GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Hello everyone! Just discovered this great forum and after doing some reading I decided to chime in.I am considering replacing my wife's '01 Santa fe(been a good vehicle but bot very exciting to drive). We still need versatility of a small SUV but I want a sportscar type ride. I've been looking at the Vibe/Matrix, Protege'5, Focus ZX5 even the 5 door Elantra GT and have decided the Vibe/Matrix is what I want. After scouring the net for photo's I've decided the Vibe over the matrix is what I want. The Matrix is a little overdone stylistically IMHO. The Vibe has more of an SUV appearance and more tastefully executed. I also feel I could probably find a better deal at the pontiac Dealer than the Toyota dealer however I realize I most likely would get a better resale value with the Toyota nameplate but I decided I want to drive what I want to drive not what someone else wants me to drive.Now to the questions. I apoligize if these have been asked a zillion times before. I know redundancy on the net abounds.After research I am leaning towards going with the base model for the following reasons:Better gas mileageMore usable regular RPM powerQuieter operatingWill I hate myself for not going for the GT(I'm getting a stick either way)?Are the suspensions the same for Base and GT?Is the Navigation system good and how about the stereo with it?16" or 17"wheels?Painted lowers or plastic? Will the plastic get nasty overtime from weather and wax residue?Last but not least, I dont qualify for the GM employee/vendor discount not the customer loyalty discount so would I shoot for straight invoice price less the $1500 rebate on the 04's? Could I do better?Thanks in advance!Craig

quote:I've been looking at the Vibe/Matrix, Protege'5, Focus ZX5 even the 5 door Elantra GT and have decided the Vibe/Matrix is what I want. Don't go with Ford. First off, EVERYONE drives a focus. Second, their quality is questionable. There's a guy I work with who drives a focus, less than a year old, and it spends more time in the shop than it does on the road. P5, I can't say anything about, not familiar with how it drives. Same with Elantra GT...but you've had a Hyundai, go for something different and exciting this time! quote:After research I am leaning towards going with the base model for the following reasons:Better gas mileageMore usable regular RPM powerQuieter operatingI personally have not noticed any major difference in engine noise between the 1ZZ (base, AWD) engine and the 2ZZ (GT) engine. However, don't forget, the GT model requires premium fuel, which means a higher operating cost.quote:Will I hate myself for not going for the GT(I'm getting a stick either way)?GT definitely has more power. But if you're concerned about stretching your dollar more than lots of kick, you might be better off with a manual base model (or AWD even). But you should probably test drive both models to see how you feel about them.quote:Are the suspensions the same for Base and GT?Yes. Only the AWD has a different rear suspension.quote:Is the Navigation system good and how about the stereo with it?I can't answer this one, no nav system here, though I saw one, and it's pretty sweet! Kind of a bummer though that you have to reach under the seat to load the changer with the nav system. I personally prefer loading the dash.quote:16" or 17"wheels?That's all personal preference. I like 17's though.quote:Painted lowers or plastic? Will the plastic get nasty overtime from weather and wax residue?Again, personal preference. You pay more for a monotone look. I like the two tone in certain colors, mainly Neptune (blue) and Satellite (silver). Some members have problems with wax getting on the plastic cladding. I am one. That was my own stupid mistake though. I have yet to find anything that takes it off. Some also have had problems with a "sandblasting" type effect from road debris. However, GM has addressed this issue with a TSB (technical service bulletin) that replaces the damaged parts, and adds a rocker extension. This has been covered under our warranties. The 04 models have this extension already.quote:Last but not least, I dont qualify for the GM employee/vendor discount not the customer loyalty discount so would I shoot for straight invoice price less the $1500 rebate on the 04's? Could I do better?Not my area of expertise. I do know we have many GM employees on here who are helping us out with bonuses. Check this thread: http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=5911 for info on paying just 4% above what a GM employee pays, which roughly comes out to 8-9% below invoice. This program expires at the end of September, however, so if Vibe is what you want, you need to move to get that discount.

I have a friend who has the GT and we have raced off the line at a light before. Honestly, I keep up with him until he hits lift, then he pulls on me. So, unless you like stomping it and revving high, there isnt much diff in the two models.

