The story of the creation of the Pontiac Vibe
The story of the creation of the Pontiac Vibe
The car is released by a joint venture between General Motors and Toyota on the Toyota Sprinter platform. The company simultaneously produced the Pontiac Vibe and the Toyota Matrix. Pontiac went exclusively to the US market and Toyota was assembled for Japan. The cars were twin brothers and their difference was in the steering position – in the Toyota Matrix, it is on the right.
The release of this car pursued the main goal – the creation of a car that absorbed the characteristics of a practical minivan and an SUV, but at the same time remained within the price range of an ordinary sedan.
The hatchback had a decent body height and was positioned as a trendy quasi-SUV or station wagon. The impression was reinforced by the roof rails. The car’s exterior was designed by John Mack in a sporty, dynamic style, aimed at a younger generation of buyers who, in addition to speed, also value functionality with functionality. Plus a four-wheel drive car.
First generation Pontiac Vibe (2003-2008)
The first generation of Pontiac Vibe was offered in three versions: front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive and GT “Sport” modification (with a higher power engine of 180 hp and 6-speed manual transmission).
In connection with stricter environmental requirements in America, new engines were developed, the initial power of which had to be slightly reduced to meet the environmental requirements.
The model was produced on the back of a 4-door hatchback and had the following dimensions, mm: length/width/height – 4351/1775/1549.
The trunk is not very spacious, but if the rear seat is folded down, you get a flat floor (including a large refrigerator). To transport long items, you can simply open the rear window and load the item.
The positive features of the model include not only its dynamic and sporty design, perfectly executed in the best American traditions but also the interior of the cabin made of high-quality materials. The salon is full of spaciousness and is easy to transform, with modern functionality.
Large informative exterior mirrors, high seating position, compared to the sedan (the seat is adjustable in height). A very useful feature – outlet 115V, 60 Hz, power up to 150W.
Disadvantages include poor visibility, due to too thick racks, small stock fuel tanks (50L), and insufficient sound insulation.
Second generation Pontiac Vibe (2009-2010)
The debut of the second generation of the model took place in 2007 at the Los Angeles Auto Show … 2009 Pontiac Vibe has incorporated all the best features of previous models, raising the bar to a higher level – becoming more powerful, more stylish, and more comfortable.
The car is designed by Ron Aseltona, it is more muscular with a pronounced dynamic in the body lines. All body parts are precisely fitted with minimal clearance to emphasize the body’s well-defined lines.
The updated Vibe, GM positions itself as a crossover, which has grown in length, but has become squatter and not so wide and now had the following measurements, mm: length/width/height – 4371/1763/1547.
The Vibe’s interior has been completely overhauled and given a dashboard more suitable for sports cars. Instruments and controls were redesigned for greater convenience, but at the same time retained their driving appearance. The build quality and interior are within world-class tolerances. The trim material itself has become of higher quality, which gives the interior a luxurious look and the feeling of sitting in a more expensive car than it actually is. The steering column can be adjusted in two planes and the six-position seats are also adjustable, allowing a driver of any height to sit comfortably. This also includes active front head restraints.