Detroit News Reviews the 09 Vibe

[Rocket 88]

Originally Posted by logansowner

I wont argue, I havn't driven one, but most small cars are slow, you saying this thing is slower than average for the segment?

I honestly can't argue the point, I'm suprised, but then again, I havn't driven anything smaller than an Impala in a while.

However, I agree, Pontiac is suposed to be turning around into a sprty segment, so if you're going to sell this ugly monstrosity, it should only come as a GXP...but I also understand that being a Toyota designed product, the turbo 4 might not fit...I dunno.

But certainly, this thing can't be slower than the G5 or the Wave...(are either of those sold in the US?)

Oh yea, am I the only one who noticed that the tin header cover looks like the things sick people pee in in the hospital? lol

The Wave in the states is the Aveo, the G5 is the same on either side of the lakes. My guess is the wave/aveo is slower then the G5, and the base fwd Vibe is probably close or between these two.

There are some small cars that are a lot of fun to drive such as the Mazda 3 and 3 wagon, Ford Focus, Honda Fit, Saturn Astra and the Cooper Mini. Granted they are not all the same price point and size.

I haven't driven the new Vibe so it could be better. On the plus side, the Vibes are very functional, offer nice gas mileage and are strong reliability. I can understand why some folks would be very happy with them. Just not sure the are a great fit for Pontiac... although in fairness, the same can be said for the Wave/Aveo.

[dufus22]

I've always liked the vibe, but I think it should have been a reskinned HHR this time. I been why reskin a toyota when you can reskin one of your own? Maybe i'm baised because I own an HHR and love it.

[johnriley]

Originally Posted by Rocket 88

Before my wife's last car purchase she test drove a Vibe 2wd automatic. The car was slow enough to feel dangerous .....

You _do_ realize this is available with a 2.4, right? If you think the 1.8 is "dangerous" that is an option.

No one else mentioned it, but AFAIK this car still has the fold down front passenger seat, and the Matrix doesn't. Matrix _used_ to.

I have a 2003 Matrix, do road trip quite a bit, do haul bicycles. If I were replacing now, I'd go for the Vibe. Not wild about the look of either, but I like the Vibe slightly better, and I do use the folding seat.

There just aren't many 30+ hwy mileage cars available in N Am that have this kind of hauling capacity. This is _way_ roomier than a Mazda3, which seems to be everyone's benchmark for some reason.

[red_rider]

Originally Posted by N8s07ss

It may not be dangerous if you've never driven anything more powerful, but if you're used to driving wimpy cars, then yes, it can be dangerous. My wife has an '05 Vibe and everytime i drive it i curse the damn thing everytime i turn out in front of traffic or merge on the highway that would have otherwise been no problem in my car.

Also, a 9+ second 0-60 time is Hummer H1 territory, so yes, I would say that is quite slow for a vehicle that weighs about one third of it.

No offense intended, but I don't think it should be that hard to merge on the highway with a car of this power/weight. My car is likely more "wimpy" than a new-ish vibe (125 hp, 137 lb-ft, 4 spd slushbox, 2900+ lb with me in it, 0-60 in 10 sec --> 200,000 miles ago) and I rarely have a situation when I rev near peak rpms and not have enough power to get around another car. In fact, I rarely have to give it heavy throttle input at all.

I would guess its mainly just expectations from driving something more powerful.

[vsd]

Originally Posted by johnriley

No one else mentioned it, but AFAIK this car still has the fold down front passenger seat, and the Matrix doesn't. Matrix _used_ to.

The Matrix still has it, but the Vibe does get a Cargo organizer in the back, which the Matrix does not.

[red_rider]

oh sry n8s07ss, i guess i didn't read your post earlier on the previous page. I really haven't had to drive much in that kind of situation (no real on-ramps or whatnot) so i couldn't really comment.

I'm hoping/assuming there is a more powerful gxp trim level or something. Off to look it up, now that i think about it...

[DemonKnightDK]

GM needs to have more input into this vehichle. I totaly want/need this car because I am starting a family, but I dont want a high revving 4 banger that only gets 150hp at 6000RPM and 162TQ 4000 rpm

give me the 2.0L Supercharger from the old cobalt SS somthing that gets good TQ starting at idle use the new technology to give a high way mode for milage and a city mode for stop and go/mergeing situations.

I'm probably gonna end up in a used bonnie SLE or LeSabre Limited (i had a lesabre before I love that car..)

[ponchoman49]

It looks like a bland generic Toyota. Oh wait it IS a bland generic Toyota.

[FierySolstice]

Originally Posted by killerrd2

Hopefully that isn't too far off. Read this Edmunds.com snippet below:

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Choose Your Battles
The 2009 Pontiac Vibe is a cooperative, competent partner with useful enhancements, and is more likely than ever to appeal to those who value practicality over excitement. Although it is unlikely to win over folks smitten by Mazda 3-like driving dynamics, think of the Vibe as a superior alternative to a Dodge Caliber.

Yet there may be more choices for enthusiasts shopping in the hot-hatch segment at the Pontiac store.

We asked whether Pontiac would launch a Vibe volley to do battle with the Mazdaspeed 3 and Caliber SRT4, and Pontiac's vehicle line director could not suppress a sly smile.

************************************************** ***

Link to the article:


http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=124630


Here's hoping it's sooner rather than later!!!

Cheers!

Thats awesome news! I love the GTI, but would rather have a Pontiac. Here's to hoping!