2003 Pontiac Vibe Base 1.8

Summary:

Vibe that gives off not so good vibes

Faults:

Not much at all, except the cheap speakers have blown, and the windows are a little loose.

General Comments:

The Vibe isn't very comfortable. I wouldn't mind the noisy 1.8 engine if it had some power to it. The seats are comfortable enough.

It's been reliable though, almost no problems. Great fuel mileage. This car is built by Toyota and shares its design with the Toyota matrix, and it shows. This car would have been better if built by GM.

Overall, the Vibe is an uncomfortable, noisy underpowered, station wagon. But it is reliable and gets good gas mileage.

I'd rather drive my old 1998 Altima with a bent front end. A far better car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 29th November, 2007

30th Nov 2007, 16:08

GM couldn't build a good car if their life depended on it! That's why they have every other manufacturer do it for them...Suzuki, Toyota, Honda, Isuzu just to name a few. Infact they're just like the Borg on Star Trek, they incorporate other technology into their already failing technology!...LOL, no wonder they're doing so bad! LOL.

2003 Pontiac Vibe Base 1.8L

Summary:

Best car I've owned

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with this car. The only fault I can find, after thinking very hard, would be the stereo speakers are a little weak compared to previously owned cars. The ac is a little weak. I had the system recharged hoping that was it. It was low, but the 4 vents just don't put out as cold as other cars.

General Comments:

I've owned a lot of cars and trucks and traded in my 2001 Dodge Ram for this Vibe to move from Anchorage to St Louis. It handled just fine in the snow in AK and we stopped for fuel 6 times driving from Seattle to St Louis via Yellowstone and Mt. Rushmore. I have since (due to work) driven it from St Louis to DC, Philadelphia, NY, and back to St Louis. Gas mileage is superior, it is peppy and fast, and fun to drive. Very roomy as well. I am 6'1" and am comfortable in the front and back seats. With the high price of gas it is still cheap to fill. I love it!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th July, 2007

2003 Pontiac Vibe GT 2ZZGE

Summary:

Highs and lows, but I get there every time

Faults:

Wiring issue with interior lights, replaced door switch.

Air conditioning not cold enough, works better now, don't know why?

Power steering leak at 20k miles, dealer replaced with a new steering rack.

Dealer misalignes tires after rack replacement, dealer buys new front tires.

Dealer breaks wires in steering column, airbag light on, dealer fixes.

Clutch goes at 27k miles, I know this is too much of a fight with a dealer... got mad and went shopping for a centerforce dual friction clutch. My wife doesn't like to drive the car now, but I like it even more.

The transmission has been rough from the day I got it. I know how to drive and know how to look after a car, I managed a fleet of trucks for a construction company. I think I will drive it until parts fall off.

General Comments:

If the Pontiac GT or Toyota Matrix is going to offer a motorcycle engine with characteristics like very little low end torque, then sell me a gutted out model like a 60' hot rod and tell me to take it to the track.

The car is a blast, but this engine doesn't deserve to be leashed to a family car like this and then have someone tell me that it's my fault when a clutch goes out. With no low end torque what do they expect me to do, start out on a down hill?

On the other hand, the highway has never been so fun. The car isn't that great of a handler, but at 85mph+ with the cruise control set I am making anywhere from 28-30 mpg. The car is made OK, and is easy to fix since it is put together like a toy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd December, 2006