GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Well the time has come for my mom to replace her Trailblazer and Wrangler. She wants something more efficient, and good for the Minnesota winters. She is attuned to driving SUVs, and doesn't really like small cars. One big thing for her, is her driveway. It is almost a 45 degree slope in some areas, so she needs a car that do that. She is willing to look at a Chevy Cruze, but now that I have been here to Genvibe, I think a post '09 Vibe AWD would be a good car for her. EPA rated at almost 30 highway is good enough for her, and she needs a more efficient car. But I would like to know just how capable is the Vibe AWD in the snow? How is it compared to a Trailblazer? Any issues, or things I should know before recommending it to her?Thanks for the help! It'd be pretty cool to get her into a Vibe.

At the risk of being slammed here, I would recommend looking at a new Subaru Outback or Forester. My brother in law has a Forester and it is really nice. If I needed 4 wheel drive that's where I would head.

Quote, originally posted by KITT222 »Well the time has come for my mom to replace her Trailblazer and Wrangler. She wants something more efficient, and good for the Minnesota winters. She is attuned to driving SUVs, and doesn't really like small cars. One big thing for her, is her driveway. It is almost a 45 degree slope in some areas, so she needs a car that do that. She is willing to look at a Chevy Cruze, but now that I have been here to Genvibe, I think a post '09 Vibe AWD would be a good car for her. EPA rated at almost 30 highway is good enough for her, and she needs a more efficient car. But I would like to know just how capable is the Vibe AWD in the snow? How is it compared to a Trailblazer? Any issues, or things I should know before recommending it to her?Thanks for the help! It'd be pretty cool to get her into a Vibe.Well having had an AWD Vibe for the past 6 winters here in Minnesota I would highly recommend it. I would either recommend getting Goodyear TripleTred all-season tires or a extra set of snow tires on steelies for winters. (I would lean toward the latter especially with the 45° driveway.) The Vibe is lighter than the Trailblazer but it is just as capable. This past storm I drove thru 12" deep snow without any problems in my AWD w/snow tires. I also, slowly, cut thru a 26"+ bank of snow to get into my work parking lot last Saturday. Didn't get stuck once. I'm very happy with the performance of the AWD Vibe. It is by far, the best car I have ever owned and I came from GMC Jimmy 4WD.I wouldn't say you should try to convince her to get it, but she should know it is a viable option when looking.

Wow. I never would have thought it was that capable. Thanks! That'll be a helpful testimony. I'll have to tell her about it when I go Christmas shopping with her this weekend. Jake, trust me, I have recommended Subaru's many times, but apparently she is struck with the idea that only lesbians drive them, and she insists that she would never drive one. She does drive around the Metro area around for her work, and spends some time in north Minneapolis, where apparently, there are many lesbians. That being said, she prefers a domestic brand anyways, so Subaru wouldn't do for her in that sense.

Cruze has no back seat room what so ever... Do yourself a favor and find a low mileage 2008 FWD Vibe.

Quote, originally posted by KITT222 »Jake, trust me, I have recommended Subaru's many times, but apparently she is struck with the idea that only lesbians drive them, and she insists that she would never drive one. She does drive around the Metro area around for her work, and spends some time in north Minneapolis, where apparently, there are many lesbians. That being said, she prefers a domestic brand anyways, so Subaru wouldn't do for her in that sense. LOL. I'll have to tell my brother-in-law that. Actually I am a lesbian - I just love women - all of them. all of their sisters, and some of their mothers .While many Subarus are made in Lafayette, IN, the Forester is made in Japan. I guess a brand new Japanese Matrix AWD made in Canada isn't going to work either. Have you driven a Ford lately? I think the Edge and Fusion are available in AWD.

Well it's a good thing the vibe isn't a foreign car...

Domestic as in American automaker. The Vibe would do because it is a Pontiac, and was made in America. We have looked at Tuarii'(?) and Fusions. She doesn't like the Edge's big gaping grill, but is interested in the SHO. ou.grizzly: Why an '08 and why only FWD?

