Awd or not to AWD.. that is the question.

[TwistedXT]

So my wife and i are lookin at getting into a Vibe. Pretty dead set on one. I have been lookin at one thats about 1300 miles away, may have it shipped.. but thats besides the point... Heres my questions. Does anyone know the MPG difference between an AWD Vibe and a FWD vibe?Opinions on how the AWD performs in the snow? Opinions on the AWD system in general...I tried to search around but the search option came up with no results everytime. The vibe im lookin at is in PA, 13.5K AWD with dvd-nav. loaded. but i would like one with AWD,NAV,and leather with the upgrade stereo system... Comments, Opinion, ... flame away!

[Sublimewind]

Hi and welcome...!!!Doubt you'll be feeling any flames here mang... this is a VERY nice site, compaired to others.... I'm a Subaru guy as well as a Vibe guy, and I would LOVE for my Vibe to be AWD. I think, but i'm not 100% you would be good with a good set of snow tires on a FWD, but AWD is my true love... I parked the Vibe to drive the old Subie for the winter, I don't have snows for the Vibe, but did for the Subie... I personaly if you are planning on staying in CO, I wouldn't hesitate on the AWD Vibe and just forget the milage difference. I'm sure someone WILL post the actual milage difference for you though... Again, welcome..

[TwistedXT]

some reviews i have foundhttp://www.motortrend.com/road...vibe/"The AWD model is a boon in the Snow Belt, but performance is blunted by a combination of the lower-powered engine and a standard automatic transmission.The choicest Vibe is the base model, fitted with a sweet-shifting five-speed manual and that willing, if underpowered, 130-hp engine. It handles just as well as the GT, requires less shifting, and when fitted with the standard StabiliTrak system is just as safe in most conditions as the all-wheel-drive model."http://www.edmunds.com/pontiac/vibe/review.html http://www.canadiandriver.com/...d.htm"That brings us to the Vibe AWD. The all wheel drive platform operates as a front wheel drive, with rear wheel assist. The engine is de-tuned slightly to 123 horsepower and comes only with an automatic transmission, but this is a fun car to drive. Priced slightly lower than the Vibe GT, at $26,150, the Vibe AWD again comes loaded with equipment. The passenger front seat folds flat so an 8-foot ladder can be carried on the passenger side. An in-dash 115 volt AC outlet enabled us to recharge laptop and digital camera batteries on the go. Cargo hooks were abundant, and the roof rack has several different crossbar options to carry anything from bikes to canoes. Designed for the active set, the Vibe has a 1500 lb towing capacity, just right for a personal water craft or sailboat. Inside, passengers sit a little higher, almost SUV style. The front bucket seats provided excellent comfort during a long day's drive. Fit and finish of the interior was excellent and the control layout was easy to use. Our Vibe AWD was equipped with the optional DVD-based navigation system, a first to my knowledge in this price range. Using a 5.8 inch touch screen in the centre of the dash, the system took a little experimenting to set up, but worked fine in populated areas. Unfortunately, a large part of Canada in still not mapped, so the system's practicality is limited for most of us. On the road, the Vibe is very civilized. On slippery, snow packed roads, the handling was balanced and predictable. The steering is solid, but could use more feedback to the driver. The all wheel drive system worked perfectly and kept us on the road several times. It's operation is almost imperceptible to the driver, and the traction was always there when needed. The automatic transmission was well suited to the torque of the engine, and I never felt like I needed another gear. The engine cruises smoothly and quietly, and the only time I wished for a little more power was when passing at highway speeds. ABS stopped the car in a straight line and allowed steering control on the slippery Northern Ontario roads I was driving on. Overall, the Vibe AWD provided comfortable, secure, and stable transportation, with versatile features and unique styling. For those of you in the know, the Vibe is a joint venture between General Motors and Toyota. Toyota's versionn is called the Matrix, and I priced slightly lower than the Vibe, but does not come will as much standard equipment. When similarly equipped, price is comparable. I would put my money on the bolder Vibe styling. For "Vibrant" online information, check out http://www.yourvibe.com and http://www.drivethevibe.com " im still looking for more info...

