Pontiac Vibe (Stupid Car Name)

The latest news on what's happening with the Pontiac Vibe & Toyota Matrix.
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cibomatto
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Pontiac Vibe (Stupid Car Name)

Post by cibomatto »

Salsa (2-tone) Base Automatic Vibe with Moontune package
Mr. Poopypants
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Re: Pontiac Vibe (cibomatto)

Post by Mr. Poopypants »

I can see his points on most of the car names, but yes, he has a stupid head.
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pmh013
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Re: Pontiac Vibe (cibomatto)

Post by pmh013 »

He just says it's stupid, and offers no explanation. That doesn't fly.I've already sent an email to one columnist about his Vibe misconceptions. Perhaps someone else should ask him what his problem is?
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ebslopp
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Re: Pontiac Vibe (pmh013)

Post by ebslopp »

who is he preaching to? I don't understand who his intended audience is. It's like he published a blog or something. I wish I could get paid for rambling on about unimportant topics.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------2004 Base - TwoTone Neptune - 5 speed There are 10 types of people in life. There are those who understand binary and those who do not.
ArcsVibe
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Re: Pontiac Vibe (ebslopp)

Post by ArcsVibe »

I agree! What is his point? I like the name Vibe and others that I have spoken to have told me its a cool car name.I classify this article as a "....hmm whatever!" Guess he ran out of ideas on what to write....
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Robert G
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Re: Pontiac Vibe (cibomatto)

Post by Robert G »

I find his lack of knowledge of the auto industry astounding. He refers to the Ferrari Enzo Ferrari as named for a Ferrari family member. Actually, it was named in honor of THE Ferrari member, not some distant cousin. His link for GTO refers to Pontiac, which may be the most well known connection to the name. He probably doesn't realize that the GTO was not originally a Pontiac, but a .... Ferrari.As to the retirement of the Pinto name, it probably had more to do with the crash problems than mere lack of sales.As to the Vibe, the guy doesn't look to be the target market for the Vibe anyway, so his opinion is not as relevant as others as to the marketing success of selecting the Vibe name.
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Post by Jahntassa »

I take offense to two of those things! The Vibe, and the Probe! Bah.. The guy does have a stupid lookin' head though.
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ALi3N
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Re: (Jahntassa)

Post by ALi3N »

i dunno, i think 'Probe' is one of the worst names in the history of the marketing world. When I think of the word 'probe' i don't think of a space probe, i think of a 'beam-me-up-scotty-alien-(removed)-probe'. ...it gives me the willies. Sort of like a trip-to-the-proctologist shudder.
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Re: (desert_dweller)

Post by Mavrik »

I read an artical at a friend's house (Toronto gay/lesbian community magazine) and the girl who wrote it just bashed the name "vibe" and "matrix" saying they were trying to sound cool and attract the younger generation and also make older people feel young. I don't know but isn't that every car maker's goal?And before anyone asks, my Vibe is a handy grocery getter for my two lesbian friends, probably about the only use they have for a man
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AKLGT
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Re: (Mavrik)

Post by AKLGT »

ha ha ha! aww now come on, phil! they like you for more than getting the groceries! who's gonna be able to help put them away in those high places too???
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joatmon
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Re: Pontiac Vibe (cibomatto)

Post by joatmon »

Quote, originally posted by cibomatto » maybe we could add this pic to the list of targets in dv's photoshop humor thread
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esjones
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Re: (ALi3N)

Post by esjones »

And Edmonds says that Vigor (Acura) is a good name, while I think it is one of the worst of all time.He mentions the late but not lamented Chevrolet Citation, but ignores that "Citation" was first an Edsel model, along with Ranger and another one I think, that I cannot remember.Chevy was big on numbers for a while, even Roman numerals, as in Chevy II. The trim levels of Chevy II were numbers (100, 300 and 500 I think, with the 500 becoming the Nova, which replaced Chevy II as the name of the car.)What astounds me is all of the car names that end in "A". I know I have too much time on my hands, but here is my list so far:AcuraImpalaGrand VitaraVanduraBarracudaCatalinaFestivaTacomaSiennaNubiraTundraCobraMilleniaSpectraTestarossaBavariaStanzaCrown VictoriaInvictaElectraToyotaPanteraBerlinettaPreviaCorollaCoronaMonzaBerettaCorsicaIntegraNovaCorsaGranadaFuturaAuroraBravadaPolaraVenturaMontanaSolaraSierraCieraHondaMazdaMiataKiaSedonaPacificaAltimaElantraSephiaJettaOptimaSavanaCelicaSupraVista (Dodge Colt Vista)Delta (Olds Delta 88)RivieraLagunaSonomaUltra (Buick Park Avenue)OmegaAchievaCarerraFormulaMaximaCordobaReattaVegaSonataLuminaXterraLeganzaSequoiaCateraImprezaSentraDakotaKarmann GhiaAlfa (Romeo)... and yes, he does have a stupid head.
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Re: (esjones)