Quote, originally posted by KITT222 »Domestic as in American automaker. The Vibe would do because it is a Pontiac, and was made in America. We have looked at Tuarii'(?) and Fusions. She doesn't like the Edge's big gaping grill, but is interested in the SHO. ou.grizzly: Why an '08 and why only FWD?I currently have the following:1. 2004 AWD2. 2009 FWD3. 2009 AWDAnd had a:4. 2008 FWDThe 2008 was the last model year for the 1st Gen Vibe and had all the kinks worked out and was built the best I feel.... Has more interior room that the 2nd Gen Vibe's and fuel mileage is SO much better. 2008 FWD with snow tires = best all around choiceCurrently the 2004 is sitting in the driveway and needs a lot of work. It either needs a new transmission or rear differential also.... Of course it has 182,000 miles on it, but...

Quote, originally posted by ou.grizzly »I currently have the following:1. 2004 AWD2. 2009 FWD3. 2009 AWDAnd had a:4. 2008 FWDThe 2008 was the last model year for the 1st Gen Vibe and had all the kinks worked out and was built the best I feel.... Has more interior room that the 2nd Gen Vibe's and fuel mileage is SO much better. 2008 FWD with snow tires = best all around choiceCurrently the 2004 is sitting in the driveway and needs a lot of work. It either needs a new transmission or rear differential also.... Of course it has 182,000 miles on it, but... Life is full of trade offs. I thought about replacing my 2003 with an end of year 2008 but IMO even with the incentives the price was too high. Then in Jan. 2009 I was able to buy at substantially less than the 2008 price plus I got the added safety features my wife wanted - 6 airbags, antilock brakes and stability control standard. In the used car market I don't think antilock brakes, 6 airbags and stability control means much so IMO the 2009 is a better used car value than the 2008. Of course there is more to go wrong. In my experience the fuel economy of the 2009 is the same as the 2003. The EPA number just went down a bit because of the way they do their calculation. I gave up a couple of things in the 2009 vs 2008 but the interior noise is less. The interior room is a bit less in the cargo area, but still more than adequate. Overall I am pleased to have the 2009 and I plan to keep it for many years unless I come upon a deal I can't refuse on something newer. There is no way I wish I had the 2008 instead.My main fear with the 2009 was that I wouldn't be able to see out the windows as well. That has turned out not to be true. You quickly get used to it.

Quote, originally posted by ou.grizzly »And had a:4. 2008 FWDfuel mileage is SO much better. BUT you're also comparing the 1.8 1ZZ to the 2.4. I've had no problems climbing snow/ice covered grades with my FWD 1.8. 2ZR!!! @KITT222But of course that all depends on what your mom wants... Quote, originally posted by KITT222 » I have recommended Subaru's many times, but apparently she is struck with the idea that only lesbians drive them. I've never noticed... but I'll pay a little more attention next time...

Quote, originally posted by star_deceiver »BUT you're also comparing the 1.8 1ZZ to the 2.4. I've had no problems climbing snow/ice covered grades with my FWD 1.8. 2ZR!!! @KITT222But of course that all depends on what your mom wants... I've never noticed... but I'll pay a little more attention next time...Goes for the 1.8 FWD versus the 1.8 AWD also

Quote, originally posted by jake75 »Life is full of trade offs. I thought about replacing my 2003 with an end of year 2008 but IMO even with the incentives the price was too high. Then in Jan. 2009 I was able to buy at substantially less than the 2008 price plus I got the added safety features my wife wanted - 6 airbags, antilock brakes and stability control standard. In the used car market I don't think antilock brakes, 6 airbags and stability control means much so IMO the 2009 is a better used car value than the 2008. Of course there is more to go wrong. In my experience the fuel economy of the 2009 is the same as the 2003. The EPA number just went down a bit because of the way they do their calculation. I gave up a couple of things in the 2009 vs 2008 but the interior noise is less. The interior room is a bit less in the cargo area, but still more than adequate. Overall I am pleased to have the 2009 and I plan to keep it for many years unless I come upon a deal I can't refuse on something newer. There is no way I wish I had the 2008 instead.My main fear with the 2009 was that I wouldn't be able to see out the windows as well. That has turned out not to be true. You quickly get used to it.Body panels/collision parts are limited for the 2009/2010

