GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

seehttp://www.leftlanenews.com/po....htmlGeneral Motors officially announced on Monday its Pontiac brand will be phased out by the end of 2010, but the marque’s brightest star – the G8 – won’t even make it that far. GM CEO Fritz Henderson announced earlier today the G8 sedan will be phased out by the end of this year.According to Henderson, Pontiac’s relationship with Holden – GM’s Australian subsidiary and maker of the G8 – will end by the end of 2009. Henderson said production of the Pontiac G8 will wind down by the end of the year, with the automaker prepared to offer heavy incentives to get the performance sedan off dealer lots. News AU estimates the end of the Pontiac G8 will cost Holden more than $750 million in lost revenue.Additionally, Henderson said GM has no plans to move any Pontiac models to other brands. That means the Pontiac Solstice will ride off into the sunset shortly after the G8, with the Vibe likely to be the last model standing in the Pontiac lineup. The Vibe is made at a joint-venture plant with Toyota, with the five-door wagon set to be produced through 2010. The Pontiac G3 — essentially a rebadged version of the Chevy Aveo — and the G6, a platform mate of the Chevy Malibu, will also be discontinued.

I'll bet THAT announcement really helped boost sales at Pontiac dealerships today.

man this really sucks! Damn you Henderson and GM! what happened to this so called "Niche Brand" thing. >

Quote, originally posted by NascarXprt »man this really sucks! Damn you Henderson and GM! what happened to this so called "Niche Brand" thing. >Blame the auto task force, financial institutions, EPA, etc. for this.

Cracks me up. I just got a Pontiac marketing email today with the subject, "Pontiac: Drive with Total Confidence"Effers.

Booooo! RIP Vibe... And apparently GM pulled the plug on Pontiac without consulting NUMMI first, they "have to have talks" with Toyota. Oops.http://jalopnik.com/5229396/po...hevysThe article is wrong though, the Matrix was never built there.

oh and Whhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!http://www.autoblog.com/2009/0...ntiac/

I know Chevy has the new Cruze coming out soon. But why not offer the Vibe as a Chevy Model. It could be the Cobalt 5 door or something.Heck, while there at it, give it the Cobalt SS engine mated to both the AWD and FWD setup and you could blow Toyota out of the water with the underpowered 2.4's offered on both now. If thers is one thing Toyo and Ponti missed the mark on was dropping in the 2.4 as their sport model power. If you have a small car and put anything less than 200hp in it nowadays, it is fairly sad. Just look at the Mazdaspeed 3, Cobalt SS, etc. and you will see the trend.

i think the vibe would work better as a Caddy. but id really hate to see the G8 and the Solstice go, but the Solstice Coupe will really be a collectors item.

Quote, originally posted by ColonelPanic »Booooo! RIP Vibe... And apparently GM pulled the plug on Pontiac without consulting NUMMI first, they "have to have talks" with Toyota. Oops.http://jalopnik.com/5229396/po...hevysThe article is wrong though, the Matrix was never built there.RANDOM THOUGHTSI wonder what % of NUMMI production is Vibe. Toyota may want to get out of NUMMI as well.I never ceased to be amazed at how little many auto writers really know.Ten years from now I can drive my Vibe in the local 4th of July parade and people will say "remember when".At normal retails I don't think the Vibe was that exceptional, but it is the best value around for what I recently paid. When Olds went out they sweetened the deals with a longer warranty. That won't work with all of GM in jeopardy - Oh, I forgot - we taxpayers are going to back the warranties.

Quote, originally posted by NascarXprt »man this really sucks! Damn you Henderson and GM! what happened to this so called "Niche Brand" thing. >Actually, it might. My brother has been hemming and hawing about a car and now he says "maybe I better get a Vibe before they're sold out?"

NICE! The Cadillac VBX...

well after some crutial thinking, since GM has not said anything about putting the brand up for sale like it has for Sabb, Saturn, and Hummer. they may have future plans for Pontiac once things have leveled out and look far better then GM might, just might bring the Pontiac brand back to life, but very slowly.

Quote, originally posted by NascarXprt »well after some critical thinking, since GM has not said anything about putting the brand up for sale like it has for Saab, Saturn, and Hummer. they may have future plans for Pontiac once things have leveled out and look far better then GM might, just might bring the Pontiac brand back to life, but very slowly.Ha Ha Ha - reminds me of when my baby brother first found out that Santa Claus was imaginary. He asked. "Does that go for the Easter Bunny too?"

Quote, originally posted by NascarXprt »i think the vibe would work better as a Caddy.Looks good. If Government Motors doesn't do it, maybe Toyota could use the 'trix base for a new Lexus model. I like the Vibe package, but wouldn't mind something a bit more upscale.