The base engine w/ 5-speed is more than adequate for city driving - quicker than the majority of economy cars. The only time it feels stretched is highway passing at 60-80 mph. Although I've only driven 900 miles, I've averaged about 32 mpg.The nav system has not received favorable reviews and I don't think you'll find one on a base 5-speed unless you special order.The suspensions are the same between both models. I personally don't like the 16" or 17" alloys or stock tires and will pick up a new set from Tirerack soon. The 17" wheels will give you slightly better handling and slightly slower accelleration.

quote:Better gas mileageDriven easy, a GT will get nearly as good mileage as a base 5-speed. However, like mentioned above, it will require premium fuel.quote:More usable regular RPM powerOnly slightly. A GT has only slightly less low end torque but has alot more righ-rpm power.quote:Quieter operatingAgain, not really. Only when you spin the motor high. Driven easy, it's no louder.quote:Will I hate myself for not going for the GT(I'm getting a stick either way)?Possibly. Drive a base and if it has enough power for you them you won't miss the GT but if you drive a base and you find yourself wanting a little more power, you'll want the GT.quote:Are the suspensions the same for Base and GT?Except for the GT having rear disc brakes, yes. Like said above, the AWD has a totally different rear suspension.quote:Is the Navigation system good and how about the stereo with it?I can't answer that.quote:16" or 17"wheels?Since you don't get much snow in FL, I'd go with the 17" but that's a personal preference. I purchased a base Vibe with the base 16" steel wheels and then bought aftermarket 17" wheels and tires that I liked better.quote:Painted lowers or plastic?Again, personal preference. I like the 2-tone look for lighter colored cars plus there is less chance of damage when other park by feel. Monotone looks better on the darker colors and has a more refined look.quote:Will the plastic get nasty overtime from weather and wax residue?Mine hasn't. If taken care of it will be fine.

well, i had 6 months before i bot my vibe gt. i personally, like the monotone. it has a smoother look and not so plastic IMHO. I test drove all 3 models and because i like the sportier feel, i had to go with the GT. if you want sportier, then i would suggest the GT. but test drive them a few times and see what you want. COst wise, on gas, it's still cheaper then what you currently spend. i went from a v8 truck sucking $250/mo on gas to my GT paying $100-150/mo. avg mpg for me is 26, and that's driving like a crazy person and flooring it a min of 3-6 times/wk. i Triton has gotten an avg of 30 mpg in his, i believe.

I have a base vibe 5sd..that I modified and put a turbo charger on it...This not only happened because I am crazy, but because the base was a lot of fun to drive, and I wanted more of it ..If i had it to do over asain, I might opt for the gt.....the motor has this thing called "lift" and when you hit around 6krpms..you feel it .,, and the motor revs up over 8krpms and that is what makes the gt soooomuch fun..where as the base goes up to 6500rpms...but I wll emphasize again...the base was so much fun to drive, that it lead me to a turbocharger....it would not have dawned on me ohterwise!..and now, you can order a base w/ a supercharger I believe!..but even w/o, you will not be disapointed on how fun this car is!!

quote:Will the plastic get nasty overtime from weather and wax residue?Mine hasn't. If taken care of it will be fine.Yeah, don't wax it like I did!

Well, I think my 2 tone Neptune looks awesome. I love it. I haven't had any paint problems, and my cladding looks great.

If I could do it again, I'd definitely go 2-tone neptune.I saw one at the dealer a few days ago, and man, that is a beautiful color!

yes, I had been test driving PT Cruisers and I stepped on the Don Hill Pontiac lot and fell in absolute love with that 2 tone Neptune Vibe...I knew the instant I saw it, that was what I wanted.

yes, once you hit lift in the GT, it's love. sometimes my friends ride with me and are so surprised at what the my vibe can do. they're like, wow! i didn't think this little thing could move like that! once i hit lift, it's heaven!

quote:I've decided the Vibe over the matrix is what I want.I too like the vibe appearance better than the matrix. However, many members here have reported some reasonably serious issues with both Pontiac expertise on the toyota based vehicle, and on the quality of the paint on the vibe. Haven't heard of frequent toyota problems fixing matrixes, and also haven't heard of any matrix paint problems. Might be worth using the search feature here and look at threads on "paint" before you fully commit to a vibe.I have a base 5 speed, get great gas mileage on regular grade fuel, which is was a big objective when buying the car. If I had wanted a muscle or race car, I wouldn't have bought a Vibe, but I still get all the power I really need out of the base engine

