Consumer Reports - would you buy your car again

[jake75]

Matrix was among the "worst models" among small cars. Only 53% of Matrix owners said they would "definitely buy again". There was a * qualification, "*models with fewer than 3 years of data". That low rating surprised me. Mazda CX-5 was 80%, and Honda CRV 78% among small SUV's. No mention of the Vibe, might mean it was in the middle, lower than 72%, higher than 53%, or might mean insufficient responses. I also don't know if that measures satisfaction with the past purchase, or would this be your definite choice if buying a new car today. While I am definitely satisfied with my past purchase, for a number of reasons I would not buy a Matrix today one being the price/value metrics are different today than they were in 2009. Even in 2009 one can't deny that the fire sale pricing that accompanied GM's woes played a significant part in many purchasing decisions.

[vibolista]

I would by my Vibe again. Definitely has turned out to be a trouble free and reliable car. Interior has held up really well and continues to be extremely useful and comfortable. Can't say I have found anything I could complain about, other than the fact that I really wouldn't be able to buy a new Vibe, now.

Funny thing is, I looked around the other day to see what would closely match my 2008 Vibe's overall dimensions inside and out. I did find a new Vibe clone. It comes out within a couple of inches in every direction of the Vibe. Even the shape is similar. Cargo measurements are almost identical, too. Very weird.

Compare 2003-2008 Vibe dimensions against the new Ford C-Max. It's like Ford took the first gen Vibe template, and designed a new wagon around it. The scary thing is the weigh differences. Vibe comes in a tad over 2,700 lbs and the C-Max is almost 1,000 lbs more! Hybrid technology has it's kinks. Also, the pricing is a hair higher. I bought my '08 for a "fire sale" (internet price) of just under $14,000. Only options on it was the sunroof and the woofer out back. The C-Max is going to set you back at least $11,000 more, and doubt you can get it with a sunroof for anywhere close to $25,000.

So for quite a bit more cash, I could probably buy a "new" Vibe from Ford! MPG would end up being 7 to 11 miles per gallon better than what I get on the Vibe, if the EPA mileage guess for the C-Max is accurate. So, at least I was thinking about a contemporary replacement. Doesn't need to be replaced yet. The Vibe is holding up too well, still!

[808 Vibes]

No regrets. It's been happy × 2. Aw, heck...it's been × 6 Pontiac loyalty since 1988.

[journeyforce]

No regrets on the Vibe at all.

However I have regretted buying the XB from day one. I like the car but try getting anything done at a Toyota under warranty

I wonder how many of the Matrix owners that said they would not buy it again said this because of having to deal with Toyota and its arrogance that their car is perfect in every way and the owner must have issues.

I will never buy another new Toyota again. I am looking towards Hyundai or KIA for the Sonata/Optima or a Chevy Cruze or a Ford Focus(I had a Fo-Fo before and I have no issues at all with it)

[vibolista]

Dealerships have a huge impact on customer return. Toyota is so big, that they might be losing their hold on that little bit of reality. Might be that they have such a large cache of reliability figures behind them, that they don't pay attention to the spurious warranty issues. If a dealership wants to maintain customer/brand loyalty, they should jump on any warranty issue... the customer will likely come back and buy another car or recommend them to friends/coworkers. In any case, they would make more money as a result of a happier customer. It's not rocket science.

[jake75]

I wonder when Ford will add a gasoline only C-Max. I think it is sold in other countries. Even Canada maybe?

[SeattleJeremy]

I would buy my car again. If I had it to do again today, I'd be looking for a First gen GT.

As for the survey not listing the Vibe, Pontiac closed up shop about three years ago, so there isn't an option to buy again.

[SeattleJeremy]

I wonder when Ford will add a gasoline only C-Max. I think it is sold in other countries. Even Canada maybe?

Ford has said they will not sell a non-hybrid\electric C-Max in North America, sorry

This appears to be the article.
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/09/ford ... ocuses-so/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[mac99d]

Yes I would. Funnest car I have ever owned.

[itsapurplevibe]

If they were still making them I would. I love the look of my 09 Vibe. I've always thought it had an edge looks wise over the Matrix.

[trask]

I have to say I did like the Vibe, I think it is the perfect design for a small car.I bought an 07 and then a 09GT, but for me I did not care for the rattles and cheap paint on both of the cars. Minor stuff for sure but, it would have kept me from returning to the Vibe if it would have been continued. The Prius offers me similar features of the Vibe with its hatchback,fold flat seats that I really like and much better paint, but then it cost a lot more than the Vibe. After almost a year and 20,000 miles on the Prius 4 I still do not have chips on the front of the car or any rattles. Maybe I`m lucky on the rattles.

