http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/ Autoblog Comments for In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Pontiac Vibe http://www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/Apr 25th 2008 4:18PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/Apr 25th 2008 4:20PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/
It was a pretty good car overall, but I'd prefer the standard vibe with the best rims I could get... the 2.4 certainly isn't impressive, and the fuel economy was just OK... I got about 24mpg. I would guess the 1.8 is quite a bit better on fuel.]]>Apr 25th 2008 5:39PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/
I think the Pontiac version is better looking than the Toyota. We need more people driving these types of cars than gas guzzling CUVs and SUVs.

]]>Apr 25th 2008 5:59PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/Apr 25th 2008 7:01PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/
I think you'll be disappointed in the steering. It's typical Toyota EPS--pretty good path control, but the wheel feels utterly numb and the obviously artificial weighting manages to be both stiff (when turning) and rubbery (on lock). The prev-gen hydraulic setup was much better.

The GT version's ride is also awfully busy, with heavy-footed "grainy" sensations--this chassis really doesn't want to run low-profile tires or 17" alloys.

The high cowl and beltline make this new generation feel a lot bulkier to drive, not to mention darker inside. It feels more substantial and less tinny than the previous Vibe, but it's definitely a flabbier, less fun hatch to drive.]]>Apr 26th 2008 1:25AMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/Apr 25th 2008 4:27PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/I do like the looks of the Vibe/Matrix myself.]]>Apr 26th 2008 7:45AMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/
Our neighbors have a previous-generation Matrix, and the new Vibe (and presumably the new Matrix) seem to have an even higher rear beltline and even smaller side/rear window area. Why does this have to get worse just for the sake of style? Drivers need to be able to see out in any direction at a moment's notice.

The Vibe is produced (as noted) at the NUMMI factory in Fremont, CA; it's the latest of the Corolla-based, GM-labeled cars built there for more than 20 years. Cars from there last a long time; I still see the occasional mid-1980s "Chevy Nova" as well as its Geo/Chevy Prizm successors many years after they left NUMMI. We have a '99 Prizm 5-speed ourselves and would be surprised if it doesn't last 15-20 years. ]]>Apr 25th 2008 4:28PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/
Am I the only one that sees a degree of irony in GM choosing to offer a car that's essentially designed and engineered by *Toyota* under the umbrella of a brand that claims (however accurate or inaccurate it may be) to offer "driving excitement"?]]>Apr 25th 2008 4:28PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/
It's trying to be too many things at once, while we all know it's a fuel-efficient utilitarian vehicle.

But Pontiac isn't excitement now, Pontiac is CAR CAR CAR CAR CAR]]>Apr 25th 2008 4:45PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/Apr 25th 2008 5:29PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/Apr 25th 2008 5:32PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/Apr 25th 2008 5:54PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/
Like it or not, the Vibe was, for a long time, one of the few GM cars that didn't need cash on the hood to sell. It's also got great demographics and is well-positioned to win customers as the SUV market crashes. Oh, and it's a better car than the HHR or Optra, all around.

GM's dealers--at least in Canada--would scream blue bloody murder at one of their better-moving products no longer being available.]]>Apr 25th 2008 8:33PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/
The G8 has mullet appeal?

Stop breathing my air. You're clearly letting it go to waste.]]>Apr 26th 2008 12:08AMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/
Not a bad little vehicle...it would be cool if Pontiac was able to offer a GXP version of this car just like the HHR SS has. I realize they are obviously two completely different platforms, engine mounting points, trannies, yada, yada, yada...but hopefully you see my point.]]>Apr 25th 2008 4:35PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/i like the 'g8' style nose, maybe that will be a new trend for pontiac?
i think it looks better than the matrix, but i would also like to see a gxp version.

but i prob still wouldn't buy one, it's not something i would aspire to, and it doesn't suit my preferences more than my current car.]]>Apr 25th 2008 4:49PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/Apr 25th 2008 4:39PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/
I've always liked these two little hatches and I think they make excellent, fuel frugal little cars for commuting and hauling. It's just a shame they aren't more fun to drive. ]]>Apr 25th 2008 4:42PM