My AutoTrader:
Save cars, searches & time. Always FREE!
/img/research/mi/printable/printable-atc-logo.png http://images.autotrader.com/scaler/600/450/pictures/model_info/Images_Fleet_US_EN/All/11429.jpg

2009 Pontiac Vibe Hatchback

4dr HB GT FWD

Starting at $15,500 | Starting at 21 MPG City - 28 MPG Highway

/img/research/mi/printable/rating-5.png 5

Avg. consumer rating

Rate & Review
Find It Near You
Printable Version

2009 Pontiac Vibe Hatchback

Summary

Provided by NADAguides.com

Receiving a complete interior and exterior refreshing this year, the 2009 Pontiac Vibe is a compact four-door hatchback/wagon or a sport crossover, depending on your perspective, that seats five passengers comfortably. The Vibe is powered by a 1.8L four-cylinder engine that produces 132 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque or a 2.4L four-cylinder engine that is good for 158 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive comes with a four-speed automatic transmission. Pontiac Vibe EPA-rated fuel economy is at its best with the 1.8L FWD for 26 mpg city/32 mpg hwy, while the 2.4L FWD gets 21/28 mpg and the 2.4L AWD gets 20/26 mpg. Standard safety equipment features antilock disc brakes, the OnStar communications system, stability control and a full array of airbags, including front-seat side and full-length side curtain.

Benefits of Driving a 2009 Pontiac Vibe Hatchback

The economical and sporty 2009 Pontiac Vibe is a tall hatchback model--based on the Toyota Corolla and closely related to the Toyota Matrix--that handles just like a car and is a great alternative to some of the larger, heavier crossover SUVs. With its improved safety equipment, good fuel economy, available all-wheel drive, and a torquier, more responsive engine available for those who plan to carry heavy loads, the Vibe is now a much-improved value.

What's new for 2009?

The Pontiac Vibe has been completely redesigned for 2009, with AWD (all-wheel-drive) and sporty GT models returning to the lineup, more safety features, and the availability of a new, more powerful 2.4L engine.

Model Strengths

  • Fuel efficiency
  • safety features
  • roomy interior for its compact size
  • available all-wheel drive.

Model Review

Pontiac's 2009 Vibe now comes in base, AWD, and GT models. The base model comes with a 132-horsepower, 1.8L DOHC four-cylinder engine, mated to either a standard five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission. Both AWD (all-wheel-drive) and sporty GT models come with a 158-horsepower, 2.4L four-cylinder, which comes with a standard five-speed manual or an optional five-speed automatic with tap up/tap down shift controls. The 1.8L now has dual variable valve timing for improved response while also optimizing fuel efficiency, a strong point for the Vibe. Fuel economy on the base Vibe rates at an impressive 26 city, 32 highway with the manual transmission.

Printable Version

2009 Pontiac Vibe Hatchback

Display:
Select:

2009 Pontiac Vibe

Source: Carlist.com

What a time to be shopping for a new car. Unless that is, your old behemoth is costing you an arm and a leg, in which case: What better time to be cutting your losses before your trade-in value shrivels to the dimensions of a sun-dried raisin.

Time was when $20,000 served as a reasonable threshold for separating barely tolerable budget cars from real, adult cars; but no longer. For folks with worthless trade-ins, $20,000 isn't a benchmark but a budget. And since fuel economy is now a crucial issue (what took us so long, America!), no self-respecting commuter would now dare contemplate settling for anything less than 20 mpg in the city.

What follows, then, is a round-up of three twenty-somethings that manage to combine fuel-efficiency with space-efficiency for a target price of $20-grand or less. And the punch-line is: very little lifestyle adjustment is necessary not only to justify significant downsizing but also to achieve that forehead-slapping realization that we shoulda done this years ago, America!

If you're curious to know what a paradigm looks like when it grows up, Pontiac's Vibe GT is your answer. The fraternal twin of Toyota's Matrix, this Pontiac variant was distinctly off-beat, even odd when it first appeared a few years ago. Thanks to a total make-over for 2009, though and with a major assist from global oil and credit markets Pontiac's Vibe makes sense like never before.

Larger than Honda's Fit, the Vibe is nevertheless a four-door hatchback in a super-compact package. If it was quirky once, its exterior is positively racy now; and the 2.4-liter inline-four in the GT model does its best to sustain a sporty reputation. Output is 158 horsepower, and with the standard five-speed manual transmission, mileage is a respectable 21 mpg/city, 28 mpg/highway. Price, as-tested, is $20,595, although a puny-powered base-model Vibe is also available starting at $15,310.