[TwistedXT]

Sublimewind - thanks for the warm welcome! I drive 50 each day to/from work so each and every mpg is worth its wieght in gold! but, having the AWD would allow me to drive my Vibe in the winter too vs my 03 Z71 Gas hog! 17mpg.. down hill.. with a tail wind. the 30-35mpg is going to be a welcome guest in my house!

[TwistedXT]

time to do some converting:"Technical Data:2003 Pontiac Vibe AWD Base price $19,150 (fwd), $26,150 (awd), $26,550 (fwd GT) Type Transverse front engine/all-wheel-drive Engine 1.8 litre 4 cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves Horsepower 123 @ 6000 rpm Torque 118 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm Transmission 4-speed automatic Tires P205/55 R16 all-season Curb weight 1350 kg (2976 lb.) Wheelbase 2600 mm (102.4 in.) Length 4364 mm (171.9 in.) Width 1775 mm (69.9 in.) Height 1580 mm (62.2 in.) Cargo Capacity 547 litres (19.3 cu. ft.) seats up; 1533 litres (54.1 cu. ft.) seats down Fuel consumption City: 9.1 L/100 km Hwy: 6.9 L/100 km"which works out to:City:26 miles per gallonHwy:34 miles per gallonSounds good to me!!!

[Sublimewind]

I feel ya man, I do 45 each way, but had to bite the bullet and switch to the 2.5L Subie for winter duty.... I think it's CRAP that the AWD is actually a 3000$ option... which looks more like a 7000$ option from what you posted above.. and only ~500 to get an extra cam in the motor... silly... I steered my grandmother away from the AWD when she bought the Vibe (I drive my grandmothers car, well after she passed RIP Granny) I thought 3000$ for AWD ,crazy... she didn't drive that much... As you prolly already know, good snow tires are going to be your best friend in this situation, AWD or not...

[Mavrik]

I was a FWD Vibe guy and now a AWD Subaru STi guy. Still I loved my Vibe. Lacked in the performance area but I auto cross and what not. I would say a FWD would get better fuel mileage then the AWD model. Thats what I hear anyway from fellow Vibers here. I guess the question comes up as to what kind of winter conditions do you have? I made it through 2 winters in Ontario and 2 winters in Alaska with FWD and winter tires. No ABS either. I will say my studded tire AWD set up on the new car is 100% better... but I got along just fine without them before and could again. Its just that now I enjoy driving in the snow more... AWD is fun Welcome aboard.

[lovemyraffe]

I have owned cars with AWD, I do miss the AWD only on those crazy snow days that I'm trying to go snowboarding. 99% of the time I wouldn't use the AWD. If you don't have access to another vehicle with AWD/4WD I might get the AWD. If you do have access to another vehicle, I would pass.

[kunkstyle]

Picked up the AWD model last year, and I will no longer not have at least one vehicle with AWD. It got me out of two rather sticky jams last winter. Based on the distance you drive to work every day, I'd say go for it. I'm back and forth about 100km to work, and it's nice to have the ability to walk away at stoplights while the FWD's are spinning their tires As far as mileage, I'm probably sitting at 26mpg (just a rough conversion from l/100k in my head.) About 70-30% highway/city

[AKLGT]

