TOP 10 dislikes and/or things you could change on the Vibe

Kissfan79 · Post by **Kissfan79** » Wed Jul 09, 2003 11:52 pm

I'm not sure if this has been mentioned yet....but my gripe is with the glass cleaner flow out of the back window jet. You turn on the flow and it just kinda' pours out and down. I would prefer something like the front where it actually sprays out and not just a 2" wide stream of cleaner down the middle of the window.Jim

PhantomII · Post by **PhantomII** » Fri Jul 11, 2003 5:37 am

quote:I'm not sure if this has been mentioned yet....but my gripe is with the glass cleaner flow out of the back window jet. You turn on the flow and it just kinda' pours out and down. I would prefer something like the front where it actually sprays out and not just a 2" wide stream of cleaner down the middle of the window.JimWastes a lot of fluid to get the window clear. Especially the winter road sluge stuff!!!!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri Jul 11, 2003 6:23 am

NovaResource said:quote:Suggestions:1 - add a V6 option (possibilities: GM: 3.1, 3.4, 3.8; Toyota: Tundra 3.4, Avalon 3.0, Solara 3.0)Nova: would a V6 fit in there? Looks pretty tight as it is...PhantomII said:quote:-Horn, what horn?!? I thought I electrocuted a mosquito!!!!!quote:-No bass on the Tunes package, the base stereo sounds better in that department. No, I am not looking for head rattling bass just enough to compliment the volume that they system is capable of.ROFLMAO!!! Dude, that moquito line was priceless...As to the stereo, I have Moon & Tunes, and I have to keep the bass at -2 or it's too much for me!!! Maybe your wiring is messed up and it's not pumping out right or something?red said:quote:turns on a dimeI know, I can't believe the turning radius on this thing. it's amazing! Beats out my Sunfire hands down!

Cubanpete · Post by **Cubanpete** » Fri Jul 11, 2003 12:13 pm

1- PAINT!! PAINT!!... is not GOOD, I seen better paint on alot of the ford focus2-DASHBOARD .... vey hard to clean and scratches easy.3-HORN4-BATTERY IS DEFINATELY AN ISSUE, ESPECIALLY FOR US IN CANADA WHERE BATTERY GETS VERY WEAK5-DRL/PHOTOSENSENSOR should be illiminated, I disconnected mine as it can drain my battery.6-GLOVE COMPARTMENT mising light7-LOCKS on storage compartments DOES NOT STAY LOCKED, I mean both the one under the gear shifter and the one on the drivers left side near the door.8-Enable/Disable Alarm Chirp9-Door Locks automatic when engaged in drive position10-Sunvisor is poor11-Rear wiper should be separate, from front wiper controls12- (FACTORY RECALL) THE ISSUE WITH VVTL-I MOTOR, WHERE THE BOLTS THAT ENGAGE THE BIG CAM/LIFT WEAR OUT, AND BREAK IN THE ENGINE BLOCK AND CAN DROP IN ENGINE WHILE DRIVING CAUSING IRREVERSABLE DAMAGE. 13- SPEAKERS ON PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE TO CLOSE TO YOUR FOOT, WHEN LEAVING CAR ALOT OF SNOW AND SLUSH FALL IN THAT AREA, SHOULD HAVE SOME TYPE OF SEALER OR SCREEN.14- THE DELAER SHIPS IN THE MONTREAL AREA DO NOT KNOW THIS CAR FOR NOTHING, I THAT AM NOT A MECHANIC HAVE LEARNT MORE ON THE MECHANICS OF THIS CAR FROM THE WEB, THEN THE DEALERSMECHANICS, THEY SHOULD BE TRAINED ABIT BETTER ON THIS VEHICLE........I AM UPSET WITH THIS ALOT SINCE IF I HAVE QUESTIONS I CALL TOYOTA, AND THEY GIVE ME CORRECT ANSWERS. I CALL GM...WHEN I MENTION VIBE, THEY ARE DUMBFOUNDED....HONESTLY THE VEHICLE IS AN EXCELLENT DRIVE, BUT WITH THE ABOVE PROBLEM I am seriously thinking that somehow I made a mistake and should have went for my original choice of the subau WRX wagon. I should also mention that the subaru wrx wagons I saw (IMHO) had paint like the vibe, nothing to brag about also!

