This is definitely a vehicle for people on the move, active folks who want their car to step to the plate wherever they take it.
The 2003 Pontiac Vibe offers three in one
I went in for the Grand Cherokee Overland, I ended being satisfied with the
2003 Pontiac Vibe. I could not take my eyes off this new vehicle built at the New United Motors Manufacturing assembly complex in Fremont, California. In fact, I quickly made my intentions known to my assigned car salesman who will be here named Peter. Being a new addition to the dealership, he did not hesitate to help me out. I soon learned that this new vehicle which has the
features of a sports car, sport wagon and SUV all at the same time is the result of a 17-year joint venture between famed General Motors and Toyota. What else can a buyer get on the market in terms of research, combined know-how, quality, reliability and years of experience? At the end of my test drive, I came out quite satisfied and impressed.
My tester was the Vibe GT
Later on, I will address the various specifications in relation to engine performance as developed by the manufacturer
The first thing that will attract you to this new Pontiac is its genuine good looks. Beyond these exterior qualities, after driving it around, you will be in awe of its strong running gear as in the suspension hardware which can be tuned to the max to get the most juice out of the modern chassis. In fact, you will find the MacPherson struts which exist in front of the base Vibe while the GT configurations are equipped with torsion beam in the rear.
At this point, it's worth noting the various engine performance numbers. Just any eager car salesman, Peter did not take long to spill out the following statistics:
The base Vive: 130 hp at 6,000 rpm and 125 lbs-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm;
Vibe GT (my tester): 180 hp at 7,600 rpm and 130 lbs-ft or torque at 6,800 rpm;
Vibe AWD: 123 hp at 6,000 rpm and 118 lbs-ft at 4,2000 rpm.
In case I wanted to purchase this vehicle, I wanted to know more about the fuel economy of each one of them. For the base Vibe manual, he said it's 30/city 35 highway; base Vibe automatic 28 city/33 highway; Vibe AWD 26 city/31 highway and Vibe GT 21 city/28 highway. The Eureka moment happened when I realized that my tested had the best fuel economy on the road. Unleaded gasoline is used on all three versions of the 1.8 L four-cylinder Vibe.
On the exterior, you will notice that there is a great resemblance between the Vibe and recently introduced darling of Toyota. That's why some enthusiasts even say that the Vibe is a sibling of two Toyotas, the Corolla and the Matrix. Having test-driven both of these vehicles, I can tell you about the smooth drive that I experienced in the Vibe on the local highways. I had no problem accelerating on the freeways. Powered by the Toyota 1.8L DOHC VVT-i (variable valve timing with intelligence) 16-valve four-cylinder engine, the Vibe takes well to the road. It offers lots of space, room once you are inside this vehicle. No problem with head, leg and hip room!
When it comes to seating, it's very versatile. It's up to you to configure it to meet your passenger and cargo needs. I did not have the opportunity to load it up with kids and friends. But the potential is there. Car salesman, Peter, was too eager to demonstrate the various possibilities that exist inside this vehicle. He quickly folded the front passenger seats flat enough to accommodate any cargo. In addition, there is an addition to the dashboard. Instead of the normal powerpoint, you will have a regular electrical outlet that puts out 110 volt of electricity now. Forget about an adapter.
I previously mentioned all the possibilities for cargo carrying on this Pontiac. Take a look at the hooks and tie-downs that are available to you. You can create as much space and storage in the back. The carpeted cargo area is replaced by a plastic surface that you can easily clean if it ever gets dirty as a result of a spill.
Great visibility, spacious internal environment, body-parts Room, comfort, safety are some of the great features on this Vibe
Valuable little features: storage bin armrest and dual cupholders
I felt quite comfortable in the Vibe. Since it was early evening drive, I had the chance of seeing how the interior get lit. The displays and controls are backlit in red and very easy to decipher. Sitting in the driver's seat reminds me of any Cadillac and Honda which are known for space for both driver and passenger. You will enjoy the seating in the Vibe.
I am very picky when it comes to safety and security features. There is the standard safety and security features which comprise dual front airbags, fog lights and daytime running lights. Now, you can also add some options. For example, the Vibe AWD adds four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock. While the base Vibe is equipped with a five-speed manual, the all-wheel drive model comes equipped with a 4-speed automatic. Once again, the automatic transmission on the base Vibe will cost you some money.
Some other optional features include but are not limited to the following: alarm system, driver and front passenger side-impact air bags, first aid kit, DVD navigation system, AM/FM stereo with six-disc CD changer in the cargo compartment.
Let me summarize the ways I like this Vibe
I have test-driven many new vehicles lately. So far, I remain impressed by the Honda Pilot, the 2002 Toyota Camry LE, Toyota Sienna Symphony, Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Infiniti series, but the Pontiac Vibe clearly stole my breath. This was to happen when you have the collaboration of two great car-manufacturers, Toyota and GM. Let's hope that more of this combo work gets done more often.
Before you make up your mind on any other vehicle, I would advise you to try either one of these Vibe models. Only the cost may be a deterrent. After comparing with the competitors out there, you will realize that it's well priced. The Vibe is good for the money! Lots of great value!
Funny Disclaimer
This review is only a drop in the bucket; it's not meant to be the definitive barometer of your decision-making process
All I hope is that this review has helped you make up your mind to a certain measure. Keep in mind that you have brought to its reading many years of your own experience, subjectivity, expertise, personal taste, snobbery (why not after all and who is not? Check my recent book review on the subject!), your economic and social positions in life and many other considerations without forgetting those of your spouse and children.
You see, this review is just a drop in the bucket. It's such a minimal contribution to you. However you judge it, my greatest hope is that it gets you started on your purchasing endeavors! In other words, feel free to discard this review and read another one. My ego is not attached to it at all!
********************************* (please copy and paste!)
Read other equally relevant car reviews:
2003 Honda Pilot
http://www.epinions.com/content_70690639492
*********************************
MINI Cooper Is All The Rage Now: Read About It Below
http://www.epinions.com/content_72057720452
Review of 2002 Toyota Camry
http://www.epinions.com/content_72798277252
CarsBelowInvoic e
edmunds.com
