2003-2006 Pontiac Vibe GT

Pros :
- Tons of space - a good reason to dump your 2WD SUV.
- Spacious interior for a so-called compact car.
- Sporty handling.
- Excellent braking performance.
- A Pontiac with Toyota reliability.

Cons :
- Odd driving position.
- Weak in the torque department.
- Gets a little pricey with options.
- Tall minivan styling.
- Noisy high-revving engine.

Interior :

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Press Coverage :
The Pontiac Vibe, developed in conjunction with Toyota, is an ideal SUV replacement, in an age defined by rising gas prices and the return of performance cars. The front-wheel-drive Vibe GT is the sportiest version of this tall wagon, powered by the same Yamaha-tuned VVT-i engine as the Toyota Matrix XRS and Celica GT-S. The Pontiac Vibe also shares its chassis with the Matrix, Corolla and Celica, thereby confirming its car-based roots. Its interior room is so huge that the EPA classifies this car as midsized, not compact. Pontiac and Toyota have created a whole new niche for themselves.
The Pontiac Vibe is built in the United States, while the Toyota Matrix is built in Canada. The two cars actually share the same interior and internal components, but have different exterior styling. The interior features metal-effect dashboard trim, front driver and passenger airbags, cloth seats with 60/40 split rear seats, a stereo with CD player and four cupholders.
The front-wheel drive Vibe GT uses a twist-beam rear suspension while the front setup only is independent. Available StabiliTrak works in conjunction with the traction control and ABS systems. StabiliTrak is GM’s advanced electronic stability control system, and works in conjunction with four-wheel-disc brakes. All-season P205/55R16 tires are available with 16-inch alloy wheels. Seventeen-inch alloy wheels use P215/50R17 tires. A tire pressure monitoring system is standard on the Vibe GT.
The Pontiac Vibe comes with standard cloth upholstery or available leather seating surfaces. Seating capacity is for five people, two in front and three in the rear. A folding front passenger seat, along with folding second-row seats, allows a wide variety of passenger/cargo combinations with room for items up to 8 feet long. The Vibe also is wired for modern living. The front console has a standard 115-volt power outlet with a wall-type plug. Laptop computers, cell phone chargers, air compressors and countless other electrical products can be used without adapters. Passengers can even send and check wireless e-mail from the Vibe. There is also a 12-volt power outlet on the instrument panel.
Excellent audio/information systems are a must for youthful customers and the Vibe offers a host of systems including XM Satellite Radio, a new optional ETR AM/FM stereo with CD player and MP3 playback, and a seven-speaker Monsoon system with integrated subwoofer that is part of the Sun and Sound Package. XM Satellite Radio provides entertainment and information including advanced traffic and weather for selected major metropolitan areas. Available OnStar Gen 6 provides the ultimate in driving peace of mind with hands-free capability and digital and analog coverage.
The Vibe offers many active and passive safety features. Excellent handling and braking systems are examples of active safety features. Passive safety systems include safety belts and air bags. Dual-stage frontal air bags are standard. Available head curtain side air bags provide additional protection. The basic structure of the Vibe features a large safety cage and crumple zones.
The high-revving 4 cylinder VVT-i engine, re-rated from 180 hp to 170 hp according to new SAE regs, makes for a noisy and frantic driving experience, with constant shifting required to get the best acceleration out of the measly 127 lb-ft of torque. The six-speed manual gearbox helps to a certain extent, but the tall gearing negates any positive effect. The 16 inch wheels are shod in 205/55R16 all-season tires, with 17 inch aluminum wheels with 215/50R17 Firestone Firehawk SZ50 summer tires available as an option. Only the front suspension is fully independent, with a semi-independent torsion beam holding up the rear of this front-wheel-driver, but the sporty tuning ensures fairly good handling for such a tall car. But torque steer is a problem under hard acceleration for this front-wheel-driver. Braking is admirably handled with ABS-assisted single-piston sliding calipers and discs on all four wheels, bringing the car to a halt in less than 120 ft.
ModernRacer.com

As with the Matrix, the Vibe essentially is a tall station wagon that, like most crossover vehicles, is versatile because it combines attributes of a car and a small sport-utility vehicle. For instance, this Pontiac has higher seating. And its rear seatbacks flip forward and sit flat to provide impressive cargo space. Even the front passenger seatback can be folded forward.
Four tall adults have impressive room, and tall, wide doors make it easy to get in and out. Large outside door handles are easily grasped, and there are a decent amount of cupholders and storage areas. Even the glove compartment is large; it almost seems like an afterthought on many vehicles.
MSN Autos

Ride quality varies some with model and equipment, but acceptable with 16-inch wheels, if rather jittery over patchy pavement and freeway expansion breaks. Optional 17-inch tires increase harshness. For tall wagons, the Vibe corners without undue body lean. Handling is predictable in any model, with sportier GT models the most nimble. Gusty crosswinds cause mild wander, but steering is crisp, direct. The engine is loud at full throttle, none too hushed in gentle cruising, and general mechanical buzz felt through seat, steering wheel, and pedals. Also, fair wind rush and coarse-surface tire thrum occur.
Fine driving position, slightly higher and much more upright than in typical small car. Great head room even with sunroof, but long-legged drivers may want more rearward seat travel. Good overall seat comfort, but spirited cornering reveals lack of lateral bolstering. Outward visibility is slightly cluttered over-the-shoulder, but good otherwise. Rear seat comfort is nothing special, but two adults enjoy good head clearance. Chairlike height affords sufficient knee and foot room unless front seats are well back. Entry/exit is pretty easy, though lower opening is rather narrow, and doors should open wider. The rear seat folds in an easy one-handed motion to create flat load floor. Right front seat also folds for extra-long items. Cargo bay has tie-downs and built-in tracks for securing gear. Underfloor bins, numerous slots and pockets provide ample small-item storage.
Consumer Guide

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History:
1995-2002 Pontiac Sunfire
2,200 cc / 140 hp / 150 lb-ft / 2682 lbs / 0-60 mph 9.5 sec.