sassi_vibe03 · Post by **sassi_vibe03** » Fri Jul 11, 2003 1:17 pm

I would like to see a red metallic colorBetter carpetingMake cruise control a separate option from power package.For the people that don't have power everything I wish you could use the key in all the doors instead of having to unlock, then reach back to the back door.I do love my Lava Vibe!!!!! Its fun to drive

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri Jul 11, 2003 2:39 pm

quote:For the people that don't have power everything I wish you could use the key in all the doors instead of having to unlock, then reach back to the back door.I do love my Lava Vibe!!!!! Its fun to driveI don't know if this is something exclusive to the power package. But when I put the key in the cylinder, I can turn it once to unlock the driver door, then once more to unlock the remainder of the doors.On the passenger door, turn once and it unlocks all doors.Wait, yeah, I guess you need to have power locks for that to work. Oops.But I've never heard of a car where you had four locks on four doors...that's crazy!

sassi_vibe03 · Post by **sassi_vibe03** » Sat Jul 12, 2003 1:12 am

sometimes I just need something out of the back seat if it had a key place then I could just unlock that one door.we didn't get power locks because we have not had good luck with them in the past

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sat Jul 12, 2003 6:53 am

I'm certainly not bashing your decision not to get power locks...but I am curious...how does one "not have good luck" with power locks?

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Sat Jul 12, 2003 8:04 am

quote:I have had problems with power locks and power windows before on my 92 Dodge and also on my 1992 S-10 Blazer. There were problems with the motors and accuaters. Can cause a lot of problems. Less electrical equipment = fewer problems. I can't wait until my car's warranty expires and I start having moonroof problems. So, not having all the power goodies doesn't always mean one will suffer... I have had problems with the power goodies on previous cars as well. But, I certainly appreciate having power everything despite the long-term concerns.Let's see, I have eclipsed the ten thousand mile mark... Thus, I have a few things to add of what they could change...1. Programmable automatic door locks that would engage when you shifted out of park, or went over x MPH for those with a manual. Unlock when you turned the car off. Keeping it programmable would prevent people from complaining about the feature, they can enable it if they want, and not have the automatic locks forced upon them. I often forget that doors unlocked = liftgate can be opened... 2. More durable interior plastics... For me, the current plastics are very easily damaged, scratched, etc. I know, I know, I should have been more careful when hauling things. But, I still feel they need to be a little more forgiving! Gimme the chrome door handles as well, while we're at it...3. A "less busy" wiper stalk. Move the rear wiper control elsewhere, and give it a variable intermittent setting, as opposed to the current fixed one... Also, not sure if anyone have noticed, but my Vibe as well as the friend's does this... Fix that quirk that occurs when you let off the wiper control too soon, and they just stop somewhere mid cycle... Front AND rear seems to do this on mine, regardless of a regular wiping cycle, or washing. If I let off the control at the wrong time, they just stop where they were... You have to turn them back on for a second to get them to go back to their usual positions.4. Moonroof that has an express-open feature like the driver's window. I would prefer one touch to open, press it again if I wanted to stop it somewhere in the middle. They can retain the current closing operation, as holding it down would make you a little more aware of what is going on for safety's sake. I don't mind the extra push of the button for that.5. Outside rearview mirrors that aren't fixed, instead hinged for when the inevitable happens and someone bumps into it, or you bump it into something. Also, paint them body color like the Matrix. And why not, make them heated as well - I needed that feature last winter.6. I'd like to see the darker tinting, but I think that isn't possible from the factory... Since the Vibe is classified as a station wagon technically, and not a "Multi-purpose vehicle" or what have you, it can't have the darker tinted glass, federal law. (FMVSS 205 I think.) But, I would appreciate some tint across the windshield. I expect a car that sells new for $10,000 to be lacking the tint at the top, but NOT for a vehicle that can push well into the $20,000 territory.7. Longer sun visors! Vinyl, cloth covered, whatever! I would just like to be able to use them. I probably wouldn't have the problem if I was taller. 8. I don't mind the Twilight Sentinel, as long as they can fix the on/off problems... My last car had the same feature, and worked great (photocell located in center of dash inside defroster vent.) It really doesn't bother me that much, I constantly have the gauges set to the brightest position and normally just turn the lights on manually if it gets too flaky. But, it sure does need to be fixed, nonetheless. A programmable exit delay to keep the headlights on for a few seconds after leaving the car at night would be nice...9. Mechanically, I think the Vibe's alright. I don't expect it to have neck-breaking acceleration, certainly more would be welcome, particularly with the base/auto (and awd.) However, I'm reminded frequently that the Vibe really isn't much more than a Corolla. The economy car roots are obvious, which isn't a bad thing, necessarily. Especially when fuel economy is considered. But somehow, it sure is a lot of fun to drive, despite the shortcomings...Overall, I can't find too much to gripe about... Very efficiently packaged automobile. Well-rounded, it doesn't necessarily do one thing great, but instead does many things just right. And that's good enough for me.

