Picture Gallery: 2009 Pontiac Vibe AWD Discuss
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I drove the Toyota Matrix XR back in January, so getting behind the wheel of the Pontiac Vibe so soon afterwards was a great opportunity to determine if there are really any differences between these models besides a few option packages and styling. My Vibe tester had the same 2.4-litre engine as my Matrix tester, but instead of powering only the front wheels the Vibe was an all-wheel drive version — perfect for some of the winter weather I had while testing.
My tester was a 2009 Pontiac Vibe AWD, according to the paperwork from Pontiac. This is the base model AWD Vibe with a starting price of only $22,345, which makes the Vibe a direct competitor with, of course, the Matrix AWD but also the Subaru Impreza and perhaps the smaller Suzuki SX-4.
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The only option on my tester was the 1SF package. The automatic transmission, a four-speed, comes standard in the AWD Vibe, which is not available with the five-speed manual or the five-speed automatic that is offered in other models, which is a shame.
The 1SF package that my tester was equipped with includes: fog lights, 17-inch aluminum rims instead of the standard 16-inch steel rims (and of course 17-inch tires rather than the 16-inch ones). The Vibe AWD comes standard with: ABS, StabiliTrak stability control system including traction control, driver and front passenger airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags and air-conditioning.
Both the exterior and interior of the Vibe seem to appeal to me more than the Matrix. I’m not sure why really; there’s just something more fluid about the Vibe’s design, but the differences are subtle and I certainly would not make my decision when comparing these two vehicles based on looks alone.
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My tester, being fairly back to basics was, well, just that: basic. With pretty much only the controls for the radio and HVAC systems on the dash, there isn’t much to talk about. There is a little cubby hole just below the HVAC controls for your pens and the controls are all fairly easy to reach and operate.
One thing I did notice about the Vibe that was exceptional was how quickly it heated up the interior of the cabin even on extremely cold days. Within minutes warm air was blowing through the vents and I had to reduce the temperature to a cooler setting to avoid burning my fingers on the vents. The Vibe also provides a 115-volt plug integrated into the centre console, which is perfect for the multitude of electronic devices people tend to carry these days.
Interior wise, both the Matrix and the Vibe are similar with just some design cue changes, but the Vibe seems to have a more solid feel to its interior layout. Although panel gaps were not perfect in my tester between the radio and the centre stack, the rest of the interior seemed well built with no rattles.
Head room is ample due to the high roofline and cargo space is good, but the lack of a tonneau cover is a huge pet peeve for me. This should be included with any hatch / wagon vehicle free of charge.
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On the road the Vibe is, surprisingly, vastly different than the Matrix XR I drove. The Matrix provided a rather firm and jarring ride and did not feel very substantial on the road. The Vibe AWD, on the hand, has a much softer ride, but still sporting enough to have fun, especially in the snow.
The four-speed automatic is somewhat of a disappointment. I’d like to see more gears for better fuel consumption but the 2.4-litre engine certainly is powerful enough with an output of 158hp. The Vibe AWD has no problems getting moving and I was really not wanting for too much more.
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The traction and stability program on the Vibe seems to be a little more forgiving than the one on the Matrix, but this could be due to the Vibe’s AWD capabilities.
Paul Williams drove this same car during the “Bring it On!” series and commented on his fuel consumption of 12.5L/100km, which does seem rather on the high side. Myself, I drive mostly highway and even more so in the Vibe, so I was able to get better consumption at 10.5L/100km. Although still not stellar, this is not bad considering the weather. That said, though, Natural Resources Canada rates the Vibe AWD’s consumption at 7.8L/100km highway and 10.3L/100km highway.
Based on my two test drives in the past couple of months and the deals likely to be available on the Pontiac, if I were shopping I think I would be leaning towards the Vibe – but certainly do yourself a favour and drive both.
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May 20, 2009, 09:35:08 am I agree that of the two vehicles, the '09 Vibe has the Matrix beat in the looks department.
As an owner of a 2003 Matrix XR, I have appreciated the great fuel economy and interior load space of the Matrix. For me, the 1.8L engine with 5 speed manual has more than enough power for my driving. On highway trips to New Mexico, I have logged over 38 mpg.
I wish they would offer a fully loaded Vibe with the 1.8L engine instead of the 2.4L. I like the options, but don't want or need the added power and lowered fuel economy of the 2.4L.
May 20, 2009, 10:27:00 am Isn't this too late for this model. Who is Pontiac anyway.
May 20, 2009, 11:32:20 am Pontiac? I remember those from when I was a kid....didn't they go out of business or something?
May 20, 2009, 12:47:51 pm
The Vibe has always looked better than the Toyota version, imo. And with better pricing and more incentives because it's a GM, why would anyone buy the Matrix anyway?
May 20, 2009, 12:55:14 pm we doan need no stinkin' BADGES on similar cars isn't that wot Pontiac/Gm/Obamobile decided.........overpriced minis CUV's whose daze have passed..but there is "ONE" born every minute.............Buy them 2nd hand if U must they are dropping like "cold cakes"!!!........that is sh*t mileage ...buy the Rav 4.............
