- 40
New cars are really great don't you think? I have just turned in my current lease car and I'm now buying a new 2003 Pontiac Vibe. Now it's not the GT model or the all wheel drive model either, but I'm not complaining. Before anyone mentions that its a Toyota Matrix, I know that and the Toyota was not a option for me (lease termination deal was from GM not Toyota).
So anyway as I said it's the base model with the 130hp motor and its an automatic (this is going to be a family car so the wife needs to be comfortable driving it too). If I wanted a manual I would want it with more of a performance orientated car anyway. The good thing is that because its one of the first models even though its a base model it has all the interior features of the GT model (except the 6 speed manual and the DVD navigation system). This car is quite roomy and spacious inside. The backs of the rear seats are covered with a hardened plastic, the same as the rear cargo area floor. That way when the seats fold flat you've got a nice big cargo area (for mountain bikes, small furniture, etc) and you won't damage the backs of the rear seats.
This model came with 16 inch alloy wheels (again not standard on the regular base models) and 205/55 tires which really complete the look of the car. I have not driven the Toyota Matrix but from what I have read the Vibe is supposed to have stiffer suspension bits. This makes the ride a bit bumpier (its got low profile tires after all) but far more enjoyable and responsive. There hasn't been any significant body roll or nose diving, etc. while driving so that makes me very happy as I hate 'floaty' cars. The engine is a DOHC 1.8L inline 4-cylinder, 16 valves with VVT-I with 130 HP and 125 ft-lbs of torque. The GT model makes 180 HP @ 7,600 rpm and according to most of the reviews that I have read gives the car a very noisy ride. The one that we've got is quiet enough and you just hear the 'rumble' of the slight over-sized exhaust.
All in all I'm very happy with this car and I'm sure its going to provide me with lots of enjoyable driving.
So anyway as I said it's the base model with the 130hp motor and its an automatic (this is going to be a family car so the wife needs to be comfortable driving it too). If I wanted a manual I would want it with more of a performance orientated car anyway. The good thing is that because its one of the first models even though its a base model it has all the interior features of the GT model (except the 6 speed manual and the DVD navigation system). This car is quite roomy and spacious inside. The backs of the rear seats are covered with a hardened plastic, the same as the rear cargo area floor. That way when the seats fold flat you've got a nice big cargo area (for mountain bikes, small furniture, etc) and you won't damage the backs of the rear seats.
This model came with 16 inch alloy wheels (again not standard on the regular base models) and 205/55 tires which really complete the look of the car. I have not driven the Toyota Matrix but from what I have read the Vibe is supposed to have stiffer suspension bits. This makes the ride a bit bumpier (its got low profile tires after all) but far more enjoyable and responsive. There hasn't been any significant body roll or nose diving, etc. while driving so that makes me very happy as I hate 'floaty' cars. The engine is a DOHC 1.8L inline 4-cylinder, 16 valves with VVT-I with 130 HP and 125 ft-lbs of torque. The GT model makes 180 HP @ 7,600 rpm and according to most of the reviews that I have read gives the car a very noisy ride. The one that we've got is quiet enough and you just hear the 'rumble' of the slight over-sized exhaust.
All in all I'm very happy with this car and I'm sure its going to provide me with lots of enjoyable driving.
