2009 Pontiac Vibe Review

The redesigned 2009 Pontiac Vibe fits the old sporty Pontiac personality that long was the automaker's strong point, although it's essentially a versatile roomy compact car/station wagon/crossover vehicle. (Take your pick.)

The Vibe is essentially the same as the revamped 2009 Toyota Matrix (May 10 AutoTimes) and is the same convenient size as the 2003-08 Vibe. But even my test $18,910 Base all-wheel-drive (AWD) model felt sportier than the Matrix. And it wasn't even the sportiest Vibe model -- that's the GT, which has a stiffer sport suspension and wider 45-series (vs. 55-series) tires on larger 18-inch (vs. 16-inch) wheels.

An all-wheel drive system returns in revised form for the new Vibe. Such a system not only adds traction but comes -- as does the GT -- with an all-independent suspension that handles rough roads better and enhances handling, compared to the standard Vibe suspension with its inferior rear beam axle.

The Vibe is a four-door hatchback with comfortable space for four tall adults. There is a $15,310 Base front-drive model with a 1.8-liter, 132-horsepower four-cylinder engine, followed by a $15,710 Base with a stronger 2.4-liter, 158-horsepower four-cylinder. The Base 2.4 AWD that I tested costs $18,910 -- and the front-drive $19,310 GT tops the line.

A five-speed manual transmission is standard in the Base 1.8 and GT, while a four-speed automatic is an $850 option for the Base 1.8 and standard on the Base AWD. A more modern five-speed automatic with manual-shift capability is a $1,070 option for the front-drive Base 2.4 and GT.

All Vibes deliver decent fuel economy and only require regular-grade gasoline.

Economy figures are an estimated 26 mpg in the city and 32 on highways with the 1.8 four-cylinder and five-speed manual and 25 and 31 with that engine and the four-speed automatic.

Numbers for the 2.4 four-cylinder are 21 and 28 with the five-speed manual, 20 and 26 with the four-speed automatic and AWD -- and 21 and 29 with the more efficient five-speed automatic.

Vibes are fairly well-equipped. Even the Base 1.8 has a tilt/telescopic wheel, manual height-adjustable driver seat, console, AM/FM/CD player, split-folding rear seat and a rear defogger and wiper/washer.

Added to the Base 2.4 is a fold-flat front passenger seat for extra-long cargo, and the Base 2.4 AWD adds the four-speed automatic and air conditioning.

The GT also adds air conditioning, leather upholstery, steering wheel radio controls, cruise control, Monsoon AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, rear spoiler, the sport suspension with wider tires on larger alloy wheels and power windows and door locks with remote keyless entry.

Many couldn't live without air conditioning and power windows and locks with remote entry. "Air" costs $950 for the Base 1.8 and 2.4 and a $945-$1,070 Preferred Package for the Base 1.8 and 2.4 contains power windows and locks with remote keyless entry besides cruise control.

Safety features include front-side and curtain-side air bags, anti-skid system, anti-lock all-disc brakes and General Motor's OnStar assistance system.

Popular options include a $700 sunroof for the GT and $495 45-series tires with 17-inch alloy wheels for the Base 2.4 without AWD. However, you can get 17-inch extra-shiny chrome alloy wheels with those tires for the AWD model for $650.

A $1,285 Sun and Sound option for the Base 2.4 has the power sunroof, Monsoon sound system and leather-wrapped wheel with radio controls, but it requires the Preferred package.

My $18,910 Base AWD test car had the Sun and Sound and Preferred packages, chrome alloy wheels and $115 fog lights and had a sticker price of $22,030.

My test Vibe's 2.4-liter engine and responsive four-speed automatic provided lively in-town acceleration and decent 65-75 mph passing on highways, but the 1.8 four-cylinder with lower horsepower and torque ratings won't match its performance, especially when filled with passengers. I could feel the AWD stifling forward motion a little during brisk acceleration, but it generally was "invisible."

The Vibe is fun to drive. Steering is firm and precise, and handling is nimble. The ride is supple, although some might feel it's a little too firm with the GT's sport suspension and lower-profile tires -- although that combo allows more athletic moves. The all-independent suspension of the Base AWD and GT is a plus. The brake pedal has a nice, linear action.

Long doors with large handles open wide to allow easy front/rear entry to the quiet, roomy interior, and a tall body minimizes stooping when getting in and out. More padded surfaces would be welcome in the functional, rather average-looking interior. But the Vibe has supportive front seats, easily read backlit gauges and large climate system controls. Radio controls aren't large but can be used by a driver without too much trouble. Large outside mirrors help driver visibility.

The automatic transmission shifter juts from the front of the center console and thus allows more roominess. There's space for three adults in back, but a stiff center rear seat area discourages more than two. Cabin storage space is decent, with such things as pockets in all doors.

The cargo area is roomy, and rear seatbacks flip forward and sit flat for extra cargo space. The hatch has a thoughtful interior indented area to help close it more easily. But the heavy hood is held open by a prop rod instead of more convenient hydraulic struts.

Practicality and economy are the Vibe's main attractions. Its sporty feel is a bonus.

JEDLICKA'S TAKE 2009 PONTIAC VIBE More padded surfaces would be welcome in the functional, rather average-looking interior. But the Vibe has supportive front seats, easily read backlit gauges and large climate system controls.

Price: $15,310-$19,310

Likes: Fresher styling. More power. All-wheel drive returns. Good fuel economy. Roomy. Sporty feel.

Dislikes: Average interior materials. Sporty GT version lacks ride comfort of other models. Heavy hood has only a prop rod.