Pontiac Vibe

Infobox Automobile


name = Pontiac Vibe
manufacturer = NUMMI (GM)
Toyota Motor Corporation
production = 2003–present
aka = Toyota Matrix
Toyota Voltz
class = Compact
assembly = Fremont, CA, USA
layout = Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
body_style = 4-door hatchback
related = Toyota Corolla
Toyota Celica
Toyota Auris
wheelbase = Auto in|102.4|0

The Pontiac Vibe is a compact hatchback car produced in Fremont, California, in the United States by NUMMI (New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc), a joint venture between General Motors and Toyota. It is a short and tall hatchback that is being marketed as a trendy, quasi-SUV (or Station Wagon) vehicle for younger buyers. Prototypes were shown at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 2000 and production vehicles came on the market in 2002 for the 2003 model year. The Vibe is the mechanical counterpart of the Toyota Corolla Matrix and is based on the Toyota Corolla's E-platform. It is currently the only hatchback in the American Pontiac lineup.

First generation (2003-2008)

Infobox Automobile generation
name = First generation


aka = Toyota Voltz
production = 2003-2008
designer = John Mack
length = Auto in|171.3|0
width = Auto in|69.9|0
height = Auto in|60.6|0
engine = 1.8 L "1ZZ-FE" I4 126 hp
1.8 L "2ZZ-GE" I4 164 hp
transmission = 5-speed manual
6-speed manual
4-speed automatic
fuel_capacity = Convert|11.9|usgal|L impgal|0|abbr=on (AWD)
Convert|13.2|usgal|L impgal|0|abbr=on (FWD)The 2003-2006 Vibe was available in an economical base trim, an all-wheel drive mid-trim, or a "sporty" GT with more power. The 2007 model year only offered the base model.

Powertrains available for this car are a Toyota-built 1.8 L straight-4 16-valve engine producing Convert|126|hp|kW|0|abbr=on on the base model (manual or automatic transmission), 118 hp on the all-wheel drive model (automatic only), or a version with VVTL-i producing Convert|164|hp|kW|0|abbr=on for the GT (manual 6-speed only). The Vibe is currently the most fuel efficient vehicle sold by GM in North America, but this will not be the case with the revised EPA testing procedures in 2008.

There have been some minor changes between model years. The Vibe was first produced in 2002 and went on sale as a 2003 model. Power ratings for the first three model years were slightly higher, with the GT up to Convert|180|hp|kW|0|abbr=on, the base model rated at Convert|130|hp|kW|0|abbr=on, and the all-wheel drive model rated at Convert|126|hp|kW|0|abbr=on. Engine power claims were decreased for 2006 as a result of Toyota's re-testing of its engines for the new SAE ratings standard. The 2007 model year no longer offered a GT or all-wheel-drive option due to poor sales and new federal emissions standards.

The front fascia was freshened in the 2005 model year. In an attempt to 'converge' the Pontiac look, the front grill was restyled to resemble the look of the Pontiac Solstice, also adopted by other vehicles in the Pontiac line. The 2003-2004 Vibes had a front grill more closely resembling the discontinued Pontiac Aztek. The Vibe is one of the most economical, low-emission cars sold by GM.

Toyota Voltz

The Vibe was made right-hand drive and exported to the Japanese market as the Toyota Voltz from 2002 to 2004.

econd generation (2009)

Infobox Automobile generation


name = Second generation
production = 2009
designer = Ron Aselton
length = Auto in|172.1|0
AWD: Auto in|171.9|0
width = Auto in|69.4|0
height = Base: Auto in|60.9|0
AWD: Auto in|62.7|0
GT: Auto in|61.3|0
engine = 1.8L 2ZR-FE 132 hp I4
2.4L 2AZ-FE 158 hp I4
transmission = 5-speed manual
5-speed automatic
4-speed automaticThe Vibe was redesigned, along with the Matrix, for the 2009 model year, and debuted at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show. "The new Vibe's design is sporty yet completely functional," according to Ron Aselton, chief designer. "Clean lines, minimal overhangs and wheels pushed to the corners give the vehicle a muscular stance." The GT trim and AWD options return, and two new I4 engines (Toyota's 2.4L 2AZ-FE used on the Camry for the AWD and GT trims as well as optional on the base trim, and a new 1.8L 2ZR-FE standard on the base trim) are offered. [ [http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/09/leaked-2009-pontiac-vibe/ Leaked Officially Official: 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT - Autoblog, Alex Nuñez. October 9, 2007.]

First deliveries to dealerships were posted on GM's Website in April 2008, with comments that initial sales were brisk. The first units were delivered to buyers in early March. [http://media.gm.com:8221/servlet/GatewayServlet?target=http://image.emerald.gm.com/gmnews/viewmonthlyreleasedetail.do?domain=6&docid=44734 "GM Reports 282,732 Deliveries in March; 805,720 In First Quarter". April 1, 2008.]

Unlike the last generation of the twin cars, both the Toyota and Pontiac have more individualized looks and distinctive features.Fact|date=August 2008 However, they still share the same overall body shape and style, interior and engine mechanics.

References

External links

* [http://www.pontiac.com/vibe/ Official site]
* [http://www.genvibe.com/ Generation Vibe] , a Pontiac Vibe enthusiast site
* [http://www.matrixowners.com Matrix & Vibe Forum]