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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Pontiac Vibe

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2010 Pontiac Vibe

Overview

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2009 Pontiac Vibe Review

By KBB.com Editors

For the 2009 model year, the Pontiac Vibe is all-new and continues to share its layout and components with Toyota's Matrix and Corolla, but has its own, quite distinctive sheetmetal. Combining SUV-like utility with compact car-like agility and acceleration, the Vibe fits almost every need, from cargo hauling to people moving. It's competitive with the MAZDA3 five-door, Dodge Caliber and Chevy HHR, as it offers the same type of versatility with a comparable, affordable price tag.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for roominess on a budget, you'll like that the Pontiac Vibe has more interior room, cargo volume and a lower price tag than both the MAZDA3 and Chevy HHR.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Although sportier than before, the Vibe still isn't as athletic as the MAZDA3, and it lacks some clever features like the Chill Box or the tailgate speakers of the Dodge Caliber.

What's New for 2009

The 2009 Pontiac Vibe has more to offer, with the addition of an available all-wheel-drive version, a more powerful engine and an updated look. The GT and AWD (all-wheel drive) models have a 2.4-liter engine and the base model has a 1.8-liter engine that offers more performance than last year's version.

Driving the Vibe

Driving Impressions Despite its taller stance and wagon-like shape, the 2009 Pontiac Vibe drives and handles like a compact sedan. During the foul-weather conditions in which we drove it, the Vibe gripped...

the curvy, wet roads and took the turns well. Cabin noise was at a minimum, as the turbulent sounds of wind and rain were nearly undetectable. The 1.8-liter engine was peppy and powerful enough for the hills of our test drive route, but the 2.4-liter engine made the car even more fun and pleasurable. The low-end torque of the larger engine made the Vibe feel more eager on the inclines and, needless to say, made it easier to accelerate up to highway speeds.

Favorite Features

2.4-liter Engine
A nice upgrade from the more-economical 1.8-liter engine, the 2.4-liter version provides more power and off-the-line torque.

115-Volt Outlet
Mounted on the center console, the 115-volt outlet is a handy, standard feature that allows you to plug in household appliances without needing a 12-volt adapter.

2009 Pontiac Vibe Details

Interior

The controls and gauges were redesigned and are easier to use, and the knit fabric found in the base and AWD trims is of good quality. The GT offers a more plush interior, complete with cloth and leather seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. A generous amount of cargo space is available, as the rear seats and front passenger seat fold flat to accommodate longer items. Standard features include a tilt and telescoping steering column and a 115-volt power outlet.

Exterior

The 2009 Pontiac Vibe has new sheetmetal, with bolder wheel arches and larger wheels that make it look sportier than the last generation. All of the trim levels have unique features; the AWD has a standard roof rack and the GT has larger fog lamps, lower intake ducts, a roof spoiler and a polished exhaust tip. The base and AWD trim levels have 16-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers (17-inch chrome or machine-finish wheels are optional), while the GT has 18-inch aluminum wheels.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

A base 2009 Pontiac Vibe has a 1.8-liter engine and a five-speed manual transmission, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, 16-inch wheels and tires, six-way adjustable driver's seat, four-speaker sound system with AM/FM radio with CD, XM satellite and an auxiliary input jack. Safety features include OnStar, Stabilitrak with traction control, a tire-pressure monitoring system and front, side-impact and head-curtain side airbags. The GT trim adds 18-inch aluminum wheels, premium sound and a leather-trimmed interior.

Optional Equipment

Options include a 2.4-liter engine, four-speed or five-speed automatic transmission, 320-watt premium Monsoon sound system, power glass sunroof, rear cargo organizer, 17-inch chrome or machine-finish wheels and a roof rack.

Under the Hood

The revised 1.8-liter engine provides much better performance than before, but the 2.4-liter is what makes the Vibe really shine. The higher power and torque ratings make this car more fun to drive and versatile for hauling people and cargo, and the available all-wheel drive version is a good option for those living in areas with harsh weather conditions.

1.8-liter in-line 4
132 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
128 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26/32 (manual), 25/31 (automatic)

2.4-liter in-line 4
158 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
162 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/26 (AWD), 21/28 (manual), 21/29 (automatic)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Pontiac Vibe vehicles for sale near you.

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2009 Pontiac Vibe Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.1

Out of 10

Based on 87 Ratings for the 2009 - 2010 models.

Review this car

Value

9.3/10

Quality

9.2/10
Reliability

9.6/10

Performance

9.1/10
Comfort

9.0/10

Styling

9.2/10

Very good first car.

