GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Hi there!

I'm Silvia and I'm 20 years old and will soon be purchasing a Vibe.
My current car - a '93 Ford Escort hatchback - will be mine and my husbands second car.
His '96 Toyota Tacoma (NUMMI REPRESENT! woo! lol) died on us after 200,000 and I'm just no comfortable totally relying on an older car as our only transportation.
I decided on a Vibe after I thought about what was important to us in a vehicle - hatchback (I call my Escort my Truckscort, we've put large bookshelves, 5 foot tall deep freezers, etc in it), good gas mileage, and "American made" (family pressure, I'd prefer to buy American when I can but for my price point it's hard to find an American car with my MPG/storage capacity standards). If my UAW family gets their panties in a bunch over it being a GM-Toyota joint venture then tough tooties.

Anything I need to know when buying? Things to look out for? Is there benefit in getting an '09 over an '06 because of the different engine, aside from a 1mpg improvement? Anyway about it I'd be looking for a base model because of the improved MPG.

Thanks, and I'm glad to be here!

'zilla.

Awesome, good luck. The 09 looks a lot sharper IMO but you can't open the rear hatch glass separately as you can on the earlier ones. The base model 09 also doesn't come with a roof rack or rails (you can add the Toyota rails+rack for something like $250 IIRC).

Hi Zilla, Welcome to the group! I think either the first or 2nd generation Vibe is a great choice for a high-utility compact. I personally prefer the first gen.(03-08) for better space utilization, separate opening rear window and first gens seem to have fewer problems with sub-systems, electrical, audio, etc. IMO.

kumquat wrote:Awesome, good luck. The 09 looks a lot sharper IMO but you can't open the rear hatch glass separately as you can on the earlier ones. The base model 09 also doesn't come with a roof rack or rails (you can add the Toyota rails+rack for something like $250 IIRC).

I agree the 09 is more attractive. I've never had a roof rack/rails so I probably won't miss it. The hatch glass is a nice touch but not a deal breaker - my hatch glass doesn't open now and it's no big deal.

Chiadog wrote:Hi Zilla, Welcome to the group! I think either the first or 2nd generation Vibe is a great choice for a high-utility compact. I personally prefer the first gen.(03-08) for better space utilization, separate opening rear window and first gens seem to have fewer problems with sub-systems, electrical, audio, etc. IMO.

Thanks for the info, that's pretty important information to have when making a decision. I suppose thats fine - an older one would be less expensive anyway

Welcome to GenVibe! For more info on some of the differences in Vibes you can check out the Everything you need to Know about the Vibe link in my signature. I made it to help people out!

Chiadog wrote:Hi Zilla, Welcome to the group! I think either the first or 2nd generation Vibe is a great choice for a high-utility compact. I personally prefer the first gen.(03-08) for better space utilization, separate opening rear window and first gens seem to have fewer problems with sub-systems, electrical, audio, etc. IMO.

What do you mean better space utilization?

Hi welcome.

Good luck in your search for a god Vibe.

kumquat wrote: What do you mean better space utilization?

By space utilization, I mean that although both gen1 and gen2 have the same body size and cargo space essentially, the Gen1's are designed and laid out better for storage and carrying stuff. Based only on what I have read on this forum, the Gen1 has better driver storage cubby holes / nooks / crannies, and a folding front seat.
Gen1's also have more usable space inside and on top of the car. The Gen1 hatch is wider at its base and the opening is larger overall, also the hatch glass opens independently of the hatch. Not necessarily huge differences, but significant for those looking for maximum utility, IMO.
Also, I have occasionally heard on this form, members note that their "new" gen2's won't carry their bikes, kayaks, camping gear, etc. as their Gen1's did.

If possible, find a model equipped with the optional folding front passenger seat. It's very handy and lets you put objects 7ft long inside the car.
This feature was standard on 1st gen but optional on 2nd gen vibes.
Since you can no longer have long objects go trough the rear hatch window, this is a must.

Welcome to GenVibe! Whatever year Vibe you end up with, it will be a very reliable, dependable, useful little vehicle for you and your husband. Keep us updated on what year you end up with and be sure to post some pictures as well .

Welcome to genvibe

The '09 and '10 have as standard 4 wheel disc antilock brakes, multiple air bags, and traction/stability control. Those were pricey relatively unpopular options in the '03-'08 1st Gen Vibes. Good for safety but something else to go wrong.

kowell wrote:It's very handy and lets you put objects 7ft long inside the car.

Longer than that. I can stack 92 5/8" studs up against the glove box, and 8' studs on top of the passenger side dash. And I've hauled 10' and 12' lumber with the back glass open.