Looking at the sales figures for each division, it doesn't make any sense. Pontiac was marketed to a young (and young at heart) age bracket versus Buicks marketed to senior citizens who typically don't buy cars that often. Pontiac had models that one could keep buying as one's lifestyle changed-from 2 seaters to versatile family models. GM, you just lost a loyal lifelong car buyer.

I feel pretty much the same as everyone here. It’s a punch in the gut, & I can’t fathom purchasing another GM vehicle as long as I live (this, from a gal who has only ever bought GM vehicles). What’s saddest to me is GM does not appear to be changing for the better. A friend who works at the RenCen/GM World HQ says the most talented people are getting the ax, & the friends/relatives of people in high places are staying on. The more things change….

Are they actually going to come out the Solstice coupe? They'll probably sell like what? 500 of them? That will end up being pretty rare if someone wants them in the future.

I think this one is "Plausible"http://www.autoblog.com/2009/0...model/Is anyone else fed up with the conflicting stories that began last year, culminated today, reported that Buick was to go...I am.I love my vibe.

This is insane... bought the car roughly six months and now it get phase out...But I do love driving it... just knowing that it doesn't worth as much as it should be makes me fxxken mad!

LOL @ "There's really nothing wrong with the Vibe. Its only problem right now is that it is a Pontiac."

I beleve the Vibe will get a nose job, a (removed) lift, more sound deading, and a Buick badge.Quote, originally posted by ColonelPanic »Booooo! RIP Vibe... And apparently GM pulled the plug on Pontiac without consulting NUMMI first, they "have to have talks" with Toyota. Oops.http://jalopnik.com/5229396/po...hevysThe article is wrong though, the Matrix was never built there.Quote »Why the Matrix always sold so much better than the Vibe, we'll never understand. Wait a second, we remember — the picture to the left just jogged our memory. Eeeew. OK, now we know why the Matrix sold better.Jalopnik's articals are always full of fail. That's why I read Autoblog.Only Toyota knows how well the Matrix does every year, because they lump the sales of the Matrix in with the Corolla. Toyota doesn't give specific numbers on the Matrix. Also NUMMI produces Corolla and Toyota Tacoma.

the vibe should replace that crap aveo.

This is definitely bad news for the American car makers and the consumers. I have owned 4 Pontiac cars over the years and really like the Pontiac Brand. American carmakers have really made improvements in quality and car value. Unfortunately some still believe buying American is like buying junk. It may have been that way in the past but today the quality equals or surpasses imports.

^^ not all imports. and really, let's be honest, the Vibe is basically an Import in disguise. that was why I bought mine back in 03 when they first came out. I also had sworn to myself from my previous failed GM vehicles that I'd not buy another domestic again due to the crappy resale value. I did. I loved my Vibe GT, it was a fun, useful car but I got raped on the value 2 years later as I knew I would. I can't say that about any of my imports, they hold their value. My 05 LGT I had for a little over 3 yrs, traded the VGT for it and paid quite a bit on the financing at the time, still came out with an extra $6K in my pocket from the sale. Now, what I really don't understand is why they are getting rid of the Pontiac division and cars when they seem to sell fairly well. why not get rid of Buick or GMC? Those are completely redundant vehicles!

Quote, originally posted by jake75 »I wonder what % of NUMMI production is Vibe. For April '09 about 8% of NUMMI's total output and 15% of car output (the Tacpma is built on a separate line) or +-150 Vibes per day. That is supposed to increase after April and it does fluctuate regularly.

well I saw this this morning... so it may not be a vibe but some toyota platform....Quote »There are a lot of questions left unanswered after General Motors announcement this morning that its Pontiac division was not long for this world. One of those is what will happen to GM's joint venture agreement with Toyota to produce models at the New United Motor Motor Manufacturing Inc. (NUMMI) facility in California. The Pontiac Vibe is currently produced there along with the Toyota Matrix, its platform mate. GM has stated that it's already negotiating with Toyota to produce a new model at NUMMI that would be sold under one of the automaker's remaining four brands – Chevy, Buick, Cadillac or GMC.http://www.autoblog.com/2009/0...model/

Wall St Jrl - today page A8bGM North American President Troy Clark said GM plans to add models to the Buick lineup to help offset the loss of the Pontiac brand to dealers with combined Pontiac-Buick-GMC outlets.

