Pontiac Cars

Within the GM family, Pontiac primarily serves to fill the performance niche. That might be hard to believe after seeing Pontiac cars like the G3 and G5, both slightly veiled copies of efficient little runners sold by Chevrolet. But dive deeper into the lineup and you'll get a better glimpse of the brand's sporting intentions. Even rides like the Pontiac Torrent and Pontiac Vibe are offered with performance-oriented trims.

Pontiac Vibe Overview

Pontiac VibePontiac Vibe

The Pontiac Vibe is the corporate twin of the Toyota Matrix. Both are built at the NUMMI plant, a joint GM-Toyota facility in Fremont, California. What this means to buyers is that the Vibe has reliable Toyota genes and will likely provide years of dependable service. The Vibe is treated to unique exterior styling, however, as well as a different set of trim levels and options.

Pontiac sells this compact wagon in base, AWD and GT trim levels. Base Vibe models are front-wheel-drive only and have a 1.8-liter 132-horsepower four-cylinder engine and a torsion-beam rear suspension. AWD models have -- you guessed it -- all-wheel drive, as well as an independent rear suspension and an upgraded 2.4-liter four that's good for 158 hp. The sporty, front-wheel-drive GT has the more powerful 2.4-liter engine along with the independent rear suspension. All models come standard with a five-speed manual transmission except for the AWD model, which can only be equipped with a four-speed automatic. A five-speed automatic is optional on the GT, while the four-speed automatic can be added to base models. Base Vibes can also be equipped with the 2.4-liter engine at extra cost, in which case the five-speed automatic replaces the four-speed on the options list.

Acceleration is sluggish in the base Vibe but peppy otherwise, especially in the GT, which isn't weighed down by the all-wheel-drive system. Expect fuel economy of nearly 30 mpg or more on the highway in all models. The four-speed automatic is a bit anachronistic for a new model, though the five-speed automatic is a satisfactory unit. Handling is capable in all trims and even somewhat entertaining in GT models. Inside, the Pontiac Vibe features simple and intuitive pontiac vibe accessories and controls. Build quality is good, with most of the interior bits and pieces sourced from Toyota. Thanks to the Vibe's elevated roof line, there's plenty of room for passengers. In the safety department, the Vibe comes standard with antilock disc brakes, OnStar, stability control and a full complement of airbags.

Pontiac Vibe Road Test