I had an opportunity to do a walk around and review the 2009 Pontiac
Vibe with Dave Poniatowski, Pontiac Product Manager of the Vibe and
Solstice. It was a bit of a change of pace from all the focus that was
placed on the three new entrants (Solstice Coupe, G8 GXP, and G8 Sport
Truck). Many of our readers have asked about the Vibe and Dave was kind
enough to give me a personal tour at the New York Auto Show last week.
Dave
Poniatowski says, "There is a lot to be proud of on this vehicle. I
think the young, bright, female driver would be a perfect match for the
Vibe. In addition to the above, we offer the range of options to
personalize the vehicle (from 16-inch steel wheels to the 18-inch GT
wheels we reviewed, AWD, Roof Racks, Sunroof ... and the list goes on).
From a performance standpoint, the 2009 model offers two more powerful
engines than the 2008 models, as well as reduced noise / vibration
levels."
So here's some "brag points" from Pontiac that you may find helpful.
First, the 2009 Vibe is positioned as three models, each with
its own unique trim and performance characteristics: Vibe, AWD, and GT. Okay,
that's nice, but why should women consider this vehicle?
Price: Vibe starts at under $16K.
Fuel
Economy: With fuel costs a big issue these days, the Vibe, equipped
with the 1.8L engine will get EPA estimated 26/32 MPG with the manual, 25/31 MPG with the available automatic.
Functionality:
The Vibe has a great rear cargo area (plenty of room, easy-clean
surfaces, tie down points, four grocery bag hooks built in), but it is
enhanced with the following features:
- Available 60/40 split folding rear seats (for even more storage space)
- Available passenger front fold flat seat (for that "move into college" day when more storage is needed)
- Available innovative rear cargo organizing system (pops up from floor storage - for shopping days)
- Separate wet storage area forward of the organizer
- Large glove box to store items
- Purse / bag hanger in passenger foot well area (one of eight bag hangers if the cargo organizer is in the vehicle)
- Great door pocket storage, including provisions for 20-oz bottles
- Ipod storage right below the radio
Youthful: Interested in fun?
- Auxiliary jack in the radio to plug in the MP3 player
- 115 V outlet in the center console to power personal electronic devices
- AM/FM/XM/CD player Standard
- Optional upgrade to CD player with MP3 format playback
- Optional 320W 7 Speaker Monsoon system with an integrated 8-inch subwoofer
Safety: Always an issue with me and many women visiting AskPatty.com:
- FWD with available AWD
- 4 wheel disc breaks Standard
- ABS and Traction Control Standard
- Stabilitrak Standard
- OnStar w/ 1 year safe and sound included Standard
- Six (6) airbags standard, including roof rail system for both front and rear seats
- Standard Electronic Power Rack and Pinion Steering (No fluid => queiter, no fluid to check / leaks, better on cold start - stiffness eliminated, and contributes to better MPG).
Got a great "vibe" from taking a closer look at the Pontiac Vibe...check it out!
Jody DeVere
President
www.askpatty.com
www.carblabber.com
automotive advice
