NEW PONTIAC VIBE
Track Down your next new PONTIAC VIBE at http://www.usednewcars.com! Click here to get a list of all vehicles that fall within the wagon category.
Car and Driver website visitor rankings:
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| Here's how our visitors have reviewed this vehicle. |
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Average Rating |
| Overall |
8.54 |
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| Vehicle Styling |
9.17 |
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| Braking |
8.96 |
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| Handling |
8.23 |
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| Fuel Economy |
8.91 |
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| Interior Comfort |
8.18 |
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| Acceleration |
8.07 |
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| Dependability |
9.38 |
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| Fit and Finish |
8.07 |
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| Transmission |
7.92 |
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| Ride |
8.49 |
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| Rating Scale: 1= worst 10= best
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| To read other User Road Tests or to submit your own review click here |
(Read more of Car and Driver's review here)
 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Here''s one Pontiac that hits its mark. The Vibe blends performance, practicality and affordability into a tastefully styled, but still fun sport wagon package.
Pros
Comfortable ride, unique features, roomy backseat, versatile cargo area, good gas mileage, available stability control.
Cons
All-wheel-drive version is sluggish, Toyota''s version likely to have better resale value.
What''s New for 2005
New options this year include programmable power locks, OnStar, a tire-pressure monitor, leather seating, stability control and side curtain airbags. The Moon and Tunes Value package now includes an integrated subwoofer.
Overview
Introduction:
The Vibe blends the handling of a small sedan with the practicality of a five-door hatchback. It''s geared toward young buyers who want a stylish, practical vehicle but don''t need or want a gas-guzzling SUV. Built in the same factory as Toyota''s Matrix, the Vibe was a jointly developed vehicle that shares most major components with its Japanese cousin. At just 171 inches long, the Vibe is slightly shorter than a Honda Civic sedan, but the body is taller and wider. The boxier dimensions make for a more spacious and functional interior than your average economy sedan. The rear seats fold completely flat to open up just over 54 cubic feet of cargo space, while the durable plastic load floor offers adjustable tie-down points via built-in floor tracks. The front-passenger seat also folds flat to function as an impromptu work table for the driver or to aid in loading longer items. Drivers sit higher than in most sedans but not so much as to make entry and exit a chore as in many SUVs. Red-backlit gauges with chrome-trim rings highlight a sharp-looking instrument panel, while the rest of the interior features straightforward climate controls, a well-placed stereo for easy access and even a 115-volt outlet for plugging in electronic devices. Multiple audio systems allow you to add everything from an in-dash CD changer to an integrated DVD-based navigation system, items not always found on vehicles in this class. The Vibe''s sporty looks are backed up by a well-sorted suspension that delivers a comfortable ride around town and responsive handling. Front-wheel drive is the standard layout, but all-wheel drive is available for negotiating the roads during inclement weather. The top-level GT version offers optional 17-inch wheels and tires for the performance-minded buyer in addition to its six-speed manual gearbox and peaky 180-hp, four-cylinder engine. Lesser models make do with a detuned version of the GT''s engine -- performance isn''t as lively but most buyers will find the power band more user-friendly. Capable competitors like Chrysler''s PT Cruiser, Mazda''s 3 and Subaru''s Impreza share many of the Vibe''s attributes. The Chrysler boasts cool retro styling and spunky turbocharged engine choices; the Mazda is known for its ride and handling, and the Subaru offers excellent all-weather capability. The Vibe doesn''t quite match any one of those vehicles in its specific areas of expertise, but it does offer a well-rounded package that delivers a little bit of everything without sacrificing practicality or fun. Add in the unique interior features and multiple drivetrain configurations, and the Vibe certainly makes a strong case for itself as an attractive yet practical sport wagon that won''t break the bank.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The Vibe comes as a four-door wagon in three levels of trim: base, AWD and GT. Base and AWD models come standard with air conditioning, dual front airbags, AM/FM/CD stereo, tilt steering and tinted windows. AWD models further add standard ABS and a four-speed automatic transmission. GT versions get standard 16-inch wheels and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS. A Moon and Tunes package adds a power sunroof and an upgraded audio system with an integrated subwoofer, while a Power Group Value package adds power windows and door locks, cruise control and keyless entry. Leather seating, OnStar and XM Satellite Radio are also available.
Powertrains and Performance:
The Vibe offers two different engines and three transmissions. Base models come with a 1.8-liter, 130-horsepower four-cylinder mated to either the standard five-speed manual or an optional four-speed automatic. All-wheel-drive versions come with the automatic only, and due to different exhaust routing, make just 123 hp. Top-of-the-line GT models get a 180-horsepower version of the same 1.8-liter four-cylinder and a standard six-speed manual transmission.
Safety:
All Vibes come with dual-stage front airbags for the driver and front passenger. Seat-mounted side airbags for front occupants and full-length side curtain airbags are optional across the line. ABS brakes are standard on AWD and GT models, and optional on the base model. Stability control is optional on all front-wheel-drive models. The Vibe earned a perfect five stars in the NHTSA''s frontal impact testing, five stars for side impacts involving front occupants and four stars for side impacts involving rear occupants.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
All Vibe models feature interiors that are both stylish and functional. Chrome-ringed gauges and metallic dash trim spice things up in front, while in back, the 60/40-split bench seat provides roomy accommodations for adult passengers and can fold completely flat to create 54.1 cubic feet of usable cargo space. Other useful features include a front-passenger seat that folds flat for carrying extra-long items, a 115-volt AC power outlet for plugging in household devices and adjustable tie-down anchors in the cargo area. A DVD-based navigation system with a remotely mounted six-disc CD changer is available as a stand-alone option.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
The Vibe offers an elevated driving position that affords a great view of the road, but the ergonomics can be a bit awkward for some. The handling isn''t particularly sporty but it is responsive, while the ride quality is smooth and comfortable on a day-to-day basis. Acceleration from the base motor is a bit sluggish, especially with the added weight of the all-wheel-drive system, but the GT is fast for a compact wagon, provided you let its higher-strung engine rev a bit.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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