Quote, originally posted by jake75 »Wall St Jrl - today page A8bGM North American President Troy Clark said GM plans to add models to the Buick lineup to help offset the loss of the Pontiac brand to dealers with combined Pontiac-Buick-GMC outlets.ugh moving the vibe to a "old persons" car brand? haha jk

Remember the old advertising jingle -"Wouldn't you really rather have a Buick".Google that and you get (among other things) a link to Bob Daniels Pontiac-Buick-GMC dealer in Columbus.A rose by any other name . . .

Introducing the Buick LaVizzle... On the outside, you'll be wowed by the massive grille containing 10 square miles of fake chrome. Fake portholes add a sporty, yet elegant touch. The luxury doesn't stop there! Step inside and you'll find true comfort in the unsupportive, pillow soft seats. Acres of imitation wood surround you to add that special finishing touch. And the best part yet - behind the wheel, we think you'll love how the LaVizzle reacts on twisty roads with its numb steering and nauseating suspension. LaVizzle by Buick - transforming your Toyota econobox a premium luxury automobile.Or maybe they'll just dump NUMMI and have GMDAT take one of their cars and slap a Buick emblem on it. Hey, it works for the Chinese.

Yeah I understand the Vibe is basically a Matrix, but the stigma that goes along with buying American made cars is crazy. If Import cars didn't break there wouldn't be service departments at Honda, Toyota, BMW, etc. All things mechanical need repairs eventually, cars, whatever. It is true that Imports hold value but I think it goes along with old time beliefs that American=bad value. If everyone decided to buy products/services that were made only in countries other than USA, most people on this site would probably be looking for employment-overseas. I'm getting off point of the original discussion so let me end by saying Detroit has got to figure out how to re-invent their image to the USA and the World.

True, there have been negative press about the big 3 when it comes to quality in the past, however look at Toyota today. they have all kinds of problems while GM and Ford took a step up in reliability. I think that says a lot. Unfortunately, it's a little too late. Also, with the exception of Toyota, you don't see all the imports trying to make a vehicle for every class or subclass like what the big 3 have done. They've thinned themselves too much, tried to sell more by lowering prices or giving huge rebates in the meanwhile undercutting the current owners of resale value for the future. My family has owned 8 GM vehicles, myself owned 3 in the past 10 yrs. That doesn't even include Mav's family or him, who own only GM vehicles I think. I've always been a GM fan, however I know the car isn't worth much as soon as it leaves the show room floor, nor at the time, did they have anything that could do or compete in the vehicle market I was looking for.When I think of the big 3 these days, I think of NASCAR, econoboxes or big *** hummers, reliving old glory days by bringing back every kind of retired muscle car they can think of. When I think of all other imports or euros, i think more reliability (more so on the imports than the euros), refinement (euros), and formula or rally racing.Getting back to topic here, them taking out Pontiac vs other brands just makes no real sense to me. I know they have to keep CHEVY, Cadillac and Saturn. But again, all the GMC trucks are just rebadged Chevy's with a different front dash and emblem. Why not lose the GMC line when it already exists in the Chevy line up? Pontiac is one of the few brands they make that actually produces some great cars!

Quote, originally posted by AKLGT »Why not lose the GMC line when it already exists in the Chevy line up? Pontiac is one of the few brands they make that actually produces some great cars! that's a great argument... why not combine 2 companies that essentially have the same vehicles and keep the one that actually produces some good/great ones...

Quote, originally posted by northvibe »ugh moving the vibe to a "old persons" car brand? haha jklol! This great car already is an old folks' car! Have you ever noticed how most Vibe drivers are old people like me! We love how easy it is to enter and exit, park, and all the rest.You young folks like an old peoples' car!

Dumb, dumb move, with regard to both Pontiac and the Vibe in particular.My take:Killing Pontiac-a superficial non-solution

Quote, originally posted by Houston »lol! This great car already is an old folks' car! Have you ever noticed how most Vibe drivers are old people like me! We love how easy it is to enter and exit, park, and all the rest.You young folks like an old peoples' car! LOL! quite true! most people I see here driving them are older folks.

Glad i bought my vibe GT when i did new in 03 soon to be paided off, and keeping it!Also my days of buying anything new gm is over,

GM won't be moving any Pontiac's to Chevy...most of them are already there.G3 = AveoG5 = CobaltG6 = MalibuG8 = Already cancelled. No more to be built as of May 1stTorrent = EquinoxSolstice = Done. End of model life.Vibe = Done. Toyota wants to break up Nummi. It's the only place that they have to deal with the UAW. Plus it's the most expensive place in the US to build cars.