By Ray5190 (NY) on Thursday, July 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 83,338

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Fun to drive, holds value, excellent space"

Cons: "Only 158 hp, delay in shift, Prius horn"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"Although it is a very good first car, the Pontiac Vibe GT is actually my third car. It is great for transitioning to a manual transmission due to the "auto-manual" shift mode (sometimes referred to as "slap-stick", "semi-automatic" or "sequential shift"). It's fun, but leaves you wanting more as it does not shift right away unless you are light on the throttle, in first gear or if you release the throttle, shift, then get back on the throttle with the same pressure. I love "hot hatchbacks" and their over-the-top exterior styling. This example may not necessarily be "hot" by most enthusiasts standards, but it makes up for that in style; certainly the Vibe GT is a youth-driven car. The interior isn't above par, but it's certainly not bad either. The controls are simple to understand and use. A common thing to say is that small cars have no rear legroom; this may be true for some, but not all, especially the Vibe. I'd say if you're over 6'5" inches, you'd have problems, but most people aren't that tall, so there's a good chance you'll fit. With fold-flat rear seats, the cargo area goes from being big enough for some camping gear to being big enough for carrying lawn equipment. There's also a handy compartment built in the cargo area that holds groceries. The Vibe GT designers really did a great job incorporating the practicality without sacrificing styling. The only things I would fix are the unresponsive shifting, the lack of power (maybe add 10 or 20 horsepower/10 or 20 lb. ft of torque) and the horn sound. This is definitely THE BIGGEST turn-off. Maybe the borrowing the horn from the Toyota Prius wasn't such a good idea."

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Awesome Car for the Money

By Lola (NY) on Thursday, April 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 51,236

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great storage, gas mileage, comfort, features."

Cons: "Oil changes"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This car was my first new car ever. I bought it after the car I drove in college finally bit the dust. This car is so roomy and comfortable. It gets great gas mileage and is great for driving on a road trip. It had all the qualities I wanted at a price that couldn't be beat. I think the only shocker for me was when I took it for it's first oil change and it cost me $60, because it needed synthetic oil, I was used to $20 if I used a coupon. But I can't complain. My insurance is about the same, and the storage capacity is perfect. I would recommend this car to anyone."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Love my Vibe

By bmblebee (IN) on Wednesday, April 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 66,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Gas mileage, handling, cargo room"

Cons: "None"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is the second Vibe I've owned. I'm absolutely heartbroken that they are no longer being made. It is the perfect car, drives like a dream and has lots of cargo room."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Easy to drive, can carry everything.

By lilyjoblue (WI) on Wednesday, February 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 44,648

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Easy fun to drive, looks cool even for a "wagon"."

Cons: "Clearance is not as high as I'd like for snow."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I bought this car used, a little over 1 year old, and have had it for a year and a half so far. Great car. I love the way it looks and the way it drives. The traction control is a nice feature, especially during Wisconsin winters. This is a very "wash & wear" car. Not high-maintenance, not difficult, just get in and drive. The easy-to-fold-down seats and rubber-treaded trunk mean I can go from taking a bunch of friends around town to loading up the back of my car with bags of garden soil and fertilizer all in the same afternoon. We used to take my boyfriend's Honda CRV every time we had to go on a long road trip, but the Vibe rides so comfortably and gets such good gas mileage, we take it now on trips instead. The ONLY thing I would change about the Vibe is the clearance. I've gotten stuck in snow at the end of my driveway a couple times this winter. If the snow is piled up more than 12 inches in spots, the body of the car gets stuck. So, really, not that bad. I just can't ram this car over a hill of snow like I can with some SUVs."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Nice but,

By Fred (WA) on Sunday, January 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 60,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "see desc."

Cons: "see desc."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Car has been fantastic as far as reliability and ease of maintainence. Easiest oil changes I've ever done. Very reliable and powerful motor with mileage at 30mpg no matter what. When passing, hold on! I like the controls and handling except for this- it tugs to the right on acceleration for just a moment. Braking is very crisp and the antilocks work great on ice and snow. Lots of interior room! lots more than it's small size would indicate. The one thing I really hate is visibility. The back windows are small and you really have to look for blind spots and the front body panel cab support blocks your view on left turns. More of an annoyance than anything but I think they could have made it better."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Great Reliable Car!

By OHvibeONer (OH) on Friday, November 02, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 100,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Reliable, safe, gas saver"

Cons: "Lumbar support, paint chips, rear blind spot"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Bought this car with 50k, it used to be a rental which had me a little worried. Its fun to drive even with a 1.8l. Handles well in the snow and rain. Good leg room I'm 6'4. Gets about 30 to 32 mpg. The seats could be a little more comfortable and sometimes the plastic bits in the car make a little rattle. Difficult to see out of the rear and the paint chips easily. Has never broken down. Only normal maintenance, but had to replace the oil pan and oil filter housing both were cheap fixes. I drive a ton for work and need a reliable car, the vibe has met and exceeded all expectations."

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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See all 87 reviews