2003 Pontiac Vibe 1.8L 130 hp from North America
Summary:
A practical family machine
Faults:
Original tires were shot when we bought it at 18000 miles. This is just pathetic when it comes to tire life. Replaced with Goodyear tires, and immediately noticed the car rode smoother and quieter.
Plastic was scratched inside when we bought it.
Some of the exterior trim has come loose.
Raspy noise on throttle application during acceleration. Not sure what this is, have not had it checked out yet.
General Comments:
You get lots for the money. Paid $14k and car came with moonroof, 6 CD changer, nice alloys, and all the cargo space you could ever need.
Car handles very well and the auto tranny performs better than any auto I have ever driven. Shifts right when I want it to. The steering feel is excellent.
Much more solid and quiet than our other vehicle ('01 Civic).
Leg room is limited for taller drivers. My wife is 5'-7" and she has the seat all the way back! I'm 6'-4", so imagine how it feels for me.
Cargo space and practicality is unreal. This car has bailed us out on more than one occasion when it comes to hauling stuff.
Fuel economy is so-so. Does not get near the EPA highway estimate, even though it is driven almost entirely on the highway.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 7th March, 2006
25th May 2008, 10:42
My 03 with 75000 miles still easily gets 30+mpg. I am 6'1 and it's VERY comfortable for me, front and back. At 70,000, other than routine maint, I finally had to spend some money on new brakes. An engine making "rasping" noises and not having it looked at, might be affecting your lower gas performance.
30th Dec 2006, 18:58
Just a couple of quick comments... I have an 03 Vibe with a 5 speed (62K miles) and an 06 auto trans car (9000 miles). Both cars exceed EPA mileage. I bought the 03 used because I liked the new 06 I bought my wife new. The impressive part of the 03 is that I have to move the seat up a notch or two to operate the clutch safety switch, and I'm 6 ' tall! This car is very comfortable in all aspects. The 5 speed is a lot more fun to drive and will spin the tires in 2 gears if you take off in a hurry! Passing is not a problem for either car. You must watch the tachometer in the 5 speed if you drop to 3 rd gear and stay on it... 85mph comes quick as well as the red line!