Latest Consumer Reports tested the '06

[jasonvibe]

CR tested the '06. The only negatives we all know. "engine noise"- which is really the fact the tubular steel exhaust manifold really breathes. Others use cast iron ex.manf. which quiets the exhaust. The lack of telescoping steering wheel(I just drop mine down on long drives). They felt the headlights seem weak on low beam. HECK, I just aimed mine up a bit, they are great! The chrome gauges reflect in the windshield. They said something about the instrument lighting when turned down the radio & heater controls were hard to see. I don't have that problem. They also stated the Vibe is rated "19mpg city". Don't know where they got that one. Maybe they meant 29? From the looks in some tests...They rarely check their facts. My only operational complaint on the Vibe design is the steering only locks at 12 o'clock, no lighting for the door lock switch and a useless temp gauge. Oh and a second power outlet would be nice....anyone else?

[TRDman]

Maybe an extra gear for the automatic? And (don't know if anyone else wants this) closer ratios for it? Mine drops off between 1st and 2nd unless I punch it, which isn't my preferred option. But that's not a realistic complaint, so maybe an option to adjust the seat further back for tall people?

[kostby]

Given the widely acknowledged pro-Toyota /anti-GM bias of Consumers Union over the last twenty years or so, it must give the CU testers schizophrenic fits to test this car!Nice to see that they rate reliability 'better than average'. But just wait'll Colonel Panic mails in his CU annual subscriber survey!

[binary]

Quote, originally posted by kostby »Given the widely acknowledged pro-Toyota /anti-GM bias of Consumers Union over the last twenty years or so, it must give the CU testers schizophrenic fits to test this car!Nice to see that they rate reliability 'better than average'. But just wait'll Colonel Panic mails in his CU annual subscriber survey!LOL - I wonder if it'll still be smokin' or just ticking...

[jasonvibe]

Oh, one more thing I wish I had. AN accurate speedo. These read way high.......close to 10%

[mcgusto82]

Quote, originally posted by jasonvibe »Oh, one more thing I wish I had. AN accurate speedo. These read way high.......close to 10%as lonhg as they read high, and not low. i'm cool.

[jasonvibe]

fedreal law says, "speedometer may read high...but never low". The amount or error allowed I do not know, if any. My motorcycle is approching 25 years old is more accurate. My last 2 GM cages were only off by 1 or 2 mph @ 70mph. The instruments must be one of the 35% Jap parts in the car. My first Jap car 25 years ago was similarly high. Must be a genetic auto thing from Japan. IN the future I may go to 205/60 tires to get closer to reality.

[Edgar]

I've only got two complaints:1. Driving position sucks (removed). The wheel is too far away, the pedals too close, and the seat is just damn funky. Also, the head rest is too far forward for me.2. Road/wind noise. I don't mind engine noise, in fact I LOVE engine noise, it reminds me that I've got a ****ing beast of a four-banger raging under my hood.The second problem I can sort of understand on a cheaper car, but driving position should have nothing to do with cost. Get it right, please? My Vibe is the first year so I cut them some slack, but it's '06 and GM still can't get it right? No wonder they're in a tailspin.

[joatmon]

Quote, originally posted by Edgar »I've only got two complaints:1. Driving position sucks (removed). The wheel is too far away, the pedals too close, and the seat is just damn funky. Also, the head rest is too far forward for me.2. Road/wind noise. I don't mind engine noise, in fact I LOVE engine noise, it reminds me that I've got a ****ing beast of a four-banger raging under my hood.The second problem I can sort of understand on a cheaper car, but driving position should have nothing to do with cost. Get it right, please? My Vibe is the first year so I cut them some slack, but it's '06 and GM still can't get it right? No wonder they're in a tailspin.I'm an advocate of the test drive, where prospective buyers can test the car before deciding to buy. I assume that you did test drive one and found that overall the car was worth purchasing in spite of those flaws.Also, you can take the headrest out and put it in backwards, try that and see if it is better for you. Not sure what that does to the safety effectiveness of it though, so I disclaim liability for any consequences of that suggestion.

[MACMANIAC]

My complaint would be the discontinuation of the roof rack cross bars. (removed)???!!! Why even have the rack if all you get is the rails? A hard cargo cover like the HHR would be nice. And, what the hell is up with no FRIGGIN lumbar support???!!!!!!