[kostby]

Yes, I would absolutely buy another 2003-2008 Vibe if that is an option when it's time to replace my 2003 with 107,000 miles.
And GenVibe is one of the reasons.
This wonderful online community continues to amuse, amaze, and educate me with humor, wonderful stories about how we use our cars, great how-to advice, and a true following of loyal Vibe lovers.

ALL THAT, DESPITE a vehicle and brand marketing plan (actually, that might be overstating it. It seems there was no plan beyond the 2002 launch) that should be written up in business school textbooks as an example of how NEVER to market anything! The cars literally had to sell themselves to prospective buyers. IMO, except for the occasional large cash rebates, Pontiac launched the car, and then never spent another dime trying to market it.

January 22nd, 2013 is the 9th anniversary of my joining GenVibe. I actually joined a few days before I purchased my used 2003 Vibe Base in early February 2004. (Hadn't thought much about it until the new forum software made our registration date so readily available.)

I'd have a harder decision if I was limited to 2009-10 Vibe models, because though I love the '09/'10 GT looks, I'd have a hard time giving up the great fuel mileage of a 1.8 automatic when 90% of my driving is now in a small town at under 40 mph.

Here's a few factors IMO that could contribute to the CU results:

1. Matrix' younger buyer base - growing families, need a larger vehicle when it's time to trade up - more than 2 child seats
2. Upwardly mobile buyer base - looking for more expensive vehicle - 6-cyl 'family' car, a 'true' SUV or a truck
3. Saleforce/dealerships motivated to make larger commission on a more expensive vehicle
4. Environmentally-conscious buyers looking for a hybrid solution.
5. Legendary Toyota reliability - survey respondents may not be considering buying ANY new car for several more years.

And 6. Stiff competition in the marketplace from both foreign and domestic manufacturers.

[zyzyix]

I have to say I did like the Vibe, I think it is the perfect design for a small car.I bought an 07 and then a 09GT, but for me I did not care for the rattles and cheap paint on both of the cars. Minor stuff for sure but, it would have kept me from returning to the Vibe if it would have been continued. The Prius offers me similar features of the Vibe with its hatchback,fold flat seats that I really like and much better paint, but then it cost a lot more than the Vibe. After almost a year and 20,000 miles on the Prius 4 I still do not have chips on the front of the car or any rattles. Maybe I`m lucky on the rattles.

It could also be the Vibe was American made, and the Prius is Japanese made.

[vibolista]

I wonder when Ford will add a gasoline only C-Max. I think it is sold in other countries. Even Canada maybe?

Would be great if Ford offered the C-Max without the hybrid portion of the motivation package for us in the U.S., but don't see any plans for it right now. That turbo 1.6L gas engine Ford is sticking in just about everything they build would still be pretty efficient in the C-Max on its own. The huge improvement would come from the expected weight drop... figure it would bring it much closer to the Focus Hatch's more livable 2950 lb figure. Have heard that since it's basically a taller Focus, the C-Max drives really well... even in its portly hybrid configuration. May have to go try one out, just to see.

At least there's a good clone candidate out there if you needed to replace an older high mileage first gen Vibe with a nearly identical car. If you compare the measurements between the two cars, you quickly see how close they really are.

[tpollauf]

It could also be the Vibe was American made

That was my biggest motivation at the time Being a union man it met the three criteria at the time also: 1. An American car company. 2. Built in America (Fremont Ca.) 3. Built by a UAW union plant I'd definitely buy another one. Such a versatile small vehicle that you can do so much with. My 09 GT being a stick shift is a blast to drive

[SeattleJeremy]

[quote="jake75"At least there's a good clone candidate out there if you needed to replace an older high mileage first gen Vibe with a nearly identical car. If you compare the measurements between the two cars, you quickly see how close they really are.

Wow, you're right, the numbers are really close.
http://autos.msn.com/research/compare/e ... &v=t116233" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If I was choosing between the C-Max and the Focus. The Focus would have my money.

[ColonelPanic]

[quote="jake75"At least there's a good clone candidate out there if you needed to replace an older high mileage first gen Vibe with a nearly identical car. If you compare the measurements between the two cars, you quickly see how close they really are.

