2003 Pontiac Vibe Base 1.8L from North America

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 from North America

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

2003 Pontiac Vibe Base 4-door Base 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Nice job Pontiac!

Faults:

Buckle on one of the rear seat belts had to be replaced.

General Comments:

This car is surprisingly comfortable, very practical, good looking, reliable and economical.

Hauls people and/or "stuff" very well.

Gets about 32-34 mpg on a trip and will cruise comfortably at 80 mph all day.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd September, 2006

18th Oct 2006, 16:54

Nice job "Pontiac"??? You mean Toyota of course...

29th Oct 2006, 12:44

I was going to add the same exact comment. All Pontiac did was glue and upside down arrow on the hood and brag about how good it is. Good luck getting any work done at the Pontiac dealer.

4th Feb 2007, 21:20

Mr. Goodwrench hasn't botched anything on my 2003 Vibe yet -- how can you screw up an oil change -- but when I went to get a rear wiper blade the rude, pimply kid in the parts window wanted $27.

Mr. Toyotawrench being right across the street, I went over and checked out the same part for the Matrix: 4 bucks.

The very helpful and elegantly uniformed Service Manager came out and showed me how to replace the rubber part while re-using the metal part. And he knew I wasn't even a Toyota owner.

And that is why Mr. Goodwrench will soon be Mr. Bankruptwrench.

5th Feb 2007, 10:28

Yup, called up my local Chevy dealer to ask them how much an oil change was for my new Aveo. They said $50 plus disposal fee. GM and its dealers want to extort as much money as possible from their customers before they all go down in flames.

20th May 2008, 22:18

Who goes to the dealer for an oil change?