Toyota Matrix vs. Pontiac Vibe?

Question

Does this car last as long or work as well as a Toyota Camry? Would you think it is better than the Pontiac Vibe? Do you think it would last longer than the Vibe? I've read that both companies designed their cars very similar. My husband thinks I should choose the Matrix because it's a Toyota and he thinks it would run better and last longer than a Vibe. Do you think this is true? Does anyone know the major differences between the two?

Answer 1

Actually truth be told, I'm pretty sure that they're mechanically identical. It was one of those bizare deals between car makers (like the toyota corrolla and chevrolet prism) that were the exact same car sold by both companies. In short, buy the cheapest one. It will last just as long as its american or japanese (depending on which you buy) twin. Of course I personally prefer the looks of the Matrix.

Answer 2

First of all, by what you said I can tell your husband knows NOTHING at all about cars, he is plain average American that way. (and if your the husband and you do read this, dont take it personally as I dont know you, but I know you will be glad if you read this whole answer as it will change your mind and put your wife in a better car). Comparing the Matrix and the Vibe is like comparing Pepsi and Coke, they are both the same thing, but once you dig deeper you notice all the little differences. Toyotas quality has been slipping, and has had more recalls in '06 than any other company. This site has lots of info, as well as the excuses Toyota exutives give for their lameness and say how they plan to "improve" Toyota. http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/10/toyota_quality.html
While Toyota has been falling, GM has risen, sweeping NACTOY awards for best car and truck (Chevy Silverado and Saturn Aura)
There are no major differences between the Matrix and Vibe besides the exterior styling, they are even built on the same plant. However, the Vibe does have more options, as well as standard options, and a longer warranty. Here are the details: http://www.vehix.com/research/comparisonTool.aspx?condition=1&year=2007&make=1600000000002F&model=Vibe&radius=75&zip=80130
My dads Saturn SL2 has lasted 15 years and still runs like new, and until last year Saturn has been GM's junk division, so a Pontiac should be at least that good, if not better. With the Vibe, your money also stays in the country, and helps a company that is rising back up by doing things the way they should have.

Answer 3

I work for Gm and Actually they are identical cars same motor and transmission, they are both made in the U.s in the same plant in California where Gm and Toyota have had joint ventures for the last 15 years Toyota corolla / Chevy prism Toyota Matrix / Pontiac vibe, the vibe will come in a few dollars cheaper then the matrix but will be under our longer warranty than Toyota's' They both have Toyota's 1.8- 4 cylinder motor, don't be afraid to buy American a lot of what you hear about American cars are not true and if they were breaking down left and right gm would not cover them for 100,000 miles so it is wiser to buy the vibe.

Answer 4

I owned an 06 Vibe and loved it with a few exceptions; I made the mistake of getting the base model (manual EVERYTHING), big mistake as I am in heavy traffic a lot, and shifting constantly got real old, real fast. Also manual windows and locks, bad idea...so I traded it in 09, for an even worse idea....an 08 Chevy HHR. Aside from a smoother, more powerful motor, p/w, p/d, auto trans and the cool retro styling- the HHR has MANY flaws; steer clear of this car! The list of poor design features is long: door pockets far too small, dome light mounted WAY back at the rear of the cabin---totally out of reach; windows/windshield too small, visibility is awful, I am 6 1", hand brake is mounted outboard of the cup holders, hence cups get in the way! Dangerous! Glove box is too small, the HHR has no center console (that sucks), radio settings which I still cant figure out, rear floor "glove" bins which are too small and flimsy and cheap, cheap, low quality plastic throughout. The HHR feels nose heavy compared to the Vibe, but I d say both cars have overall nice handling.

Answer 5

Who Makes Pontiac

Answer 6

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I would go withy the Toyota. They have a better track record. Do you remember the old tv commercials were the people were bragging about having 400,000 miles on their Toyota's? The Toyota and Honda engines are bullet proof. I have an 87 Accord that has 232,000 miles on it and it is still going strong. I have a friend, who's dad bought a 75 Toyota new and he still has it. It has 386,000 miles on it and he drives it daily. It has never had any major repairs done on it . Take your pick.

Answer 7

They are pretty much the same, a little different in styling, Vibe comes with a roof rack. Based on Corolla, very good, have two in the family, one that is a 2003 model Vibe AWD with 95,000 miles and it's been perfect ( 2 drivers using it and they are hard on it). The other is a 2004 Matrix and they also love it. I think the XRS and GT as well as the AWD has been discontinued.

Answer 8

Chevy Vibe

Answer 9

The vehicle is the same vehicle, however at the Nummi plant where they are made, the Vibe was dumbed down a lil'. Althought they do make a 6speed Rwd Vibe and that is the ultimate grocery getter/street racer.

Answer 10

Toyota Matrix