Post by Mavrik »

Not sure if you listed this, after a while all the names began to look the same lol,Chev Optra
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Re: (Mavrik)

Post by esjones »

I think I missed (Ford) Fiesta, also. - ESJ
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wagon lover
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Re: Pontiac Vibe (cibomatto)

Post by wagon lover »

I like the name Vibe...like, get the VIbe? My wife is 29, and think the name suits her personality perfectly. She doesn't like it when I call it the 'vibrator' though
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Re: Pontiac Vibe (wagon lover)

Post by Mavrik »

Vibe and Matrix are perfect names for these cars and is it a problem if we like them cause they make us feel young? Well... some of us older then the others? I mean from what I have seen (not on this board) the average age of Vibe owners in my town seems to be 30-70 which I'm not to far from myself... I love my vibe, and I'd certainly say my girl has vibe to
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Jethro
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Re: Pontiac Vibe (Robert G)

Post by Jethro »

Quote, originally posted by Robert G »I find his lack of knowledge of the auto industry astounding. He refers to the Ferrari Enzo Ferrari as named for a Ferrari family member. Actually, it was named in honor of THE Ferrari member, not some distant cousin.I agree, that really jumps out of the articke to show this guy has no knowledge of what he's writing about. Quote, originally posted by Robert G »As to the Vibe, the guy doesn't look to be the target market for the Vibe anyway...You've got a point there too. I've seen plenty of "gray hairs" driving Vibe's around here but never a "chrome dome".
Celtic_Curse
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Post by Celtic_Curse »

Sounds Like Dr. Phil psycho babble to me, I just like the cars shape and design if the name looks or sounds stupid I'll just debage it.
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Fformula88
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Post by Fformula88 »

Chevy has taken a beating from many people for naming a pickup after a natural disaster; Avalanche. Yet he seems to like that. Its tough! (followed by Tim Taylor grunting).Vibe and Probe are out of the ordinary names of automobiles, and maybe that is why he decided they are "stupid." A lot of people call things they don't understand "stupid" and maybe he just cannot understand naming a car something besides after an animal (Taurus, Pinto, Mustang, Firebird, etc etc) or after some none offensive, boring numerical figure (the XKCGF1046503 ZZ 8).of course, maybe he does understand some things here. His point is that the great nameplates are considered great because they were attached to highly desireable vehicles. Not because of some marketing coup made by a team of overpriced pencil pushers. The vehicle made the name, not the other way around.
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Re: (Fformula88)

Post by Kazig »

Quote, originally posted by Fformula88 »The vehicle made the name, not the other way around. Have to agee with you here while not big name cars, the Dodge Dart (would that be a type of sewing stitch, or a projectile thrown commonly in bars) and the Plymouth Duster (A cleaning tool, or an overcoat)
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Re: (Kazig)

Post by Faultline »

I cant believe the guy tries to say that If i buy a car called "Vibe", then it means something about me.That a car name means something about me....That he is somehow superior to me , becauase he would not choose a car called vibe, but I did. -@#$%^_)(*&^%$#$%^&*()_((*&^^%$%^@$%!!@&%)+_)(*&^%$#@@)_)(*&^%$!@#$^%&_)(*&^%$~@$#%^)&_)+_(+_($#@#$^(_#@!!@#$%^&*(+_)(*&^%$##$%^&*()_*&^%$#@#$%^&+_)(*&^%$#@!@#$%^&*(_)(*&^%$#@$*(+_)(*&^%$#@%^&_)(*&^%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and we all agree...his head looks funny!
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Re: (Faultline)

Post by savedbyzero »

Email sent:"Mr. Brad Edmonds,Why exactly is "Pontiac Vibe" a "stupid name"? Seems to me you should have a little more explanation in your writings. Maybe then, you won't have to read "stupid emails" from Vibe owners.What would be a good name for the Pontiac? Brad Wolf2003 Vibe GT owner*insert sarcasm* Ya, a "GT"...go figure, right? It's a four-cylinder "sport wagon"...*end sarcasm*"We'll see if we get a response! What a jack@ss!I'm sure the vehicle he's rolling has a superior name like, "Hummer"...
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savedbyzero
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Re: (savedbyzero)

Post by savedbyzero »

OK, just got a response from Mr. Brad "I think I'm really funny" Edmunds. He writes: "Probably for the same reason "Probe" was a stupid name, while "Ranger" isn't. Some things you don't need to explain. "Scion" would be better, but it's taken (by an even uglier vehicle). But as I said, anything vaguely positive should work; then, the vehicle gives the name its meaning as it develops a reputation. Unfortunately, no Pontiac has developed a following since the 1960s GTO, which name they've just revived in an attempt to boost sagging sales. How about "Porter"? Suggests mobility, utility, and beer." All I can think of is...A$$hat. There are so many Pontiac Enthusiasts that would rip this guy a new one, it's not even funny!And my repsonse: Congratulations! That's the most idiotic email response I have ever received! Bravo! Way to support your beliefs.May I ask what superior driving machine has the privilege of escorting THEE Brad Edmunds around? Typical.
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savedbyzero
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Re: (savedbyzero)

