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Lyndon Conrad Bell | 3/19/2008 | Pontiac
Entering its second generation, Pontiac's Vibe faces serious new competition in the crossover market.
Sleeker in appearance...OK, well, slick, the 2009 Pontiac Vibe has the looks, even if its fraternal twin the Toyota Matrix has the reputation. Built in California at the New United Motors Manufacturing facility owned jointly by Toyota and GM, the 2009 Vibe has a distinctive look that is said to telegraph the looks of Pontiacs to come.
A faster windshield angle contributes to the sleeker look, while large wheels and minimal overhangs give the vehicle an aggressive, firmly planted stance. Wider and slightly shorter than the model it replaces, the new Vibe definitely looks purposeful.
Available in three models, Base, GT and AWD, the entry level Vibe gets a 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder engine that makes 132 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 128 foot pounds of torque at 4,400. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and delivers 28 miles per gallon in the city and 32 on the highway. A four-speed automatic is optional. Fuel economy with this transmission is 23 in the city and 31 on the highway.
Step up to the GT or the AWD, and you'll find a 2.4-liter inline four that makes 158 horsepower at 6,000 and 162 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000. Transmission choices are a new five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. Fuel economy with the automatic is 21-city and 29-highway. A five-speed manual is also available with the 2.4, and delivers 21 in the city and 28 on the highway.
As you may by now have guessed, AWD denotes all wheel drive, which returns as an option for 2009. Fuel economy with all-wheel drive and the automatic transmission is 20-city and 26-highway. Both engines use regular unleaded gasoline. Curb weights range from 2,855 pounds for the Base model with a manual transmission, to 3,295 pounds for an AWD with an automatic.
Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS are standard on all Vibe models, as is electronic stability control and traction control. Steering is electrically assisted rack and pinion.
All three models seat five, and their interiors benefit from significant upgrades. Low-gloss materials, varied grains on the instrument panel and satin-metal accents add class. New, knit-fabric seating surfaces offer a premium look, while GT models are enhanced with leather trimming the seats, steering wheel and shift knob.
A four-speaker sound system is standard on Base and AWD models. But if you're looking for that sonic boom, you'll want the 320-watt Monsoon audio system that has MP3 capability and seven speakers. Standard on GT models, the Monsoon audio system is available as an option on Base and AWD cars.
Ironically, though they are mechanically identical, the Matrix has traditionally outsold the Vibe. Consequently, great deals were to be had on Pontiac's crossover. This has been a well-kept secret for those in the know. Basically, we're talking the exact same car, except with better looks for less money?
Now that ought to be a no-brainer.
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