Automatic Sport Cars

Specifications prices Modifications and Image 2011 Pontiac Vibe
The 2011 Pontiac Vibe is based on the Toyota Matrix, which is, in turn, a close relative of the Toyota Corolla. Those are pretty good genes for a compact hatchback to start with, and the Vibe makes the most of them. Sharing most of the Matrix's interior and mechanical components, the Vibe boasts a compliant suspension, intuitive cabin controls and plenty of cargo capacity, making it one of the more compelling choices in this segment.

Compared to its sibling, the Vibe sets itself apart with unique exterior styling, including Pontiac's trademark dual-grille design. Its sheet metal is far more stylish than the typical economy car's, its tall body imbues the cabin with a spacious feel and its convenient hatchback design means you can haul a lot of stuff. This cargo-carrying capacity is one of the Vibe's biggest draws -- it can haul almost as much as some compact SUVs. Yet its fuel economy with the base 1.8-liter engine is still quite good at 28 combined mpg. The Vibe costs a grand or two more than a run-of-the-mill budget hatchback, but its verve and versatility make it well worth the extra coin.

It's worth noting that GM's restructuring process could mark the end of Pontiac. If the brand is axed, this will negatively impact the Vibe's resale value. Still, there's no doubting the Vibe's fundamental goodness. Certainly, you'll want to shop around some -- other good choices include the Hyundai Elantra Touring, Mazda 3 Scion xB, Subaru Impreza and Volkswagen Rabbit. Each of these cars has its own particular set of merits, but for a compact hatchback or wagon offering practicality and style in equal measures, the 2011 Pontiac Vibe stands tall.
INTERIOR
On the inside, the basic look of the old model carries over though dash materials have been upgraded with a more tactile feel. The center stack looks much the same as the outgoing model, and while the cartoonish bulging plastic knobs look very '90s, everything is at least easy to use. Console-mounted shifters like the one in the Vibe are usually a pet-peeve of this blogger, and though it still looks goofy, the upright ergonomics in the Vibe make it a necessity.

The leather, sport-bolstered seats in the GT are the big bright-spot of the Vibe interior, with plenty of support for when you're diving nose-first into the twisties. They were also comfortable on long commutes, which is a big deal on my daily 35-mile trek to the office. The Vibe is a tall hatch that also rewards you with plenty of space on the inside. With the rear seats folded down and their flat plastic backs facing the ceiling, you can fit some big things in this little car. We would have liked a deep well carved out behind the second row of seats when they're not folded, but aside from that found the Vibe to be an immensely practical package.
EXTERIOR
The basic shape of the outgoing Vibe was kept, but overall the appearance is more aggressive than the previous model. The hatchback shape is now comprised of smooth sheetmetal that contrasts with hard creases, which gives the updated five-door a more dynamic look than its predecessor. Our GT tester's set of striking 18-inch rims also made the little Vibe look sportier than it does in base form, even if both models share the same anemic four-cylinder. We liked the looks of the Vibe GT quite a bit, and more so than the direction Toyota chose to go with the Matrix and its new styling.

The new Vibe is within an inch of the old model in almost every dimension, yet the new GT weighs almost 300 lbs. more than the outgoing sport model. While additional safety equipment and larger wheels account for some of the heft, the tall wagon's new 2.4L engine also adds to the tonnage. The larger engine is much smoother and more refined than the smaller 1.8L offered in lower trim levels, but the extra weight and torque is felt at the pump where fuel economy is 21 mpg around the city and 29 highway. The available 1.8L four-cylinder in the base Vibe gets 26 mpg city/32 highway for those interested in pinching a few pennies at the pump, but both engines feature Toyota's VVT-i technology to make the most of their meager displacements.
ENGINE
The base trim Vibe models have only front-wheel-drive and are incorporated with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine for generating 132-horsepower along with a torsion-beam rear suspension. Similarly, the models with all-wheel drive have a free rear suspension along with an improved 2.4-liter mechanical engine for 158 hp. The sporty GT trim level comes with front-wheel-drive with a great 2.4-liter engine as well as a free rear suspension.

Even though all models are using different engines, a five-speed manual transmission comes as a standard on all versions, excluding the all-wheel drive model that is installed with a four-speed automatic. On the trim GT, a 5-speed automatic transmission is optional and a four-speed automatic transmission is added on base models. The trim Base in the Vibe also is installed with a 2.4-liter engine added with a four-speed that replaces the five-speed automatic transmission at additional cost.
SAFETY
The Vibe comes with antilock disc brakes, OnStar, stability control and a full complement of airbags (front-seat side and full-length side curtain). In government crash testing, the hatchback scored a perfect five stars for frontal and front-seat side impacts, dropping to four stars for rear-seat side impacts. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Vibe its highest rating of "Good" in both frontal-offset and side-impact crash testing.

Driving Impressions

Through the turns, the 2010 Pontiac Vibe is reasonably responsive, particularly on models with the independent rear suspension. While it's not as entertaining as the decidedly sporty Mazda 3, the Vibe GT shines as one of this segment's more engaging choices, thanks in large part to its capable engine. Whether handling road trips or daily-driver duty, this Pontiac is an amenable companion.
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