If gas mileage is a big concern, you might want to steer clear of the AWD Vibe, as it gets 20/26 mpg city/highway. The base engine for the Vibe remains a 1.8-liter four-cylinder that now makes 132 hp. Its four-speed automatic transmission quickly kicks down if you need a little boost of power, and otherwise goes about the business of shifting gears without much fanfare, which is just what you want from an automatic. The newly optional 158-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that powers all-wheel-drive Vibes is strong enough to let you merge onto the highway without fear of being run down by traffic.
#2009 PONTIAC VIBE 2.4 DRIVER#
The highly assisted electric power-steering system doesn’t give the driver much feedback, but this is an easy car to drive, and the lack of road feel is a minor issue for a car in this class. On curvy roads, the Vibe resists body roll well, confidently making its way through turns. What does seem a bit excessive, though, is the amount of ambient noise you’ll hear from the suspension when traveling over bumps at highway speeds. On the highway, the Vibe treats passengers to a comfortable ride. This model’s four-wheel independent suspension skews toward the firm end of the spectrum - which isn’t all that different from a lot of cars. I tested a Vibe with all-wheel drive, a driveline that returns for 2009 after a brief absence from the lineup. Other changes to the front - new headlights and a restyled lower bumper - give the Vibe a sporty appearance (see a side-by-side comparison with the 2008 model). Pontiac’s recognizable twin-port grille is prominent and resembles the one on Pontiac’s new sport sedan, the G8. On the flip side, I like the Vibe’s new front-end styling. The plainness of the doors, however, makes the Vibe look a little slab-sided, and I found its overall shape a little bloated and bulbous from some angles, where the previous generation offered more athleticism. The Vibe, which is related to the Toyota Matrix, receives all-new exterior styling for 2009 that gives the car a much smoother appearance than before thanks to flowing lines in the side body panels and the disappearance of its cladding. Aside from a few shortcomings in the cabin, it’s a well-executed model overall. It offers enough room for a family of four and their belongings, and is available with all-wheel drive - a must-have feature for some drivers. The Vibe is particularly well-positioned for buyers who want to wean themselves off their SUV addiction. All of this makes Pontiac’s redesign of its Vibe for the 2009 model year look very smart.
Smaller is better these days, and the hatchback segment in particular is experiencing a resurgence. It wasn’t long ago that SUVs were the statement of choice for American drivers, but now, with the rapid rise of gas prices, they’ve gone from being coveted to being shunned.
It’s amazing how quickly things can change in the car world.
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