G8's still might live on:http://blogs.carpoint.ca/2009/....html

Quote, originally posted by HawaiiPontiacLover »Looking at the sales figures for each division, it doesn't make any sense. Pontiac was marketed to a young (and young at heart) age bracket versus Buicks marketed to senior citizens who typically don't buy cars that often. Pontiac had models that one could keep buying as one's lifestyle changed-from 2 seaters to versatile family models. GM, you just lost a loyal lifelong car buyer. The only reason Buick didnt go to the chopping block was because they sell like crazy over in china (the rebaged daewoos). where i live at most of the population drives the $50,000 buicks anyways, but there are a lot of vibes on the street as well. i know it has been said before by many people on here but yes in fact, the vibe was Pontiacs real savior, and GM is shooting themselves in the foot. as of this point forward, i will NEVER buy another GM product again. once my Vibe dies, thats it im going with Mazda or Hyndai.In reality, this started in 2002 when Pontiac axed the Firebird and Trans am and chevy kept the camaro going.

So should we be expecting Pontiac dealerships to be selling extra parts cheap?

Quote, originally posted by Toasted7 »So should we be expecting Pontiac dealerships to be selling extra parts cheap?Probably higher considering the limited availability that parts will end up having.... It would be awesome to see a clearance sale though! (Then Vibe parts might be about the same as they are at the Toyota dealer.) LOL!

Most of the Gen 1 and 1.5 (up to '08) Accessories are already gone; they were cleared out when the new body was introduced.

Quote, originally posted by ColonelPanic »Introducing the Buick LaVizzle... On the outside, you'll be wowed by the massive grille containing 10 square miles of fake chrome. Fake portholes add a sporty, yet elegant touch. The luxury doesn't stop there! Step inside and you'll find true comfort in the unsupportive, pillow soft seats. Acres of imitation wood surround you to add that special finishing touch. And the best part yet - behind the wheel, we think you'll love how the LaVizzle reacts on twisty roads with its numb steering and nauseating suspension. LaVizzle by Buick - transforming your Toyota econobox a premium luxury automobile.Or maybe they'll just dump NUMMI and have GMDAT take one of their cars and slap a Buick emblem on it. Hey, it works for the Chinese. Dont forget to add $15,000 to the price tag as well for all of the extra bling.

Dealers look to life without PontiacBusiness First of Columbus - by Dan Eaton5-1-09Len Immke Buick Pontiac GMC might be the last new Pontiac dealership in America.The east-side Columbus dealership began moving Pontiacs onto its lot April 16, after acquiring the badge from nearby Dave Gill Chevrolet. Less than two weeks later, General Motors Corp. disclosed plans to eliminate the performance-oriented Pontiac line by next year.Immke owner Dave Lavelle chuckled and said he hopes for the best.“Things may change,” he said. “GM changes their mind every time they wake up in the morning.”Go to http://columbus.bizjournals.co...=e_ph to see their "Ponti-ACK" graphic. Click on it to view larger.

What ever GM ends up doing, it will be a changed corp and will have to come up with a very revamped model line up. Vibe or Vibe-like cars should emerge... but hopefully not as a Bu-ICK LaVizzle, although I did like the shopped Vibelack, up above a lot. Great work! No one person will be able to tell what turns out in the next few years, GM has a lot of work to do. Rumors will fly. They have squandered many engineering hours going back to 'Luxury Chrome' and plastic wood, and not hitting aero, weight and efficiency as much as they should. Conservative car makers they are, always falling back on what worked before. I think big companies like that kind of safety. Even Toyota is staying in the box a lot.Watch out, the Chinese car manufacturers will push the envelope. And so will India. They might be more willing to see things from outside the box. Look what the South Koreans have done in a few short years. Fiat/Chrysler? Now that's going outside the box. They may have to build a new kind of box for that combo.

Quote, originally posted by NascarXprt »i think the vibe would work better as a Caddy. but id really hate to see the G8 and the Solstice go, but the Solstice Coupe will really be a collectors item.Look, its the Cimmaron reborn... Long Live the Cimmaron...

I'm going to keep driving my Vibe for another 4 to 5 years, then look at getting a 5 Door Ford Euro Focus.

Quote, originally posted by tnpartsguy »GM won't be moving any Pontiac's to Chevy...most of them are already there.G3 = AveoG5 = CobaltG6 = MalibuEven if that is true, I still wouldn't consider replacing my desire to get a G6 with a Malibu...As most others here (and everywhere else), I'm surprised at GM for picking the 4 brands that they did, and ditching the rest. If Buick is such a big seller in China, then sell it for large chunk of cash to the Chinese, and let them build it. Import it for the 3 old guys that still wants it. The GMC brand is just trucks and SUV, and GM has plenty of those in the other brands, so why keep that?Cherrypicking models to keep would probably have been a better way to go with regards to trimming the number of models to make rather than killing off whole brands ...