Despite its 18-inch wheels, spoilers and ground-effects bodywork, the extrovert Vibe GT never quite rivals the Honda Fit's fun-factor. It's more plodding through corners, and its transmission is rubbery and less precise. But with cargo space that ranges from 20 to 49 cubic feet, the Vibe is arguably better equipped to handle more permutations of people and their stuff.

In our brave new world of inverted expectations from our vehicles, perhaps the best that can be said about Pontiac's Vibe is that it has moved from the periphery of General Motors' product offerings to the vital center. Affordability, economy and efficiency now give GM a good vibe after all.

Subcompact sedan; 4-door, 5-pass.; 2.4-liter DOHC inline-4 w/ vvt; FWD, 5-sp. manual; 158 hp/162 ft.-lbs.; 21 mpg/city, 28 mpg/hwy w/ regular; cargo: 20-49 cu. ft.; as-tested price, w/ 4-wheel ind. suspension & ABS disc brakes, AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio, XM Radio & OnStar, HVAC, 18-in. wheels, front/front-side/head airbags: $20,595

Printable Version

2009 Pontiac Vibe Hatchback

Safety Ratings help

What do the Safety Ratings mean?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) performs independent crash testing of new vehicles and then assigns them a score based on their performance. The overall crash test rating is based on how a vehicle performs in the following tests:

Driver Crash Grade:

Measures the chance of a serious injury to a crash test dummy that is placed in a driver's seat and driven into a fixed barrier at 35 MPH. A five-star rating means there is 10 percent or less chance of injury.

Passenger Crash Grade:

Similar to the driver crash grade, only now the focus is on the passenger.

Rollover Resistance:

Simulates an emergency lane change to measure the likelihood of a vehicle rolling over. A five-star rating means there is 10 percent or less risk of rollover.

Side Impact Crash Test - Front:

Focuses on the front side of a vehicle. It simulates crashes that can occur in intersections by striking a 3,015-pound weight against the side of a vehicle at 38.5 MPH. A five-star rating means there is 5 percent or less chance of injury.

Side Impact Crash Test - Rear:

Similar to the front side impact test only now the focus is on the rear passenger.

Driver Crash Grade Excellent
Passenger Crash Grade Excellent
Rollover Resistance Good
Side Impact Crash Test - Front Excellent
Side Impact Crash Test - Rear Good

Safety Features & Equipment

Braking & Traction

4-Wheel ABS Std
Traction/Stability Control Std
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Std

Passenger Restraint

Driver Air Bag Std
Passenger Air Bag Std
Side Air Bag Std
Side Head Air Bag Std
Rear Body Side Air Bag Std
Rear Head side Air Bag Std
Child Safety Locks Std

Road Visibility

Daytime Running Lights Std
Fog Lamps Std
Intermittent Wipers Std
Variable Inter. Wipers Std

Security

Alarm Opt
Telematics Opt
Printable Version

2009 Pontiac Vibe Hatchback

Original Warranty  help
Original Warranty
An original warranty is the warranty associated with a vehicle when it is brand new. In addition to the original warranty, select items, like tires, are typically covered by respective manufacturers. Also, an act of Federal law sometimes provides protection for certain components, like emissions equipment.
The original warranty is often broken down into multiple sections, including:
Basic Warranty:
Typically covers everything except for parts that wear out through normal use of the vehicle. Examples of non-covered items are brake pads, wiper blades and filters.
Drivetrain Warranty:
This warranty covers items the basic warranty does not protect. Wear and tear items such as hoses will not be covered, but key items like the engine, transmission, drive axles and driveshaft often will be.
Roadside Assistance:
The level of service differs greatly with this warranty, but many manufacturers offer a toll-free number that helps provide assistance in case you run out of gas, get a flat tire or lock your keys in the car.
Corrosion Warranty:
This warranty focuses on protecting you from holes caused by rust or corrosion in your vehicle's sheet metal.
Please check the owner's manual, visit a local dealership or look at the manufacturer's website to learn more about the specifics of the warranties that apply to a vehicle.

