2003 Pontiac Vibe

It’s not often you can turn one vehicle into a two-part series, but that’s effectively what I’m doing here. Last week, I reviewed the hot new 2003 Matrix, Toyota’s Corolla-based CUV (“Crossover Utility Vehicle”). This week, I follow-up with Pontiac’s clone of the Matrix, the hot new 2003 Vibe. Which thankfully spares us yet another catchy acronym. My reason for two separate reviews on these vehicles that were developed together and share much of the same hardware is they represent important entries to both lineups, especially Pontiac’s.

This Vibe is the freshest idea Pontiac has seen in a while. It’s aimed at the young buyer and finally adds a sport-utility competitor to Pontiac’s lineup.

The Good News
For the record, there are differences in the Matrix and the Vibe. The Matrix is built in Canada and the Vibe in California. They were also styled separately: The Matrix looks more like a Star Wars station wagon, the Vibe more sport utility.

Although I like both designs, the Vibe’s exterior is the more conservative, a surprising twist considering Pontiac’s affection for cladding, add-ons and bold-to-a-fault styling. Maybe the Aztek taught them a lesson.

The choice of powertrains in the Matrix and Vibe is pretty much identical, however. There is 120-horsepower 1.8-liter setup, the only one paired with optional four-wheel drive. Then there is a slightly peppier 130-horse in the base two-wheel-drive model.

But I had the Vibe GT, the hottest of the lineup. Like the Matrix XRS I tested, the Vibe GT has the same 1.8-liter engine used in the Toyota Celica GT. It’s tuned to produce 180 horses and130 pound feet of torque. The GT also sports stiffer suspension, four-wheel disc brakes and a six-speed manual transmission, although an automatic is optional.

While the Vibe GT may not feel exactly like a Celica GT, it gets right on out there with a 0-60 estimated in the 8.5-second range. Considering all its utility points (see next graph), that’s pretty cool.

Inside, the Vibe seats five in style, with chrome-ringed gauges and faux brushed-aluminum trim. It looks very tech.

It also works. The Vibe’s 57 cubic feet of storage space with the rear seatbacks folded forward competes well with compact sport utes. Even better, fold flat the front passenger seat for a great, long cargo space and there’s still room for one passenger behind the driver. There’s even a 110-volt outlet in the dash so you can plug in an electric can opener or something.

Mine was outfitted with the “Moon and Tunes” package that added power moonroof and 200-watt “premium audio.” Other options included power windows and door locks with remote keyless entry and cruise control. Vibes also offer a navigation system, but mine didn’t have it.

The Bad News
I highly recommend the pumped-up audio because you need it to compete with engine noise. Although carefully tuned and deliberately voiced to enhance the sport appeal, the Vibe’s exhaust note has quite the operatic thrust. It gets a little old after a while.

Gas mileage
EPA rated at 25 mpg city/30 highway

Price
Manufacturer’s base, $19,340;
Price as tested, $21,000

Is it worth it?
Side by side, it looks like the Matrix is the better deal. The Matrix has a base price of $18,750, with power windows and door locks, keyless entry and cruise control all standard. All the other equipment appears to be comparable.

But I still like the Vibe a lot. I am sorry I have yet to drive a more basic model of either of these vehicles, because that would be more telling. What I have driven, however, has been responsive, accommodating, good-looking and affordable.

The Vibe has character and versatility at a good price, elements that should capture the intended youth market and even appeal to a few, ahem, more mature sorts like me. I think Pontiac is in for a good ride here.

Beth Stein is a life-long car buff and free-lance journalist living in Nashville. She has reviewed new vehicles in print for 12 years as a weekly columnist for Nashville’s daily newspapers and on television for Road Test Magazine and Motor Trend Television. Currently, her reviews appear nationally on Car And Driver Television.