2008 Pontiac Vibe

During the crazy 2008 gas price hikes my Chevrolet Equinox was approaching it's 3rd year and my husband and I decided to trade it in for a more gas-friendly car. The price was unbeatable on the Pontiac Vibe. We paid $20,975.00 and it promised a high 20 to low 30 MPG rating. I have had it over a year now and really enjoy it. It has zip and control of steering I have not had in my last few cars. My husband says that is rack and pinion steering...whatever...it's cool. I feel like I can turn on a dime and I can fit this car in ANY parking slot. I can turn around in a drive way. :) I am a large woman and I feared it would be cramped but it is a very comfortable car. With that said, I have indeed given up some comfort in entering and exiting a lower and smaller vehicle. I also noticed immediately that every bump in the road is felt and my first impression was it sure needs better shocks! Everyone who drives it comments on that. The front cupholders are situated too close together for 2 drinks and one has to be taken out before the other can be. It's annoying. But I love the AC/DC adaptor which does away with the need for a car cell phone charger. I love the cargo room. The back seats fold down flat unlike some other compact SUVs and it is actually roomier than it looks. We have even hauled furniture in it! On a long trip to Houston our calculations were 35 MPG so we were very impressed. And that makes any slight discomfort worth it. I fill up at the station so seldom I sometimes forget until the light is coming on! We have not had a single problem with it and it has never been in the shop. I am puzzled at those that said the get up and go was lacking because I think it is a really fast zippy car on hills and passing unlike some of my other cars. In the end, I would admit that I would go back to a larger compact SUV if gas prices would stay down, but for what we paid for our Vibe and the gas milage I think we got a very good deal.