Are the matrix and vibe radios compatible

[Bing12345]

I have a 2009 AWD and I'm thinking about buying a 2009 AWD Matrix. The main thing that I'm worried about is that the buttons on the radio are a bit different. Is it possible to swap in a Vibe radio (I like things to be standardized wherever possible).

[trb]

The Matrix uses a Toyota radio and the Vibe uses a GM radio, and there are different wiring harness adapters for installing an aftermarket radio in each, so I'm pretty sure the stock radios are not directly compatible. Of course anything can be made to work, but it would take some rewiring. Also the steering wheel controls pose another problem if the cars are equipped with them. But if you have an aftermarket radio, it can be installed in almost any car with the correct kits.

[1zsquared]

Everything mentioned above is correct about the wiring harness being different but easily resolved with a harness adapter kit.. however ... I also wish to mention (learned the hard way) that the bezels between Toyota and Pontiac are slightly different as well. I have an 06 Vibe and pulled a "Toyota" base radio from an 2005 Matrix. The Toyota Matrix radios illuminate in the similar orange color so I was interested in replacing my GM "Late 80s" radio ( with display issue) with the Toyota unit. Pulled the Toyota unit with the 2 harness plugs. Cleaned it all up and went to install it to find the radio bezel is short on the opening left to right, and is a bit taller in opening from top to bottom. There are also tabs on the inside of the Pontiac bezel casting that prevents the Toyota radio to enter center into the bezel radio opening. I trimmed the tabs away so the radio can slide into the space just to find the space (dimensions) for the radio opening in the bezel will not accept the radio nicely. Too narrow, left to right, almost short enough for the radio knobs to rub on the bezel, and there is a space gap on the top and bottom when the radio is centered. I am going to try to make it work but am VERY surprised the bezels are not the same; especially when you look at the replacement specs on line and everything implies the bezels are the same between the Toyota and Pontiac. I now believe if you want to use the Toyota Matrix Radio in your Pontiac, then you will also need the Toyota bezel that has the clock above the radio. Let me know if anyone wants pictures. Thanks

[ColonelPanic]

2003 and 2004 Vibe/Matrix had the same GM radios and bezels. 2005-2008 the radios are not interchangeable, nor are the bezels..

The 2005-2008 Matrix has a Toyota radio and the bezel was redesigned to accommodate the size of that radio and provide a separate digital clock.

Stick with 2003-2008 Vibe if you are wanting OEM radios.

[1zsquared]

One more thing I learned about the Matrix Radio in a Vibe .. I was able to get the Toyota Matrix radio to work in my Vibe, and was able to make adjustments to the bezel to look OK (not perfect but good enough for the kids I hang with) and speakers wiring worked out with the adaptor. However, I was NOT able to get the radio to illuminate. I researched the wires for the Matrix radio and none of them seemed to have a wire to mate with the instrument lights (and dimming options) when installed in the Vibe. Maybe all the lights in the Matrix radio were burned out.. but would be very surprised if all of the bulbs had failed.

Just thought I would share this. If someone else here was successful with instilling a Matrix radio that lights up into a Vibe, this news would help me conclude my luck in picking radios from the junk yard, with working lights, is about as good as my picking women.. Not very good.. Thanks