2008 PONTIAC VIBE: STYLE AND ROOM FOR FIVE CREATE A SOLID, COMPACT CROSSOVE
08/01/2007
Pontiac
The 2008 Pontiac Vibe continues to be the crossover of choice for customers with active lifestyles who are looking for a sporty vehicle that combines exciting driving characteristics, innovative design and a variety of user-focused features.
Precision and design
With a 1.8-liter I-4 engine producing 126 horsepower (94 kW) and 122 lb.-ft. of torque (165 Nm), the Vibe's dual-overhead cam design engine uses variable valve timing to optimize fuel economy and performance. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission is available.
One look at the Vibe's twin-port grill and distinctive appearance displays the vehicle's form and function. A multi-purpose integrated roof rack adds to the Vibe's profile and functionality. The short body overhangs, coupled with standard 16-inch wheels or available 17-inch wheels, provide style while optimizing vehicle stability and interior space.
Handling and control
The front-wheel-drive Vibe features a MacPherson strut front suspension and twist-beam rear suspension for an excellent combination of quiet riding comfort and stable handling. Adding to the ride and suspension is a rear torsion beam that includes both 24mm front and 20mm rear stabilizer bars. The Vibe is fitted with vented disc brakes up front, drums in the rear, and four-wheel ABS as an option. All-season P205/55R16 tires are standard with 16-inch steel or alloy wheels. Seventeen-inch alloy wheels are available with P215/50R17 tires.
StabiliTrak, GM's advanced electronic stability control system, is also available and works in conjunction with the vehicle's traction control system. StabiliTrak assists the driver in maintaining the intended path of the vehicle by applying brake force at any corner of the vehicle as needed, independent of the driver's use of the brake pedal.
Vibatious interior
The Vibe's modern interior is all about comfort and convenience, with standard cloth upholstery or available leather seating surfaces and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. It comfortably seats five people, and provides more than 19 cubic feet (538 liters) of cargo room with the second-row seats up. A fold-flat front passenger seat and folding second-row seats offer a variety of passenger/cargo combinations with room for items up to eight feet long.
User-friendly interior features abound, including a standard 115-volt AC outlet, allowing laptop computers, cell phone chargers, air compressors and other electrical products to be plugged in without adapters. There is also a 12-volt DC outlet in the chrome-accented instrument panel for additional functionality.
Vibe offers a multitude of audio/information systems, including XM Satellite Radio, an optional ETR AM/FM stereo with CD player and MP3 playback, and a premium seven-speaker 286-watt Monsoon system with integrated subwoofer that is part of the Sun and Sound Package.
The available OnStar system's digital equipment includes enhanced hands-free voice recognition capabilities, including more intuitive continuous digit dialing and improved voice recognition accuracy. Using the GPS satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services and OnStar Hands-Free Calling, which allows drivers to make and receive voice-activated phone calls.
Smart safety
New for 2008 is a standard tire pressure monitoring system that uses sensors to track pressure changes, helping motorists avoid premature tire failure and potentially dangerous, costly breakdowns.
The Vibe's well-designed safety cage and dual-stage frontal air bags provide outstanding protection for occupants. Frame and body panels are constructed of high-strength steel designed to absorb crash energy and resist passenger compartment intrusion.
The air bag system's control unit determines whether the severity of a crash warrants air bag deployment. This smart system helps reduce the risk of air bag-induced injuries. Front safety belt pretensioners deploy at the same time as the frontal air bags to take up slack in the safety belts and minimize occupant movement during a crash. Available head curtain side-impact air bags provide additional protection.
All five Vibe seating positions have three-point safety belts. Front outboard retractors have built-in load limiters to reduce peak chest loads by allowing a controlled amount of belt "give" during crash conditions. Front inboard safety belt buckles move with the seat during position adjustments.
The LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system provides additional anchors for child safety seats. Two lower anchors and a top tether anchor secure the child seat to the vehicle seat structure for proper installation of compatible child safety seats. Other safety features include child safety door locks, available programmable door locks, a power window lockout switch, anti-theft system, remote keyless entry, delay-entry lighting and daytime running lamps.