The 2009 Vibe is a 4-door, 5-passenger wagon, available in 4 trims, ranging from the 1.8L to the GT.
Upon introduction, the 1.8L is equipped with a standard 1.8-liter, I4, 132-horsepower engine that achieves 26-mpg in the city and 32-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. The GT is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter, I4, 158-horsepower engine that achieves 21-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional.
The 2009 Vibe is redesigned for 2009. CarReview's expert review of the Pontiac Vibe is available HERE See pictures of the Pontiac Vibe posted in the photo gallery
Summary: Needs some comfort, convenience overhaul in interior. Otherwise good vehicle.
Strengths: Mileage, roomy cargo area, not too high or big exterior.
Weaknesses: Driving position- steering wheel does not tilt toward driver / awkard, tiring, & uncomfortable. Seat needs more back support- uncomfortable at times.
Dinky radio control knobs, dinky rear view mirror (can not see sides, too small mirror to point of unsafe). Windshield wiper mechanism (box) interferes w/ rear vision.
Control awkward & hard to reach (have to lean to right or take hand off steering wheel) - car seems to be made for someone about 4-5" taller than I am (5'"). Can't see fuel gauge w/o raising up, etc.
Annoying "dings" prematurely on seat belts- too loud to point of unsafe distraction (like at teller deposit- having to open door, etc.)
Should look at Saturn for GM sensibility in layout, intuitive user comfort etc.
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Rating Reviewed by: Jerry Fisher(Unregistered User)
Review Date May 8, 2008
Overall Rating 4 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Used product for More than 1 year
Visitors rate this review 5.00 of 5,
3.00 votes
Review 2 of 40
Price Paid:
$0.00
Summary: Excellent buy, very comfortable seats nice handling and visibility is good. Versatility works well. We transported a 5'X 10' rug and only had to fold down half the back seat. We are pulling a 950 pound trailer and have had no problems.
Strengths: comfort of seats, gas economy, versatility. Ease of doing maintenance.
Weaknesses: more interior noise than I'd like.
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Rating Reviewed by: Joe Call(Unregistered User)
Review Date November 12, 2006
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Used product for 1 to 3 months
Visitors rate this review 3.14 of 5,
7.00 votes
Review 3 of 40
Price Paid:
$16000.00
from laclair sales
Year / Model Reviewed: 2006 Vibe
Summary: This is actually an 07 with the 100,000 mile warranty.
I have the 5 speed manual and have found it to be a very tight and stable car. Fit and finish was excellent and I have no complaints. After all my GM discounts I paid only around $12,000 for this great car.
Mileage is rather astounding giving me anywhere from 33 to 36 in town MPG and HWY at 34 at an average 74 MPH.
The seats are far more comfortable than I expected and it is a quiet car with tons of room. I have to power window, door, etc. package and have found that very nice as well as the cruise.
Love this car and I have owned many Honda civics in the past, including SI's.
Similar Products Used: Honda Civics
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Summary: Overall a good little car with good gas mileage & good acceleration. Nice leather interior with the sports package. I got an after market sun roof(I was very hesitant at first)which is much better than factory because when you shut off the ignition, it automatically closes in 10 seconds. I feel for you guys that forget to close yours & then return to a car that forever has that musty, mildew smell after a rain in. You'd think the factory might be smart enough to figure an auto close. Now here's my venting: Passenger seat belt locked up & is inoperable. But here's my real complaint: Cruise control sucks!! The least little incline & this thing shifts down to a lower gear. That really eats up the gas mileage. Might as well not have it unless you're on very, very flat terrain. Took it in & they said that's the way it's supposed to operate. Anyone else have this problem?
Strengths: Sporty, head turner with good gas mileage. Fun to drive. I take it away from my 16 year old son every chance I get!
Weaknesses: BAD CRUISE CONTROL
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Summary: My Vibe is a great little car. I bought it during GM's employee-discount program in 2005. I also bought it because I needed better gas mileage for my work commute. My Vibe has not let me down in that department. I easily average 35-40mpg on highway driving.
The Vibe is peppy, fun to drive, and comes with a great sound system. Mine doesn't have many bells and whistles, but it has plenty of standard features that make it a great value. I have a 5-speed, which I think makes the engine more peppy and makes the car more fun to drive.
The Vibe's best feature is the ROOM! The back seats are cavernous. I am 6-foot, 350 pounds, and I can literally sprawl in the back seat. It's much more comfortable than my friends TrailBlazer - which is 4 times bigger! The cargo capacity is also great. Fold down the seats, and you literall have a truck bed of room to haul stuff.
The Vibe is a great commuter car. It's fuel efficient, has great looks and is a wonderful value. GM should make more cars like this one - then maybe they wouldn't be in such a fix!
Strengths: Fuel efficient, comfortable, tons of room, peppy motor, fun to drive, reliable (It's a Toyota with GM styling).
Weaknesses: Needs a telescoping steering wheel. The wheel is too close to the dash.
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