GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

here are my likes and dislikes after 3 month's of ownershipthe good1.gas milesge(33 hwy-30 city running a/c)2.power windows & locks3.digital lighted gages4.seprate openning for the rear gas and tailgate5.storage on back of driver seat6.decent size glove boxthe bad1.no backlights for the wipers,cruise control,window switch's,headlights, door locks.2.no glovebox light3.no under hood light4.no power driver seat5.center armrest to low (now called backseat foot rest)6.center cupholders to low,and dangerious at night7.heating and cooling switch's backwards(should be a.blower b.tempiture control c. direction7.that dumb tiltwheel control8.no standard 4-wheel dic.brakes8.no seperate map lights in moon and toons9.high cost of insurance for no standard antitheift10.standard cheep tires11.a/c not cold enough to cool a little car like this.12.vary over rated car13.hard to get to inside fuse's14.knowing i'm driving a car that will not start this winter and pontiac won't upgrade the battery15.center console should be moved forward and up.16.spots showing up on dash and can not be removedproblems in the first 3 month's1.rotors had to be turned within 100 miles2.had to replace keypad3.driver seat broke had to be replacedwould i ever buy another vibe..........nowould i recommind a vibe to a new customer.........nois the car worth the sticker..............noin my opion the vibe base with moon and toons w/power groupshould be no more then $12,000 /new not used.buyer beware.

wow. you obviously don't like your vibe. i'd have to disagree with a lot of your "don't likes" but i think it's all a matter of personal preference. sorry you don't like your car. most of us do like ours.

thats to bad you don't like your Vibe.But have you ever seen a car where the multi funtion switched light up? no. I got all my funtions memoriezed, I can find my way around my car blind folded.Your probs with the arm rests and all that, well if they were where you wanted them then I'd have a problem, they are just perfect and comfortable for me.Rotors turned at 100 miles? Well I bet it would have been even worse if you had 4 wheel disc.Probably the only thing we agree on is the weak battery (though they upgraded mine) and the tires.

I'm sorry to hear that you have so many dislikes about your Vibe. Some of the things on your dislike list are minor quirks to me, but I knew about all of those before I bought the car. You really have to look a car over in and out before you buy them anymore. I can't stress enough how important researching is when making a major purchase like a car. There are so many things things that you can discover after buying the car that may have changed your mind about purchasing it.The battery issue has been ongoing and really only effects those in the extreme north from what I have seen. Since you are from Kentucky, I don't think you should have any problems. When it got really cold here in Michigan this last winter, the car cranked slow but it always started without a problem for me.The A/C can be adjusted by your dealership. That is a known problem with the Vibe and the dealers have a technical service bulletin (TSB) regarding this with a fix.Hopefully you can grow to like the car a little more.

Quote »1.no backlights for the wipers,cruise control,.....,headlights, .......Never heard of this on ANY car. None of these controls are so difficult you can't quickly memorize their operation.Quote »5.center armrest to low (now called backseat foot rest)Have you tried lowering the seat?Quote »8.no standard 4-wheel dic.brakesNo need for 4 wheel disc on a base model. I'm glad it isn't standard, it would unnecessarily inflate the cost of the car. I'm VERY satisfied with the stopping power of the disc/drum brake combo -- even after 36500 miles.Quote »9.high cost of insurance for no standard antitheiftNot the fault of Pontiac. Probably has to do with Toyota heritage. Blame the insurance industry.Quote »13.hard to get to inside fuse'sI won't disagree there, that is absurdly difficult.Quote »14.knowing i'm driving a car that will not start this winter and pontiac won't upgrade the batteryI and MANY other owners have had their batteries replaced under warranty. I didn't really need it, I never had starting problems, but they did it out of desire to keep a happy customer. Talk to your dealer when it gets colder.Quote »16.spots showing up on dash and can not be removedHave you used any chemicals not designed for car interiors? Try stoner's trim shine for interior surfaces. Cleans off lots of crap.Quote »problems in the first 3 month's1.rotors had to be turned within 100 miles2.had to replace keypad3.driver seat broke had to be replacedCars aren't perfect. They're going to have problems. If the problems get fixed fast and fixed right, that's really the key thing.Quote »in my opion the vibe base with moon and toons w/power groupshould be no more then $12,000 /new not used.I laugh. If you're looking for a car at 12K, get a Hyundai or a Kia.

i have to agree with TRD and Mav. Many of those things are driver specific and i have no problem with much of your list (lighting, knob order?!?!? I didn't realize there was a 'universal standard' that would let somebody complain about 'knob order'!, etc.)I hope you enjoy the F250 or Winstar ...they have cup holders up on the dash (high enough) and the center console is high enough to rest your elbow (and lean over) on while talking on the cell phone and driving (i see many do it around here!). But again, this is all just our differing opinions so there's no grounds to either of our arguements!

