CD Article: Pontiac Vibe, 2003-2008

[CD_Editor]

Used Vehicle Review:


A sister car to the Toyota Matrix, the Pontiac Vibe is a good choice as a used vehicle, says Contributing Editor Chris Chase; it's the same car, but it'll cost you less to buy.

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[swishguy]

The gas mileage is brutal for such a small car. I owned an 03 with a 5 speed. I could never ever break 37 mpg hi-way & that,s driving 700 km,s at a time. I have another sales buddy with an 07 with an  automatic  & his best mpg is 38 on the hi-way.

[tortoise]

Really?

The Vibe's Toyota running gear made for economical operation. A 2003 base Vibe with manual transmission was rated at 7.7 L/100 km (city) and 6 L/100 km (highway), while choosing the automatic drove consumption up to 8.3 L/100 km (city) and 6.4 L/100 km (highway).

That seems pretty impressive to me, especially given the matrix/vibe isn't that small, as in Yaris/Fit small.   

I looked at the Matrix/Vibe when buying our P5.  The odd driving position and so-so handling turned me off.   Otherwise, I think they're great cars.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

We got a pretty consistent 6.2L/100km (45 Imp MPG) or so on the highway. I did manage to get 5.9l/100km (48 Imp MPG) on a vacation trip to Cape Breton.

Ours was a 2005 and had the 5 speed manual. Completely bullet proof and rattle free for the three years we had it.

[safristi]

...someone said they were UBIQUITOUS....that's scary...i just want a car i can see coming and going.................

[dkerr24]

I still own my '03 Toyota Matrix XR 5 speed.  Bought it new back in April '03.  I logged 40mpg (US gal) on a recent trip from my home in Okla City to Guadalupe Mountains Nat'l Park in west TX.  I accelerated gently and drove a steady 65mph on the interstate (and yeah I got my doors sucked off by drivers in Tahoes doing 85 mph).

The only things I've done to mine is new tires at 40,000 miles and a new battery at 50,000 miles.  Still on original brake pads, with 40% life left.  60,000 miles on the odometer now.

I do have a Check Engine Light on, and when my mechanic read the code, said it was due to 'low catalyst efficiency'.  A new catalytic convertor is required.  Luckily, this repair is covered by the federally mandated 80,000 mile pollution control regulations.  Other than this, it has been a very reliable and efficient vehicle.

And we see the same differences here... a Pontiac Vibe with same mileage and options as a Toyota Matrix is worth less at trade in time.

All the more reason to look for a nice used Vibe instead of a Matrix.