i used to live in CO Springs and also in Aurora. With the weather there, I wouldn't say you really NEED the AWD, but it's certainly nice to have. I made it through 2 winters in my Vibe GT here, had some issues, but that was due to how the car was set up and .... me. Mav drove his 04 Base Vibe 5MT without too much issue, except for starting in the ice. He also drives all main roads, so it usually wasn't an issue in the winter here where we do get more snow and ice than you. AWD will definitely take a hit on the fuel economy. You will get much better mpg (city) w/ a base 5MT than any of the AWD or other models. Downside with AWD as others have stated, is that imo, it's a complete dog. before buying my 03 VGT back in 03, I test drove the AWD model and knew before we got more than a 1/2 mile down the road, the crappy slowness was not for me. The FWD got around fine in the snow as long as you have good winter tires and on mostly main roads, no problem. The issues I ran into with the VGT was when I had to start on a hill.... that sucked!Now, we both have AWD subies with turbos. Not only does the AWD hit us on the mpg, but the turbo's kill! LOL. however, if we were only concerned with fuel economy, we'd buy a Prius. And I also drive approx 30-50 miles daily, all over the place... like tonight, I will be driving another 63 miles one way out to the Valley up and down little hills and back. Not really something I'd have looked forward to in the old VGT, however in the LGT, no problem. plus, I get MUCH better hwy mpg than city! Vibe is a great car! the utility and usage of the rear cargo area is awesome! God, I miss that soooo much!

[NibCrom]

I haven't had any trouble with my FWD Vibe in the snow.Edit: I get 32 mpg on the highway pretty easily, but I doubt an AWD could get 34.

[lovemyraffe]

I usually get 33mpg for a full tank of gas with my 05 Base FWD. If it is all highway miles that usually bumps to 35-36.

[keithvibe]

ok. just my two cents... I have an 06 AWD. I get 26-28mpg during the winter of mostly city type driving.On the highway i get 30-31mpg in the winter.In the summer I have gotten 28-30in the cityand 32-34mpg on the highway... crusing at 75mph.I wouldn't have gotten the vibe if i couldn't get it with awd... I love it and has come in very handy when your driving threw 6-10inches of snow with all season tires on and loving every minute of it.It is a dog in the performance department. But god when you need to start on an incline in the snow.WHERE in PA... if it's close enough I could look at it in person and get back to you if it's worth the price?Also something to consider depending on where you are located elevation wise it will effect your gas mileage. for instance i am only 1500feet above sea level so my vibe does very well and i only abuse it now and again.

[zionzr2]

I have an 2004 AWD and love it!!!My MPG stats are scattered all over this message board to recap the highlights:Best 36MPGWorst 20MPGAverage 28MPGSeveral HWY trips are 33-35 mpg.City, I range between 25-28.

[dianebrat]

ARGH the board software ate my awesome post!I get a bit lower numbers then Keith, I get 23-26mpg city, 31-33mpg Hwy.If you really want the mileage champs in the Vibe family, FWD and a stick over the automatic.That being said, the FWD Vibe does ok in average snow, but when those big horrible, awful storms like we got in Boston this week, AWD gives me a level of "sure footedness" that FWD doesn't on hills and loose snow.

[VivaVibe]

From what has been reported here by actual drivers it appears the AWD will average about 4 MPG less than the FWD. However, I believe the AWD Vibe is rated best in its class for MPG.I suppose the decision will rest on how much you will really need the AWD in the Vibe; types of terrain, etc. If your need for MPGs outways the need for AWD I'd go with the FWD version. Ratings say the MT is better than AT; however I haven't seen numbers to verify that.My 04 Base AT consistently gets 30 MPG city and 35-40 MPG highway.

[dmsween]

I'll throw my numbers in here just for comparison sake. I have an '03 Vibe GT which is the 1.8L High Output w/ 6 speed manual.In the summer I got 31/32 mixed driving and 34 straight highway. In the winter it seems to have dropped a few mpg. If your looking at keeping the truck I would say you don't need the awd but its really up to you. I test drove both an auto base vibe and awd vibe. I personally thought they were both dogs. I haven't had the chance to drive a base vibe w/ 5 speed. I think that would move better than the auto.Good luck with whatever you choose.

[tnpartsguy]

I love my AWD Vibe. In fact, I had a very hard time finding another one when i stupidly traded the 1st one. I get in the low 20's around town, and right around 30 hwy, but I will admit I have a lead foot.One other fact to consider, the factory nav disk hasn't been updated since 2004, and probably never will be. If you can find just as nice a car WITHOUT Nav, do it and buy a TomTom XL, or a 720, at least they upgrade their maps.

[TwistedXT]

Overall i have 6 cars right now.. before i buy one of these.. i know.. Wow 6!?!? i got on a Turbo Dodge kick for a while there... so i currently have:1993 Dodge Daytona ES 2.5 NA Auto - new motor1988 Dodge Daytona CS 2.2 Turbo I Auto1988 Dodge Daytona Shelby Z - Turbo II - 5spd1997 Jeep Cherokee 4.0 auto w/6" longarm lift and 33"s bfgs - rti 8502003 Chevy Z71 Silverado 4x4 5.3 auto1976 Chevy 2500 Camper Editonim workin on thining out the heard... im keepin the CS, cherokee, Z71... undecided on the 76 still. Currently the Z71 is my mode of transpertation to/from work. 16mpg! average!!! so the vibe will be a nice change of pace... Im from the midwest (mn) so im used to a grip of snow and grew up driving FWD in the snow.. but i dont know what it is here... 1-4"s of snow here in Denver just disables the city... they dont know what snow removal means. Ive been looking at a couple of different vibes... The one in PA i found on Vehix.com. Thanks for the offer to go look at it if its not out of your way.. i want to wait and see what available in a couple of weeks... we are refi'n our house and i cant buy anything till afterwards. Once i have cash in hand though i will probubly loo kout of state since i can only find like 2-3 that are AWD. Im not too worried about the lower MPG of the AWD... doesnt seem too bad. and the slower performance is no biggie.. if i want to go fast i'll hop in my CS (15psi of boost) or my Z71 and drop the throttle. This is going to be our main mode of commmuting to/from work and drives to grandma and granpas house @ 50 miles away and loooooong road trips back to MN for holidays and such.Thanks again everyone for your input! Much appreciated! And its nice to see such a great group of people all together at one place! Heres a current pic of some of the team... the Z and the 76 are in the back yard in a "progress" state...

[TwistedXT]

Thats a good point about the Nav system.. but does anyone know if the Nav also plays dvd's? Cause if i cant find where im going.. maybe i can at least watch a movie...

[AKLGT]

Quote, originally posted by TwistedXT »Thats a good point about the Nav system.. but does anyone know if the Nav also plays dvd's? Cause if i cant find where im going.. maybe i can at least watch a movie...no. it's pretty much useless, but looks cool.

[Sublimewind]

Whatever you do, don't opt for a nav system... there are toooooo many aftermarket units, that do it all, to worry about stock garbage..

[jasonvibe]

Twisted XT, The AWD is also noted for a slightly better ride than the FWD because the FWD has a solid rear axle. AWD has 4-whl indi. suspension. Just remember the AWD has 2 extra gear boxes. The rear diff. and front transfer case. Change these oils to the best synthetics at 20-30k. I get 22-23 in the city because I live in a hilly area. The folks in the flatlands do much better than I. The FWD does get 10% better mpgs. And those figures you posted are Canadian. In the U.S. the FWD base was~ $17,200, AWD ~$20,400 before options were added. The AWD comes with ABS and Auto. Which would add $1400 to the base Vibe price. So the AWD is really only a $1400 option when both are equiped the same. Note: the leather seats are not heated in the Vibe.

[brbo]

I have an '06 AWD and after a few seasons in Canadian snow it's the only option period,, with w/Mich X-Ice it handles unbelievably, I haven't had a snow storm I haven't been in just for the fun,,I also think the independent rear suspension is great for handling and sticking to the road on the dry pavement..The only two negatives I can see - fuel economy which isn't terrible - I still find it quite good if you are easy on it, in the snow it can get bad if you really want to have fun however, and the second item is the tank is considerably smaller than the FWD version - which means many more stops but at least it's cheap to fill,,All I know is Ive got my order on my new '09 in and it's AWD again, still independent suspension - and will get more pep with the the new 2.4l eng...Good Luck Cheers B