[I-Love-Pontiac]

I was looking at the new vibe on cars.com and as expected... it looks just awful. But the thing is when I got the GTs, I actually really like it. Enough to where I even want it now. Apparently some wheels, a spoiler, and ground effects make a huge difference.

Anyone else agree? Anyone feeling this car?


Not a GT

GTs

 

[Subtle_Cynicism]

The Vibe GT is freaking gorgeous. Honestly. What a beautiful car for this segment.

The others are downright awful. Hubcaps? Even if they aren't, they sure as hell look like them, and if it walks like a duck, talks like a duck...

 

[tholland]

Yes, the GT does look much better.

But is it worth $9,000 CDN more? Yes, I said $9k!!!!

Vibe FWD: From $15,995 MSRP*

Vibe GT: From $24,995 MSRP*

 

[atomicshark]

Yes, the GT does look much better.

But is it worth $9,000 CDN more? Yes, I said $9k!!!!

Vibe FWD: From $15,995 MSRP*

Vibe GT: From $24,995 MSRP*

Wow, that is a big price difference. There has to be something in between.

 

[Koasterking]

I think the taillights are a bit big, but other than that it's a really nice lookin' car!

 

[tholland]

Wow, that is a big price difference. There has to be something in between.

The "something in between" is called GM Canada.

The base model is priced within $100 of the US base model price, but the AWD is $3K more than the US price and the GT is $5k higher... So Canadians are getting hosed on the higher models.

For the GT, it's as if you bought all the upgrades separately and didn't get credit for the swapped equipment... if I ever paid $25k for a GT, I'd expect it to come with at least an extra 1.8L engine and a spare set of rims and rubber.

 

[SirRaven]

I have seen a decent amount in person and they really dont do much for me. That high belt line and the tail lights just make the car seem weird and much larger than it actually is. Also those wheels just look like they are small donuts compared to the rest of the car. Personally I like the looks of a Mazada3 or Astra Hatch more. I would even prefer the previous gen Vibes more.

 

[I-Love-Pontiac]

Yes, the GT does look much better.

But is it worth $9,000 CDN more? Yes, I said $9k!!!!

Vibe FWD: From $15,995 MSRP*

Vibe GT: From $24,995 MSRP*

Yeah that's the problem with this car. The GT is the only one with the ground effects, and that's what makes the big difference. But it's 20k without an automatic. That makes the Malibu cheaper. Even though the Malibu is bigger, better looking, more powerful, AND more efficient. And all around just much nicer.

I think the base Vibe is useless. It's absolutely hideous, and to get basic things like A/C, power windows and locks, and an automatic brings the price up to $18,500. I REALLY think GM should do what Toyota does with the Matrix and standardize the ground effects. This car looks incredibly awkward.

 

[Quickening]

The GT Looks alright in pictures. I've seen a new Matrix and Vibe going down the road and they are hideous.

 

[jfnz24]

Looks nice...but still reeks of Toyota. At least use the Ecotec in the Vibe.

 

[FenwickHockey65]

Ehhh...still looks fat. Short and fat.

 

[nsap]

The Vibe GT is freaking gorgeous. Honestly. What a beautiful car for this segment.

The others are downright awful. Hubcaps? Even if they aren't, they sure as hell look like them, and if it walks like a duck, talks like a duck...

The GT does look pretty good. The base model, which I have seen on the road, looks crappy in my opinion.

I can see the GT appealing to younger buyers...the Scion crowd.

 

[vsd]

Wow, that is a big price difference. There has to be something in between.

In between you get a 2.4l base model. But when you upgrade to a GT you get more than a different front bumper, side skirts, a spoiler, and wheels. You also get a bigger engine, a Monsoon 7-speaker sound system, leather seats, steering wheel audio controls, a built in cargo organizer, standard power locks, an optional 5-speed auto, and more. But its still a big price difference. In the US the price difference is not as big, and it's an even better value if you compare a fully loaded GT to a comparably equipped Matrix XRS, the difference is ~$3000. For that price you give up bluetooth, but gain onstar(if that's good or bad is a matter of opinion), and a 5 year 100k warranty.

 

[CobaltSScrazy]

The Vibe GT is freaking gorgeous. Honestly. What a beautiful car for this segment.

The others are downright awful. Hubcaps? Even if they aren't, they sure as hell look like them, and if it walks like a duck, talks like a duck...

Buy one.

Sunroof, XM, etc.

CobaltSS

 

[I-Love-Pontiac]

In between you get a 2.4l base model. But when you upgrade to a GT you get more than a different front bumper, side skirts, a spoiler, and wheels. You also get a bigger engine, a Monsoon 7-speaker sound system, leather seats, steering wheel audio controls, a built in cargo organizer, standard power locks, an optional 5-speed auto, and more. But its still a big price difference. In the US the price difference is not as big, and it's an even better value if you compare a fully loaded GT to a comparably equipped Matrix XRS, the difference is ~$3000. For that price you give up bluetooth, but gain onstar(if that's good or bad is a matter of opinion), and a 5 year 100k warranty.

You also get a sport tuned suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars, and the rear suspension gets upgraded to double wishbone. And you get a quicker steering ratio.

Now what I really want to know is how the GT handles. It seems like a lot of reviews mention the Matrix's "numb steering", but Edmunds.com says GM ordered different "calibrations" for the suspension and steering. So who knows... maybe the vibe is more fun.

 

[mbukukanyau]

This would make a sick holden, and a sick Chevy in Europe

 

[Subtle_Cynicism]

The interior of the Vibe/Matrix leaves quite a bit to be desired, however...

 

[I-Love-Pontiac]

The interior of the Vibe/Matrix leaves quite a bit to be desired, however...

I like it. And just think, It could have ended up like the scion xB.

 

[vsd]

You also get a sport tuned suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars, and the rear suspension gets upgraded to double wishbone. And you get a quicker steering ratio.

Now what I really want to know is how the GT handles. It seems like a lot of reviews mention the Matrix's "numb steering", but Edmunds.com says GM ordered different "calibrations" for the suspension and steering. So who knows... maybe the vibe is more fun.

Steering is the same in both of them, at least thats how it felt to me, but the ride was a bit firmer in the Vibe.

 

[caddycruiser]

Wheels, my friend, wheels...can make or break the look of a lot of cars, for SURE. And that's exactly the case here. Even barring the slight fascia differences, put a set of the GT wheels & tires on a base...and wa-la...it's transformed.

Very common thing, especially when base vs. higher end is compared, on a variety of vehicles.

As my father's adage goes..."Wheels alone can make or break a car", hah Buick of the 90's, 00's, etc. in particular just drove him nuts...think back to the different HORRIBLE wheel choices on a LeSabre, for instance. Ugh. Not a stunning vehicle itself, but change the wheels and wow...

I really like the new Vibe, too, oddly enough...even in "the one one had a reaction and got puffy" form. At least even in that base form, it still looks better than the Matrix base...with even worse hubcaps and a really squashed fish look.

^^Well, these don't look that bad...but in person, it's really an odd bugger, and a squashed one at that.

The wheel thing is big on the Toyota too...but the overall shape is also even more of a blob, and lacks the key sharp details on the Pontiac that make it more appealing.