The thing is, she isn't entirely clear on the car she wants. The Equinox fits her perfectly, but she doesn't like it's styling, and she insists she doesn't want a small car. I kinda use her as the 'average American car buyer' standard. She wants something bigger, fuel efficient, and good in the snow. Vibe fits all these, except 'big'. And then again size and fuel economy aren't friend. I don't know, I'll find something for her. Thanks all for the help and advice. Very appreciated. And about the MPG change: The EPA revised their way of testing in 2007. If you look at the '07 cars on fueleconomy.gov, they have two ratings. My Vibe is rated 34 hwy by the old standards, but only 31 hwy by the current standards, so it isn't too far off the '09-'10 Vibes. Quote, originally posted by star_deceiver »I've never noticed... but I'll pay a little more attention next time...It's what she said, I hassle her any time I get about it! Whenever I see a Subaru I tell her I saw one without a gay pride sticker.

Quote, originally posted by ou.grizzly »Body panels/collision parts are limited for the 2009/2010The one minor drawback to having a 2 year run. Quote, originally posted by KITT222 »I don't know, I'll find something for her. Ever thought of a Patriot or Compass?True, it is a Chrysler product.... But it is American, 4wd and prices are good!

After reading a few reviews, I have to say no. They aren't good cars, and the Patriot, the better of the two, has only one attraction, and that's the off roading package. But I'll still sorta mention it to her. Best thing I can come up with is the Equinox or Escape. So that is what she may end up in. But many of those Chevy dealers have Vibes on the lots too, so, I'll give it a try. Though today she did say she likes how the Trailblazer is in the snow, and I suggested she keep the Trailblazer, and get a new car to compliment the Trailblazer. For the first time, she was interested in the idea.

Two cars is a good idea - my son who lives in the Minneapolis area has a Toyota FJ Cruiser and a Mustang ragtop.

I honestly don't know anything about the AWD models. I would point out that if you have much snow you should also consider any vehicle's ground clearance. Vibes don't sit very high and the snow can pack underneath and lift the lightweight car.We had 12 - 13" of snow last week and my 2009 FWD Vibe is able to get in and out of my 150' long unplowed drive. Still has the tires that came from the factory. The undercarriage drags the whole way until it gets the snow pressed down.

I have a 05 AWD Matrix and it does a great job in the snow. Ofcourse it's made in Canada. Unlike the Vibe (the ugly redheaded sister...JK) which is made in US. If she want a car that will get good gas mileage and gets around in the snow very well then it's the car for her but they lack power (0-60 in 12+ secs is no fun). Keep an eye on the differential/transfercase seals and you shouldn't have a problem with them.

I've had my '04 AWD for a few months now... and I am loving it!It just turned over 100,000 miles and runs like a champ. The only issue is that the tranny does not like to go into OD until she warms up, but thats no big deal as it only takes about a minute for that to occur.As far as the AWD goes, MAN, this thing is a TANK!!!! I am in upstate New York and I have driven in horrible conditions this month. At one point my LONG COUNTRY DRIVEWAY had over 8 " of snow and it was still coming down and my Vibe never even lost traction!!! I could not believe how well it gobbles up ice and snow like it isnt even snowing outside. The tradeoff? Fuel mileage and power. Worth it? When it's snowing it is!!!!

Quote, originally posted by star_deceiver »Ever thought of a Patriot or Compass?True, it is a Chrysler product.... But it is American, 4wd and prices are good!YEP !!! And the factory is just a few miles from my house here in Toledo

I have an 03 AWD Vibe, and the gas mileage seems to be the ****s in winter. I'm getting as low as 14.38 MPG for an average tank. (about 250-275 kms per tank on the low side, but rarely over 300 kms/tank in winter so far). I've had it checked out, and there is nothing wrong with it. So it is definitely alot worse than I was expecting for fuel economy. And also, this is putting anywhere from 40-45 litres of gas per fill.