redlava · Post by **redlava** » Sat Jul 12, 2003 11:48 am

The headlight sensor definitely needs to be reworked. Driving home from work one day it turned on and off about five times. Whoever said something about having multiple sensors that have to agree was right on the money with that one. The stereo is good, but it would be nicer if the speakers were a little bigger, 200 watts just doesn't sound as good out of four six inch speakers as it does out of eights.There should be better paint in more color options. The "envy" was a good try but just didn't fit. The Gold and the Orange are much better choices for the standout colors.The visibility out of the back could be a little better. Making the rear window and small rear side windows a little bigger would greatly improve this without compromizing the style.For a small affordable car i think it is very well built, but it is the small things in the interior that bother me. Like the glove compartment not having a light, and the window switches not being lit. Sounds like I am being picky, but it would turn it from a great car to an awesome car.Damnit GM hurry up with those accessories!!!peace

sixspeed · Post by **sixspeed** » Thu Jul 17, 2003 8:38 pm

New Vibe GTRed instrument lights hard to read if your over 50 [need wy reading glasses]6 foot drivers with short arms can't reach the wheel [you can but a telescopic wheel would be nice]Lack of real power below 6000 rpmMy sunglasses block the radio displayLots of light plastic trim insideCool air not cold [yes the door is fully closed]Door window ledge too high to rest your arm on comfortablyLove the thing anyway, sports car with some cargo space for the dive gear.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Mon Jul 21, 2003 1:50 pm

I would like to adjust my former list:Strike #7. Hardly an issue. Merely a suggestion. Replace with:7. Part Supply Issues: How could it take 2-3 weeks to get a MOTOR for a WINDOW??? Don't expect customers to quietly accept a multi-week wait for parts, no matter how big or small they are! Fix it now, before you REALLY start hearing some noise...

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Mon Jul 21, 2003 1:54 pm

quote:The lack of power of the battery (310 CCA) when we live in a cold climate area... Buddy, they don't have enough power in the warmer climates we have here either. They are flat out WEAK!!!

MR_BKDW · Post by **MR_BKDW** » Mon Jul 21, 2003 3:19 pm

It just may be mine but I have to smash the clutch to the floor to start my car with the rubber mats, so maybe not have the clutch be in so far to start it or make the rubber mats not as thick, the problem was not as bad when I had the carpet mats. Also, what is rattling in your cars all I know is when I don't lock the spare tire compartment that rattles.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Mon Jul 21, 2003 3:21 pm

You kinda answered your own concern there buddy...That's not a design flaw. That's physics.When locked down, it's LOCKED DOWN...when unlocked, it can bounce up and down, thus rattling.Lock the floor, no rattles!

VibeSalsa · Post by **VibeSalsa** » Mon Jul 21, 2003 9:16 pm

quote:Buddy, they don't have enough power in the warmer climates we have here either. They are flat out WEAK!!!So, we are more than I was thinking with this problem... Please complain to GM about that like me. I think they don't realize this is a major issue!

