Trying to get a better ride

[junkyardjeff]

I am used to large cars and this Vibe is the smallest car I ever had,i know its light but does anyone know if there any springs and struts made that will give it a better ride.

[VibeNation2024]

I have not had to replace these yet on my 07 or 08 but I have had luck with Monroe on other vehicles. I also see several posts about KYB from Wal-Mart. Not sure how the ride will be with those but you might want to check them out. Maybe another Vibe member has expirience too.

[SSizler]

KYB was the OEM provider of struts / shocks on the Vibe.
I have tried Monroe and prefer the KYB units.
Finding something better will be tough.
I recommend shopping at Rock Auto for the best price on struts.

[tpollauf]

Seeing how you've already put 100k miles or so on this Vibe, the other thing that improves comfort is TIRES. You likely already went through a set or two since you got it.

[ColonelPanic]

+1 on tires. Getting more sidewall may be worth looking into. We've had folks here downsize to 15" for this reason.

For shocks/struts, the general consensus over the years seems that the KYBs ride stiffer and Monroe softer.

[junkyardjeff]

It will need tires soon so I will look for some taller tires.

[Fletch614]

I will second the tires! I just replaced my Vibes wheels and tires (wheels were corroding and flaking badly). I went with a Minus 1..195/65R15 vs the original 205/55R16. (went Minus 1 for a number of reasons..wheels and tires are cheaper, ride is better and winter traction is better with a narrower tire)

Night and day difference in the ride. Feels like a new car. Even my teen daughter with a drivers permit immediately noticed the difference in ride.

wheels and tires.jpg (133.43 KiB) Viewed 166 times