2009 2.4L 5AT Pontiac Vibe FWD 1SB. Rental Report

[coolmazda5]

I've read some articles comparing the Vibe/Matrix to the Mazda5, so I got one as a rental and decided to give it a check...

• Same color and looks as the one in the picture, but it had no roof rails nor fancy wheels, just 16in wheels'n'hubcaps
• The first gen Vibe rear was much sexier, the 09 one is just plain ugly. The MZ5 rear is not really sexy either but much better than the Vibe one. the 09 front looks OK, a little bit bloated though
• 2.4L 5AT engine (158hp), loved it, that thing runs well even with AT. Its manumatic is fun to drive, very good torque and quick acceleration (empty, of course)
• The plasticky interior finish looks so-so. I like the Mazdas' finish better
• Liked the luminescent gauges, I do believe those don't change from the 1st gen
• Car profile/shape may be similar to a MZ5, but definitely the cargo space is no comparison at all. Whoever wrote articles comparing it to a Mazda5 is just living on a different planet
• Handling: Mazda 1 - Pontiac Vibe 0
• Fuel economy: great, the car feels very light for the engine too, which is good I guess

 

[stillageek]

I owned a 2003 Toyota Matrix XRS. That car was a screamer. 8100 RPM redline. 1.8 180 horsepower naturally aspirated wonder. With the 6 speed manual it was purred around town, once I put my foot in it all inside conversations stop after 6K RPM. I also think the previous generation Vibe/Matrix were better looking and performing. The new Vibe GT and Matrix XRS models are a joke.

 

[P5w3kids]

I haven't driven the new Vibe, but have driven the new Matrix is S trim. Nearly everything about the car was a disappointment, beginning with the clang you hear when shutting the door.

 

[coolmazda5]

I owned a 2003 Toyota Matrix XRS. That car was a screamer. 8100 RPM redline. 1.8 180 horsepower naturally aspirated wonder. With the 6 speed manual it was purred around town, once I put my foot in it all inside conversations stop after 6K RPM. I also think the previous generation Vibe/Matrix were better looking and performing. The new Vibe GT and Matrix XRS models are a joke.

Yes, I actually thought the 1st gen Pontiac Vibe looked OK, at least the rear (you know that it is difficult to do that in wagons, Mazda5 leading the pack of weird looking butts), but for the 2nd gen the rear window shape and overall liftgate design its just awful

 

[mrbwa1]

The old Vibe was a nice car. We nearly bought one a few years back, but couldn't get a good trade -in because I had a GM Supplier discount and the dealer decided that they need to re-coup the $3000 discount by telling me my trade-in was worth $3000 less the blue book.

We drove a base 1.8L 5sp and it was pretty sweet. Glad we waited and got the 5 though. Now that 160 (or was 180)HP Vibe GT motor would be freakin sweet in my Toyota ECHO...

 

[DaleNixon]

New for 2009! Less rear visibility!

It almost looks like a baby Magnum from the back.

Edit: Holy crap there's a lot of room on that rear bumper for the exhaust. First mod: 8" tip, yo!

In all seriousness though, I think this 2009 model is actually an improvement. I've never liked the Vibe/Matrix look of previous years.

 

[ForceFed]

My buddy Just got his Wife a New Vibe GT a couple weeks ago...Not to bad IMHO..ANd SHe loves it.

 

[paging_drburgos]

I've never liked the Vibe/Matrix look of previous years.

(mswerd)

I do actually like the way the new Vibe looks. I've seen a few of them around town, and i like it. I also like the way the new matrix looks but i'd choose the VIbe over the Matrix this time (OMG i just said i would take a domestic over an import, somebody check my vitals)

 

[eilros25]

I had a 2004 Vibe and loved it. It was pretty roomy and got great mileage. Lots of pep too. However, I don't see how anyone can compare it to a M5. They are completely different vehicles.