Vibe - The Car I ALMOST Bought

In my search for a new, SMALLER, vehicle to replace my Grand Caravan I test drove the Vibe. I have seen many around - the 2008 model is cute. However, only the 2009 model was available in upstate NY where I live. It is larger over all, but seems smaller on the inside. It did not have quite the get up and go that I was expecting.

The features I liked are:
1. The back seats fold down to create a FLAT cargo area. The vibe has a great durable cargo area surface.
2. Leg room in the front & back seats for my TALL son.
3. Adjustable and TELESCOPING Steering wheel.
4. Good air vent controls. It may seem like a small thing but when you are having an allergy attack and HOT Flashes at the same time you need air that you can control. The round vents, with fins that are truly adjustable are WONDERFUL.
5. MPG is high 20s - low 30s depending on driving.

While everything was close at hand, the car seemed claustrophobic on the inside. When a sun roof was added the available head room was reduced by 3 or 4 inches and made the car uncomfortable for my husband and son. The center console & drink holder area is HUGE and restricts leg room for the front seats. The seats were very shaped, unless you sat exactly in the middle, facing front it was not comfortable.

Another requirement is a BRIGHT color. The 2009 colors are all muted. I prefer a bright color car for safety!

I ended up buying a HONDA Fit 2008 in Bright Blue. I'll write a review of it as soon as the category is created!!!

I wrote to the category manager but the email bounced.

I had this car on an over night test drive.