I would be interested in a poll of all Vibe owners as to how many have paint problems...because I don't have any paint problems at all. I'm wondering if maybe some (not all by any means) initial members come here because they have a problem of some kind...sort of like on a piercing board. People start to think that all piercings reject (even though a very small percentage actually DO reject) because a lot of people come there to ask questions only when they have a problem, so the membership isn't representative. I'd say our membership is *more* representative, but I will admit that the entire reason I found this board was to see if someone else had my strange transmission/brake problem. That's not the reason why I've stayed; I've stayed because I love it and I'm glad I discovered it. But I do wonder if maybe I'm not the only one in this situation? Just a thought.

quote:I would be interested in a poll of all Vibe owners as to how many have paint problems...Maybe not representative, but there is a poll here at http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=5132Also, in http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=6124, the status is presented as :quote: PAINT CHIPPING GM is currently looking into the Vibe Paint Issues and trying to find any links to how the vehicle is prepared in the paint shop. I mentioned how the Matrix owners have virtually no paint problems while the Vibe owners seemed to be far more prone to this issue. Obviously these vehicles are made in different plants, in different countries, with different environmental operating procedures. They are currently testing parts of the Vibe that have been replaced for this issue to determine the exact cause.To me that's enough evidence that the paint issues reported here are not just the misperceptions of picky vibe owners, there is a problem.I have one paint chip on the leading edge of the hood, nowhere near the severity of other people's paint probs.

It would still be an interesting poll, though. The dealership where I bought mine can't seem to keep them on the lot...they still sell like hotcakes. I'd think if people were really having a lot of problems more word would get around and people would stop buying them. Though with push salespeople that might not matter. My mom is considering buying one when her lease runs out on her Blazer, even despite knowing all she knows about issues other people have had because I pass info along that I get off this board. So it's not stopping her...we might just end up with a mother-daughter pair of Vibe owners at next year's Ohio rally!

question to all !!! I am confused about customer loyalty discount. is it still available? my brother is trying to buy another GM, but we can't find any info on it. I saw some online ad mentioning customer loyalty discount expiring in 09/30. but I don't see anything on any of GM's web site.pls help, as we are planning to buy one by 09/30thanks

Yes it is still there. So is the GM in the driveway discounts. Not advertised but extened until 9/30.

thanks. I only got one day left to try to buy a GM. edited: just called GMbuypower, they said $1000 loyal GM customer cash expired on 09/02/03.

Craig,Rather than repeating what everyone else is telling you, let me drop this thought to ponder. When I was looking to buy my Vibe, the one major thing for me became the insurance. I was looking at almost $300 more a year to get the GT. I have a great driving record and am over 30. I was told that the reason for the difference was that the Vibe GT was viewed as more of a sports car because of the higher HP. Maybe no one else had this issue, and maybe I just have an insurance company that is trying to mess me over. Like so many others, I love my base Vibe (with stick shift) and wouldn't trade it for anything. I can outrun most people at lights, I get great gas mileage and I have the two-tone Abyss.I think you should test drive both the base and GT, check your insurance, and then get the one that speaks to you.Best of luck in making your decision and welcome to GenVibe.com!!!!!Charlievibe

I cant thank everyone enough for answering all my questions as subjectively as possible. This is a great forum and a quality place on the internet for enthusiasts.I hope to have a chance tomorrow to test drive a vibe for the first time. the Local dealer only has base models but thats a start. I'm leaning towards the base for a number of reasons but havent ruled a GT out yet. As for the Monotone or two-tone the jury is still out as I love them both!! Oh and for color? Neptune or Salsa. 16 inchers probably to keep tire replacement costs sane. Gotta have the Navigation system!!I'll keep you all posted.Thanks again!Craig

quote:Gotta have the Navigation system!!You may or may not know this but if you do get the nav system, you can't order the moonroof. They can't be ordered together because the nav system places the 6-dich changer under the passenger seat while the moon and tunes package places the amp under the passenger seat.I just wanted to mention that incase you wanted the moonroof.

quote:Gotta have the Navigation system!!You may or may not know this but if you do get the nav system, you can't order the moonroof. They can't be ordered together because the nav system places the 6-dich changer under the passenger seat while the moon and tunes package places the amp under the passenger seat.I just wanted to mention that incase you wanted the moonroof.Scott.......I'm totally crushed man! I guess some engineer felt that if you have a GPS you dont need a sunroof to navigate by the sun and moon?? Thats bizarre.What are the chances I'll find a Base 5-speed with Navigation with power windows and locks? I really want ABS too! I was hoping to find one on a lot rather than ordering so I have a better chance at getting a better deal.Craig

