GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Hello all. I am new to this forum/group. I am from Thomaston Georgia and just yesterday bought a "pre-loved" 2003 Vibe. The Vibe I bought was a 2003 solid white with only 31,000 miles on it. I guess if there is only a GT and a Base model mine would be the base model. It has an automatic transmission, power everything (locks, windows, etc) and it has a sun roof. It does however, as far as I can tell, only have the 4 speaker sound system. The previous owner had the windows tinted all the way around so that is one less thing i have to worry about. I love it so far. My wife was not real impressed, but then again she is use to the ride and power of our Altima 3.5 SE. Now just a couple of quick questions.1) The starting problem I have read about is that just the 05 & up models? Or is it all models including the 03's?2) Any known issues in the 03's I need to be aware of?3) Is lowering the vehicle hard to do? Expensive? I would like to lower it a bit to make it look more sporty.I plan on eventually doing a few mods (shhhh don't tell my wife) but it may be a bit due lack of funds right now. Wheels, lowering, exhaust are just a few things I plan on doing (hopefully). But anyway that's my story. I found this site by doing a Yahoo search on "Pontiac Vibe Forums".

Well howdy! You're about 67 miles south of me, but it's good to see someone from GA on this board! I see Vibes all the time but nobody seems to think of it as more than a 'car'.1) I think it's only 05's and up2) Some people have mentioned a loud bang when they lower the window. (Check the 'Problems & Warranty issues forum)3) Not hard if you have the tools or know someone who does. http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=4918Also be sure to check out the "Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself info forum for some projects other members have done.Welcome again!

Welcome! If you have a sunroof, you *should* have the tweeters, the sunroof wasn't available individually. It only came part of the "Moon & Tunes" package that also has the 6-speaker 200-watt amplified system which had the tweeters up in the front doors.I would check the windows as was mentioned for any popping, binding, etc. Check for a rotten egg sort of smell at idle, it may come back in your car when you stop at a light. That is due to a bad catalytic converter and a computer, this is addressed by a TSB from GM. If you're getting the smell, you should be able to get this resolved even if your warranty is out since it should still be covered by the 80,000 mile federal emissions warranty.If you've got service records, check to see if they've done a coolant flush. If you don't have records, if you suspect that it is still on the original coolant it may be good to have it done, first coolant flush for the 2003 was required at 2 years/30,000 miles. Check your air filter while you're at it and replace if necessary. That's about all I can think of for pressing maintenance concerns at your mileage.Glad to have ya around, and good luck!

welcome to genvibe!

welcome aboard!

Thanks everyone for the welcome. Well I looked and did notice that it does have the tweeters on the doors. Is that considered the "moon and tunes" package? I just know that it does not sound nearly as good as the radio in our Altima. Not much base feel coming from the speakers.Why does it seem like there is there so much more "stuff" available for the Matrix?I will try and check into the coolant flush and the window deal.What would yall say is the one mod that gave you the biggest gain in performance? My brother is into cars pretty big and knows how to work on them. He currently has an Evo. I may get with him to help me with any mods I plan to do.Those of you who have done the HID conversion on the headlights are you pleased? Is it worth the money? Is the light output a lot better than stock?Sorry for all the questions but I think it is cool that I found a good site that has so many people who look at this vehicle as more than just a plain car.

Welcome Chief O!

for performance there is the CAI (cold air intake) and an exhuast system are also great for a perfonace gain.welcome to the family! and one for you do you have any pics of your 03?

Welcome! I've only been here a very short time but everyone is very helpful and very friendly.

it doesnt seem like there are more parts and kits for the matrix... there really is more!Our car isnt really that marketable i guess... most aftermarket makers dont see a lot of potential buyers for our car. the matrix has tons of body kits and after market stuff. all we can use from them is the mechanics of the car.not cool but there are things for our car so dont be so bummed!

Basically, the Matrix is a toyota, so probably all the parts makers think there's better chances of people buying!I definitely love my HIDs. Not so great on the high-beams, but the low-beams are definitely much improved!

welcome. ya, there's not too much available for the vibe/trix. however, now there seems to be a lot more out there now than 3 yrs ago. if your bro has an evo, then it will seem like we have NOTHING available to the vibe/trix vs the evo.

Yeah, My Fiance is getting a new car, and I was going to try and talk her into us having Matching Vibes, but then I thought it would be fun to get something that had a few more after market parts. However there are just enough parts out there for the Vibe to make it your own.... Every one on here has done something to thier Vibe and everyone's vibe looks different. The only thing I am REALLY waiting for is some nice taillights to come out..... that would be kick (removed).

Welcome!AS far as the speakers and lack of bass, check to see if the speakers are blown. Mine did that, and ended up that the speaker was blown, still made some sounds, but the cone was stuck, thus I got no bass.

Welcome to GenVibe!Regarding lowering the vehicle: As a person who does not work on cars regularly, I can say that installing lowering springs was not very difficult, but was time-consuming for a newbie. Sure helps to have a lift and a second person to help out. Pizza usually brings 'em out! Lot's of posts here on dropping the Vibe. Tein, Eibach, Hotchkis are most popular.Regarding the bass response: First, check the EQ settings on the radio to make sure that bass wasn't cut back or treble boosted. You might be surprised. Also, if aftermarket speakers have been installed (you didn't say), it's always possible that the speakers are out of phase. Bass response drops a lot if that is the case.