2006 Pontiac Vibe GT from North America
Summary:
One of my favorite cars after 40 years of driving
Faults:
The only thing that went wrong was the dealer-installed, non-OEM cruise control.
General Comments:
This is one of the most reliable cars I have ever owned. I had the Toyota version first and put over 100,000 miles on it with only routine maintenance. I wanted to compare the union-built product to the non-union built, and I see no significant difference. Sorry to step on toes, whichever foot you are on.
I especially like the seating - it's one of the few small vehicles that lets me sit up high (which is more common in Europe I have heard), which I need for my old joints.
The GT is more fun to drive than my old Matrix automatic - the 6 speed is snappy and the engine redlines near 9K, but I've never been near that. The acceleration is better than the old Matrix auto, but it feels more like a sportscar than it actually is. I got stopped 3 times the first 2 weeks until I finally eased off of the gas pedal.
I have had none of the famous early clutch wear - I think it is how you drive it.
It's a small car though, and the longest trip I have taken in it is 300 miles one way, and that's the limit for my old bones. I have a van for long trips and use my Vibe GT for daily driving and a one-hour (each way) commute.
I replaced the radio with a premium unit, but found that the FM receiver in the OEM radio was significantly superior.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 30th July, 2009
23rd May 2011, 21:26
My main complaint is the gas mileage. I run around 28 MPG on the highway which isn't bad, but it requires premium fuel. So the effective gas mileage is more like 24 which is no longer acceptable for a small car, with newer technologies and all. But that's for the GT version - the regular one seems to hit low 30s and I would be OK with that.
30th Aug 2009, 00:43
Update - I now have put 40,000 miles on this car with no repairs and regular maintenance. The clutch is still fine. You need to keep up with tire rotations on these - I wore out two tires prematurely by not doing so. Otherwise it is great and this my be my first 200K vehicle. Fuel mileage is high 20's and Edmond's now ranks it as one of the "Ten Cheapest Cars to Drive".