GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Besides resale value, what are some real reasons, as seems a fully loaded Vibe comes in around $2k less than an equivalent or less loaded Matrix?? While GM is a bit scarier reliability-wise, given that the Vibe and Matrix are basically the same (still the same factory?), why would one choose Matrix over Vibe??

One reason that I can think of is that a lot of people don't know they're the same car. I was at a gas station a few weeks ago and a guy pulled up to the pump beside mine in a Matrix XRS. I went inside to pay, and when I came out he was checking out my car. He said hi, and then remarked on how they looked "eerily similar". He was dumbfounded when I explained they were basically the same car with different sheet metal.

Which one looks better to you? The only real difference in the two is looks. The body panels, wheels and/or hubcaps are different but just about everything else is the same between the two. I think the radios may be different as well. I'm not sure if Onstar is available in the Matrix, I believe it's in GM cars only. As far as the factory, The Vibe and Corolla are made in Freemont, CA at NUMMI and the Matrix is made in Canada (Windsor,ON I think??).

Matrices are mfg'd in Cambridge, ON. Only about 3 hrs from me here in Windsor.

My choice really came down to price.My GM dealer offered me a 950$ student rebate (2 payments) and 1125$ from the Wish&Win Xmas special. The Toyota dealer offered me 450$ student rebate and a pompous attitude so I walked out.There was also the fact that when comparing a Vibe 2.4 1SC with a Matrix XR, I had the choice between traction control and cruise control on the vibe or heated mirrors on the matrix. While I DO like heated mirror in the winter, I'd rather have the other 2.My plan is to keep this car for a minimum of 8 years so resale value wasn't a factor for me. Beside, I prefer the vibe's look when properly equiped.

"Why would one choose Matrix over Vibe?"If you were a sucker.

Well from the other side I would say,simply because you wanted to. When I bought my car in 02 Toyota gave me a better deal than Pontiac, I pretty much like the looks of them both nearly equally, but I don't like the two tone Vibes, with the exception of Kevera's. Any of either after 04 have different Radio's and later The Vibe had the OnStar. Pontiac is more expensive for parts, dealer for dealer vs Toyota. So appearence and a few Audio differences would be the only deciding factor, plus the resale.

The Vibe has a better web site!

That's about the same as asking why anyone would buy a Tribute vs an Escape. I liked the look of the vibe better (and got better financing options through GM).

Quote, originally posted by kowell »There was also the fact that when comparing a Vibe 2.4 1SC with a Matrix XR, I had the choice between traction control and cruise control on the vibe or heated mirrors on the matrix. While I DO like heated mirror in the winter, I'd rather have the other 2.I am curious if the Pontiac will offer Heated Mirrors on the Vibe and if so, it would be a nice option.

Quote, originally posted by jwalcik »One reason that I can think of is that a lot of people don't know they're the same car. That really sums it up. I personally would never buy an American made 4 cylinder and I'm sure a lot of people feel the same way.Here's some interesting data. The new Motor Trend has a quick review of all 2009 production cars and they gave each one a star rating. One star - Beats Walking. Two stars - For Your Neighbors. Three Stars - Right on the Money. Four Stars - Fuel for Your Soul. Five Stars - Drive Before You Die.The Vibe got 2 1/2 stars. The Matrix got 4 stars. Vibe - $15,895 - $19,895 Stability Control and Traction Control standard.Matrix - $16,850 - $21,320 Stab and Trac optional.

Quote, originally posted by Burns1210 »That really sums it up. I personally would never buy an American made 4 cylinder and I'm sure a lot of people feel the same way.Here's some interesting data. The new Motor Trend has a quick review of all 2009 production cars and they gave each one a star rating. One star - Beats Walking. Two stars - For Your Neighbors. Three Stars - Right on the Money. Four Stars - Fuel for Your Soul. Five Stars - Drive Before You Die.The Vibe got 2 1/2 stars. The Matrix got 4 stars. Vibe - $15,895 - $19,895 Stability Control and Traction Control standard.Matrix - $16,850 - $21,320 Stab and Trac optional. I saw that too. They even mentioned in a previous issue that the Vibe looks better than the Matrix. People are biased against American car companies.

Are you saying that "Motor Trend" is biased against the Vibe because of the American GM connection and the fact the Vibe is equivalent to the Matrix proves it, OR do you think the "Motor Trend" comparison of Vibe and Matrix is an accurate reflection of real differences??

Quote, originally posted by stock »Are you saying that "Motor Trend" is biased against the Vibe because of the American GM connection and the fact the Vibe is equivalent to the Matrix proves it, OR do you think the "Motor Trend" comparison of Vibe and Matrix is an accurate reflection of real differences??Other then appearance and badging there is no difference between the two. I read an article from Car and Driver or Motor Trend that said the Vibe was nice, but overall bland... however the Matrix received a better review, for no reason other then it is a Toyota.

Motor Trend is payola based, like other rags.

How can a reshaped front bumper and a differently appointed door panel take it from a notch above "for the neighbors" to "fuel for the soul"? How exactly does Motor Trend come to two so very different conclusions on the same car except for a few body differences? Funny...the Sable and Taurus got the same star rating...The Vibe did however get a higher star rating than the Mercedes SLR McLauren...

I definitely prefer the look of the Matrix over the Vibe.That being said, I got the Vibe for about $3,000 less. So I was willing to make the aesthetic sacrifice to save the money.

Quote, originally posted by stock »Are you saying that "Motor Trend" is biased against the Vibe because of the American GM connection and the fact the Vibe is equivalent to the Matrix proves it, OR do you think the "Motor Trend" comparison of Vibe and Matrix is an accurate reflection of real differences??I'm saying that two cars that are almost exactly the same should get the same score. Rating the Vibe much lower than the Matrix shows an obvious bias towards Toyota and against GM.

Mine was purely based on looks. I wanted something with AWD as well. So for me it was the best looking AWD for the money. Not a fan of roof racks, didn't like the Pontiac wheels, resale is a little better with the Toyota, and the Matrix has slightly more mods when it comes to exterior that are available at a cheaper cost. e.g. my HID kits was $70. I also really like the body kit it came with, the side skirts and valences do a lot to make the car look lower. Creased edges and sheetmetal are a big plus for me.

I got a better deal on a Vibe than I could on a Matrix, and I preferred the look of the Vibe. Now, those rear corner windows on the new matrix are just too weird.One might buy a Matrix because of perceived Toyota reliability, or perceived better Toyota service, or styling preference, or for a different combination of options, or for brand loyalty, or if they find a better deal, or because of bad experiences with prior GM vehicles, or better Toyota resale value, or ...

I only got 800$ here for student rebate.. If i check on GM website it said the max is 800$..

It was 1200$ until Feb 29th 2008. Which was also the last day to use the Wish&Win Xmas rebates. My dealer received the 2009 Vibes on Feb 25th and I signed it on the 29th... it was no coïncidence....