MR_BKDW · Post by **MR_BKDW** » Tue Jul 22, 2003 3:40 pm

I know that, its not like I'm retarded all the time, but that is the only thing I can make rattle, so I was just wondering what was rattling for other people.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Tue Jul 22, 2003 3:45 pm

Ohhhhhh ok, I just reread it, I see what you're saying now.Sorry bout that. I have rattles in my two driver-side doors, front and back. Dealer always says they can't hear them though. Problem with a service dept with an average age of over 40 (no offense to any elder members here )

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Tue Jul 22, 2003 3:46 pm

quote:So, we are more than I was thinking with this problem... Please complain to GM about that like me. I think they don't realize this is a major issue!Mentioned it to the dealer -- they said it's out of their hands. Honestly, there are things that bug me more than the battery and I'm not an avid complainer, so I won't go to GM about that...now paint, there's something I'll gladly go after them about...

MR_BKDW · Post by **MR_BKDW** » Tue Jul 22, 2003 5:20 pm

ah thanks for the info I was just curious

jrdiesel · Post by **jrdiesel** » Wed Jul 23, 2003 7:56 am

To all the people having problems with the paint, Did you purchase the extra paint protection? I didn't and my paint scratches really easy. I breathed on it wrong and I scratched it.Someone said way back on page 1 or 2 that they wish they got a rear cargo mat, didn't they all come with one. Mine did.I haven't experienced any rattles yet since I have my stereo turned up way too loud all the time, but now my rear hatch and panels rattle from all the bass.For everybody having problems with their headlight sensor, how bad is it? Mine seems fine, or maybe I am not paying that close of attention.1.Paint2.Doorside arm rests too hard.3.Way too windy inside with the front windows down.4.Feet get to cold in the winter.5.AC not cold enough in the summer.6.Rear window washer has no spread on it. DripDripDrip7.Grey body moulding are taking a beating from the small pebbles on the road.8.Paint9.People call it a station wagon, it's a 4-door hatchback.10.Kind of gutless at highway speds.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed Jul 23, 2003 7:59 am

quote:To all the people having problems with the paint, Did you purchase the extra paint protection? I didn't and my paint scratches really easy. I breathed on it wrong and I scratched it.Extra paint protection? Never heard of it? Had such a thing been offered, I totally would have spent the dough for it!quote:Someone said way back on page 1 or 2 that they wish they got a rear cargo mat, didn't they all come with one. Mine did.Well you suck then. J/k. No, it's a $60 optional accessory.

Psychobroker · Post by **Psychobroker** » Wed Jul 23, 2003 8:27 am

quote:Extra paint protection? Never heard of it? Had such a thing been offered, I totally would have spent the dough for it!Penninsula Pontiac included with my package an R-2000 paint and interior treatment that's supposed to protect it for 5 years. I don't know if this means they'll touch up chips, etc. for free or not hehe.See the attached .tif file...sorry, I don't know how to convert it to a .jpg

56998=1512-R-2000salesslip.tif

MR_BKDW · Post by **MR_BKDW** » Wed Jul 23, 2003 1:18 pm

My dealer had a paint sealant that I got too. I saw the problems people where having so I was glad they offered it.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed Jul 23, 2003 1:23 pm

all i can say is...I'M SO JEALOUS!!!

Cubanpete · Post by **Cubanpete** » Wed Jul 23, 2003 2:20 pm

NO CARGO MAT, NO extra CLEARCOAT OPTIONS or Paint Protection.

Ziegler · Post by **Ziegler** » Wed Jul 23, 2003 2:28 pm

I was so close to purchasing a Pontiac Vibe ... that is until I stumbled upon this site and read through this thread. If there's anything I can't stand more is a bad paint job, especially if it's as bad as everyone says it is. I do a lot of traveling on the PA Turnpike which isn't very paint job friendly ... especially in the winter. I really do hope GM reads these posts and actually make an effort to correct the problems - but I seriously doubt it.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed Jul 23, 2003 2:29 pm

quote:I was so close to purchasing a Pontiac Vibe ... that is until I stumbled upon this site and read through this thread. If there's anything I can't stand more is a bad paint job, especially if it's as bad as everyone says it is. I do a lot of traveling on the PA Turnpike which isn't very paint job friendly ... especially in the winter. I really do hope GM reads these posts and actually make an effort to correct the problems - but I seriously doubt it.As bad as our paint jobs may be, I don't know of any car company that does a decent job with paint...they all cut corners to cut costs, and my guess is paint quality is the first to suffer...

