jpeckinp
Champion Author
Illinois
Posts:2,135
Points:986,960
Joined:Jun 2008
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Message Posted: Apr 23, 2009 6:51:23 PM
While I don't own the FWD I do have the AWD and I love it. I get about 23mpg at 50/50 city highway driving. On a 600 mile highway trip I averaged 26.8. I love the pickup it has, the reviews I read said that it was sluggish but I disagree.
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jpeckinp
Champion Author
Illinois
Posts:2,135
Points:986,960
Joined:Jun 2008
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Message Posted: Apr 23, 2009 6:47:51 PM
GVAN,
That $800 difference is really a bigger loss on the original price. The Matrix normally sells for $2-$4k more than the Vibe.
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2000focus
Rookie Author
Regina
Posts:25
Points:40,425
Joined:May 2004
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Message Posted: Apr 15, 2009 6:50:23 PM
Ok, I bought my 2009 2.4L vibe 5sp-auto back in October 2008. Currently have about 5000kms.
Pro:
-About $3k less than a similar matrix along with 0% 60months finance! And yes, I did go test it out at a local Toyota dealer and try bargaining.
-Smooth engine, very powerful too... I can smoke my gf's 08 civic LX easy and the car cost more than the vibe!
-I really like the hatchback
-Toyota quality
Con:
-Gas mileage is average for the 2.4L... Get the 1.8L if you want to save big
-rear beam suspension is disappointing, get the GT if you want rear independent suspension. Civic is definitely better handling than vibe!
-5sp-auto tranny is a little jumpy, you will get use to it
-electric power steering don't have good feedback to driver, but very easy to turn on cold day's, which is good
Overall, I couldn't make a better purchase! Price was really good! A civic, matrix, or mazda 3 would of cost a few thousands more! I enjoy driving it very much! Just came back from a trip to Calgary this long weekend and it was super good for road trip, as compare to a 2dr civic, which my gf own's...
Go buy one!
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Vibe03
Veteran Author
Toronto
Posts:466
Points:273,790
Joined:Aug 2007
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Message Posted: Mar 20, 2009 6:58:45 AM
Thanks for your input. Most probably factory a 2010 one. With GM Visa points and other perks, should be good deal and holds its value
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gvan
Champion Author
Chicago
Posts:21,758
Points:2,863,990
Joined:Dec 2004
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Message Posted: Mar 19, 2009 7:05:16 AM
"The Pontiac Vibe probably depreciates faster than the Toyota Matrix."
Only slightly. According to Kelly Blue Book a 2005 Pontiac Vibe AWD with 59,000 miles, in excellent condition, has a retail value of $12,145 and the equivalent Toyota Matrix has a retail value of $12,945 which is an $800 difference. Personally, I would not pay that much for either one of these 2005 cars with 59,000 miles.
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Sneakers55
Champion Author
Houston
Posts:51,850
Points:2,169,375
Joined:Nov 2005
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Message Posted: Mar 19, 2009 12:18:04 AM
The Pontiac Vibe probably depreciates faster than the Toyota Matrix.
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14smoke
Champion Author
Birmingham
Posts:13,322
Points:1,945,040
Joined:May 2005
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Message Posted: Mar 18, 2009 2:52:30 PM
Hi Vibe!
I don't own one, but have owned several Pontiac's over time. This topic would be better posted under the "Pontiac" topic in "Automotive".
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Sneakers55
Champion Author
Houston
Posts:51,850
Points:2,169,375
Joined:Nov 2005
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Message Posted: Mar 18, 2009 11:49:47 AM
The 2.4L engine is well-debugged and if it's like my experience it has a lot of power. As I found out running with the traffic, it will cruise 10 MPH above the IH-45 speed limit without any strain.
Versions of it are used in the Camry, Scion tC, and as an option in the Corolla. Some of them come from Kentucky, others of them from Japan. Not sure which one is in the Vibe but vehicles now have stickers on them that detail their foreign/domestic parts content.
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zakdon
Champion Author
Buffalo
Posts:13,304
Points:2,536,590
Joined:Sep 2005
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Message Posted: Mar 18, 2009 8:54:21 AM
don't have one, doesn't intersest me
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Tonester1
Champion Author
New Jersey
Posts:12,882
Points:2,344,420
Joined:Oct 2006
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Message Posted: Mar 18, 2009 8:26:16 AM
I wouldn't say it is a copy of the Toyota Corolla. It is built on the Corolla platform (powerplant, drivetrain, under pinnings) but a Corolla is a sedan where the Vibe is a hatchback/mini wagon. It is a rebadged Toyota Matrix and even that I wouldn't say the Vibe is a copy of the Matrix because there are some cosmetic and sheetmetal differences. The equipment and option packages are also different. I would say around 90% of the Vibe is shared with the Matrix but not with the Corolla.
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