NEW FOR 2008:

Click image to enlarge Images courtesy: Pontiac

- Available OnStar Safety and Security Program
- Available side seat airbags

For 2008, the Pontiac Vibe is unchanged. It is a sister car to the Toyota Matrix, and both cars will be redesigned in the early part of 2008 as 2009 models.

The Vibe uses a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine, mated to a five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic. Brakes are disc/drum and can be optioned with ABS; StabiliTrak electronic stability control and traction control are available.

Sold in a single trim line, the Vibe's standard features include 16-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, fog lamps, power mirrors, roof rack, variable intermittent front and rear wipers, floor console, floor mats, 115-volt outlet, rear cargo track system, fold-flat front passenger seat, 60/40 flat-folding rear seat, and CD stereo.

Available options include side and curtain airbags, power locks, 17-inch aluminum wheels, cargo cover, cruise control, power windows, six-CD stereo and leather seats.

An excellent alternative to a compact SUV, the Vibe drops in price from 2007 levels, and offers a small footprint and better fuel economy than many utility vehicles, but with excellent cargo-carrying capacity. The rear seats fold and form a flat plastic floor that contains tracks for movable cargo tie-downs. Compare it to other tall wagons such as the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Chevrolet HHR and Suzuki SX4, as well as the Toyota Matrix.