Faults:

Replaced air conditioner dryer and condenser at 243000 km.

Replaced radiator fan at 265000 km.

General Comments:

First off, my ratings are based on cars in a similar class, I am not comparing the Vibe to a Ferrari for performance or a Mercedes for comfort.

The Vibe is a versatile, reliable and economical car with a firm ride and good handling. The interior is spacious for occupants in both front and rear, while its cargo/utility capacity is large. It is a well optioned car, even in the base model, and returns a consistent 33-37 mpg (imperial gallons) and is capable of cruising at 70 miles an hour all day long. Being only a 1.8 litre engine in my version (a 2.4 is available), it can require a downshift from overdrive into drive in steep terrain, but can tackle very steep grades well. Road noise in the cabin is acceptable, little wind noise is evident, and road noise is largely dependent on tire selection.

I purchased this car as a second vehicle for my wife, and despite the high mileage, it has been reliable. It has become my wife's all time favorite small car and, of the 70 or so vehicles I have owned for business and personal use, is my favorite small car as well. I was not very concerned about the high mileage as I have a number of friends with Vibe's that have similar mileage, and all of them gave the Vibe a very high rating. The Vibe is based on the original Toyota Matrix and a huge number of both have been sold, which means parts are readily available and not expensive (many Toyota Corolla parts are also interchangeable). A good buy!

Faults:

Replaced radiator fan @ 130K. Everything still works, no issues, no problems.

General Comments:

Sporty runabout.

Have used it to haul all manner of things, including buckets of rocks for my driveway.

Great A/C and heat, and plenty of room for 5.

Faults:

The wiring harness from the ECM to the transmission shorted at 78,630 miles, causing the CEL to come on, and harsh up shifts. Also A/C blower motor had a bearing whine, but has corrected itself.

General Comments:

The Vibe has been very dependable. It fulfills the purpose that it was designed for.

It's not that great in snow (FWD version) with all season tires, but I'll try snow tires this winter.

The sheet metal in the front fenders is thin and dents very easily.

Faults:

Zilch... nothing... NADA!

General Comments:

Cons:

- A very firm ride.

- Noisy underpowered engine.

- Inadequate under dash lighting.

- First gear "Bumps" on cold mornings, but is fine after the first shift.

- Plastic interior mars too easily.

- Not the best gas mileage as I hoped for, but still reasonable.

- Paint chips way too easily.

- Exterior door moldings are beginning to fall off.

- Wipers "dance" at 80+ kms, so when it rains, visibility can be poor.

- Windows freeze solid in place during the winter. Have to insert X-acto knife between window and weather striping every day in order to use.

- Blue high beam indicator way too bright... actually impairs my night vision.

Pros:

- Love the AWD especially in the winter. With winter tires it is solid as a tank. In summer, sandy beaches are easily conquered. In heavy rain the AWD helps in preventing hydroplaning.

- Super comfy but firm seats. Driving long distances proven to be very comfortable with no added fatigue from sitting for long periods. Drivers seat has a number of adjustable positions and should accommodate just about any size person.

- All around visibility is very good.

- Very maneuverable and predictable steering inputs.

- Disengaging the Overdrive adds extra kick for towing and steep hills.

- Tons of hidden storage spaces and when all seats are folded down, I am still amazed of all the room available. I have been to the hardware store many times and the biggest load I have taken so far is 20 - 2x6x12's and 8 concrete pads for posts. Apart from the slightly settled suspension, the engine never hesitated for a moment.

- Heats up very quickly in the winter but when it drops to -30 Celsius, it helps to put a thin piece of cardboard between the radiator and the radiator shroud.

- AC works great so far... brrrrrr!

- Used this car for the first this summer on a major highway for 3 weeks. I was concerned that maybe it wouldn't hold up to highway speeds and long hills. I was so impressed to see this car pass with little effort even at 120 kmh. Helps to disengage the OD when going up long steep hills as it pumps up the RPM and helps maintain you speed. The car was loaded from front to back and speed, acceleration and storage was never an issue. I am very impressed.

- Under the hood, all necessary maintenance areas are easily accessible. Doing own maintenance such as sparks plugs, oil changes, etc. are a cinch.