Pontiac Vibe and Toyota introduced latest product

Pontiac Vibe and Japanese automaker Toyota introduced all-new 2009 Pontiac Vibe, is the latest product of General Motors' 20+ year joint venture. The new Vibe is mechanically identical to Toyota's Matrix. Both cars are based on Toyota's compact Corolla platform and both use Toyota-sourced engines.Like the original Vibe, the new car is differentiated from its Toyota-branded cousin primarily by styling.These goodies come standard on the sport-themed Vibe GT, which also gets leather-trimmed seats, Monsoon stereo, 18" alloy wheels and unique front-end styling.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. 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 base engine for the Vibe remains a 1.8-liter four-cylinder that now makes 132 hp.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. A front-wheel-drive Vibe with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a five-speed automatic improves on those figures slightly, to 21/29 mpg. Fortunately, the 1.8-liter four-cylinder offers up to 26/32 mpg with the five-speed manual transmission. I briefly had the chance to drive a Vibe with the 1.8-liter four-cylinder and four-speed automatic and found that it offers acceptable power, though the engine doesn't sound great when revved hard. With fuel prices as high as they are, this model offers a good blend of performance and efficiency


Pontiac Vibe is handsome and practical, and Pontiac should be applauded for their decision to make antilock brakes and electronic stability control standard. These are critical safety features that can make the difference between an accident and a near miss.simplicity isn't the Vibe's sole virtue. Thanks to a standard height-adjustable driver's seat and tilt-and-telescope steering column, drivers of all shapes and sizes can get comfortable. The back seat provides
plenty of head- and legroom, and the cargo area is lined in hard plastic, which means it's immune to stains and smells. The back seats -- also backed with hard plastic -- fold down to form a perfectly flat load floor, and you can even fold down the front passenger's seat to haul extra-long cargo.

The Pontiac Vibe is a great little car. It may not be the most entertaining to drive, but it's practical, versatile, safe and handsome.All of this makes Pontiac's redesign of its Vibe for the 2009 model year look very smart.
Pontiac Vibe hasn't been crash tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. All Vibes have antilockbrakes, side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags, an electronic stability system, andactive head restraints for the front seats.