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Vehicle Overview
Pontiac launched its entry-level Vibe
hatchback wagon as an early 2003 model. Styled by Pontiac
and engineered by Toyota, the Vibe is produced at a
Toyota/General Motors joint-venture facility in Fremont,
Calif. Pontiac's Vibe is related to the Toyota Matrix.
Like other small crossover models, the
Vibe combines some features of a sports car, a sport
wagon and a sport utility vehicle. That sounds like
a lot of sportiness, and the Vibe leans in that direction
because Pontiac has long been positioned as the sportiest
member of the GM divisions.
For 2006, a stereo system with MP3 playback
capability and a Sport Package that includes a premium
monotone appearance group are available. Security and
Premium Packages also are offered. A Sun and Sound Package,
which includes a sunroof and Monsoon sound system, replaces
last year's Moon and Tunes Value Package.
Designed to target youthful buyers, the
Vibe comes with front- or all-wheel drive. A tire-pressure-monitoring
system is standard on GT and all-wheel-drive models,
and GM's StabiliTrak electronic stability system is
available. GM's OnStar communication system is optional.
Exterior
Exhibiting a sleek wedge profile and short overhangs,
the Vibe displays basic styling cues that suggest an SUV.
A slight resemblance to the company's controversial and
now-defunct Aztek may be noted, but the Vibe is considerably
less radical. Tapering side window
lines are reminiscent of the Ford Focus Wagon. The distinctive
roofline has an integrated roof rack. Bold features
include a vented front fascia with a twin-port grille
and recessed fog lamps.
The Vibe measures 171.9 inches long, stands
62.2 inches tall and has a 102.4-inch wheelbase. Standard
wheels measure 16 inches in diameter, but 17-inch wheels
are available. All-wheel-drive Vibes have an independent
rear suspension.
Interior
The Vibe can seat five occupants; it was developed to
yield a spacious interior within a compact frame. Both
the front passenger seat and the 60/40-split rear seat
fold flat, creating a level load floor for cargo up to
8 feet long. When the backseat is folded down, cargo space
behind the front row totals 54.1 cubic feet. Leather seating
surfaces are optional. Chrome-trimmed
gauges in the driver-oriented cockpit feature the traditional
red Pontiac backlighting. Chrome tie-downs are installed,
and a CD player is standard. An in-dash six-CD changer
and XM Satellite Radio are optional.
Under the Hood
The base 130-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder teams
with a standard five-speed-manual transmission or an optional
four-speed automatic. With all-wheel drive, that engine
produces 123 hp and works only with the automatic. The
Vibe GT holds a 170-hp, 1.8-liter four-cylinder that teams
only with a six-speed-manual gearbox. Premium fuel is
recommended for the GT. For extra performance, a dealer-installed
supercharger has been available for the base model.
Safety
Antilock brakes are standard on all-wheel-drive and GT
models and optional on the base front-drive Vibe. The
Vibe GT gets all-disc brakes, while other models use a
front-disc/rear-drum setup. Seat-mounted side-impact airbags
and side curtain-type airbags are optional. |
