2007 Pontiac Vibe: Sporty, spirited Vibe created good karma

Pontiac has a two-part mission in the General Motors plan. The brand is charged with convincing youthful buyers and import intenders, sometimes the same shopper, to consider buying a domestic nameplate.

But Pontiac is still waiting to hit a home run similar to Chrysler's PT Cruiser or perhaps at least a bases-loaded triple. In the meantime, the 2003 Vibe, called flamboyant when it was new, looked like a solid base hit. Sales were brisk at Pontiac dealerships and many of the buyers when the car launched were just what the marketing people hoped for: young men and women who might have bought a Toyota or Honda.

In fact, you could buy the 2003 Pontiac with the same confidence you might exhibit if you purchased a Toyota Matrix because the cars are close cousins. Toyota's rugged 1.8-liter engine found a home behind the Vibe's pugnacious grille and the Vibe leaves the same assembly line in Fremont, Calif. with other Toyota models.

As we said in 2003, the Vibe had all the fine qualities of Toyota's Matrix with a bit more attitude.

Inside the 2003 model, the Pontiac designers had plenty of fun with youthful cues in just the right context. The interior was not unlike Pontiac's Aztec in its approach, and that was good news since the rugged, practical style is what Aztec owners loved about their interiors. Chrome was used liberally around the instruments and center stack without annoying reflections; just playful accents.

The Vibe's five-door utility was just the ticket for hauling friends or cargo. The big rear hatch opened wide for bulky loads and the seats flipped and folded to configure to just the right space. Tie down hooks were provided to secure loose loads.

In 2003, Pontiac settled on the 1.8-liter Toyota inline four-cylinder engine and offered it in two flavors: the standard 130 horsepower version and a GT variant that upped the power to 180 horses.

The Vibe came in several versions, one popular version included standard front-wheel drive with a nice balance of options, like the "Moon and Tune" package that added a better stereo and moon roof. The Vibe was equipped with a nice level of standard equipment yet offered a long list of options to allow customizing.

If the style and packaging are your cup of tea for a used car, the Vibe is a great way to buy American with the knowledge that you've got a sturdy little Toyota humming under the hood. n

EPA fuel economy: 27 to 32 mpg (Estimated city and highway average range)

Kelley Blue Book Retail: $9,650 to $11,000