ROUND THE BLOCK: 2009 PONTIAC VIBE AWD
Categories: Round the Block
Written By: Isaac Bouchard
THE DRIVER: The Toyota/GM joint venture that produces the Vibe and Matrix is well served here. The Vibe is very comfortable, with an incredibly refined ride and low levels of noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH).
It is no sportswagen, though. The four-speed automatic’s wide ratios, combined with the weight of the all-wheel drive hardware, blunt the performance served up by the smooth 2.4-liter engine (158hp & 162lbs/ft torque). And the electric power steering is videogame-like in its artificial feel.
But if one adopts a more laid back driving persona, it is thoroughly engaging. And of course, very practical, with a deep load area and lots of thoughtful features—though it does need more power outlets in front for all the gizmos the target demo usually possesses. It’s nicely assembled and stylish inside as well.
THE BROKER: The GM siblings in this joint venture usually suffer come resale time, compared to the mechanically identical Toyotas. Figure the Vibe will be worth roughly $1000-1500 less a year old than the Matrix. But if the rebates or special finance are there, or as a six-month old ‘program car’ (i.e. ex-rental rocket), it still makes sense. The Pontiac also has the better powertrain warranty: 5years/100,000.
THE (ROCKY MOUNTAIN) MAN: This is the type of vehicle many people here find very useful; lots of room for all their cobber, and all-wheel drive. If one isn’t looking for anything sporty, it makes a great choice here with fuel at $4/gal for the foreseeable future.
PRICE AS TESTED: $22,615
