GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Hi...I'm in the market to buy Matrix or Vibe in the next few days...I have test driven them both and I can't really feelthat they're that different...Vibe seems to rattle a bit more, but maybe it's my imagination...I know they are not built in same plant. On the Vibe, is it only the Toyota engine that Pontiac use ? What about other components ?Probably this is a contentious issue here in this forum, but what do you recommend ?I have told numerous times that the Matrix will hold its value better than the Vibe.Thank you for your input

Welcome!They are mechanically identical. Style/brand preference is really the only difference.Good luck on your desicion!

My brother lives in Bathurst.I beleive both cars are built at the NUMMI plant in Calif. The Matrix probably will hold it's value better with the Toyota name but the 2 cars are basically identical in every way except the body panels. I much prefer the styling of the Vibe over the Matrix.

...I thought that the Vibe was built at the NUMMI plant in Californiawhile the Matrix was build in Canada...

Quote, originally posted by kentb31 »...I thought that the Vibe was built at the NUMMI plant in Californiawhile the Matrix was build in Canada...That's correct.They really are the same car. Which is "better" is purely a subjective consideration depending on what exterior styling you prefer.The Matrix probably will have higher resale value due to the Toyota nameplate.

...The local Toyota dealer is trying to convince me that the rideis entirely different, that the Matrix has only Toyota components whilethe Vibe has only the Toyota engine in it. I didn't really notice a big difference to be honest.

I liked the styling of the Vibe better than the Matrix. I also like the poeple at the GM dealer near me better than the snobs at the local Toyota dealership, but that is a very local issue and not something I claim applies to all Toyota dealerships.I think the matrix might give you a little better visibility out the back, but I've had my Vibe for almost 4 years, and it has been 4 years since I test drove a Matrix, so I can't really say for sure anymore.Used to be that the Toyota warranty was better than the GM warranty, now with the new models GM has a much longer warranty. I ran though the GM 36000 mile warranty in a little over a year, a 100,000 mile warranty would have been really nice to have, since I had some toruble with one of the Toyota parts. (transmission failure) I do no know what the current GM warranty terms are for Canada.Resale value doesn't really apply to me since I tend to keep cars until they are not economically viable to repair, and then they have no real resale value. I'm already over 125,000 miles (>200,000 kms) and figure I might be about half done with it, will have to see how it goes over the next couple of years. The Vibe/Matrix seemed to be the best match of all available cars for my needs/desires, and I haven't seen anything come out since then that looks like a better match.but whichever you buy, you're welcome here

Quote, originally posted by kentb31 »...The local Toyota dealer is trying to convince me that the rideis entirely different, that the Matrix has only Toyota components whilethe Vibe has only the Toyota engine in it. I didn't really notice a big difference to be honest.Dealers are only concerned with selling their cars. but to your question, I 'd say Vibe all the way, it's way better then the Matrix, I'm not being biased I swear!

you cant get an AWD Matrix with a sunroof.you can get a vibe like that though.vibe wins

Yeah I would compare the warranties and the exterior looks of the car. Also check out the dealerships to make sure they are a good dealership, so if you need warranty work done they will be nice and get it done. Some times its the service that can totally ruin a car purchase experience.

The Vibe has the better styling but The Matrix will give you better resale value and the Matrix does not have the paint issues that the Vibe has.

Quote, originally posted by mikey00 »the Matrix does not have the paint issues that the Vibe has.Paint issues?

As a NBer i would say the vibe too....better options stanard.and better warranty...better looks...and there are a wack of trixs out there.vibes are more scarse.

When I was buying mine back in 03, I looked at them both and the Vibe won out due mostly to looks. Now, with the Vibes new look, I'd get a matrix. Of course, I wouldnt buy either of them since they both have underpowered engines. What happened to the VVTL-i, Toyota?!As all said, mechanically, they are the same. Only difference is the exterior styling.

some 05 vibes had paint on the exterior that would chip off fairly easy.

Quote, originally posted by DopeVibeGT »When I was buying mine back in 03, I looked at them both and the Vibe won out due mostly to looks. Now, with the Vibes new look, I'd get a matrix. Are you calling my Vibe ugly? (removed)!!! Quote, originally posted by northvibe »some 05 vibes had paint on the exterior that would chip off fairly easy.Ah, ok never heard about that one.

Quote, originally posted by VforVIBE »Are you calling my Vibe ugly? (removed)!!! Of course not. I, myself, dont care for the new grills. Thats all. Not ugly. Nope. LOLAs for paint, Dont know about anyone else, but my '03 paint is really thin. I'm afraid to wax it too much, might rub the paint off.

I kind of have to agree with you, i like the edgy fronts of the older Vibes, but I like the new grilles better.

I'm a fan of the older style front end on the Vibes... but I'd probably still buy another new one over a toyota if I was going to buy another.

1)the vibe offers a roof rack the matrix does not.2)the tail lights on the matrix go into the rear of the car more witch limit cargo loading, Also the reverse lights are mounted high on the matrix where the vibe's are lower so it brightens the ground up more for better visibility.3) the matrix does not have cladding nor moldings to prevent dings and scratches4) the matrix looks girly compared to the all mighty VIBE!!!just my .02

The dealer is feeding you B/S. Like everyone said on here they are EXACTLY identical with the exception of the exterrior appearance. Same engine, trannys, drive train, interrior (minus the radio), brakes, suspension...

Although they are almost identical in most aspects, I think the Vibe shape is much more masculine.If you think of them as twins, then the Matrix came out as the girl and the Vibe came out a boy.The dealer is a lying sack of turd.The interiors are practically identical, and I bet that all of the running gear and suspension bits are too.The Vibe comes standard with that nifty 110vac socket, it was only available as part of an extra cost package on the Toyota when I was first looking.The Vibe was also cheaper, and more available in these parts over the Toyota, even though I think they build the Matrix at the Toyota plant here in Cambridge, Ontario. And most importantly, there is the VIBE owners and members here on this site. The choice should be obvious, but my humble opinion could be tainted.