Quote, originally posted by Mavrik »thats to bad you don't like your Vibe.But have you ever seen a car where the multi funtion switched light up? no. I got all my funtions memoriezed, I can find my way around my car blind folded.Your probs with the arm rests and all that, well if they were where you wanted them then I'd have a problem, they are just perfect and comfortable for me.Rotors turned at 100 miles? Well I bet it would have been even worse if you had 4 wheel disc.Probably the only thing we agree on is the weak battery (though they upgraded mine) and the tires.yes all my my controls have backlights on my 04 taurus,in fact mycruise is built into the steering wheel and has a backlight so i can see the at night,as well as all my window controls,wipers.-yes you are right about the disc brakes shame isn't it. i have made mistakes in my life and i rate buying the vibe in the top 2(the others are personal) i have the 04 vibe and the 04 taurusif it got to a point where i had to let one go it would be the plastic jap.vibe. i am glad you are happy with yours,believe me there is vary few thing worse then spending that much money for something you end updredding get into.

i find it strange that everyone complains about the AC. mine is cold as hell and i have one of the oldest vibes here (built jan '02)i have to say, with all these complaints, it sounds like someone put a gun to your head and made you buy it. did you even test drive?for 12k, you can't get squat other than a go cart with a fancy shell

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »Never heard of this on ANY car. None of these controls are so difficult you can't quickly memorized their operation.Have you tried lowering the seat?No need for 4 wheel disc on a base model. I'm glad it isn't standard, it would unnecessarily inflate the cost of the car. I'm VERY satisfied with the stopping power of the disc/drum brake combo -- even after 36500 miles.Not the fault of Pontiac. Probably has to do with Toyota heritage. Blame the insurance industry.I won't disagree there, that is absurdly difficult.I and MANY other owners have had their batteries replaced under warranty. I didn't really need it, I never had starting problems, but they did it out of desire to keep a happy customer. Talk to your dealer when it gets colder.Have you used any chemicals not designed for car interiors? Try stoner's trim shine for interior surfaces. Cleans off lots of crap.Cars aren't perfect. They're going to have problems. If the problems get fixed fast and fixed right, that's really the key thing.I laugh. If you're looking for a car at 12K, get a Hyundai or a Kia.I agree 100%...sounds like someone's looking for the absolute perfect car w/o having to make adjustments or simply adjust themselves. A $12k Toyota? Not likely..unless it's very used.

Quote, originally posted by vibeman1 »the good3.digital lighted gages4.seprate openning for the rear gas and tailgateVibeman1,Could you explain these two "goods" to me?#3 - what do you mean by digital lighted gages? There is no lightbulb behind there?#4 - what do you mean by "seprate openning for the rear gas". Would that be the fuel filler door? Doesn't every car have that?Just curious.

honestly, if you hate your vibe that much, then next time, just buy another taurus. this is after all, a vibe and matrix ENTHUSIASTS site. if you look around, you will find that you are perhaps 1% of the unhappy vibe owners versus the 99% happy and satisfied vibe owners. as most good businesses know, you cannot make 100% of all car buyers satisfied. perhaps the vibe then isn't the best vehicle for you. it's a shame since most folks really do like our cars. that's why we spend so much time and money adding our own personal touches to them.also, if you are so worried about your car NOT starting in KENTUCKY due to cold weather, you have obviously not been to ALASKA in the winter. only once did my car NOT start up and that was after 2 wks of -20F weather. i plugged the block heater in and w/i 30 mins it started. i don't recall kentucky getting that cold or cold enough for your battery to be an issue. i don't think you will need to worry about it. and to your remark about "japcrap" i do take offense to it. as most asians on this board probably will. the only reason i purchased my "japcrap" vibe was because it was infact a toyota made product. if you wish to make derogatory racial slurs on other boards, then do that elsewhere, not here.

