All new for 2003, the Pontiac Vibe and its twin, the Toyota Matrix, herald a new era in small cars.  Their tall bodies and multi-configurable interiors make them friendly, economical people-and-stuff movers, and with optional all-wheel drive they’re a good alternative to a small or even a mid-sized sport utility vehicle.

But did you know they could run, too?  Perched at the top of the Vibe lineup is the hot-rod Vibe GT, which chucks the standard Vibe’s 130-horse powerplant for a double overhead-cam screamer churning out fifty more horses–an engine similar to the one found in the Toyota Celica.  The result is an economical little box that can haul people, a surprising amount of cargo…or butt.

It’s built alongside the Toyota Matrix in Fremont, California and they don’t share a single body panel.  We think the Vibe looks better, despite Pontiac’s reputation for less-than-elegant automobiles.  The Vibe goes light on the plastic cladding, with a more minimalist version of Pontiac’s split-grille, cat-eyed face.  The hood is sculpted to match the grille lines and also adds visual length to the Vibe’s stubby nose.  The unusual rear window treatment makes the Vibe look as if the roof is squashed at the rear but doesn’t affect visibility.  The rear treatment includes a hatch whose window panel can be opened separately from the whole tailgate, handy for loading small items.  The GT is distinguished mainly by bigger wheels and solid-color schemes.

The Vibe’s interior is like that of no economy car you’ve ever seen.  A riot of metallic surfaces, deep-set red gauges and clever but unusual-looking ergonomics, it boggles the mind at first and then becomes quickly familiar.  The front seats are tall and comfortable for moderate trips, but longer trips may leave taller drivers uncomfortable.  The sports-car look of the interior hides an amazing work-ready environment.  The front passenger seat folds flat into a desk and there’s a 115-volt power outlet in the dash ready to plug your laptop, hair dryer or toaster oven into.  Fold the one-touch rear seats and there’s a flat, carpet-free cargo area with 54.i cubic feet of space and several concealed storage cubbies.  Tie-down hooks make securing cargo easy.  Our only gripe was with the optional navigation system, whose screen takes the place of traditional radio and air conditioning controls and is incredibly difficult to use while driving.  Even when you’re not using the GPS, changing radio stations is a distracting several-step process.  We’d opt for the non-GPS Vibe GT.

With all of that suburban convenience at your hands, the Vibe GT is a bit of a surprise once you get it on the road.  Plenty of today’s economy cars dress up sporty, but this one can dance for real.  The 1.8 liter four uses variable valve timing and lift (VVTL-i) which lets the relatively small engine breathe more deeply at high rpm.  The Vibe GT’s engine is high-strung, with peak power coming way up at 7600 rpm.  Engines built to spin like this are usually found only in hot-rod Hondas and Toyotas, not in wagonettes like the Vibe.  The transmission is a six-speed manual.  It feels slightly less user-friendly than the Celica’s stick; our test car occasionally lost count and wouldn’t go into any gear for several seconds.  The extra gear is welcome, because on the freeway the Vibe GT is still turning a somewhat noisy 3500 rpm, even in sixth.  The good news is that Pontiac’s little hot-rod do-all can handle the freeway (or the autobahn) just as well as it can the shopping mall.  If you’re just going to commute, in fact, we’d point out that a base Vibe with a five-speed manual would be a lot less high-strung and perhaps easier to live with.

If you’re planning to drive hard though, there’s only one choice.  All Vibes are equipped with MacPherson struts in the front and a twist beam axle in the rear, but the Vibe GT sticks much better than it should, thanks to 17″ wheels and Dunlop performance tires.  We didn’t find the ride to be noticeably harsher with the big wheels, either.  Worried about bad-weather stability?  The Vibe is available in front- or all-wheel drive versions.  Side airbags, four wheel disc brakes with ABS and daytime running lamps are standard equipment on the Vibe GT as well.

Like many cars directed at younger buyers, the Vibe emphasizes individuality.  Available accessories include a computer desk that buckles into the passenger seat and holds files and supplies, backpacks that can be worn or attached to the front seats and a set of auxiliary storage compartments with a first aid kit.

Vibe GT pricing starts at $19,340.  Our test vehicle featured the navigation system, power locks and cruise control, and stickered for $22,825.

Specifications:
All specs are for the 2003 Pontiac Vibe GT, which we tested.
Length:     171.9 in.
Width:        69.9 in.
Height:        62.2 in.
Wheelbase:    102.4 in.
Curb weight:    2800 lb.
Cargo space:    24.6 cu.ft (seats up); 57.2 cu.ft. (seats folded)
Base price:    $19,340
Price as tested: $22,825
Engine:     1.8 liter DOHC 16-valve four cylinder
Drivetrain:     six-speed manual, front wheel drive
Horsepower:     180 @ 7600
Torque:     130 @ 6800
Fuel capacity:    13.2 gal.
Est. mileage:    25/30

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