2003 Pontiac Vibe reviews and buying
guide.
2003
Pontiac Vibe resources:
2003 Pontiac Vibe
2003 Pontiac Vibe, Vibe AWD and Vibe GT
The 2003 Pontiac Vibe is a sub-compact front-wheel drive
car competing for some of the growing segment interested
in vehicles for their versatility as off-road adventure
vehicles.
Though not pure off-road, the front-wheel drive Vibe
has good fuel efficiency yet still offers enough cargo
room to carry a couple of bikes or camping equipment
and, to get up that dirt road into the mountain campsite,
has a bit more clearance and power than traditional
sub-compact cars. There are three models, the base Vibe,
the AWD (all-wheel-drive) and the GT model.
Under the Hood
The 1.8-liter 4-cyl, front wheel drive Vibe comes with
a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission and
130 hp, the AWD has only the automatic transmission
and 123 hp, while the GT has 180 hp and a 6-speed stick
shift. An automatic transmission is not available on
the GT.
The torque is quite similar for GT and the base models,
despite the large difference in horsepower. The difference
shows in the rpm though, as seen here: the base model
has 130 hp at 6000 rpm & 125 lb-ft of torque at
4200 rpm. In contrast, the GT has 180 hp at 7600 rpm
and 130 lb-ft of torque at 6800 rpm.
The safety and control features are also quite different,
with both AWD and GT models having antilock braking
systems. 4-wheel disk brakes are standard on the GT.
Dual front airbags are standard but front side airbags
are optional add-ons for any of the Vibe models. Fog
lights and daytime running lights are also standard
features on base model and up.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
The features on all the Vibe models reflect the young
adventure-seeking target demographic. Most luxuries,
though available, are optional add-ons. In contrast,
a roof rack, interior air filter, A/C, fold-flat front
and split bench rear seats are all standard equipment.
Various climate or weather related items such as an
opening window in the rear hatch, rear defogger, variable
intermittent wipers, outside temperature indicator and
an assortment of other features; an AM/FM/CD player,
a cargo cover and map lights are also installed on the
base model.
The GT only adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel and
alloy wheels to the styling but a number of additional
luxuries can be added through different options or packages.
For example, a navigation system is available and the
Power Value Package includes cruise control, power windows
and door locks, hatch release and remote keyless entry.
A power sunroof and sound system upgrade is included
in the Moon and Tunes Package.
2004 Pontiac Reviews:
2004
Pontiac Vibe
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