i've been thinking about what alternatives there are to the cliche minivan...i like the vibe, anyone like/dislike it or suggest a different vehicle?
2007-07-31 03:11:27 · 7 answers · asked by niugirl1114 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Other - Car Makes
The Vibe is a good little car, and will work for a family of 4 if the children are young (You don't state the ages of your children). While 4 adults can fit in the car, there are a lot of larger cars for the same price as a Vibe, and can offer more comfort.
The pluses of the Vibe:
1. Good gas mileage. (I get 30-31 mpg in mine) but for cars of similar size such as the Corolla/Civic claim to get closer to 40
2. The fold down seats. The seats fold nearly flat, so they give a lot of space for moving items.
3. The plastic seat backing, allows for you to move stuff easily and clean up easily.
4. The engine is a Toyota 1.8L - 130HP, which toyota has been using for a long time. The XRS version of the vibe, is a yamaha modified engine that generates 160-180HP.
Disadvantages.
1. The plastic backing does allow things to slide around easily if not tied down. This makes transporting things like groceries a pain unless you get the cargo net or a pad for the rear area. I definitely recommend both otherwise stuff slides around easily back there.
2. Short drives with 4 adults are fine, long drives, it can get a little stiff in the rear.
3. The seats aren't 100% comfortable. Please go and test drive. My 2004 vibe is nice for short drives, but if you are going to be sitting in traffic or for a commute, the seat support doesn't feel as comfortable as other cars.
4. There is a lot of plastic. Mine comes with the painted plastic parts, instead of the gray plastic that the standard model comes with. However, the painted plastic, is just that, painted plastic. A scratch on painted plastic is very noticeable. I wish they molded the plastic in the same color. So my silver Vibe has very noticeable black marks where the paint on the plastic was scratched.
5. Check for the blind spot on the left (driver side), when you look behind. The combined seat design and pilar make the blind spot even more difficult to check.
6. Tires are larger rimed tires (16" rims). Expect to pay more when you need tires changed! Tires for wife's corolla were $150/pair. Tires for the Vibe $275/pair.
Overall, the vibe is a nice car, but it is definitely not a mini van substitute. Many mini vans sold by GM, Chrysler are actually similar in cost to the Vibe. If I had a family, I would much rather get the van.
2007-07-31 04:03:48 · answer #1 · answered by hsueh010 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The vibe is a good car. The person above that says the Toyota Matrix is better is wrong. The Matrix and the Vibe is a joint venture. The bodies are mady by GM and the engines by Toyota. So the reliablility will be the same with either. However, the Vibe has a better warranty.
2007-07-31 03:28:31 · answer #2 · answered by Strategic Sourcing Expert 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Vibe and the Matrix are the same thing...Toyota and Pontiac worked on it together. The only real differences are the exterior. The Vibe is a good vehicle.
2007-07-31 03:25:40 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its a good car up until you reach 75,000 then the troubles begin. I suggest the Toyota Matrix. It's more reliable than the Vibe. trust me, I have a toyota corolla and I have 100+ and that baby is still going strong.
I have a more propable suggestion though. Go for a Hyundai Tucson. I work for Hyundai right now and that little SUV is perfect for a family of 4. Plenty of space, 6 airbags, great gas and a 5 star crash rating. I've got more on the Tucson if you have any questions.
2007-07-31 03:22:12 · answer #4 · answered by Danny K 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The Vibe is a good car, my stepdad has one, but i have tried and love the Dodge Caliber. Have to get used to the gas peddle tho, it doesn't have a transmission like all the other cars do, instead it just has a big rubber band, like the snowmobiles do, or something like that. :) But it is a great car and looks nice too. :)
2007-07-31 03:22:44 · answer #5 · answered by Proud mommy of 2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you were buying a used one, probably, but since they haven't changed the cars significantly since it debuted, I would find another four-door hatchback. May I suggest the Mazda3 five-door or Chevrolet Malibu Maxx?
2007-07-31 03:15:39 · answer #6 · answered by Alexander T 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
charger or magnum mini vans and suvs are just to ugly
2007-07-31 03:27:02 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