May 20, 2009, 02:33:10 pm
As an owner of a 2003 Matrix XR, I have appreciated the great fuel economy and interior load space of the Matrix. For me, the 1.8L engine with 5 speed manual has more than enough power for my driving. On highway trips to New Mexico, I have logged over 38 mpg.
I wish they would offer a fully loaded Vibe with the 1.8L engine instead of the 2.4L. I like the options, but don't want or need the added power and lowered fuel economy of the 2.4L.
I'm with you. The 2.4 is a very thirsty engine compared to the 1.8, but I don't think it feels powerful enough to offset that. For its fuel consumption, the 2.4 should be making at least 170 hp, not the 158 it makes in the Matrix/Corolla.
May 20, 2009, 04:14:27 pm I suspect the Matrix AWD version is going to be relatively short lived in it's current form. The 2.4 is a carry over from the Camry and the 4 speed auto is out of date.
May 20, 2009, 05:05:16 pm I'd be interested, but the fuel economy is disappointing. Same money as the Impreza, inferior AWD and less power but the same fuel consumption.
The only real advantage of the Matrix/Vibe over the Subaru is the lower service costs if you go by the book. (Subaru has costly "inspections" every 6K, where Toyota has simple/cheap oil/filter changes every 8K)
May 21, 2009, 12:52:46 am As a former owner of a 2004 Vibe, I can tell you that the cost-cutting in the current model is evident throughout. In fact, I was so disappointed that I ruled it off as a replacement when the lease on my 2004 model was up.
For example, the rear hatch glass no longer opens seperately, a feature which was actually very useful for long 2x4's. The fabric and plastic quality in the interior was clearly inferior than the first-generation model, and for safety considerations, the rear hatch base now has a "lip", which makes it difficult to slide heavy objects in and out. The roof bars and the fog lights are no longer standard options. The front passenger seat on the base model no longer fold forward all the way down, as it did in the first generation, unless you pay for it as an option. This was a veryuseful feature for loading long objects, or as a temporary platform for the laptop when working on the road (not while moving of course).
In fact, the only noticeable improvement I saw was the inclusion of standard Stablitrak and ABS, both of which were options on the earlier model. There are now also standard side airbags, which were also not available in the first generation Canadian models (oddly, it was always available as an option on the US models).
In sum, very little mechanical improvement, but considerably downgrade in terms of quality of the trim bits and other features.
I think for my money, I'll look at an Impreza.
May 21, 2009, 05:53:47 am Why would anyone want to buy a Pontiac Vibe over a Toyota Matrix? Try resale value. Your Vibe will be worth a pile of doodoo in 5 years when they stop making parts, let alone right after you take the car off the lot. I can't believe how short sighted people are.
TCO= total cost of ownership is something that is sorely overlooked by car buyers. Edmunds.com is a great site for telling you which car will be the cheapest to run from a reliability, depreciation, maintenance and operation point of view.
May 21, 2009, 05:59:09 am The Pontiac Vibe = the best car Pontiac never made.
If you can't beat 'em (the imports), let your competition make 'em.
Pontiac should have let Toyota make all of their cars, then maybe they wouldn't be going out of business (and Chrysler for that matter as well).
May 21, 2009, 07:59:12 am goonboy, parts don't fall off the face of the earth when Pontiac goes away that is short sighted IMO. Plus it is a matrix, Toyota will stock the parts. Aftermarket always has parts available as a last resort (or first as they are always cheaper anyways)
May 21, 2009, 08:59:23 am I have a hard time getting my head around buying a car based on how much money you will lose selling it. I suppose if you know that you will sell your car every 5 years becuase you want a new car every 5 years . But with todays cars the LIFE of the car is much longer than 5 years. If you keep the car for 10 years the difference in depreciation between a Vibe and a Matrix is likley not relevant.
Deprectiation is theoretical until you actually sell the car.
As for the Vehicle itself the high fule consumption and 4 speed auto make it pretty unappealing . I'd take an Impreza any day.
May 21, 2009, 11:07:20 am The reason I bought the Matrix over the Vibe in 2003 wasn't price. At that time, the models were almost identical in price. The biggest reason then was the ugly Pontiac plastic cladding on the Vibe was a huge turnoff for me. I've seen how that cheap plastic ages in the sun and is hard to keep clean. The Matrix on the other hand, didn't have that plastic.
May 22, 2009, 01:39:16 am
May 24, 2009, 01:14:52 pm To anyone who thinks that the Vibe is the best Pontiac, obviously hasn't driven any other models. The G8 is clearly the best Pontiac, and the best large car under 50K, period. Don't believe me, pick up a Car & Driver, Motor Trend, or Automobile magazine once in a while. The Vibe should have been offered with the 2.2 or 2.4 ecotec engines. More power and similar, if not better mileage. That 1.8 might be okay for a lightweight Corolla, not a heavier wagon like the the Matrix and Vibe.
May 24, 2009, 01:53:55 pm ^^ Interesting that the G8 is an imported vehicle but the Vibe is build in North America. The Global Village indeed.
May 24, 2009, 09:14:52 pm
I'd far, far, far sooner have a G8 than a Vibe.
Or a Matrix for that matter.
Speaking of the G8....there must be some decent discounts on them now that Pontiac is walking dead. Hats off to someone.
May 26, 2009, 07:25:44 pm
Solciting donations for the "Buy mmret a G8" fund, are we?