My 2003 Pontiac Vibe AWD Romping Machine
Written on: Fri, Sep 12th 2008, 10:17
Upon graduating from college and entering the new world, it was time to start investigating for purchasing a car. Being that I'm moving out to Montana, I wanted something that would be able to hold alot of my outdoor gear, bike, camping supplies, rock climbing, snowboarding gear, ect and something that would also be able to go offroad on dirt paths and handle well in the snow. I also wanted a car that would give me good gas milage as gas prices are going through the rough and I'll be doing alot of driving this summer.
Vibe Vs Outback
I was looking at stationwagons as they get decent gas milage and they can still hold alot of gear. I was first interested in the Subaru Outback as it has All Wheel Drive and is a station wagon. I read some reviews and was really interested, then I stumbled upon the Ponitac Vibe which is a replica of the Toyota Matrix (made on the same assembly line), with a different body, so you know your getting Toyota quality with Pontiac performance.
Storage Space
The Vibe has a hatchback which allows you to have access to the trunk space without having to open the back. Although the trunk isn't as large as an actual station wagon's, the rear seats fold down to allow for more storage horizontal storage to help store long items like snowboards. I've also slept a couple nights in my car with the seats folded down and have had no complaints at all.
How it Rides
The vibe is only has a 4-cylinder engine which doesn't give it too much power to cruise up long mountain hills, however, it has all the power that you'll need to get to your destination and more. Some people complain that the engine is a bit loud, and if you listen for it, you can hear it, but the great sound system completely makes up for that.
Give me some Gas
The Vibe gets 34 Miles to the gallon, however my All Wheel Drive feature limits that to 31, still way better than the Outbacks 26. This was a huge decision for me, as I could have gotten the GT, which only get 26 miles to the gallon, but I opted for the less powerful All Wheel Drive feature, which gives better gas milage and also will handle alot better off road and in the snow.
All in all, I am very happy with my purcahse of the used Pontiac Vibe and currently have no complaints. A new body design came out in 2009, however, I think it looks to flashy and really enjoy the look of the 2003 model. If you are deciding if you want a Subaru Outback or Pontiac Vibe, I would strongly suggest the Vibe, it is a great car to tour the country, which I have been this summer with the great gas milage, and has the option of off roading if you get the All Wheel Drive which will be great once we get dumped on with snow this winter.