Convince me... Vibe GT owners specifically

[vw mofo]

Hello, I'm new to the forum here and have been trying to decide what kind of vehicle is out there to replace my Subaru with.We bought our Subaru (Legacy GT Wagon) a little over a year ago and we're just not happy with it. Its a great car, don't get me wrong but its got a few quirks I can't stand. The clutch chatters terribly when the car is cold and Subaru's response is that this is undesireably normal. The engine exhibits a very odd hesitation/lag at varying RPM's when you get on it, and again Subaru's response is undesireably normal. It flat out SUCKS on fuel economy (we got a mind boggling 22MPG on the last tank). It's grossly underpowered for its size. After drivetrain loss I'm looking at 75HP to the wheels, and for a 3400 pound car, that just sucks... The A/C is craptastic at best and the engine performace REALLY suffers with it on. Lastly my wife thinks it looks like grandma's car (I disagree, but she's the primary driver of it).Now, you all are probably thinking why did I buy it then? Good question. We bought it because we needed a larger vehicle than my 2000 GTI we traded for it. Subaru's are excellent for longevity, and the dealer I bought it from is FANTASTIC. I also loved the fact that I could get it with a 5 speed and it is AWD. There aren't alot of cars out there that compare.Now on to the important questions. Keeping in mind we need a vehicle that can haul stuff and we don't want an SUV. I like the looks of the Vibe and the 6 speed (why isn't this car available in AWD with a manual??). My wife likes them too and I get a nice hefty GM supplier discount.Main points of concern here:The Subaru has 36 cu. ft. of cargo space with the seats down and measures 6 feet from the front seats to the tailgate, how does the vibe compare? What kind of fuel economy are you guys getting with the GT's? How is the tranny? Overall fit and finish? I'm 6'-1" so how is the rear leg room with the seat adjusted for someone of my height? Other cars I am considering are Jetta Wagon TDI, Saturn VUE, Subaru Forrester, and a Used Audi A4 Avant. Notice a theme here?Sorry if you guys see this alot, but I gotta ask specifically for my needs.

[millster]

I can't give you a number on the hauling capacity (don't have the numbers handy). But on the worst days, I still get mileage in the upper 20s miles per gallon. The gas mileage of course is with my foot lying solidly upon the accelerator (it's hard to resist). I've found the transmission to be quite responsive and pleasant to drive. The clutch is a might touchy compared to what I'm used to, but I attribute most of my rough starts to the engine's slight lack of low-end torque. The overall fit and finish is wonderful, especially for a vehicle in this price range. The materials are quite sturdy with few exceptions. There are a few squeeks and such, but nothing major. As for the space, I as well am 6'-1" and have no trouble fitting into the driver's seat, in fact I could even put it further back but then releasing the clutch smoothly becomes difficult. With my seat in it's current configuration even I don't find the back terribly uncomfortable. It's certainly better than my Saturn was.Overall I love my Vibe and wouldn't trade it for anything.

[NovaResource]

I'm 6'2" and with the driver seat set for me there is still plenty of room in the rear for me to sit behing the driver seat. Head room is also awesome front and rear.

[yank dini]

quote:I'm 6'2" and with the driver seat set for me there is still plenty of room in the rear for me to sit behing the driver seat. Head room is also awesome front and rear.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------AGREE I'm 6'2" also and the head and leg room was the main selling point for me. I hate for me and my passengers to get cramed in the car. Oh by the way The day after I bought the car my uncle which is 6'4" fell asleep in the back seat when I took him for a ride

[vw mofo]

Thanks so far guy's... Keep it coming. I found a nice Neptune Monotone GT at a local stealer I'm gonna go take for a spin tonight.

[d_m_kolb]

2003 Pontiac Vibe GTBase Price: $19,340 Dealer Invoice: $18,083 Destination Charge: $560 Type: 1.8L I4 Displacement (cc/ci): 1796/110 Valves: 16 Horsepower: 180@7600 Torque: 130@6800 Fuel System: EFI Transmission: Manual OD Fuel Economy(City/Hwy): 25/30 mpg (Members have reported higher mileage)Steering, Suspension, Brakes Steer Diameter (Curb): 36.7/36.7 Engine Locat./Drive: FR/FWD Brakes (Fr/Rr): Disc/Disc Steering: R&P Suspension (Fr/Rr): Ind/Semi Tires: 205/55R16 Interior Dimensions Head Room (Fr/Rr): 40.6/39.8 Leg Room (Fr/Rr): 41.8/36.3 Shoulder Room (Ft/Rr): 53.2/52.6 Hip Room (Ft/Rr): 51.7/47.8 Exterior Dimensions & Weight Curb Weight(MT/AT): 2780/NA Wt. Dist. (Man-Auto): NL/NL-NA/NA Wheelbase(Ft/Rr): 102.4 Track (Ft/Rr): 59.6/58.9 Length: 171.9 Width: 69.9 Height: 62.2 Capacity & Volume Cargo Volume (EPA/Mfr): NL/21.8Fuel Capacity: 13.2 Tow Capacity (Std/Max): 1500/1500 Seating (Std.): 5 Seating (Opt.): NA EPA Class: WAGONSM Pass. Vol. (EPA/Mfr): NL/92.2 Major Standard Features Air Conditioning, Driver Air Bag, Passenger Air Bag, Alloy Wheels, Anti-Lock Brakes, Rear Defogger, Fog Lamps, Power Mirrors, Power Steering, AM/FM Radio, CD Player, Anti-Theft Radio, Second Row Folding Seat, Tachometer, Tilt Steering. Major Optional Features Anti-Theft Vehicle, Cruise Control, Keyless Entry/Unlock, Power Locks, Power Windows, Power Sunroof, Telephone. Warranty Basic: 36 months/36000 milesPowertrain: 36 months/36000 milesRust: 72 months/100000 miles Car and Driver MagazineFeb-02 1.8 I-4/6M 0-50, s. 5.60 0-60, s. 7.20 0-70, s. 9.70 1/4 Mile, s. 15.70 Top Speed, mph 130.00 60-0 Braking, ft. 114.00 Slalom, mph 66.90 Skidpad, g. 0.83 Idle, dBA 47.00 Full Throttle, dBA 79.00 70 mph Cruising, dBA 71.00 70 mph Coasting, dBA 71.00