Wow, you're right, the numbers are really close.
http://autos.msn.com/research/compare/e ... &v=t116233" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks for the comparison! Very interesting.

The C-Max would make for a great Vibe replacement. I really wish they had a standard gas version for < $20k. The C-Max hybrid is just expensive enough to be priced out of consideration for me.

[star_deceiver]

Would I buy a Vibe again? Probably not. As reliable as it was, I like to try different things. Change is fun... so long as you don't jump in blind!

Most people never understand why, when I shop for vehicles, it's always an apples-bananas-pomegranates comparison. And what I choose is almost always completely different.

[vibolista]

Would I buy a Vibe again? Probably not. As reliable as it was, I like to try different things. Change is fun... so long as you don't jump in blind!

Most people never understand why, when I shop for vehicles, it's always an apples-bananas-pomegranates comparison. And what I choose is almost always completely different.

I definitely agree with you that the change from the red Vibe to that big red Chevy (very nice!) is right in line with that eclectic fruit philosophy you mention, star_! That's a heck of a change, except for one small thing of course, the color. But as long as the new vehicle fits the owner's needs, it's all good, right?!?

[lannvouivre]

If I were in the same situation and knew what I know now, yeah.

[vibenvy]

I would most definitely buy another Vibe if they had continued building them! Although the Matrix is the exact same vehicle as the Vibe, I have always preferred the looks of the Vibe, so if I were in the market for a brand new vehicle at this very moment in time, I would not get a Matrix as the looks of a vehicle are very important to me. I would more than likely look very seriously at the Lexus CT 200h (perhaps even an F Sport !). It's almost the exact same size as the 2009-2010 Vibe and is a Toyota. Although it is more expensive than a Vibe, it's not bad at all when you consider it's a "Lexus".

[thebarber]

Bought my 04 XRS new in 04....traded it in in 07. Didn't get a GT in 04 because the XRS feature for feature was cheaper.

Bought an 03 GT in 2011 as we needed a family hauler. GM depreciation is great.

[cptnsolo77]

Yes I would. To this day I still do not see a car in this price range so spacious & with great MPG. Given the same budget I would do it again BUT...!!! definitely would get a monotone color, I really HATE the maintenance that is required to keep the cladding looking good. If I would have known about the factory sub I would have purchased an 04 & up. This car has been super reliable & super easy to work on / maintain. I still have a soft spot for the Matrix XR, ( I still like the cleaner lines better than the Vibe. Sorry guys ! ) but at the time it was like 2k over my budget. Its finally paid for & I would really like to pick up some Scion TC wheels to freshen it up ! No major regrets purchasing a Vibe ! This car is a great value.

[jake75]

Captnsolo:"To this day I still do not see a car in this price range so spacious & with great MPG".
Q. What "price range"? Today's 2013 Matrix or yesterday's Vibe promotional pricing that may have made the Vibe a nonprofit endeavor for GM?
Since this is the last year for the Matrix maybe there will some good deals to be had at the "end".

[zyzyix]

Yes I would. To this day I still do not see a car in this price range so spacious & with great MPG. Given the same budget I would do it again BUT...!!! definitely would get a monotone color, I really HATE the maintenance that is required to keep the cladding looking good. If I would have known about the factory sub I would have purchased an 04 & up. This car has been super reliable & super easy to work on / maintain. I still have a soft spot for the Matrix XR, ( I still like the cleaner lines better than the Vibe. Sorry guys ! ) but at the time it was like 2k over my budget. Its finally paid for & I would really like to pick up some Scion TC wheels to freshen it up ! No major regrets purchasing a Vibe ! This car is a great value.

Of course not. The Vibe was marketed under a brand known to have low resale, Pontiac. If not for Toyota based mechanicals, the Vibe probably would have been like most of GMs other underwhelming products It was a matter of time that Pontiac was going to be phased out, when they sunk so low that they were selling the Aveo based G3

[zyzyix]

[quote="cptnsolo77"]Yes I would. To this day I still do not see a car in this price range so spacious & with great MPG.

The Suzuki SX4, even though it does not have the mileage of the Vibe, it is/was a pretty decent car.

[Blueridge9]

Thanks for sharing that article. I've owned my 2004 Vibe since 2006 and would buy it again! Several of my coworkers liked my Vibe and bought new similar Nissan Versas.
Toyota needs to get more details from reviewers on WHY they would not but it again and fix the concerns.

