KansasCity.com's view

The Vibe is a new look for Pontiac, kind of a cross between a small SUV and a compact station wagon. It is built in cooperation with Toyota at the NUMMI plant in Fremont, Calif. The basic body structure and most mechanical components are shared with the Toyota Matrix.

With its twin-port grille, cat-eye headlamps and fog lamps, the Vibe is recognizably a Pontiac. It has a fast-back roofline and an integrated roof rack. While some of its styling cues are similar to the Aztek, it is a much more cohesive and integrated design.

Vibe speaks to a trend sparked by young buyers who want their vehicles to be practical, frugal and fun. It has a tall, station wagon style roofline and a fairly upright seating position. Even though the Vibe is stylishly designed, function is its first calling. Think of it as a mini-SUV that drives like a car and has optional all-wheel drive for scooting around in bad weather. The back seat folds down to create a flat floor that is covered in hard plastic instead of carpet. Two parallel channels in the floor have sliding anchors to facilitate fastening down cargo. The back of the front passenger seat folds forward and has a hard surface so it can be used like a table, but it also enables long items such as a step ladder, skis or lumber to be slipped inside. A 115-volt standard plug outlet is on the center console. It can be used to power any home appliance or laptop computer. Very practical as long as people don’t use it to blow-dry their hair while driving. Vibe prices start at $16,900 for the base model, $19,900 for the 180-horsepower Vibe GT and $20,100 for the all-wheel-drive model, which is what I drove.

All Vibes are either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and powered by a transversely mounted, all-aluminum, 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine built by Toyota. The base model has 130 horsepower while the GT gets a hyperactive 180 horsepower and a six-speed manual transmission. All-wheel drive models, available only with the automatic transmission, have 123 horsepower. (The GT is not available with all-wheel drive.)

The all-wheel-drive test car had adequate acceleration and midrange power, but the front-wheel-drive version with a manual transmission would feel livelier. The all-wheel-drive system basically drives the front wheels until they slip, at which time drive is then transferred to the rear wheels.

Vibe’s ride is confidently firm yet compliant. The rear suspension is a beam axle on front-wheel-drive models and independent on all-wheel-drive models.

The tall cabin has a number of benefits. Not only is it easy to get in and out, but there is generous leg- and headroom. The upright seating position gives a commanding view of the road without sitting up as tall as an SUV. The gearshift lever projects from a pod attached to the instrument panel. Large, round gauges are ringed with bright chrome trim, which is also used sparingly on the instrument panel and door pulls. The front seats were quite comfortable, and head- and legroom were generous.

The test car was equipped with the optional six-disc CD player and 200-watt stereo.

The liftgate glass can be opened separately, which is handy.

Expect to see more cars like the Vibe as buyers seek out young buyers who want function, fun and economy in one package.

Price
The base price of the test car was $20,100. Options included power door locks, keyless entry, power windows, cruise control, sunroof, 16-inch aluminum wheels and premium stereo. The sticker price was $21,900.

Warranty
Three years or 36,000 miles.

Point: The Vibe typifies a new vehicle segment targeted at young buyers. It has the function of a small SUV, the sportiness of a small sedan and the price of a compact. It is available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive, and with either a 130- or 180-horsepower engine. All-wheel drive adds security, but adds cost and cuts performance.

Counterpoint: he shiny plastic sections of the instrument panel looked a bit too bright for my taste, but then this car is not aimed at buyers my age. In this climate, I would opt for the front-wheel-drive version with a five-speed for better performance.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: 1.8-liter, 123-hp 4-cyl.
Transmission: automatic All-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 102.4 inches
Curb weight: 2,976 lbs.
Base price: $20,100
As driven: $21,900
Mpg rating: 26 city, 31 hwy.
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