Quote, originally posted by kentb31 »...The local Toyota dealer is trying to convince me that the rideis entirely different, that the Matrix has only Toyota components whilethe Vibe has only the Toyota engine in it. I didn't really notice a big difference to be honest.That's BS. They were both built at the NUMMI plant on the same line for the 2003 (first) model year. The Vibe is still built right alongside Corollas in CA. There's a Matrix parts catalog posted on this site; I've gotten all kinds of stuff using it as the parts are almost all the same. (Most all parts have both a GM and Toyota part #)I wouldn't be very comfortable with the dealer knowing he either a) doesn't really know much about the car, b) is willing to tell you anything to make a sale (I certainly wouldn't go there for service) or c) both.Used to be the Matrix had a better warranty period. If GM is still offering 100m/10yr this may have changed.Lastly, just to clear up what might have been a confusing post earlier, the Matrix is available with a roof-rack option.Let us know what you go with, and either way you are welcome to stick around the site!

Quote, originally posted by Merzbow »The dealer is feeding you B/S. Like everyone said on here they are EXACTLY identical with the exception of the exterrior appearance. Same engine, trannys, drive train, interrior (minus the radio), brakes, suspension...Matrix has engine imobilizer, Vibe does not.

Quote, originally posted by VforVIBE »Paint issues?If you don't know about the paint issues, do a search here. We discussed it many times in the past.The Vibe paint seems to scratch and chip more easily than other cars. I owned a black Olds Alero for 5 years before getting a black Vibe. The alero paint held up well. After only a few months of subjecting the Vibe to the exact same use as the Alero, it had many scratches. These were mostly in the areas where th car gets handled, door handles, rear hatch , hood etc. Others have had a lot of chipping problems. I also look a Vibe whenever walking past one and I notice these same paint issues on most Vibes.

yup they're the same car. different skin.i've got an o4 base. my brother's got an 06 matrix. we both love the ride. mine just looks better

Quote, originally posted by ramenboy... »mine just looks better What's your brother say about that?

bet it makes for interesting topic of debate at christmas time

easy choice.....VIBE comes with more standard features that you PAY EXTRA on the MATRIX........it looks better and is built better IMO.....need I say more?GO PONTIAC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My decision to go Vibe over Matrix was because:1. Better cargo hatch due to more intelligent rear light styling.2. Base model has air conditioning. To get air conditioning for the Matrix you have to get some rediculous package with a bunch of option I don't want.3. You can pick and choose options one at a time with the vibe - customize it for only the things you want. I wanted air conditioning (standard) ABS brakes and side impact air bags. Well... my wife wanted em anyway.4. Dealership. Local Pontiac dealership was great. They also were flexible on the price. The toyota dealership was nice enough, but would not negotiate on the price at all.

Quote, originally posted by DopeVibeGT »What's your brother say about that? Quote, originally posted by DopeVibeGT »bet it makes for interesting topic of debate at christmas timehahahahahai sent him a yat ming vibe, he sent me a matrix model. i brought up this before...but now, if the vibe rearended the matrix, would we get this?http://www.gizmodo.com/archive...8.php

does the canadian matrix have the block heater?the canadian vibes do.

If one looks carefully under the hood of a Vibe, one will find most every part with a label says either Toyota or Denso (like Delphi to GM). When I changed the oil, the factory oil filter was a Toyota. In fact, I would say that under the hood I see more Toyota labels under the vibe than under my 1998 Sienna; the Sienna has a Delphi radiator!!!

when i was looking for cars, a vibe gt with monochrome body colour was $5000CAD more than an xrs with the same options (17's, moonroof, 6cd changer, etc)in the end theyre both the same except the outside bodyworkvibe seems to resell lower than a matrix of the same yr/kmsif my xrs were to be written off tomorrow and i was to get another matrix/vibe, id likely get a vibe.....reason: 1. if i bought new i have a gm employee discount; 2. if i can wait for 0% financing i would; 3. new vibe has a better powertrain warranty now than a matrix; 4. if i bought a used vibe i could find one cheaper than a matrix of the same year and kms.i like both body styles, so which i own is really more dependent at this point on price.id like the extra warranty too, as i just had my 2zz tranny replaced under warranty last week.....160 000kms powertrain would be nice (im at 75k now)

The new consumer report buyers guide rated the Vibe higher than the Matrix. Vibe was the #1 hatchback for gas mileage, safety and predicted reliability.

I faced the same decision recently, and one thing that helped sway me was the warranty: 100,000 miles for the vibe, 30,000 on the matrix. I also liked the vibe style.

My Brother has an 05 Vibe and I have an 05 Matrix. We both consider each others vehicle well made and fun to drive.

Hey guys and gals...Finally, I got my 2006 Vibe two days ago.Base model (color: moonstone) with power package, auto and 16" allow.Very pleased! Thanks for all your input!

Quote, originally posted by kentb31 »Hey guys and gals...Finally, I got my 2006 Vibe two days ago.Base model (color: moonstone) with power package, auto and 16" allow.Very pleased! Thanks for all your input!Congrats! Enjoy!

for what they are charging today for a Vibe or Matric - I'd look at a Honda CRV.

I had a 2004 Mazda Tribute LX...I didn't want another gas guzzler

hey!! congrats on the purchase!you're gonna see alot of 'post pics!!!!' posts. so post pics!

hey moonstone!! don't forget to post your pics on the Team Moonstone page. http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=25811