Miles

Months
Basic 36,000 36
Drivetrain 100,000 60
Corrosion 100,000 72
Roadside Assistance 100,000 60

Pontiac Certified Pre-Owned Warranty  help
Certified Pre-Owned Warranty
To be eligible for Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) status, vehicles generally must be recent models with relatively low mileage. CPO vehicles must also pass a detailed inspection, outlined by the manufacturer, which is measured by the number of inspected points.
Warranty coverage can vary from one manufacturer to the next. While most certified pre-owned programs transfer and extend the existing new car warranty terms, others offer a warranty that simply represents an additional year and mileage value. Always check with the manufacturer for the specific warranties they offer.
Common features and benefits of Certified Pre-Owned warranties include:
Age/Mileage Eligibility
To even be considered for certification, a car must be a recent model year and have limited mileage. The exact requirements are established by individual manufacturers.
Lease Term Certified
Some manufacturers offer certified pre-owned cars for lease. The length of the lease is often shorter than a new car lease, but it will cost you less.
Point Inspection
These inspections entail a comprehensive vehicle test to ensure that all parts are in excellent working order. The point inspection list is simply a numbered list of exactly what parts of the car are examined. While many inspections range from a 70- to 150-point checklist, most are very similar and are performed using strict guidelines. Ask your local dealer about specific details.
Return/Exchange Program
Some manufacturers offer a very limited return or exchange period. Find out if you will get the sales tax and licensing/registration fees back should you return or exchange the car.
Roadside Assistance
Most certified pre-owned programs offer free roadside service in case your car breaks down while still under warranty.
Special Financing
Reduced-rate loans are available through many certified pre-owned programs. Manufacturer-backed inspections and warranties help eliminate the risks involved with buying pre-owned, so buyers who qualify can take advantage of the great offers.
Transferable Warranty
When a new car warranty transfers with the certification of the car and remains eligible for the next owner, it is known as a transferable warranty. Once the original transferable warranty expires, an extended warranty takes effect.
Warranty Deductible
This is the amount for which you are responsible when repair work is performed under the warranty. Some manufacturers require a deductible while others don't, so always ask.
2-year/30,000-mile1 CPO Vehicle Maintenance Plan. 1Whichever comes first. See participating dealer for details.
12-month/12,000-mile2 Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty. 2Whichever comes first from date of purchase. See participating dealer for limited warranty details.
5-year/100,000-mile3 Powertrain Limited Warranty. 3Whichever comes first from original in-service date. See participating dealer for limited warranty details.
Age/Mileage Eligibility 2006-2011 model year / Under 75,000 miles
Lease Term Certified No
Point Inspection 172-Point Vehicle Inspection and Reconditioning
Download checklist
Return/Exchange Program 3-Day 150-Mile Satisfaction Guarantee
Roadside Assistance Yes
Transferrable Warranty Yes
Warranty Deductible $0

Learn more about certified pre-owned vehicles

Printable Version

2009 Pontiac Vibe Hatchback

  • 2009 Vibe Pontiac

    2009 Vibe Pontiac

    $14,998 | 22,686

    27 photos | 0 videos

    Listed by: CarMax - Irving TX

  • 2009 Vibe Pontiac

    2009 Vibe Pontiac

    $12,988 | 35,765

    9 photos | 0 videos

    Listed by: Dynamic Imports

  • 2009 Vibe Pontiac

    2009 Vibe Pontiac

    $0 | 60,924

    0 photos | 0 videos

    Listed by: Van Hyundai

  • 2009 Vibe Pontiac

    2009 Vibe Pontiac

    $13,995 | 43,859

    20 photos | 0 videos

    Listed by: Don Herring Mitsubishi Plano

  • 2009 Vibe Pontiac

    2009 Vibe Pontiac

    $14,991 | 43,744

    27 photos | 0 videos

    Listed by: The New Central Kia Plano

  • 2009 Vibe Pontiac

    2009 Vibe Pontiac

    $13,988 | 36,069

    9 photos | 0 videos

    Listed by: Clay Cooley Suzuki - Arlington

  • 2009 Vibe Pontiac

    2009 Vibe Pontiac

    $14,399 | 29,809

    40 photos | 0 videos

    Listed by: Novak Motors

Data on this page may have come in part, or entirely, from one or more of the following providers.

My Hotlist

Check up to 4 to Compare

Currently Viewing

2009 Pontiac Vibe

$13,675 - $15,875

21 MPG - 28 MPG

Previously Viewed

2009 Pontiac G8

$22,675 - $31,650

15 MPG - 24 MPG

2009 Pontiac G3

$11,300 - $11,300

27 MPG - 34 MPG

2009 Nissan Xterra

$18,750 - $22,600

15 MPG - 20 MPG

2009 Nissan Quest

$17,800 - $25,925

16 MPG - 24 MPG

Similar Models to Consider

1989 Isuzu Impulse

$14,329 - $16,869

0 MPG - 0 MPG

2006 Toyota Prius

$13,300 - $13,300

60 MPG - 51 MPG

2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring

$14,800 - $14,800

23 MPG - 31 MPG

2010 Toyota Matrix

$16,150 - $18,525

26 MPG - 32 MPG

2010 Pontiac Vibe

$15,175 - $17,375

26 MPG - 32 MPG

Check up to 4 to Compare

Change your ZIP code: