Roadtrip with the AWD Vibe!

[ChadofJCG]

I finally got a chance to take a roadtrip with my Vibe, so I thought that I'd share the details with you guys:We ( 3 others and myself) drove a total of 3000 miles from the Bay Area, CA to Olypmia WA, and back, making lots of trips here and there along the way. Here are the points of interest relating to the AWD Vibe:1) CA gas sucks. In CA, I get an average of 22-25 mpg. On the first tank of gas, being on the highway that bumped up to the high 20's. As soon as I hit the oregon border and got some gas there-BAM 30-34+ MPG (80% highway 20% city) for the rest of the trip Moral: CA GAS IS CRAP!!!!2) Drove on the beach with the AWD! It handled like a champ with plenty of ground clearance and surefooted grip in the loose sand! Couldn't help but to laugh when a honda in the group got stuck in the loose sand and we kept on going.3) With 4 people and luggage/gear for a week of outdoor adventures, you push the limits of space, but there was enough room. Even loaded down, the car had adequate power when climbing the steep grades between CA and Oregon. You won't win any races, but I never felt like I was totally dogging the engine ( learn how to highball down hills,and when to take off overdrive!)4) On the trip back, the average temperature was over 110 degrees with spikes as high as 115! I had expected that the Vibe was going to run hot with the weather and climbing the hills, but even with the A/C on, It didn't run any hotter than normal. I was very impressed.5) The seats are very nice for long distance driving. Usually my (removed) goes numb within a few hours, but we logged long long hours in the Vibe with no such problems. Now the minor problems encountered:1) arm rest on the door damn near rubbed my elbow raw until I put a shirt between the two. This is something that needs to be addressed!2) Little rattles popped up from the hatch strut and the chrome trim. 3) Map light burnt out just as we got home. The car will go into the dealer for items 2 and 3!With just over 6k on the car now I am very impressed with it. It has met and exceeded my expectations on every front! Let me know if you have any additional questions with AWD vibes, and I'll answer them as best as I can.-Chad