Cubanpete · Post by **Cubanpete** » Wed Jul 23, 2003 2:43 pm

quote:I was so close to purchasing a Pontiac Vibe ... that is until I stumbled upon this site and read through this thread. If there's anything I can't stand more is a bad paint job, especially if it's as bad as everyone says it is. I do a lot of traveling on the PA Turnpike which isn't very paint job friendly ... especially in the winter. I really do hope GM reads these posts and actually make an effort to correct the problems - but I seriously doubt it.Listen Bro, prior to the vibe, I was looking at the WRX turbo wagon, and the paint on it sucked, I found some good finishese on Ford Focus'es (Which I would not buy even with your Money! lol)as well as on the newer acuras.......the matrix are also....in the weak paint department. Like ragingfish said, alot of mfr's are cutting costs.....so paint is definately on the list.

Ziegler · Post by **Ziegler** » Wed Jul 23, 2003 2:59 pm

This is all news to me. But then again I'm still driving a '92 SE-R that still has a decent finish considering it's been through hell and back. I figured paint jobs were priority one with car makers, especially since they're a car's first line of defense against corrosion and rust. So what does everyone do when they're paint job falls apart ... just deal with it?

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed Jul 23, 2003 3:09 pm

When I realized the paint wasn't going to hold up, I became proactive. I waxed it up with about 10 layers (no lie), and now, it seems to have more or less stopped the chipping process.Had I done this the day of pickup, I might never have taken any damage.But even the strongest paint jobs are not impenetrable. It happens. It's life. You deal. In the grand scheme of things, the car perofmrs amazingly...if I could do it again, I absolutely would, no hesitation.

Ziegler · Post by **Ziegler** » Wed Jul 23, 2003 5:09 pm

quote:the car performs amazinglyHave you done any modifications to it? Is there a possibility of it "rolling over" if pushed through some tight curves???I'm also wondering if an additional layer of clear coat would protect the paint better ...

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed Jul 23, 2003 10:36 pm

quote:Have you done any modifications to it?Only performance mod is a CAI.quote:Is there a possibility of it "rolling over" if pushed through some tight curves???You can make any car flip if you try hard enough. It does stand taller than a car, so it is possible it could roll...but you learn to drive it properly and compensate for that...quote:I'm also wondering if an additional layer of clear coat would protect the paint better ...Perhaps. Who knows...

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed Jul 23, 2003 11:10 pm

quote:I always have the little green headlight indicator on the dash on - get rid of this.I believe in Canada that is for your DRL system...my Sunfire had a green light that was on to indicate the DRL system was on...quote:Do away with the gas tank cover that needs to be released by the driver, I don't like this feature (I think this is a Toyota thing, not a GM thing).Nah, both my parents Pontiacs have that.quote:Get rid of the little hooks that hold the driver's floor mat in place, when the mat is sandy / dirty, I get dirt all over the place trying to remove it from those hooks. Perhaps Velcro on the bottom if sliding mats are a big issue for GM (also a Toyota feature I believe - my Echo has the same mat clips) You know you can just pop those out of the floor?

Psychobroker · Post by **Psychobroker** » Fri Jul 25, 2003 1:41 am

I like the hooks, they keep the mats firmly in place. I was always bunching up my Corrado's mats...very annoying.

jrdiesel · Post by **jrdiesel** » Fri Jul 25, 2003 2:19 am

Mine came with the rear cargo mat and netting. I thought it was standard.[QUOTE]At least one cargo net should come with the car.

marcbla · Post by **marcbla** » Wed Jul 30, 2003 5:42 am

no top ten but you can,t adjust fan speed with trans in park, i also dislike the high beams switch, i would rather have the kind with a ratcheting action instead of pushing it away for high beam, also on a sunny day sometimes my lights go on because of the poor position of the "eye" that turns the lights on,some items on the gauges are hard to read on a sunny day, drivers seat needs lower lumbar adjustment, also i need awd for my job which involves a lot of traveling,and would have liked the engine available in the gt

marcbla · Post by **marcbla** » Wed Jul 30, 2003 5:45 am

does anybody thing the steering wheel is a little out of position it needs to be angled differently

