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Aprime @ Apr 25th 2008 4:18PM
How was the steering and overall non-chassis related dynamics? I haven't had a chance to try it out yet and I'm wondering if there's a real improvement over the outgoing generation in that department. I found the interior to be pleasing and I've gotta agree with you concerning the seats. Only thing I disliked was the door handles (it's one of the reasons I refused going with a base Aveo (sedan, revised), the plastic handles felt flimsy as hell and probably wouldn't be that easy to grab with gloves on in the Winter.
Aprime @ Apr 25th 2008 4:20PM
I mean, I'm pretty sure they're far from being on par with the C1'ers (Mazda 3 and so forth), but as long as it's par with the current Cobalt that suits me.
Chris Shunk @ Apr 25th 2008 5:39PM
I had a last-gen Vibe for 2 weeks when my car was in the shop, and I'd say the steering has more weight, but it didn't really stand out. I actually enjoyed going in a strait line, but it felt tippy when going fast around curves. Seats were great, still don't like the center arm rest, and I can't say the door handles left an impression on me one way or another.
It was a pretty good car overall, but I'd prefer the standard vibe with the best rims I could get... the 2.4 certainly isn't impressive, and the fuel economy was just OK... I got about 24mpg. I would guess the 1.8 is quite a bit better on fuel.
Xcountryflyer @ Apr 25th 2008 5:59PM
If someone is looking to buy a Toyota Snorolla, they should really look at buying the Matrix/Vibe since they are basically the same car. At least the Matrix/Vibe is eminently more practical the the Camry Jr. clone and it doesn't come with a beam rear axle.
I think the Pontiac version is better looking than the Toyota. We need more people driving these types of cars than gas guzzling CUVs and SUVs.
Aprime @ Apr 25th 2008 7:01PM
After seeing the new Matrix in person I'm led to favor it stylingly-speaking over the Vibe, but that doesn't make the Vibe unattractive... Especially financially+equipment+warranty speaking.
PJ @ Apr 26th 2008 1:25AM
Aprime,
I think you'll be disappointed in the steering. It's typical Toyota EPS--pretty good path control, but the wheel feels utterly numb and the obviously artificial weighting manages to be both stiff (when turning) and rubbery (on lock). The prev-gen hydraulic setup was much better.
The GT version's ride is also awfully busy, with heavy-footed "grainy" sensations--this chassis really doesn't want to run low-profile tires or 17" alloys.
The high cowl and beltline make this new generation feel a lot bulkier to drive, not to mention darker inside. It feels more substantial and less tinny than the previous Vibe, but it's definitely a flabbier, less fun hatch to drive.