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Writer's Notes
2003 Pontiac Vibe
MSRP: $16,340
As tested: $19,200
Showroom appeal:
Crossover hatch/wagon/ute geared towards younger drivers and outdoor actives
Asphalt Rating:
Tight handling, fuel stingy
Plus:
Flexible floor plan, good on gas
Minus:
Buzzy engine
The Competition:
Toyota Matrix, Mazda Protege5, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Ford Focus, VW Golf
GM took the lead in designing and developing the Vibe vehicle requirements, working closely with Toyota's design and engineering staff during the its development, which occurred over a 25-month period from late 1999 to launch in early 2002.
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Vibe is a vehicle best taken in, from the inside out. That's not because the outside is ugly - it's not. The newest Pontiac has blended, beveled lines befitting its crossover class. The reason for the cabin-first approach is because it's in here that the Vibe makes its strongest statement. The flexible floor plan is tailor-made for those with an active outdoor lifestyle. If you regularly carry some combination of people, pets and sporting paraphernalia, Vibe is worth checking out.
Hop inside the Vibe and you take in a design that's sporty and distinctive, with a look and feel a notch above its entry level playing field. Central to the driver's view is a three spoke steering wheel framing a set of red-lit, chrome-rimmed, deep-dish gauges. Center dash holds rheostat style switchgear for climate controls and just above sits the sound system. One option is the aptly named Moon and Tunes Package, which combines a power moon roof with a 200 watt sound system (with six speakers, standard RDS and an in dash, six CD changer). It's an $800 option, but offset by a package discount of $700, you get sun and sound for a net investment of $100. Speaking of investments, the center dash spot can also be optioned to include a DVD-based Navigational system, for an additional $1,600. The flat-knit seating material adds some texture to the interior's look and has a feel that's a cut above its class. Inside, practicality rules. There are nine concealed storage bins sprinkled about, and power outlets include both a line inside the center console (power up your phone without advertising its presence to outsiders) and a 115 volt outlet with a standard, two-prong plug-in. The conventional outlet means that Vibe can power your shaver, sound box or your laptop. To convert the Vibe to a mobile computer station, one only needs to fold the passenger seat flat forward (not recommended while occupied). The back seat then becomes your chair, the front seatback your workstation.
Vibe is big enough to hold four average size folks comfortably, and still handle 24.6 cubic feet of gear behind the back seat. A flimsy screen stretches across the top of the cargo bay to conceal contents from inquiring eyes. Fold the split back seats forward and you raise your storage capacity to 54.6 cubic feet. That's a lot of room in a car that doesn't take up a lot of space. Big enough, for example, to hold snow boards or a mountain bike (without pulling the wheel). Factor in the fold flat front passenger seat and you can fit a surfboard, stepladder or similarly long object inside and still close the hatch. Tie-down rings are located such that you can easily lash down whatever you're packing. The tracks in the cargo bay floor are the basis for a series of dealer installed accessories currently under development, including an inboard bike rack, pet restraining screen and a removable picnic table. The roof rack is standard on Vibe and designed to help accommodate topside whatever doesn't fit inside. The lift over height to access the back is comfortably low.
A product of the GM/Toyota NUMMI plant in Freemont, California, the Vibe shares both power trains and platforms with its corporate cousin, the Toyota Matrix. Vibe is available in one body style (4 door hatch/wagon), two platforms (front or all wheel drive), three engine variations (123/130/180 hp), three transmissions (5 & 6 speed manual, four speed automatic).
Vibe defies traditional vehicle classification. It offers a spacious, versatile interior in the guise of a compact car, and the features of a sports car, sport wagon and SUV all at the same time.
The motor options are all based on a 1.8 liter DOHC four cylinder. Vibe GT models pack a 180 hp version, coupled to a six speed manual transmission. No automatic is available on the GT. Base front wheel drive and all wheel drive Vibes get 130/123 hp versions of the 1.8, respectively. Peak horsepower and torque are achieved high in the engines rev range, so all variations respond best when you wind them out. The 1.8 is a buzzy motor - the only element about the car that suggests its entry level status. The base four does a nice job of squeezing mileage out of your gas dollars. EPA rates the base Vibe with automatic at 28 mpg city/33 highway, and I averaged 31 mpg's in my test drive.
The Vibe feels tight and handles well. All wheel drive models upgrade to an independent, double wishbone suspension front and rear. GT's don't have IRS, but their 50 horse power boost is accompanied by stiffer shocks and spring rates and sticky, speed-rated 17" tires.
Pontiac already has the youngest buyer profile of any GM division and Vibe should do nothing to disturb those demographics. Vibe stickers for $16,900 delivered. Base models like this are the best values. Go easy on the option shopping and you can buy one very versatile vehicle and a frugal, fun driver, for not a whole lot of cash.
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---Story and photos by Dan Lyons
photos © Dan Lyons 2002
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