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Pontiac axes two Vibe models

Pontiac axes two Vibe models

Posted Mar 31st 2006 7:03AM

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Citing expensive changes needed to meet 2007 emissions standards, Pontiac announced Thursday it is dropping the slow-selling Vibe GT (shown) and AWD models from its 2007 lineup. The company will continue to offer the base-model Vibe, which is selling fairly well at its sub-$17,000 price point.

Vibe sales were up over 9-percent last year, totalling 63,271 units. The car is a product of a GM/Toyota joint venture, in which Toyota provides the 1.8-liter VVT-i engines.

The 2007 emissions standards were also Pontiac's ~~excuse~~ reason for discontinuing the current GTO, which may make a comeback on a new-design platform. The Vibe GT and AWD models may also be resurrected if the company goes ahead with a future redesign of the Vibe.

[Source: Automotive News]

Category: Sedan, Hatchback, Pontiac

Tags: pontiac vibe, vibe, vibe awd, vibe gt

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19 Comments

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mike drahl

Prove to me via extended road testing that the GM-Pontiac VIBE is as RELIABLE long term as is any flavor of the TOYO MATRIX. I have my doubts not based on syndrome the parts make up the whole, am more concerned over Quality Control issues before each VIBE UNIT leaves final point of manufacture. Cutting corners has long been a trait of GM aka Ford Motor Company.

Anyone seen Blue and White collar buyout figures that FORD MOTOR COMPANY has in place? Toyota still the best logo buy. YES, have just taken delivery of 2006 NEW MATRIX AWD-. solid in every way for $19,000.00. Could not ask for more what with AMERICAN pricing on practically all vehicles above sub-compact sizing.

September 17 2006 at 8:59 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Vikki

I have a 2005 AWD and absolutely love the vehicle. Never thought I'd own an American made vehicle again after owning an '89 Toyota Camry wagon (that still got more mpg when it died than the Vibe does now). Given GM's precarious financial situation, I have been very curious as to why they have not gone all out on a PR campaign for the Vibe. It's really one of the best vehicles in it's class. Too bad they are discontinuing the AWD model, very shortsighted on their part. Up here in Idaho the Vibe is seen much more frequently than the Matrix.

April 29 2006 at 4:33 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

james davis

the Matrix is made in Canada. I suspect Toyota will keep the XRS and the all wheel drive.
I have owned a base model Vibe for 2 years.
It has proven to be as reliable as my 1994 Toyota Tercel
I owned.

April 13 2006 at 4:41 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

melisa

I am picking up my VIBE Friday. It is an awsome car. And the price is not bad, for the amount you save at the gas station. I am really looking forward to getting in the drivers seat!

April 10 2006 at 3:16 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Bill

I WAS waiting for the 2007 AWD Vibe. Now I will only get a Vibe if GM decides to make Traction control, Stabiltrac and 4 wheel disc brakes available on the FWD model. These goodies should be STANDARD equipment on this vehicle as Honda and other makes have done so.
Is GM listening? I really don't want to own 2 Honda
CR-V's, but GM may not give me a choice.

April 09 2006 at 8:43 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Randolph Allen

I'm the owner of a 2002 Prizm, one of the last made, and I would like to buy a Vibe if they are still making them next year. I will never buy a gas guzzler again and I certainly hope that they don't take the Vibe off the market like they did the Prizm. Actually, what really would be great is if they could built a Pontiac Vibe with a VW TDI (diesel) engine, and then it would greater torque, pulling power and even better mileage. But Detroit rarely seem to cater to people who want practical, fuel-efficient cars. The Vibe offers a lot more carrying room than a Prizm or new Corolla and its still not too big. Not everyone wants an SUV and I would never even drive one if I won it in a contest- I would just sell it!

April 05 2006 at 4:51 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Randolph Allen

April 05 2006 at 4:49 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

apple_box

As I'm looking for a new car the Vibe and Matrix are on my list. What I've seen in the real world are more Vibes on the road than the Matrix. And given the many years of this joint venture I think Pontiac got the better hand this time as the Vibe does look better (outside). The Vibe also has a slight price advantage over the Matrix. In the end I took the Vibe off my new car list because I don't really trust the GM dealer service network.

March 31 2006 at 4:05 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

djSyndrome

"Yes, it would be highly interesting to see whether the Toyota Matrix has the high-output motor and all wheel drive as options in 2007, and suspect they will."

If they dropped the 2ZZ engine, it would likely affect the Corolla XRS as well. That said, the models only have a year left in them anyway, if even that (they have been on sale since February 2002, and Corolla product cycles normally shift after five or fewer years).

And as much as I love my XRS, I can't help but wish sometimes that they traded a bit of high-end power for more displacement and torque. Honda did this a few years ago with the S2000, and the results were well worth it.

March 31 2006 at 1:49 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Howard Kerr

Here in Memphis the Vibe SEEMS to have a slight edge over the Matrix...like 50.5% to 49.5%. I think the Vibe is the more attractive car, except for the standard roof rack. Hey GM, notice that the Dodge Caliber doesn't have a standard roof rack? If you wanted to save some money, you could ditch that noise/clutter maker.
The AWD models probably aren't selling all that well because of poor marketing....who knows that the Matrix/Vibe even has optional AWD? And for the money, a Subaru is a better deal...less depreciation.

March 31 2006 at 1:42 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply