In the GT trim level, the Vibe featured body-colored bumpers and side protections. It just tried to offer something different and more useful for its customers. With the GT version, Pontiac aimed at the hot-hatch segment. But the Matrix/Vibe GT was a daring task, and both manufacturers understood that failure could be supported better if shared, and that was exactly what happened with the duo and was one of the reasons why the Pontiac brand was axed as a brand. This kind of cross-brand badge engineering process was unusual for competing companies and more often seen between brands within the same family. Toyota and General Motors joined forces and developed the Matrix for the Japanese automaker and Vibe GT for Pontiac. Pontiac introduced the Vibe GT in 2003 as a mix of more vehicles, creating one of the best crossovers on the market, but it was too daring for those times. The most basic model had a price of around $16.000 and could go up to $20.000 for the most equipped Vibe. The standard features on the Vibe included ABS, traction control, 6 airbags and the On-Star system that included automatic crash notification and stolen vehicle location assistance. Inside the cabin of the Vibe were high quality plastics, although the design was not out of the ordinary and was nothing luxurious. The base price of the GT was around $19,000 and could come with an optional $700 sunroof.įull description and technical specificationsĪn all-wheel-drive system was also available and was mated to a 4-speed automatic gearbox only, unlike the front-wheel-drive that could be mated with a 5-speed manual gearbox as well. All seats were folding flat to ease carrying long items. The trunk space could be extended by folding all seats besides the driver’s. The ride with the GT model was improved with the multi-link independent rear suspension that provided a better driving control. Standard on the GT models was the 2.-4-liter engine developing 158 hp and users could choose between the standard 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic transmission. The GT models were equipped with standard leather upholstery and a 3-spoke steering wheel. The Vibe was also available in a GT trim level and had a more aggressive look with the roof spoiler, the large fog lamps, the lower intake ducts and the polished exhaust tips. The profile of the Vibe got us thinking about a coupe shape, due to the rising belt line and the sloping roof line, but it was still a 4-door wagon. Larger than the model introduced in 2003, the crossover-like hatchback was taller than many other cars and still drove like a sedan, with a good precise steering and a good suspension. It offered lots of versatility due to the powerful engines available, along with impressive cargo space and great fuel consumption. A 4-speed auto was on the options list, depending on the engine version.The Pontiac Vibe was a compact 4-door hatchback with a sporty styling. It was available with a 5- or 6-speed manual. The Vibe was offered with a choice of engines from Toyota. A 110 V power outlet was included in the dashboard, which was good for camping. Even the front passenger seat could have been folded to extend the loading area up to 8 feet long (2.44 m). In the rear, the bench was foldable, forming a completely flat floor. A DVD-based navigation system was on the options list. The high-mounted audio system offered as standard was a CD-radio, with an option for a 6-CD in-dash audio system. The instrument cluster was arranged with four chromed dials. ![]() Inside, the Vibe featured a high seating position, like in an SUV. But the side windows were closer to the Corolla Verso. The front fascia was with the characteristic Pontiac elements. The design was a mix between Toyota's angular styling to the newly discovered cross-over segment. ![]() It was a factory that lost money for both partners until 2009 when it was shut down by Toyota after GM pulled back due to the closing of the Pontiac brand.īased on the same platform with the Corolla, the Vibe was the twin brother of the Matrix with which it shared most of the components. The result was known as NUUMI (New United Motor Manufacturing Inc.). General Motors offered a partnership to Toyota in 1984 in its Californian factory. It was the most fuel-efficient GM car in North America until 2008. Pontiac Vibe was the result of a common project between General Motors and Toyota.
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