I owned a Taurus for a couple years - loaded. It made me feel like an old-lady! tee hee! Honestly...it is not fair to compare a Vibe to a Taurus...it's just a totally different vehicle/experience.Different folks/different strokes!AFter the Taurus I had the Subaru Forester...which I enjoyed...but now my Vibe. I like trying different cars. I drive about 25,000 miles a year so it has to be enjoyable and reliable and economical overall.Robin

Quote, originally posted by Birdiegirl »I owned a Taurus for a couple years - loaded. It made me feel like an old-lady! tee hee! Honestly...it is not fair to compare a Vibe to a Taurus...it's just a totally different vehicle/experience.Different folks/different strokes!Robinvery true, robin. that would be like me comparing my vibe gt to my toyota tundra i had before it. they are completely different vehicles!

i live in IL, where it gets colder than kentucky (oh no! its 32 F outside!!) and i have the stock battery and started up every time. we don't get super cold here, but it gets to 0 F a few times a year

I can only imagine the cost for a multi funtion switch if it had a bulb in there also... its a hell of a lot of money without one...

sorry, but i did read "japcrap" in there. i don't know if he edited it or not. but i will refrain from posting anything further until i am done taking my pain pills. since it seems that i have been hilucinating much and misreading some posts.

I am sorry your Vibe has disapointed you so much. I have had mine for about 8 months now and I really love it. Many of your dislikes are things I haven't had an issue with. My insurance is super low, the A/C blows very cold, I never had a problem starting the car even on the coldest days here last winter. To each his own though, every car is not for everybody. I would rather drive an old Chevette than a Taurus, but it is just a personal preference.

Quote, originally posted by silverawd26 »Hopefully my post does not get ripped to shreds like finely aged parmesan because my grammer is not up to par.>

I have to agree with a lot of people here, a lot of the dislikes are really minor personal preferences. While a glovebox light may have been nice, I looked at the car thoroughly before buying it and knew there wasn't one. When you spend this kind of money you really need to check what you're getting yourself. As for the a/c it turns my vibe into an icebox... Today it was about 30C (86F) and it kept me nice and cool.I've never had problems with my battery even at in the coldest weather and I live in the worlds coldest capital. I've had to start the car when the windchill brought the temperature around here to a temperature the Vibe thermometer could not read (about -38C (-36F))While I'm sorry to here that vibeman1 doesn't enjoy his car, I love mine, I can carry things in it my parents 1992 taurus sedan or my previous car a 1993 ford escort hatchback could never carry (cargo space, thats an advantage vibeman1 never mentioned ) In the end its all about the car that fits your needs the best, no car is perfect.

I'll agree, everyone has something different they're looking for in a car. If you prefer a Taurus, I would heavily NOT reccomend a Vibe. They're in two different classes, especially because the Taurus is a "family" and "old person" car. (My opinion.)I'll agree with most of the posters that your list of dislikes, is, of course, your dislikes. But, I agree with them that your dislikes are rather specific, and picky. Backlights on everything? Hardly practical, especially the way the stalks are designed. If everything were laid out on the dashboard, that might make sense. I'm not too fond of no lights in the window controls, but they're made to easily be run by touch..I don't want to rip through your post, because it could take me an hour, but stuff like the order of the A/C system switches..? C'mon. That changes per manufacturer. If you can't get used to which side which one is on, you need help. The tiltwheel control is fine, and rather convenient. You wanna complain about one of those? Go find a newer Passat and adjust that steering wheel.Standard all-disc brakes on a non-performance car? I don't think ANYONE does that. My 2000 Grand Am is Disc/Drum, because it doesn't need all disc. I agree with all, my Vibe was in NJ for a few days in January, in 6 degree weather. It started every time with no problem.I hate saying this, but if you no longer own your Vibe, stop trashing them. You're a downer to all of us loyal Vibe owners who know how to take problems with a grain of salt, and figure out ways to deal with it.

I had my vibe for about 2 months. I haven't been visited by the FUF but I always had luck with GM cars. I can honestly say that I love my vibe. I love the styling even the luggage rack on the roof, I love the interior and all. My only complaint is I personally think the engine is under-powered but I am soon to rectify that with the superchrager.

I thank that most of the dislikes on his list, are things he should have noticed on the day he test drove it. I will be honest here, I am not a true Pontiac(or Toyota) man, I am a Dodge man from way back. I have worked for Dodge, Mazda, Mercedes, Jaguar, and Porsche, for a total of 17 years. When it was time to trade in my 1998 Dodge neon R/T, I checked out many small sport 5 door cars, and this Moonstone 2005 GT caught my eye. After all the test drives, research, and dealing with salesmen, I took the Vibe home. I am very happy with my purchase, and I plan to happily drive till the wheels fall off............

Boy you musta got a Lemon!!! I have had my Vibe almost two years 45,000 miles and I love it NO PROBLEMS at all...All the minor ones the dealer fixed under warrenty ASAP..All in all I LOVE it...to bad you had a bad experience...I hope it gets better for you....