Took my first Vibe test drive today and wanted to share my impressions.The dealer only had base automatics in stock(I want a 5-speed) but figured what the heck?Before taking it for a test drive my wife and I opened all the door anc familiarized ourselves with the features and operation of all the seats, hatch etc....Comparing the Vibe to my wife's Hyundai Santa Fe immedietly we both realized the vibe is significantly smaller in the rear cargo area as well as back seat room. Front seating was the exception however as we both agreed it has more headroom, overall feeling of space and better windshield visability.First my wife comments on the back seat appearing kinda tight so I jump back there first to try it out(I'm 6'1") and I agree that I probably wouldnt be comfortable back there for a several hour trip but then again I would never be back there anyway since we have two young kids who always ride in back so I'm in either one of the front seats. I then jump to the passanger side front seat and immedietly comment on how comfortable the front seats are. Possibly the most comfortable seats I've experienced. I love the material as they seem to breath really well. Leg room and head room for me were excellent.I now jump in the drivers seat and start her up and was pleasantly suprised by the cool glo-dash. How cool is that?? Test drive time..... I take her out with the Salesman and even with the automatic Its peppier than my PT Cruiser company car. The engine will scream rather loudly when pushed hard but not annoyingly so. I love the style and size of the steering wheel. The steering is tight and has a great feel. The ride was so much nicer than my wife's Santa Fe. When going over a speedbump in her car its like your in a rocking boat wereas the Vibe was controlled and pleasant(very suprising for a small car). The suspension felt nice and tight in the gentle curves I drove through. I got a chance to perform a tight U-turn and the turning radius is very good. My overall impression of the vibe automatic was positive and left me wanting to try a 5-speed as I suspect it'll add just the sporty spirit we're looking for.We decided we both want a Monotone Neptune even though they didnt have that color on the lot. We will not order one until we get to try a 5-speed.Does anyone have a good photo of a monotone Neptune with Dark tinted windows they would share with me?I want 17inch wheels. Wouldnt it be to my benefit to accept the no charge 16 inch steel wheels and tires and go aftermarket wheels and performance tires? Has anyone that has done this been dissapointed in any way?CraigFeeling the good Vibes

quote:Does anyone have a good photo of a monotone Neptune with Dark tinted windows they would share with me?here's a pic of Triton's Vibe GT. Looks pretty much the same with the exception of some of his mods: springs, tint, lugs, calipers, badging. quote:I want 17inch wheels. Wouldnt it be to my benefit to accept the no charge 16 inch steel wheels and tires and go aftermarket wheels and performance tires? Has anyone that has done this been dissapointed in any way?If you live in any snowy or cold climate area, get the 16" steelies so it's easier to find winter tires. then get some nice aftermarket wheels/tires. the stock 17" are ugly. you can see them in my signature.

Neptune Vibe is the way to go!Welcome aboard!

WOW that Neptune picture is stunning!! Thats one rich looking paint. Nice work Triton!!Craig

So you loved the automatic?Just wait until you'll try a 5speed or a GT!Don't be upset automatic owners,I love you too guys!

quote:Comparing the Vibe to my wife's Hyundai Santa Fe immedietly we both realized the vibe is significantly smaller in the rear cargo area as well as back seat room.Yes but you're comparing a medium-size SUV to a small wagon.quote:First my wife comments on the back seat appearing kinda tight so I jump back there first to try it out(I'm 6'1") and I agree that I probably wouldnt be comfortable back there for a several hour tripNow I totally disagree. I'm 6'2" and I found the space quite large (for 2 people). Then again, I'm comparing it to my old Sunbird while you're comparing it to an SUV again.quote:I want 17inch wheels. Wouldnt it be to my benefit to accept the no charge 16 inch steel wheels and tires and go aftermarket wheels and performance tires? Has anyone that has done this been dissapointed in any way?That's what I did. The stock wheels/tires make good winter wheels and the aftermarket 17" wheels and tires were cheaper than the factory ones. Plus, I like them better.

Scott,One word describes your Vibe....."*****in"!

