The practicality continues up front as well. Handy storage bins to store your stash of car collectibles are everywhere, allowing easy access to favorite CDs for the 6-disc in-dash 200-watt audio system. Don't let a lack of directions disturb your Mary J. Blige moment either. Instead relax and let the DVD-based navigation system guide you from A to B. While these features are optional, its standard amenities include a trip computer, A/C, 4-speaker CD audio and a dash-mounted 115-volt auxiliary power outlet. The latter is beyond convenient, especially when using a laptop on the flat-folded front passenger seat cum worktable. I plugged in a 3-outlet adaptor and added direct power to my cellular phone and digital camera charger as well.
If you weren't aware, the Vibe shares its platform, mechanicals and Fremont, California manufacturing plant with the new Toyota Matrix, through a joint venture company called New United Motoring Manufacturing Inc. (NUMMI). This relationship becomes strongly apparent once inside the car. Its quality of plastics, fit and finish and stylish yet tasteful interior design is better than any Pontiac to date. High-tech aluminum trim surrounds the gauge package, easily legible through a near-perfect three-spoke steering wheel. The positioning of its pedals is equally impressive. Accelerator and brake are well spaced for heal/toe actuation, while the clutch is light, but not too light. Steering input is direct and handling fabulous, especially in 17" alloy rimmed GT form. As well the driver's seating position is supportive for athletic maneuvers yet comfortable for long drives - as experienced personally from Sault Ste. Marie to Thunder Bay, ON (see www.drivethevibe.com for details).
Its base 130-hp 1.8-L 4-cylinder engine is on par with other vehicles in the compact sport wagon class. It revs easily, offers great fuel economy and should be bullet-proof reliable due to its Toyota Corolla roots. Move up from the front-wheel drive base car to AWD and strangely, power decreases. The number of cylinders and displacement stays the same yet produces a more modest 123-hp. The Vibe GT's Celica GT-S derived 180-hp engine with 6-speed manual would be my choice, but unfortunately isn't available with the AWD system.
If you weren't aware, the Vibe shares its platform, mechanicals and Fremont, California manufacturing plant with the new Toyota Matrix, through a joint venture company called New United Motoring Manufacturing Inc. (NUMMI). This relationship becomes strongly apparent once inside the car. Its quality of plastics, fit and finish and stylish yet tasteful interior design is better than any Pontiac to date. High-tech aluminum trim surrounds the gauge package, easily legible through a near-perfect three-spoke steering wheel. The positioning of its pedals is equally impressive. Accelerator and brake are well spaced for heal/toe actuation, while the clutch is light, but not too light. Steering input is direct and handling fabulous, especially in 17" alloy rimmed GT form. As well the driver's seating position is supportive for athletic maneuvers yet comfortable for long drives - as experienced personally from Sault Ste. Marie to Thunder Bay, ON (see www.drivethevibe.com for details).
Its base 130-hp 1.8-L 4-cylinder engine is on par with other vehicles in the compact sport wagon class. It revs easily, offers great fuel economy and should be bullet-proof reliable due to its Toyota Corolla roots. Move up from the front-wheel drive base car to AWD and strangely, power decreases. The number of cylinders and displacement stays the same yet produces a more modest 123-hp. The Vibe GT's Celica GT-S derived 180-hp engine with 6-speed manual would be my choice, but unfortunately isn't available with the AWD system.