I just had to say one more thing..I live in houston Texas...One of the hottest temprature States in Texas..and I am being serious I have to lowere my air conditioner it gets so cool!!!!! I hope yours gets better...I LOVE MY CAR!!!!!

i'v had my vibe for two months now, no problems, and we love it....but remember opinions are like aholes everyone has one

thanks for your support, see i thought that this is what this site was allabout,you know like posting,your likes, dislikes,and helping others,guess i was wrong.Quote, originally posted by silverawd26 »Nowhere in his post do I see him say "japcrap"." He say's plastic Jap Vibe. Just like the Flag Sticker thread...... Hope, it might be best to go lay back down, you probobly are not feeling well and you should not stress yourself out too much.Honestly, I do not know if the plastic is made in Japan or made in the United States, but I do have to agree that the Vibe's interior plastic is not the greatest. It does scratch easy, same as the dash. The Ford's interior is much more durable. And ya know what, my complaints about the Vibe are pretty much on the same line as vibeman1's.I think the cup holders are too small/close together. When you purchase drinks at a drive through, the lid comes off when there are 2 drinks in there and I am trying to take it out to quence my thirst. This is because one cup holder is lower than another.Yes, the arm rest is small and very hard, it does become uncomfortable after a long drive, but I rest my elbow on there, I am sure everyone has different driving positions. Yes, it would be nice if the Vibe has back lite controls (i.e window/door switches). My moms's Taurus has it and it is a nice feature, but I do not even think the $31,000 4Runner has it, so it might be a Toyota thing.Yes it would be very nice if the Vibe has a light in the glove box, I have one in my truck which at MSRP was under $19,000 dollars and the light works well at night.Yes everyone, Ford's cruise control lights up at night so you can read it and it also has a resume feature that is user friendly.My mother has a 2000 Ford Taurus, I have a 2002 Ford Ranger and the gf has a 2003 Pontiac Vibe. Vibeman1 had a Ranger and he got rid of it to get a Vibe.I have experience with all these vehicles so I can understand where he is coming from on most things. As for the seat issue, his seat was coming apart on his Ranger... I do not know what is going on, but the dealer is fixing it and that is a dead issue.As for the A/C, Ford's A/C is very cold and the Vibe's is not close to comparison. I love the A/C in my Truck and my mom's Taurus, way better than the Vibe. The Battery issue is something tha was finally taken care of in 2005 and when or if it gives him trouble later in the fall, if it starts up slower, then I am sure the dealer will replace it for him.Vibeman1 is giving everyone here the reason why he does not like the Vibe and some are tearing him apart. Can anyone give him credit since he is just being honest? GM does read these posts and they might improve/change/modify these things for 2006 on the Vibe.Birdiegirl is right, everyone is different. Everyone has likes and dislikes and everything else. Psychobroker is correct by saying there really is no perfect car, unless someone is going to spend $60 grand on a Land Cruiser or something like that.Hopefully my post does not get ripped to shreds like finely aged parmesan because my grammer is not up to par.

Quote, originally posted by Reynoma »Vibeman1,Could you explain these two "goods" to me?#3 - what do you mean by digital lighted gages? There is no lightbulb behind there?#4 - what do you mean by "seprate openning for the rear gas". Would that be the fuel filler door? Doesn't every car have that?Just curious.sorry i ment glass

Quote, originally posted by Jahntassa »I'll agree, everyone has something different they're looking for in a car. If you prefer a Taurus, I would heavily NOT reccomend a Vibe. They're in two different classes, especially because the Taurus is a "family" and "old person" car. (My opinion.)I'll agree with most of the posters that your list of dislikes, is, of course, your dislikes. But, I agree with them that your dislikes are rather specific, and picky. Backlights on everything? Hardly practical, especially the way the stalks are designed. If everything were laid out on the dashboard, that might make sense. I'm not too fond of no lights in the window controls, but they're made to easily be run by touch..I don't want to rip through your post, because it could take me an hour, but stuff like the order of the A/C system switches..? C'mon. That changes per manufacturer. If you can't get used to which side which one is on, you need help. The tiltwheel control is fine, and rather convenient. You wanna complain about one of those? Go find a newer Passat and adjust that steering wheel.Standard all-disc brakes on a non-performance car? I don't think ANYONE does that. My 2000 Grand Am is Disc/Drum, because it doesn't need all disc. I agree with all, my Vibe was in NJ for a few days in January, in 6 degree weather. It started every time with no problem.I hate saying this, but if you no longer own your Vibe, stop trashing them. You're a downer to all of us loyal Vibe owners who know how to take problems with a grain of salt, and figure out ways to deal with it. i still own it

The main problem is, most of what i've seen associated with you is negative negative negative. Sure, we all have things we want to see different. Everyone knows no car is perfect, or everyone would own it. A few of your dislikes, are of course, valid. I would like to have lighted window controls, but it's simply not that important. I suppose it's a matter of how you approach things. More often than not, the posts of yours that I read are comparing the Vibe to a Taurus, which, in my mind, isn't even a comparison.

