Pontiac Vibe 2004: The Weekly Driver Review

An 18-wheel vehicle will always win, and every truck driver knows that.
But there I was on a freeway entrance ramp, with a slight advantage on
a huge transport vehicle and momentarily battling with a truck driver
who just didn't want a 171-inch long Pontiac Vibe showing him up.

I accelerated, but the truck driver did the same and there wasn't a choice
to make. I slowed down, braked slightly and moved into position behind
the truck as the end of the ramp and a restraining wall drew quite near.
Within a few seconds, disaster awaited. But I remained calm, and the
Vibe handled the maneuver smoothly.

The brief, unsettling moment provided one of several impressive
experiences with the sporty wagon/mini SUV.

My test vehicle was the standard Vibe with a 130-horse power 1.8-liter,
four-cyclinder engine and a four-speed automatic transmission. The
second-year offering from Pontiac is also available in GT and All-Wheel
Drive (AWD) models that include ABS brakes as standard equipment.

While slightly shorter than a Honda Civic sedan, the Vibe's body is taller
and wider, and its versatility and practicality are readily apparent. Add
good gas mileage, spacious front and back seats and cargo area, and a
few unique features and the Vibe holds up well with against its
competitors -- the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Mazda Protege5, Subaru
Impreza Outback and Toyota Matrix.

In fact, the Vibe and Matrix are built in the factory and share many of the
same features.

Unlike some SUVs and wagons with restrictive vision, the driver of a
Vibe sits higher than the seating standard in many sedans, and the
result is a nearly panoramic perspective. The car maneuvers and
corners with confidence and while not known as a quick accelerator, the
Vibe has a sporty around-town feel. It fits easily in tight parking spaces
or around restrictive areas.

For me, the vehicle's best attribute -- its SUV space in a little-engine-
that-could-package -- was showcased in four diverse scenarios:

1. I offered a ride to a friend who needed a cargo-carrying vehicle to
pick-up his newly purchased 27-inch flat screen television. The TV was
packaged in an oversized box and I lowered the back seats as the
warehouse delivery person brought the TV to the back of the car. We
didn't need the extra space. With the back seats in their standard
position, the box fit fine, albeit it snugly.

2. With winter upon us, I rely on a local Pak & Save firewood supplier.
With the back seats down, two 4x4 loads of wood fit in the Vibe's cargo
area. Despite its small outside appearance, the Vibe has 57.2 cubic feet
of cargo space.

3. My wife is an artist. During my week with the Vibe, one of her local
shows had ended and she needed to bring home several large clay cat
sculptures. They were easily positioned in the back seat and we used
the safety belts for their transport, just as if they were human
passengers.

4. On a weekend day trip, I drove three passengers to the gold-mining
city Nevada City, Calif. The Vibe accelerated well and maneuvered with
confidence as we made the trip into the Sierra Nevada foothills.

Beyond varied driving scenarios, the Vibe offers clean, straightforward
and efficient instrumentation and several options not found on more
expensive vehicles.

An upgraded audio system includes an easy-to-operate XM digital
satellite radio and a power sunroof is touted as a "Moon and Tunes"
package. The "Power Group" package includes remote keyless entry,
power door locks, power windows and cruise control.

Another nice feature: the front passenger seat folds forward flat, with its
back panel designed as a work table. It rests within a foot of a 115-volt
AC power outlet for a laptop computer plug or other electronics.

2004 Pontiac Vibe

Safety Features -- Dual front air bags, daytime running lamps,
lap and shoulder safety belts.

Fuel Mileage (estimates) -- 29 mpg (city), 34 mpg (highway).

Warranty -- Basic, 3 yrs./36,000 miles; Drive train, 3 yrs./36,000
miles; road assistant, 3 yrs.,/36,000 miles; rust, 6 yrs./100,000 miles.

Price Range -- $16,485 - $23,260.

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James Raia is a syndicated journalist in Sacramento, California, who
writes about sports, fitness, travel and lifestyle topics as well as the car review colum, The Weekly Driver.

To read more car reviews, visit: The Weekly Driver

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