucky. My GT has a smoother, quicker shift than my MB. The words "smooth" and "buttery" come to mind.Yeah, it seems that this term is used widely and may be confused for one meaning or another. I guess it all depends on personal preference and definately a test drive would be in line before making a purchase.

[Chris]

Notchy is actually a bad thing. With the long linkage to the FWD tranny, the shifting is actually, in the grand scheme of things, not too great. For a lower priced front driver, however, my base Vibe is fine... from test driving, I found the GT to be slightly more 'rubbery' ie. the shifter somewhat disconnected from the tranny. Notchy is a term usually used in rwd trannys when the shifter kinda 'sticks' in neutral during a shift. I drove a '91 Mustang 5.0 that had a shifter that felt like it was off a truck... 'clank' into neutral, 'clank' into 2nd!Anyways, the Vibe shifters are adequate (i've certanly no complaints)but try driving a BMW and you'll see what 'perfection' feels like! 'Course you gotta spend an extra $20k for that

[old man winter]

My Vibe GT feels okay. the last stick I had was a 1986 F-150 4X4, you had to freaking move it 3 feet from 2nd to 3rd. Before the truck I had a '80 Z28 then a '81 Mustand SVO with sticks. The Vibe seems better than them also, but that was along time ago. I can still shift well without the clutch so it can't be that bad.