GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I am soon to order an '05 5 speed Vibe. I had thought that this year's model was only the monotone metal all around but the sales person says that it can be ordered with the wrap around plastic molding skirt that previous year's models possessed. Does that make sense? If so what are the adv and disadv of each?thanks for the advice.

Welcome to the Encyclopedia of Vibe!The monotone cars actually have the same type of plastic lower cladding as the 2-tone, it's just painted at the factory to body color, rather than being grey.Advantage of the 2-tone - the color is molded-in - nothing to chip or flake. It's also about US$325.00 cheaper, at least in '03-'04.Disadvantage of the 2-tone - the grey plastic can take on a 'sandblasted' effect from road debris over time (particularly the '03's, before they modified the side skirt between the wheels.Hope this helps!

the dealer actually told you the cladding was made from metal????

the redesigned gray cladding (on 2-tones since 04) doesn't show any signs of scuffing on my car, after 16 months. the redesigns appears to have worked well. I ended up adding the mud flaps to mine last summer (as they blend very nicely with the cladding). I've noticed that the splashing i used to see behind the back wheels is no longer happening. chicagoland winters consists mostly of 'little snow followed by days of wet/gritty roads', a bane for lower edg paint on cars. the combination 2tone/mud flaps seems to be working perfectly so far on my salsa vibe. I actually like the 2-tone look better for the salsa.sylvain

IMHO, it really comes down to you, do you like the 2-tone effect or not? I really don't , again IMHO it looks too much liked the maligned Aztek for my taste. I like the looks of the Monochrome in every colour. The only one that looks better to me in 2tone is Satellite.

Quote, originally posted by kostby »Welcome to the Encyclopedia of Vibe!The monotone cars actually have the same type of plastic lower cladding as the 2-tone, it's just painted at the factory to body color, rather than being grey.I am confused. You guys should know but the only '05 Vibes I have see in the showrooms are all mono and I just assumed there was *no* plastic cladding. It didnt notice any skirt at the base. It appeared to be smooth metal from top to bottom. That's not true? If I am wrong then one can factory order either the 2-tone or mono but a plastic skirt in either case?

tis always plastic at the bottom homie!the 2-tones are just coming out for 2005.

Yep, there are 2-tone '05s, but I think they pretty much just started appearing. Personally, I like the 2-tone much better than the monotone. Here's the thread with pictures: http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=15067I have a 2-tone '03 and the plastic cladding has saved me from many a door ding I'm sure, because the angled spots I have to park in on campus enable the other person's doors to line up with the cladding, not my paint, and it doesn't get marked up unless they really slam it. (That's only happened once, btw, and the white spot eventually went away.) I love the plastic trim not only for the door ding prevention but for the look.But in the end it's up to your own preference. If you like the 2-tone, go for it...it is available and very useful! But if you like the monotone better, you have to do what's best for you.