You might also consider checking owner car ratings on another reliability site http://www.truedelta.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[SeattleJeremy]

Thanks for sharing that article. I've owned my 2004 Vibe since 2006 and would buy it again! Several of my coworkers liked my Vibe and bought new similar Nissan Versas.
Toyota needs to get more details from reviewers on WHY they would not but it again and fix the concerns.

You might also consider checking owner car ratings on another reliability site http://www.truedelta.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Nissan Versa? It doesn't really compare to the Vibe. We rented one in Vegas last August, it had less than 10k miles on it wasn't good. It was buzzy and loud. The rear suspension travel is so short it hit the bump stops going over speed bumps at 10+mph. The Vibe would have been fine on the same bumps at 30mph.

[jake75]

See the topic "Introducing the 2014 Nissan Vibe". Looks more like the size of the Honda FIT.

[hpb]

I've only owned my 2009 Vibe since Jan 4th this year and would definitely buy another. The visibility out the rear quarter isn't great for backing out a parking space but that's a plus - it slows me down to really look! Rides beautifully, easy to access, smooth tranny, great mileage.

[Old Tele man]

NO = knowing that GM had dis-continued the Pontiac model.

YES = if GM had continued the Pontiac model.

[Caretaker]

I would not buy it again simply for one reason: the brakes suck. Do all Toyota brakes suck? My Elantra Touring stops on a dime in comparison. If I had to buy another car today, I'd be in trouble because I'm just not thrilled with what I'm seeing out there. If I wanted a grocery-get-er with a large compartment for my umbrella, then there are lots of good choices. But as far as wagons or hatchbacks are concerned, it isn't a pretty sight. I probably would get the Mazda CX-5 if I had to buy something similar. The new Versa Note could be an option as well. It is a clone of the Fit, but likely has a seat height adjustment, where the fit does not. The Fit, while a very reliable car, is just typical Honda minimalism. I can't put my hard earned pension into something that looks like the interior is from the 1960's.

[vibenvy]

The visibility out the rear quarter isn't great for backing out a parking space but that's a plus - it slows me down to really look!

Get yourself some blind spot mirrors. They work wonders .

[Kincaid]

Would I buy a Vibe again? Probably not. As reliable as it was, I like to try different things. Change is fun... so long as you don't jump in blind!

Most people never understand why, when I shop for vehicles, it's always an apples-bananas-pomegranates comparison. And what I choose is almost always completely different.

Ha ha I hear you. Last time I was shopping I was considering Miata, Mustang, Vibe, Elantra wagon, Mazda 5, Toyota Tacoma crew cab and full size GMC trucks.

But, the 2009 Vibe has been a great car with only a few minor faults and at about 47k miles, not one time in the repair shop except once to a muffler shop to have the exhaust heat shield bent back to stop it from rattling. So, I'd say I'd buy again (but to be truthful, I want something new and different - even if it was a C-Max).

[cptnsolo77]

I just did a couple of minor repairs on the Vibe....& it has renewed my pride for purchasing the Vibe LOL. Cars runs GREAT & I have been getting 27 - 28 MPG CITY ! on a consistent basis with AC ON !....Great car for being 10 years old ! Thankfully for its corolla drivetrain & LOW pontiac resale value (removed). I have an eye for a few hatches though. Kia Forte & the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback. The Lancer Sportback is really sharp ! I think owners who arent happy with the Vibe ( or Matrix ) do not understand that this is a friggen economy car !!!! What the heck do you expect a Lexus ??? LOL

[vibolista]

I just did a couple of minor repairs on the Vibe....& it has renewed my pride for purchasing the Vibe LOL. Cars runs GREAT & I have been getting 27 - 28 MPG CITY ! on a consistent basis with AC ON !....Great car for being 10 years old ! Thankfully for its corolla drivetrain & LOW pontiac resale value (removed). I have an eye for a few hatches though. Kia Forte & the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback. The Lancer Sportback is really sharp ! I think owners who arent happy with the Vibe ( or Matrix ) do not understand that this is a friggen economy car !!!! What the heck do you expect a Lexus ??? LOL

"do you expect a Lexus???" Love that one... but may be true! Vibe is a great economy car. Can't agree completely on the Low Pontiac resale value. Prices on the used market don't seem that low. If you decide to get a new car, sell the Vibe yourself. You'll get more for it that way!

[Doug14]

Definitely would buy another vibe though I do not really like the dealerships.