GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I originally test drove a Matrix, and of course I loved how it drove, but it just seems as though the Matrix is geared toward an older target group. The Vibe seems to be more the Generation X car. Now that I have had my Vibe for a little over 2 months, I am so happy I got it over the Matrix. I actually saw two Matrixes this morning and the people driving them were no younger than 60. I think the Vibe kills the Matrix in looks, price, and cool factor. I can't go anywhere without being asked about my car, I love it.

Cool. Glad you like your car. Now you should visit a competing site, http://www.matrixvibe.net/index.shtml and look around and post the same info. You will find many young very enthusiastic matrix owners will dispute your observations and contest that perhaps the reverse is true. What say you Andrewmva and SubZero? There are lots of Matrix owners that were Celica owners/modifiers that don't fit your template.However, the only matrix owners I see on the streets here do match yours, in fact I personally know pensioners with an AWD XR. I would have choose the Matrix XR had it come with ABS myself. Now I (finally) have my Vibe I am verrrry happy though.

My Matrix XR came with ABS. I think that the Matrix looks sleek and cool. I think that the vibe is horribly ugly, especially with all that plastic trim. I am shocked that people would buy a Pontiac when they could get a Toyota.

quote:My Matrix XR came with ABS. I think that the Matrix looks sleek and cool. I think that the vibe is horribly ugly, especially with all that plastic trim. I am shocked that people would buy a Pontiac when they could get a Toyota.No XR w/ABS in Canada where we can make the most use of it. Explain that Toyota. Otherwise to each his own. This debate has been duked out many times before. There is no accounting for taste.

quote:My Matrix XR came with ABS.ABS is available on all Vibes.quote:I think that the Matrix looks sleek and cool. I think that the vibe is horribly ugly, especially with all that plastic trim. I am shocked that people would buy a Pontiac when they could get a Toyota.I think the Matrix looks too much like the Corolla it's based off of. Sorta like a fat Corolla:The Vibe, however, looks like nothing else and you can have a choice of monotone or 2-tone.

If you don't like it, don't buy it. It all a question of taste. I think the Matrix is ugly myself. Except with after market mod. Hey, the Matrix owner have to modify there car to be good looking ! The front of the Vibe is good looking, but not more than that. But the side and the back, WOW !!! As for the Matrix, I like the front, but the the side and the back... All a question of taste...

I agree to each his own. How can it be said that the Vibe looks nothing like other pontiacs? Every Pontiac has the same pointed front end. They all look the same from the front.

I have to completely agree with your opinion on the looks of these cars, Fox. You share my thoughts exactly. My sister just bought an 03 Corolla S and I really, really like it. I feel that the Matrix takes a nice looking car and stretches it to funky looking proprortions. I would be driving a Corolla S myself right now if they offered a package with more than 135 HP. I like the Vibe because I can get the GT version with more power, more space and versitility than the Corolla, yet I can benefit from the Toyota reliability reputation and big aftermarket parts availibility.

The ONLY thing I like the Matrix for over the Vibe is no roof rack. (I wish this was an option on the Vibe. I dont want it. I dont need it!) Other than that, the front on the Vibe creams the Matrix in looks. The Matrix front end looks too 'big'. It has a chin that reminds me of Jay Leno. It looks like other Toyotas. If they are going to put a body kit on it to make it look sporty, do it with lines other than straight. Just my $.02

I like the vibe and the matrix. I think they are both nice looking cars. I bought a vibe because my step-dad worked for GM for 30 years and was then forced to retire because his plant closed, due to lack of production because of all the foreign cars in America. I know that the vibe has a lot of Toyota styling and parts, but it's the principle of the issue. The vibe is a pontiac...A GM product. My family has very defined lines in our preferences for vehicles. My mom drives an Avalanche, my step dad drives a silverado, and my older sister has a gran prix. Now a lot of this has to do with the discount, but we also remember what it was like when my step dad was forced to retire. On the other hand....my little sister(who is my half sister, and my step dad is not hers) just got a matrix and we did not stone her to death when she pulled up in the driveway. I just don't think that it is fair that you are on a vibe forum talking about how ugly that you think it is. Like everyone else has said..it's a matter of taste. But please do not insult our personal preferences in our vehicle choice. I am glad however that you are pleased with your matrix purchase.....that's what it's all about. You bought a matrix because you like it. We bought a vibe because WE like it. Thank you...I have spoken my peace. Have a nice day!!!!!

I think Heather should be the official genvibe.com peacemaker

quote:I agree to each his own. How can it be said that the Vibe looks nothing like other pontiacs? Every Pontiac has the same pointed front end. They all look the same from the front.Yes, thel all have a pointy front end. They have for years. That's a Pontiac design trait. However, it looks nothing like any other Pontiac. Post a picture of another Pontiac that looks like it. The closest is last years Sunfire. It has a similar grille but that's about it:

quote:I agree to each his own. How can it be said that the Vibe looks nothing like other pontiacs? Every Pontiac has the same pointed front end. They all look the same from the front.Yes, thel all have a pointy front end. They have for years. That's a Pontiac design trait. However, it looks nothing like any other Pontiac. Post a picture of another Pontiac that looks like it. The closest is last years Sunfire. It has a similar grille but that's about it:i think the vibe has a little "azteky" front end. Dont get me wrong, I like the vibe even though I own a matrix. To each his own. One of the reasons I bought a Matrix is because I previously owned a ford and it nickle and dimed me to death. I figured I would give the import market a try.

I don't see the resemblance. I don't think the Aztek looks like any other vehicle either (thankfully).

Your right. The Vibe front look a little like the Astek front. It doesn't look like it in the picture, but in real life, side by side, you can really see the resemblance. I hate the Astek front. It's soooo Ugly ! It's the "double" front I don't like. You know, the intake ans lights on the hood ! Well, not really on the hood, but, it look like it. One of the worst front ever ! If the Astek had the front of a Vibe, I they would have sold a lot more !

quote:I don't see the resemblance. I don't think the Aztek looks like any other vehicle either (thankfully).amen to that This Aztek examination has been performed previously and repeatedly.Is the Vibe a Mini-Aztek? http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=541 The Cladding issue http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id ... 0973#10973 As well we have compared the Vibe and Matrix here:Why not the Matrix? How did you choose? http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=934 Vive la Difference! (Apologies to my quebecois amis). Personally I am happy that we have the Vibe and Matrix differences to choose from. It is interesting that we actually have to tell people that the Vibe and Matrix are twins under the flesh. The more sporty, practical economical cars on the road the better.

quote:The Vibe front look a little like the Astek front.So you think the Vibe looks like the Aztek.quote:If the Astek had the front of a Vibe, I they would have sold a lot more !OK, now you think the Aztek should have the Vibe front. I thought you said the Vibe looks like the Aztek. Why should it have the Vibe front if the Vibe looks like the Aztek already.Which is it? Either the look the same or they don't.

I don't mean to dog the Matrix owners. To each his or her own. It is all a matter of personal preference. I just like the Vibe better.

It's definitely a taste thing - looks wise. However, when I priced out Matrix vs. Vibe (before any discounts) the base vibe vs. Matrix B package (closest comparable) the Vibe had roughly $1500 cdn more 'stuff' for the same price.Whether that works for you depends on whether you need the extra stuff - cruise ($500 dealer installed toyota option) and roof rack (pick any aftermarket rack) I would have had to purchase so it worked for me.

The roof rack was a big factor, I snowboard ALOT and I hate keeping my board (and all of my friends boards) in the car on the way home, the interior gets all wet.