Pontiac axes two Vibe models
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
[Source: Automotive News]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
JB 7:15AM (3/31/2006)
I believe the Vibe was the only Pontiac that Consumer Reports recommends. GM should outsource more models to Toyota. The Chevy/Geo Prism was also a solid performer, since it was basically a Corolla. Interestingly, the depreciation for the Vibe is higher than the Matrix, its twin. I wonder why that is?
Unfortunately, the Matrix looks better than the Vibe, in my opinion, and I see many more Matrixes (Matrices?) around than the Vibe.
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Elliott 7:38AM (3/31/2006)
Interesting that they're axing the AWD model, considering the previous post about Ford.
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Joe 7:51AM (3/31/2006)
So is the Matrix going to lose those models too? Because if it costs 'too much money' to bring it up to spec, is Toyota saying the same thing since its a joint venture? Sorry just trying to read between the lines...
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klaatu 8:13AM (3/31/2006)
Shades of GM cutting out several of the GM produced vehicles to be sold by Isuzu in the US.
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.
Toyota and GM's contract PROBABLY requires both parties to put in 50% for emissions tests, and it is just another way for GM to save a few pennies.
Which begs the question - if GM has gone this far to save pennies, how far are they from dissolution?
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Michael 8:39AM (3/31/2006)
ITS STILL A PONTIAC... LOL
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Michael Karesh 9:58AM (3/31/2006)
The GT never made a whole lot of sense, the package just didn't gel.
My review: http://www.epinions.com/content_62157393540
When Toyota canceled the Supra, then the Celica, then the MR2, did people say they were going under? Companies cancel stuff that isn't selling.
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NEBTEK2002 10:43AM (3/31/2006)
Strange, but here in the Omaha area, I'd say that Vibes outnumber Matrixes.
The Vibe has more visual pizazz.
The Matrix is too bland--looks too much like a Mazda 3 or a Kia Spectra 5. If I can't see the front end (the Mazda's grille loks more Aztek-esque than Vibe's!), I can't tell Mazda from Toyota from Kia at a glance.
AWD isn't really needed, as many FWD-only econoboxes have good traction in snow; limited only by their ground clearance and the filling-up of tight wheelwells with icy slush.
Most AWD versions of FWD econoboxes aren't much higher off the ground nor are the wheelwells any larger.
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Ben Keen 12:15PM (3/31/2006)
I have a 2004 Vibe GT and I like it a lot. I agree that there are certain things that it should have that it doesn't have, and I also can see why the GT and AWD models didn't sell as well as the base model does.
The one thing that the Vibe GT has going for it is that it's a hell of a lot faster than it looks. Not to say that it's even close to a WRX (say) in speed or handling, but for an inexpensive do-all it really moves once you wind it up. I'm up to about 30K miles and it's been dead-on reliable, not a single problem.
Even tows pretty good. :)
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Rocket Punch 1:41PM (3/31/2006)
good move, the way to survive is to cut off the dead meat as fast as you can.
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Howard Kerr 1:42PM (3/31/2006)
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.
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djSyndrome 1:49PM (3/31/2006)
"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.
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applebox 4:05PM (3/31/2006)
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.
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Randolph Allen 4:49PM (4/05/2006)
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!
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Randolph Allen 4:51PM (4/05/2006)
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!
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Bill 8:43PM (4/09/2006)
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.
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melisa 3:16AM (4/10/2006)
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!
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james davis 4:41AM (4/13/2006)
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.
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Vikki 4:33PM (4/29/2006)
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.
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mike drahl 9:22AM (9/17/2006)
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.
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