2003 Pontiac Vibe

The interior holds five and is configurable for varying cargo scenarios thanks to a fold-flat load floor and numerous storage spaces. One innovative feature is 110-volt AC outlets.

From the driver's perspective—which can be enhanced by manipulating the (standard) height-adjustable seat—the interior offers a cockpit-style orientation. Controls fall easily to hand. Audio controls (a CD player is standard) are just right of the gauge cluster, above the large knobs that control heating, (standard) air conditioning and ventilation.


Many cars have multiple power outlets, but the Vibe also has a standard, two-prong, 110-volt household-style electrical receiver, so a laptop or video game console can be plugged in. The front passenger's seatback folds forward to provide a flat surface for the driver's lunch or laptop. Evidence of the sort of thought that went into the Vibe's interior is shown in the fact that there are two levers that can flip that seat forward—one is where you might expect it, near the passenger's door, but the other one is on the driver's side of the seat.


The 60/40 split backseat also folds down, providing a cargo area that stretches all the way from the rear hatch to the right side of the dashboard, providing as much as 57.2 cubic feet for cargo. To hold that cargo securely, whether a snowboard or some garage-sale goody, the Vibe has parallel tracks that run the length of the rear cargo floor and contain eight adjustable tie-downs. Chromed tie-downs are also attached to the sides of the rear cargo area. Access to the cargo area is enhanced by the fact that the rear window opens independently of the larger hatchback. In addition to that large cargo area, the Vibe has 11 storage compartments, nine of which are concealed. Also hidden beneath the Vibe's exterior is the fact that it is built on the updated chassis that also underpins the 2003 Toyota Corolla.


The Vibe is available in three models: the $16,900 base Vibe (though it has much more standard equipment than you might expect in a base version), the $20,100 Vibe AWD (all-wheel drive) and the $19,900 Vibe GT (which features the same engine used in the Toyota Celica GT-S). All Vibes ride on front MacPherson strut suspensions. The base Vibe and Vibe GT have rear twist axles, while the Vibe AWD has an independent rear double-wishbone setup.

Toyota developed the Vibe's drivetrain. Power comes from a 1.8-liter inline-four, which produces between 125 and 180 horsepower depending on trim level.

The Vibe and Vibe AWD are powered by a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing. The engine provides 130 horsepower and 123 lb.-ft. of torque in the base Vibe, but because of exhaust-routing restrictions, it makes only 125 hp in the AWD application. The engine is noisy under hard acceleration, but the drivetrain quiets nicely at cruising speed. The base Vibe has a standard five-speed manual transmission so the driver can use all the engine's power. The AWD has a standard four-speed automatic; the combination doesn't provide awesome power, but it was responsive in passing situations on the freeway.