Thank you. But I can't take all the credit for the look. Those wheels (or similar ones) were used on a pre-production Vibe in a Car and Driver article:http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp ... mber=1That article was the first time I ever saw or heard of the Vibe (I still have that issue). That article was a large reason I purchased a Vibe and specifically a 2-tone silver Vibe and then those wheels.http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=2579Here's a pic of that car:

I did notice the Pontiac emblem in the center hub of those wheels....Were did you get those?Craig

Wheels on that pre-production vibe look larger? 18's or 19's perhaps?

quote:I did notice the Pontiac emblem in the center hub of those wheels....Were did you get those?From Grafxwerks: http://www.grafxwerks.com I also got the "PONTIAC" emblems for the spokes there too. You can read about what I did here:http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=2579Here's a better pic of the wheels:quote:Wheels on that pre-production vibe look larger? 18's or 19's perhaps?I thought so too:http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id ... 2996#22996

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Scott,You seriously helped make up my mind. I'll be going with steel wheels and will be getting aftermarkets for sure. Sure would love to know what model wheel you went with. They look totally OEM!Craig

quote:They look totally OEM!Thank you again. That is my whole philosophy: customization without looking customized. I like my modifications to look as if they are OEM.The wheels are 17x7" Voxx MGR. I purchased them from Discount Tires: http://www.tires.com

Those Voxx are in my future too...if I ever get the money for 'em...Scott -- any chance you'll be able to pop by the matrix meet on 10/11?

quote:Those Voxx are in my future too...if I ever get the money for 'em...The 17x7" are about $170 each. However, the 16x7.5" are only $150 each. That's an $80 savings. I think if I had it to do over, I'd buy the 16x7.5" wheels. That way, I could have kept the factory tires (read: saved money) and the 16" wouldn't have made the brakes look so small.quote:Scott -- any chance you'll be able to pop by the matrix meet on 10/11?Nope, I won't be there. I have too much to do that day. First, that is the SLP customer appreciation day at Raceway Park in Englishtown. I might go there, but there is also a "old-timers" race at Cecil County raceway that a good friend of mine is going to with his '57 sedan delivery and he wants me to help crew. Then that Saturday is cruise night in Harlesville, PA. I'll probaby skip the SLP event and go to Cecil County during the day and cruise night after.On top of that, my wife is due the 13th with our third. I don't think he'll come early but you never know.

quote:Nope, I won't be there. I have too much to do that day. First, that is the SLP customer appreciation day at Raceway Park in Englishtown. I might go there, but there is also a "old-timers" race at Cecil County raceway that a good friend of mine is going to with his '57 sedan delivery and he wants me to help crew. Then that Saturday is cruise night in Harlesville, PA. I'll probaby skip the SLP event and go to Cecil County during the day and cruise night after.On top of that, my wife is due the 13th with our third. I don't think he'll come early but you never know.wow! you are a very busy man! in more ways than one.... lol. sounds like you'll have your hands full pretty soon with your lil one on the way. congrats! do you know if it's a boy or girl?

Glad to hear your test drive went well, as did mine. I also heard GM (as of yesterday) is upping the rebates / incentives on most passenger vehicles, but I have not been able to find specifics yet. Have you checked out Fusion Orange or have you really decided on Neptune?

Tots,It does appear the rebate for the 2004's went from $1500 up to $2000. This rebate is good through November 3rd I believe. Now if they offer the GM in the driveway deal ontop of that I'll be ready to buy!!The Fusion Orange is cool but not exactly me. The Monotone Neptune or Salsa are tops on our list.Craig

CraigI finally listened to my broadcast voicemail. Based on the success of the GM in the Driveway program (~22,000 sales), GM will continue a program. It indicated that they would be refreshing the certificates, and mailing to employees. Details will follow in the next few days. Therefore, we may be able to help get you into that Vibe that you want. So far, I have had four individuals that I provided certificates buy GM vehicles. 3 GM Diesel pickups, 1 Monte Carlo SS.Will provide additional information when I get it!

I'm not familiar with this program - what's it about and how much is the incentive?

TotsHere is another thread where it was discussed. http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=5911It allows the consumer to purchase at GM Supplier pricing, which is 4% over employee pricing. That makes it about $1500 cheaper than sticker, and under invoice. It gives the vehicle a set price.

Thanks. I'm actually an employee of a GM owned company so I can qualify for the employee discount. Do you know if the $1000 GM employee bonus cash has been extended?