![]() The 2.4L is significantly thirstier with a 21/28 MPG (manual) or 21/29 MPG (automatic) EPA rating. EPA fuel economy estimates for the 1.8L engine with the manual transmission is 26/32 MPG (city/hwy.), while the 4-speed automatic is rated at 24/31 MPG (city/hwy.). Fortunately, the 5-speed manual is a slick-shifting unit with a light, progressive clutch. From a performance and fuel consumption perspective, the manual transmission is a better choice with the 1.8L than the automatic, which has a taller final drive ratio (4.23:1 vs. Pontiac offers a choice of a standard 5-speed manual or an optional 4-speed automatic with the 1.8L inline-4 the bigger 2.4L engine is available with a new 5-speed automatic. The optional 2.4L inline-4 cranks out 158-bhp/162 lb.-ft., which should attract the attention of enthusiasts not overly concerned about fuel economy. As one might expect, the Toyota-designed 4-cylinder is smooth, refined, and unobtrusive up to the 6,400 RPM redline. Even with dual VVT-i (variable valve timing), the small engine displacement results in underwhelming thrust below 2,000 RPM, although midrange torque is more robust. ![]() The 1.8L engine has adequate power to move the Vibe around town and the highway without protest. The Vibe's standard 1.8L inline-4 now generates slightly more horsepower with 132-bhp 6000 RPM torque output is 128 lb.-ft. Several small compartments hidden under the cargo floor panels can store small packages or loose items. Cargo volume behind the rear seats is 20.1 cu. The rear seats fold down for a flat load surface covered in hard plastic, instead of the customary carpet. Rear seat comfort is acceptable for two occupants, less so for a third passenger legroom is plentiful, assuming the front passengers cooperate. Headroom for front and rear seats should be adequate for 6 ft. Although the seats have adequate support, the fabric upholstery is somewhat slippery. Front seats are comfortable, with 6-way manually adjustable driver's seat the passenger gets 4-way seat adjustments. The Vibe accommodates up to five passengers, with dual front bucket seats and a rear bench. A 320-watt Monsoon audio system with 7-speakers/subwoofer is standard on the Vibe GT. An auxiliary input allows connections to external MP3 players. Despite having only four speakers, the Vibe's sound system cranks out tight bass and clear treble. Small cupholders are molded in the front door pockets, and between the seats next to the handbrake rear passengers get their own cupholders in a flip-out lid behind the center console.Īudio controls for the AM/FM/CD/MP3 system are at the top of the dash for easy access. Under the center armrest are two bins for storage the larger bin can hold compact discs. The glove box is big enough for small packages or purses. Pontiac also includes a handy 115V outlet next to the audio system to power laptops or small appliances a 12V outlet at the front of the center console is nearly hidden under the shift lever. Three clearly marked knobs for the HVAC system are within easy reach above a small storage bin on the center stack. The chrome-rimmed shift knob for the 5-speed manual sits above the center console. An 8,000 RPM tachometer flanks the centrally-mounted 130-MPH speedometer the odometer, fuel and coolant gauges, share a separate oval-shaped bezel. The driver faces a set of bright electroluminescent gauges in deeply inset pods. Interior materials and build quality are above average relative to most other compact hatchbacks from domestic and Asian manufacturers. Note that the new 5-speed automatic is only available with the 2.4L engine, except the Vibe AWD, which gets a standard 4-speed automatic.ĭespite its position at the bottom of the model lineup, the Vibe 1.8L is equipped with the basic amenities and features that customers would expect, such as power windows, locks, and cruise control. Given our performance-oriented preferences, we would spend the extra cash to move up to the Vibe 2.4L. The total sticker price was $17,940, including the $585 destination charge. The Preferred Package includes keyless entry, power door locks, power windows, and cruise control. We tested a base Vibe 1.8L, equipped with the 5-speed manual, Preferred Package ($945), air conditioning ($950), and upgraded AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system ($150). Significantly more expensive are the Vibe AWD ($19,495) and GT ($19,895), both equipped with the 2.4L engine. The front-drive Vibe 1.8L starts at an affordable $15,895 the optional 2.4L engine is $400 extra. Pontiac aims its compact hatchback at the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Dodge Caliber, and Mazda3, although the nearly identical Toyota Matrix is an obvious alternative. For 2009, an optional 2.4L inline-4 complements the Vibe's standard 1.8L engine. Although completely redesigned, Pontiac retained the styling cues and utility that attracted customers to the Vibe. Pontiac introduced the revamped Vibe just as high gasoline prices sent customers scurrying to smaller cars.
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