2009 Pontiac Vibe Griffin GA

November 3, 2009   By Alison Lakin, Associate Editor



2009 Pontiac Vibe
DriverSide Overview
Your thoughts might not immediately turn to the Pontiac Vibe when beginning your search for a reasonably priced crossover SUV . However, we recommend taking a long look in the Vibe's direction. The 2009 Pontiac Vibe is better than it's ever been, with a bolder exterior design and more standard features. Its energetic engine and sensible transmission separate its performance from the rest of the pack. The interior space is overwhelmingly practical and the seats are comfortable. The car's optional add-ons could frustrate you though - air-conditioning will set you back $950 and power windows, power locks and the like will also be an additional cost. Extras aside, we think the ease and drivability of the Vibe will win you over.








What's to Like
You've got to give the Vibe credit for being peppy. The steering has very little play to it at low speeds and the car accelerates quickly from a stop. The instrument panel is intuitive, and the passenger and rear seats fold down flat, giving you 49 cubic feet of interior space.

What's Not to Like
Rev the Vibe above 4,000 rpm and the engine sounds raspy. The interior is filled with low-grade plastics, reflective of the price of the car; and the climate control dials look like lids off a peanut butter jar.

The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
Driving the automatic feels comfortable, as if you've owned the car for years. That's not to say it's boring, just lacking in high rev excitement that can be found in competitors. Saying that, off the line the Vibe is quick and around corners, it's surprisingly responsive. This car shines in urban conditions, playing easily with stop-and-go situations. Throw it into the Driver Shift Control, and it adds a fun, but slightly finicky, dimension to the drive. The car's drivability falters at high speeds though, with the lack of feedback in the steering and louder cabin noise. Run it over a rough road and the tough suspension will be apparent.

Engine and Drivetrain
The Vibe is available in a five-speed automatic, with Driver Shift Control, or a standard five-speed manual with a 1.8L VVT-i (variable valve timing with intelligence), four-cylinder engine. The all-wheel drive and GT version have a standard 2.4L four-cylinder engine. This is an option that we'd definitely recommend getting as it produces a viable 158hp and 162 lb-ft of torque versus the 1.8L's 132 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque.

Interesting Vehicle Features and Options
Compared to the 2008 model, this year's Vibe has some competitive standard features as well as interesting options. If you're an audiophile, try the sun and sound package priced at $1,285. Included in the GT model, but optional in the others, it ups the sound to 320 watts and adds three speakers on top of the standard four. The trunk has a clunky, but handy, expandable cargo area, making grocery bag spi...

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