Merzbow · Post by **Merzbow** » Wed Jul 30, 2003 2:03 pm

Is that your bike MRGRN????? If it is i love it....I have to set my priorities though, either mods for my Vibe, or a crotch rocket...either of those would be great for a nightly cruise with the g/f. Although look like I'm gonna have to hold off on the bike, my mom will kick me out if I get one....I'm only 16.Yeah, and the things i would have to not say are wrong with the Vibe are....1) I don't really like the wheels, they need to have a more race-style of wheel like the ones KONIG makes.2)I havent had too many problems with my paint though, my mom has dinged the doors a few times with her car BAH!3)The headlights don't seem to be all that bright, anyone else agree with that?Everything else is beautiful -={Paul}=-

Toasted7 · Post by **Toasted7** » Wed Jul 30, 2003 2:09 pm

"3)The headlights don't seem to be all that bright, anyone else agree with that?"I would have to agree with you on that. May I suggest Silverstar fog and headlights. They make a huge difference, do a search for Sliverstar and you will find a lot of info. and how much everyone likes them. Just a suggestion and a easy mod to fix that problem.

BubbaBlueyz · Post by **BubbaBlueyz** » Mon Aug 04, 2003 11:52 am

The only real problem i have is the paint, it cheaps to easy! ANd what up with the sun roof, stops halfway? also the key needs to be turned all the way foward to roll up the windows! Need to add lights under the hood and the glove box! Gm also needs to start looking at the competion!!! The vw golf 25th annivarsary comes dropped, 18" wheels, 180 hp, tinted windows, and its under 23000. THe mits evo comes dropped, 17" wheels, turbo, exhaust, cai, and 271 hp! and so on! gm needs to start matching what people want! hp and looks, with a good price! Gm needs to produce a turbo for the GT model also! Hey also train your people at the parts counter. I love my vibe other then the paint, and the clunk I have had looked at 7 times! The car gets alot of attention for being basiclly stock, other then 18" wheels, borla exhaust, an vent shades! I get a lot traffic by my car to!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Mon Aug 04, 2003 11:58 am

quote:Gm needs to produce a turbo for the GT model also!You can't turbo an engine with such a high compression. There's been much discussion about even a GT s/c...can't be done.

scherry2 · Post by **scherry2** » Mon Aug 04, 2003 11:58 am

quote:Moonroof to have express back so it doesn't stop half way on openingmine doesn't stop 1/2 way open.

NovaResource · Post by **NovaResource** » Mon Aug 04, 2003 10:49 pm

quote:You can't turbo an engine with such a high compression. There's been much discussion about even a GT s/c...can't be done.Actually, it can be done but you're correct about the high compression. To safely do it you would have to lower the compression. If not you will either blow the motor up or have to run such low boost that you are getting little improvement.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Mon Aug 04, 2003 11:15 pm

I meant to edit that last night to read "without lowering compression." Thanks for correcting that.

Charlievibe · Post by **Charlievibe** » Fri Jan 09, 2004 1:54 am

Quote, originally posted by Devlop »Larger sun visors would be nice too. I second this one.Would also like to see the option of having the GT steering wheel on the base Vibe.Would like to have had speakers in the very back as well as what is there now.

drunkenmaxx · Post by **drunkenmaxx** » Fri Jan 09, 2004 1:58 am

Quote, originally posted by Charlievibe »Would like to have had speakers in the very back as well as what is there now.yeah, instead of those useless compartments they could put some 6x9s in there!

goodvibe · Post by **goodvibe** » Fri Jan 09, 2004 12:31 pm

Light sensor , wheel gap(fixed), horn(fixed), too much hard plastic, cheap cargo cover. Could have less road/wind noise but not too bad.

craigernd · Post by **craigernd** » Sat Jan 17, 2004 7:01 am

that would help in following and creating directions

Caretaker · Post by **Caretaker** » Sat Jan 17, 2004 7:57 am

telescope the steering wheel and pedals; improve the cloth quality; have a more logical message display area (ie: overdrive off light is in a very bad place)