Motor Trend: on the new 2005 Vibe

[Reynoma]

Part of the "news" section of Motor Trend's May 2004 issue: "SMART MOVE: For 2005, its third model year, the Pontiac Vibe gets a facelift that ditches its Aztek-like grille in favor of one inspired by the Solstice roadster. Other changes include a Moonsoon stereo, Stabilitrak, optional leather seats, side-curtain airbags and OnStar". I don't think most GenViber's agree that it was a "smart move" to change the front end styling.

[ragingfish]

They say it's a good thing because seems like every auto mag I ever read was strongly biased AGAINST the Aztek. So anything that distances the Vibe from it will be a plus to them. The Aztek is NOT bad except for the rear end...if they could improve that, it could be a winning design...IMHO anyway.

[Reynoma]

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »The Aztek is NOT bad except for the rear end...if they could improve that, it could be a winning design...IMHO anyway.Funny you should say that Raging. I was driving past a gas station today that had a Black Aztec filling-up. It looked really good, except when the driver pulled out and I saw that gawd awfull rear-end. I thought to myself that if they would have just changed the rear styling, it would have been so much better.

[yank dini]

Quote, originally posted by Reynoma »Funny you should say that Raging. I was driving past a gas station today that had a Black Aztec filling-up. It looked really good, except when the driver pulled out and I saw that gawd awfull rear-end. I thought to myself that if they would have just changed the rear styling, it would have been so much better.RESPECT THE AZTEK!LOL!http://www.streetrodding.com//...1.jpg

[AKLGT]

yes, from the front, the aztek is kinda cool. i even like it, then you see the (removed) and it's like (removed)! why???? if they made the back closer to the vibe, it'd be perfect!

[ArcsVibe]

Very true Hope, the back totally kills the look of the car.

[SGT]

Therein lies the problem with the Aztek. They were going for something different with the Aztek, especially the back of the car and it failed miserably in terms of sales popularity. If the Aztek's back end had been changed to be closer to the shape of the Rendezvous which it shares a platform with it would have probably sold better. Oh well. Maybe it is me, but to me, the Vibe doesn't resemble the Aztek from the front at all. The grille on the Vibe reminds me more of the 2000 to 2002 Sunfire than the Aztek. The Aztek's grille doesn't rise up to meet the edge of the hood, but instead it has those two nostril things there above the grille. Of course I could just be blind because I really like the way the nose on the Vibe looks.

[Mavrik]

The rear and the interior have no claim on my interest what so ever. Not only does the rear need work, so does the structure of the interior. The Vibe is not its cousin lol, the Vibe looks WAY better, its no mini me.And the new Vibe look is not good, to smooth and rounded IMO.

[SWiRv]

Whenever my wife and I see a Aztek drive by, we always refer to it as the ugly cousin.

[AKLGT]

Quote, originally posted by SWiRv »Whenever my wife and I see a Aztek drive by, we always refer to it as the ugly cousin. (removed)! that's funny!

[Slimer]

IMO, the Vibe's just a much cleaner and better-proportioned design. The individual elements of the Az aren't too horrible, but the proportions are terrible. If it had been made a little more wagon-like, it would have been a winner. It's too upright and slab-sided, and any wheel is too small. That, and the Az design is far too busy- too many details and surface changes. The Vibe is a simple, curvy, and well-proportioned design, which is why it works.

[ebslopp]

Quote, originally posted by yank dini »RESPECT THE AZTEK!LOL!http://www.streetrodding.com//...1.jpgThat pic looks like an oversized, four-door, Honda CRX! My wife and I refer to the Aztek as the "asstek"...lol

[yank dini]

Quote, originally posted by ebslopp »That pic looks like an oversized, four-door, Honda CRX! My wife and I refer to the Aztek as the "asstek"...lolshould have seen the engine in that thing... I didn't take the pic but I was there (Detroit Autorama) It even had 2 NOS Tanks in the backThe Vibe that they had their was so so bascially plain jane with S/C and Body Kit

[Fformula88]

Its funny that they are now somewhat trashing the current Vibes styling by saying that, since they all praised its styling for being what the Aztek should have been when it was introduced. I remember reading over and over in all those rags how the Vibe took the Aztek's styling themes and made them work well. I guess they realize they won't have many more opportunities to attack the Aztek, sot hey are going to get in every last barb they can.

[csjrishere]

This is what the Aztek should be http://www.autoweek.com/cat_co...86060I forgot to add that these are the same mags that are praising the Scion xb and the Honda Element. I think both are uglier than the Aztek.

[Vibe]

The entire Aztec project should be scrapped----------

[Pablo1669]

Quote, originally posted by csjrishere »This is what the Aztek should be http://www.autoweek.com/cat_co...86060They had that car here at the Tech Center in the lobby of the building I work in. It's really freakin sweet up close and personal. The engine compartment did make me a little horny.

[SGT]

Quote, originally posted by csjrishere »I forgot to add that these are the same mags that are praising the Scion xb and the Honda Element. I think both are uglier than the Aztek.Ah yes, the wonderful automotive press. If it is a Honda or Toyota it is it the best thing in the world. I agree with you, the Element makes the Aztek look graceful and well styled. Yes, the press loves it and it's styling. Go figure.

[Jahntassa]

Or...they could go back to 98/99, and pull out the Aztek concept vehicle (which VERY MUCH resembles the 2003/2004 Vibe), and leave it at that. I loved the concept vehicle. The interior was awesome, and it had the front end of a Vibe...But NOOOOOO...I need to see a 2005 in person now... Who knows, maybe it'll be the look that grows on us?

[kostby]

Quote, originally posted by Reynoma »the Pontiac Vibe gets a facelift that ditches its Aztek-like grille in favor of one inspired by the Solstice roadsterIMHO the Solstice is the new 'sweetheart of styling' for the car mags. Put a twin-kidney grill on a Mazda Miata-type roadster, and voila, it's either A) a Pontiac, B) a BMW, or C) a MitsubishiBut then almost anything with the name 'Bob Lutz' attached has been getting praise since he came back to GM, i.e. the Holden 'GTO' (a fitting homage to its namesake ONLY in terms of performance)