Quote, originally posted by vibeman1 »thanks for your support, see i thought that this is what this site was allabout,you know like posting,your likes, dislikes,and helping others,guess i was wrong.Vibeman1,You didn't seriously believe that you would post a negative list like that on a Vibe enthusiast website and not get a little backlash?

>ooh, the wrath

just more 'negative' garbage that this world seems to be full of lately....what ever happened to people living to the words of that great song from Monty Python?"always look at the bright side of life"?we all need to 'simma down now'!

Quote, originally posted by cspmeinkc »and this Moonstone 2005 GT caught my eye.............What is a "moonstone" GT? Is this something new for 2005? I'm thinking a new color?

Moonstone is the new name for Shadow. I believe the color is supposed to be slightly different, but I don't really see a difference.

Not taking any sides... just my two cents...I presently have a 2000 VW Golf TDI, 205K miles (as I patiently await my new 2005 Vibe)... and everything lights up in it - ie all window buttons and the dash controls; but not the stalks for the wipers and cruise control. It also came w/ ABS, standard. And, I will miss the lighted vanity mirrors, and the nifty "switchblade" key fob, and the auto locking doors at 10 MPH, and the lil shelf in the back over the hatch. For the $19K I paid for it, it came with lots of high end features. Too bad no one will work on a VW here in New Orleans.I will miss my VW, but am looking forward to my new Vibe. There are some "luxury items" that I will be giving up (I really will miss those backlit buttons - love the look of all those lights in the dark; but, then, I my mind tends to wander and all those lights makes me think I'm in a spaceship or something. Me and my therapist are working on that.); but the Vibe will be a new toy and a trip to the mechanic won;t cost be $85 to walk in the door.Anyways...all I'm saying is that if you're spending $20K for a car, it's a lil give and take. hjwii

Quote, originally posted by hjwii »Anyways...all I'm saying is that if you're spending $20K for a car, it's a lil give and take. hjwiiAmen...I think you sum it up best..

Quote, originally posted by hjwii »and the nifty "switchblade" key fobthat is pretty damn cool...never seen anyone but VW do that. My coworker drives a beetle, I love to play with her key....But (removed) what that probably costs to replace if lost or broken...

Yeah, that'll be a couple bucks. The switchblade key is cool though.I test drove a Kia Optima a while back which had the keyless entry transmitter built into the head of the key itself. The Aveo also has the transmitter built-in to the key as well. That's an interesting idea...

My advice - sell your Vibe ASAP. If you really have so many dislikes about the car, you're going to hate every mile. Chalk it up as a bad choice and move on. Use your "bad" checklist on the next car, if it addresses most /all of the items in the list you should be much happier.

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »that is pretty damn cool...never seen anyone but VW do that. My coworker drives a beetle, I love to play with her key....But (removed) what that probably costs to replace if lost or broken...That switchblade key fob is well close to $200 CAD if I am not mistaken, I work with a guy who used to work for VW and he told me the costs... I don't remember to the last dollor...play with her "key" eh Mike?

mercedes also have the switchblade type key fob. the ex inlaws have one and he used to play with it ALL the frickin' time. it was quite annoying.

Quote, originally posted by ColonelPanic »I test drove a Kia Optima a while back which had the keyless entry transmitter built into the head of the key itself. The Aveo also has the transmitter built-in to the key as well. That's an interesting idea...Pretty sure both the GTO and new GP do that as well.Wonder if the G6 will?

I enjoy the Vibe alot.Likes:LooksMPGPower for a 1.8Interior roomDriving positionThe clear plastic paint protectors on the monotone rear fendersIffy:Dash, hard to see in some lightControls on dash at a far reach for a tall driver with seat backCould have been better:Tilt wheelno backlight on door controlsI think its a great car for the $, yeah it has its + and -, but I have to remember its a $20,000 car, and I cant really compare it to my moms $35,000 Bravada. But I wish the Bravy had the clear plastic paint protectors on its back fenders so it wouldnt be all chipped up.....

Troll

lol