2009 Pontiac Vibe

Our test car was a base model with the under hood upgrade to the 2.4-liter with four-speed autobox. The engine is snappy off the line and has ample power for all driving situations. While somewhat loud at wide-open throttle, it’s notably less vocal than the previous generation. EPA estimates for fuel economy range from 26/32 for a 1.8 FWD manual to 20/26 for an AWD automatic. Our car was rated at 21/29, and we logged 24 mpg—a little less than one might expect in a small, front wheel driver. Front suspension in all models is the same: MacPherson strut. Rear suspension varies according to model choice. The base model gets a torsion beam setup, while AWD and GT models have an independent, multi-link rear suspension.

Vibe feels nimble and stable on the road, and its compact size makes it easy to fit into parking spaces or squeeze into tight traffic. That’s a skill this Pontiac will get plenty of practice at. The new Vibe is slick looking and versatile, but it now shares the crossover stage with an ever expanding cast of competitors, all vying for the same role. Tight traffic, indeed.

About the Author
A native of New York’s Hudson River Valley, Dan Lyons has been reviewing cars in print and online for the past 20 years.