Car & Caboodle: Test Drive: 2009 Pontiac Vibe

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Test Drive: 2009 Pontiac Vibe - Fun for Starter Families

February 11, 2008

I've been driving big cars for so long that it's nice to be reminded of the simple joys of a smaller car. Nimble darting between cars, taking the curves and hills of windy roads, and easy parking is just some of the things missed when an SUV is your everyday car. Well, last week, I had the chance to test drive one of the first 2009 Pontiac Vibes. While the Vibe might not have the charm or cache to be the star of a movie like the Mini Cooper, this product of a Toyota/GM joint venture is just a fun car to drive.

Great for Starter Families
What makes the Vibe interesting for families, especially starter families, is its versatility and pricing. For the price, this car meets a lot of small family needs. Plenty of storage, lots of air bags, three rear seat Latch positions, GM's OnStar standard in all models, and an optional 320-watt booming stereo system. For young parents on the go, the Vibe's versatility includes a fold-flat front passenger seat to let you pack a surfboard to get away, or a ladder to help your buddies paint. If you stop by the dealer to see the Vibe, ask to see the unique Cargo Management system to see how it stores your milk bottles and jumbo pack of diapers for easy organizing and security.

The fun part comes with Vibe's AWD or GT version that comes with a spry 2.4L engine, sportier handling suspension, and 5-speed driver select mode.

Budget Friendly
Best of all, the Vibe is friendly on the budget in terms of price and gas economy. Starting at $15,895 for the base 1.8 L model to $19,895 for the GT and $19,495 for All Wheel Drive model, this is a lot of car for the money. Throw in 26 mpg city/32 mpg highway fuel economy (base model) and what's not to like? My only wish is that the 1.8L engine base model performance was not as fun driving but still a great entry price for a true starter-family friendly car.

Visit our 2009 Pontiac Vibe Test Drive Photo Gallery at Flickr.

Related Pontiac Vibe Links:
2009 Pontiac Vibe Website
First Look: 2009 Pontiac Vibe [Car & Driver]
Sampling the Past To Create the Future [Edmunds Inside Line]

in | by Robert | Car Reviews | Permalink |
Tags: pontiac, starter family, test drive, vibe