Vehicle Reviews

A four-door, five-passenger, front- or all-wheel drive sports wagon, the Vibe was redesigned for 2009 with a number of enhanced exterior, interior, and power features. For 2010, it is available in 4 trim levels: The Vibe 1.8L, Vibe 2.4L, Vibe AWD and Vibe GT. The 2010 Pontiac Vibe offers a modern re-mix of classic hit, infusing the functionality of a compact crossover with a bolder attitude of muscular styling, increased performance, and tight handling.

The 2010 Pontiac Vibe sees the addition of a few features like the exterior Ignition Orange Metallic color instead of Mystic Blue Metallic, standard air conditioning on all 2.4L-equipped models, luggage rack available on AWD models and cargo management package and Sun & Sound package is available on base 1.8L models. The base front-wheel-drive 1.8L Vibe comes standard with 16-inch wheels, a 1.8-liter engine, power mirrors, and a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, a four-speaker CD audio system with satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack. The Vibe 2.4L is equipped with air-conditioning and a sportier independent rear suspension in place of the standard torsion-beam setup. The GT employs the independent rear suspension and adds a rear spoiler, 18-inch alloy wheels, an upgraded 320-watt Monsoon audio system with MP3 playback, full power accessories, cruise control, keyless entry, leather and cloth sport seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel (With audio controls) and shift knob. For all but the GT there is the available Preferred package, which provides full power accessories, cruise control and keyless entry.

A standard 1.8-liter, inline-4, 132-horsepower engine drives the 1.8L trim. The 2.4L, AWD, and GT are powered by a standard 2.4-liter, I4 engine that pumps out 158- horsepower and 162 pound feet of torque. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard on all trims except the AWD. The AWD comes standard with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Estimated fuel economy with the 1.8-liter engine and four-speed automatic is a decent 26 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined, but it drops to 21/29/24 with the 2.4-liter and five-speed automatic (20/26/22 with AWD).

The Vibe is designed to be one of the segment's safest vehicles with comprehensive design and technology features that help protect occupants before, during, and after a crash. Electronic stability control; OnStar; anti-lock disc brakes; traction control; six airbags; daytime running lamps; child safety locks; and a tire pressure monitoring system are some of the standard safety and security equipment that keep passengers and the driver safe within the Pontiac Vibe.