Photo gallery: 2009 Pontiac Vibe
For those who are appalled less then pleased with the styling of Toyota's upcoming 2009 Toyota Matrix, there's some good news in the form of the 2009 Pontiac Vibe.
In case you're unfamiliar, the soon-to-be-outgoing versions of the Vibe and Matrix are essentially the same car. Though designed jointly by Toyota and Pontiac, the cars ride on Toyota Corolla mechanicals and are built at the joint GM-Toyota NUMMI plant in California (which also builds the Corolla and Tacoma pickup).
For 2009 the two cars have been styled to give them each a unique look. The Vibe has a taller nose and a body line that runs almost uninterrupted from behind the front fenders to the back of the car, a big improvement -- in my eyes, at least -- over the Matrix's wedge-shaped hood and "bustle" over the rear wheels that makes it look a bit like a doorstop with a tumor awkward. Compare this rear view of the Matrix to this rear view of the Vibe and you'll see what I mean.
Mechanically, it's pretty much the same story. The Vibe is available in Base, AWD (all-wheel-drive) and GT models. The Base gets the same 1.8 liter engine as the base Matrix, while both AWD and GT versions get a 158 horsepower 2.4 liter engine. The AWD model is only available with a 4-speed automatic, which is kind of a bummer, but both Base and GT will offer a stick-shift.
As you can tell by my snide remarks insightful commentary, I really like the Vibe's simple lines and think it could well wind up being a bigger hit than the Matrix -- an odd turn of events as Toyota and General Motors vie for the position of the world's #1 automaker. What are your thoughts? Is the Vibe the better looking car? Should GM have based it on the upcoming Astra rather than a Toyota design? Is collaboration still valid, or is GM sleeping with the enemy? Click the "comments" link below and have your say. -- Aaron Gold
Photo © General Motors
Comments
The Vibe has always been the better looking car in my opinion. The Vibe looks truck-like and masculine. The Matrix tries to look cute, but some of its styling cues looks strange. But the Corolla/Toyota reputation trumps looks. So I don’t see the Vibe beating the Matrix in sales. I almost bought a used Vibe this year. It’s quicker depreciation makes it a better buy than a used Matrix. But I ended up buying a new Elantra because of the ABS, more airbags, much nicer interior, and nice price made even more sense.
Kudos Aaron, excellent article.
My 4 yr old Mazda3 S 5dr still trumps them both. In looks, styling and performance. That being said I agree with you, the Vibe finally looks better then the Matrix. I test drove both before buying my Mazda and was very under impressed with both. It felt like I was driving a van-land crusier. Not impressed with the quality of either interior but, I do give the storage area kudos
Todd, with an imprimatur as highly revered as your 4 yr old’s, I should just take the hit, trade in my upside down CRV and just get that Mazda 3s/5door! Seriously, I think Stan is right by pointing out the resale value issue. If you’re going to keep it for 100k+ miles the Vibe is the one to buy.If you’re going to trade it a couple,three…the Matrix is wiser. I never knew these came in AWD. Seeing as I might be moving up north/west next year(I won’t miss this dump they call Miami), that might be the way to go in a couple of years, when I’m ready to trade.
By the way,I just passed 3000mi. on the new Mini Cooper and I’m ready to report!!!
What’s up with the sloping rear end? I hate that. To me, the back side of a Kia Spectra5 or a PT Cruiser is so much better, it’s like night and day. I just don’t get the whole big door in the back so you can put more stuff in and then making it smaller right at the opening. It looks dumb and it definately makes the cargo area a little less usable. Am I the only one who thinks this way? I’m ready to be educated as to why this sloping rear is so popular.
If you’re comparing the two body styles, there’s not a lot of difference.
If the ‘09 models will offer a 2.4L engine, that should make it (them) a lot more desirable.
Good article, Aaron! After waiting two weeks for the official unveiling of the second gen. Matrix, I was aghast. In a word, the car is ‘fugly’ as sin. Needless to say, I held out little hope of the next generation Vibe being any better…but I’m happy to report I was oh-so-wrong! I watched the unveiling at Detroit’s Filmore Theatre and the accompanying videos, and the teaser photo GM released didn’t do the car justice–it’s far more handsome in real time. Pontiac is going to sell more Vibe’s than the Toyota twin in my opinion, as it’s definitely the better looker. Even in base trim, it’s attractive and tasteful. I’ve been waiting for something with loads of versatility, reliability, and pleasing aesthetics and respectable fuel efficiency, and I believe I’ve found that in the newest Vibe. Dealers will be receiving them in February and I can hardly wait!
I own a 2005 vibe and I really like the 2009. They seem to have improved on the few complaints. (Not enough power and ergonomics). With a 2.4 availible and tilt telescopic steering it should sell well. Odd that the new matrixs looks like the old vibe and the new vibe looks like the old matrix. My understanding is the will now be a 5 speed automatic availible for the base and the gt as a option has that changed? I think I would pick the AWD next time. I will miss the fact the rear glass does not open but overall for its intended purpose I think they hit the mark. I think gm needs to keep the toyota partnership because no matter what most buyers say it is the fact it is a toyota which keeps them coming back.
I bought a 2009 Pontiac Vibe because it was cheaper with the exact same options. I am glad that Pontiac is sleeping with the enemy. I never would have bought a Pontiac (ever again) if it wasn’t for the collaboration with Toyota & it’s good reputation.
I just bought a 09′ Vibe and adore it. The fact that parts are toyota gives me piece of mind that I won’t be towing it in to the automechanic in a years time. I did end up getting a 5 speed and unfortunately only a front wheel drive but now that i’m not in Fargo I think I can manage
I feel like i’m in a batmobile just a sharp peppy vehicle that rides ridicuously smooth. Plus the fold down seats make it possible for me to actually sleep in it! Camping made easy 