[vw mofo]

Well then.. I guess that pretty much covers it. I did take a look at pontiac's site on the vibe and it looks like the car is about 9-10 cu ft smaller than my Subie in terms of max cargo space with the seats down. I guess we're gonna just have to look at it and see if it'll work for us.

[rasermon]

Max. cargo capacity (rear seats folded down) 54.1 cu. ft.Max. cargo capacity (rear seats up) 19.3 cu. ft.

[Sputnik]

I could have sworn I read that the cargo capacity with the seats folded down in the Vibe was something like 52 cubic feet? Someone correct me if I'm wrong (I'm sure I don't have to ask people to do this.

[Sputnik]

Okay I'm not crazy then... but its more than 52... close.

[Flip-Side]

Your not really wrong...posted space is 52 cu. ft. in most magazines and web sites. It's a good round-a-bout number it seems.

[vw mofo]

I talked it over with my wife and we are going to go look at one this weekend. She really likes the styling of it and the fact that it actually has some oomph whereas our subaru has none. It is smaller than our subie, but she seems to think we'd be ok.I asked this in another thread, but can someone tell me why the 17" wheels cannot be seleced with the moon and tunes package? Thats kinda stupid isn't it?

[millster]

Not sure there's ever been a concrete answer here, but here's a link to a previous thread about the 17" wheels and the moon and tunes...http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=4Hope this helps.

[vw mofo]

Yeah it doesn't look like it to me either... I smell some BS in there but I guess I can see the point. How mushy is the handling on the Vibe? Does it float and roll like a tub like a mk4 VW does? If so I can see where added tire grip could cause too much body twist which could lead to damage to the sunroof.However, if a correectly setup suspension was installed, (springs, shocks, and stress bars) I would tend to think body twist could be all but eliminated. Especially with the addition of a rear shock tower stress bar because the car is a hatch back. I know for a fact my Corrado doesn't twist up on me near as bad with my suspension setup as it did with the stock crap.

[millster]

It handles quite well for as tall as it is. However, as one would expect, due to the height of the vehicle there is a bit of body roll.
[Modified by millster, 8:52 AM 9/26/2002]

[old man winter]

Don't get me wrong I like my Vibe GT, I have not had this much fun since my 1980 Mustang SVO. What about the Subaru WRX Wagon? If I had the extra $6000 CDN I would have gone for it. I know I gave Fritsburg a hard time when he went for the WRX.The GT is no match for the WRX in performance. Looks, room, and features are another issue.

[Chris]

I second tha handling opinion. I've not got a GT but I do have the 16" alloys in my base Vibe and the handling is much better than I ever expected for a car of this height.Regarding cargo space... drag some toys to the dealer with you. Thats what I did. My wife and I do a lot of backcountry skiing and climbing so we climbed all over various cars with a tapemeasure, my skis and other 'toys' that we knew the Vibe would have to haul. Just from my observations, the Vibe's got more USEABLE space than any other car in it's class. Of other cars (Sube TS, Hyundai Elantra GT, Mazda P5) we tested, some had slightly more 'theoretical' space but the Vibe's missing all the bumps, shock towers, and other impediments to hauling large objects. Rear seat room is awesome, I'm only 5:10 but with me in the front I can haul my friend and his girlfriend... she's 5'11 and he's 6'2 and they're both comfy with ample leg and head room.happy hunting

[Ryan]

I was very impressed with how little roll there is. I had an elantra before this and that was a boat. The space is very impressive. Also note that the Vibe is the least expensive of all the cars you are looking at but it is has the most performance. I really love the car. Only thing I would change is a smoother shifter and a 2.0 litre engine for a little more torque.

[JimScolaro]

It seems some car buyers out there want to compare the VIBE to other cars that are much more expensive. If you like one of those cars and can afford to buy one, go ahead, but please don't compare it to the VIBE, it is a unique car.It is sporty, practical, economical and fun to drive. This car does what it was intended to do. I was originally looking at a Matrix, but once I saw and test drove the VIBE, I was hooked.I have about 3000 miles on my car and I love it. I am averaging 30 mpg in mixed driving and I got 38mpg on the highway on a recent vacation.Everyone should own a VIBE !!!Base Vibe (Salsa), Auto, Moon and Tunes, Power Pkg.

[vibe owner]

I'm 6'4", have a Vibe GT (30+mpg highway but man that premium is spendy), see my rants on [http://vibeowner.home.attbi.com]