newb from indiana

[vibrologist]

do the 16" wheels/tires offer a smoother ride?

No.

Q: "do 15" wheels offer a smoother ride?"
A: No.

With our Vibes it is simply wrong to use the term "smooth". The Vibe, Matrix, Corolla suspension is harsh.
Higher sidewalls will reduce the harshness only marginally. The ride remains harsh.

I have new tires on my 16" wheels. They are quiet. I have 15" wheels with winter tires. They are a bit noisy but the ride remains harsh. They offer only a wee little bit of relief.

I was researching for ways to get a more compliant ride and found out that the rear struts have only about 5" of travel. This compares to 9" of travel on our Ford Contour which is not a prime example of smoothness either, even though it is much more compliant than the Vibe's suspension.

To me, the harshness of the ride is the only real downside of the Vibe.

All the best!

[tpar1220]

Ok, well then at least i know it is not just my vibe. And i dont need to try out different wheels. And its really only complaint i have with it. I live in country and county roads are not the best, so it kinda beats me up. Its not that big a deal... just kinda aggravating.

[runningslow]

Ok, well then at least i know it is not just my vibe. And i dont need to try out different wheels. And its really only complaint i have with it. I live in country and county roads are not the best, so it kinda beats me up. Its not that big a deal... just kinda aggravating.

The city streets here in Dallas are worse than most country roads I've driven on (and that includes a few gravel roads).