Post by savedbyzero »

And the new response: I can't believe you're taking that article this seriously. If you want to argue, read my "abolishing government" archive. Disagree with something in those articles, and I'll engage you. I drive an Accord and an S2000. A Hondud owner. Who would have guessed...
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Re: (savedbyzero)

Post by joatmon »

We need to launch stang at him hey faultline, can you put a couple of spaces in that long string so browsers can wrap the text? tia
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Re: (joatmon)

Post by savedbyzero »

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Re: Pontiac Vibe (ebslopp)

Post by Stang2Vibe »

Quote, originally posted by ebslopp »I wish I could get paid for rambling on about unimportant topics.LOL!!! I would certainly be a bazillionaire by now!!!
Former owner of a 2003 Vibe GT---Great car that gave me 8 years and 83,000 miles of trouble-free service.Current owner of a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited AWD.
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Re: (joatmon)

Post by Stang2Vibe »

Quote, originally posted by joatmon »We need to launch stang at him Ohh!!! Ohh!!! I'm on that like white on rice!!! I'm gonna have to check this out---thanks for posting the emails, savedbyzero. This could keep me busy for days. No, weeks! Good thing this guy has no hair because he'd have ripped it all out by the time I'm done with him!
Former owner of a 2003 Vibe GT---Great car that gave me 8 years and 83,000 miles of trouble-free service.Current owner of a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited AWD.
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Re: (Stang2Vibe)

Post by ArcsVibe »

Quote, originally posted by Stang2Vibe »Ohh!!! Ohh!!! I'm on that like white on rice!!! I'm gonna have to check this out---thanks for posting the emails, savedbyzero. This could keep me busy for days. No, weeks! Good thing this guy has no hair because he'd have ripped it all out by the time I'm done with him! Go get him boy!
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Re: (Stang2Vibe)

Post by AKLGT »

Quote, originally posted by Stang2Vibe »Ohh!!! Ohh!!! I'm on that like white on rice!!! (removed)! white on rice, eh??? ha ha ha!
AKLGT1998 Subaru 2.5RS
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Re: (Stang2Vibe)

Post by drummerdude »

Quote, originally posted by Stang2Vibe »Ohh!!! Ohh!!! I'm on that like white on rice!!! I'm gonna have to check this out---thanks for posting the emails, savedbyzero. This could keep me busy for days. No, weeks! Good thing this guy has no hair because he'd have ripped it all out by the time I'm done with him! Any emails sent or responses?
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Re: (drummerdude)

Post by Stang2Vibe »

Not yet, I've been working 12+ hour days and trying to finish up my landscaping projects here at home. I haven't really had time to toy around with this guy or to even read his archives to see what his position is. But believe me, if this guy has a strong position that is diametrically opposed to mine on certain issues, he's gonna have to change his email address to get rid of me! LOL!
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Re: (Stang2Vibe)

Post by Slimer »

Ok, just to speak of a little heresy.... Vibe IS a pretty dumb-(removed) name for a car. To me, it sounds like a focus-group'ed piece of marketing BS, thought up to try to evoke some image of a youthful extreem sports college sorta active lifestyle thingy. It's not the worst example of this- the insufferably moronic pseudowords like "Integra" and "Escalade" and "Corolla" and the like are the bottom of the barrel. I love the car, and it's great, but Vibe strikes me as pretty cheesy. Not as bad as some, but there are a million better names for it.
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Post by ewakko »

I personally hate the name too. When people ask me why I bought a vibe, I tell them it was a toss up between a hummer and a vibe. The vibe was cheaper. Personally I like cars named after planets/stars. (I drive a neptune).
tjac003
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Re: (ewakko)

Post by tjac003 »

It could be worse -- how the hell did an SUV get the name "Aviator"?
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Re: Pontiac Vibe (cibomatto)

Post by Big_Red »

I don't agree with some of the article but some of it was actually bang on...especially with the Ford Taurus and some of the other car names...I mean there is an exception to every rule. My friend has had a Taurus since 1998 and it still runs like a dream...don't like the car, but if he's happy with it, so be it.
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Smokin' Rubber
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Re: Pontiac Vibe (Big_Red)

Post by Smokin' Rubber »

You know what a good car name is? VOLTZ heheAdditional car names that "stupid head" would approve of but are crappy...Toyota Paseo (come on why would a Japanese car have a spanish name!?)Chevy Aveo (what does that mean?)VW JettaNissan Silvia (Japanese spec 240 SX)
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