Acceleration

Base, auto.	Class Average
4	4.6

Engine needs high rpm to deliver decent power. Pontiac pegs 0-60 mph at about 9.5 sec with manual transmission; automatics feel slower still, and passing response is tepid.

Fuel Economy

Base, auto.	Class Average
7	6.5

Automatic-transmission test Vibe averaged 26.6 mph. Vibe uses regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

Base, auto.	Class Average
5	5.3

Acceptable with 16-inch tires, if rather jittery over patchy pavement and freeway expansion breaks. Optional 17-inch tires increase harshness.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base, auto.	Class Average
5	5.8

For a tall wagon, corners without undue body lean. Handling good with standard 16-inch tires, nimble with optional 17s. Gusty crosswinds cause mild wander, but steering crisp, direct. Only ABS-equipped models available for testing; they have good stopping performance.

Quietness

Base, auto.	Class Average
4	4.4

Constant, marked wind rush and coarse-surface tire thrum. Engine loud at full throttle, none too hushed in gentle cruising. General mechanical buzz felt through seat, steering wheel, pedals.

Controls

Base, auto.	Class Average
6	5.9

Toyota-designed controls mostly user-friendly, but smallish, deep-set gauges aren't easy to read in some light conditions, and their bright trim rings can dazzle. Red night lighting not universally liked. Optional navigation system absorbs some audio functions, has undersized buttons, and is overly complex; we'd avoid it. Cabin finish and sturdy materials are in line with prices.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base, auto.	Class Average
6	5.6

Fine driving position slightly higher and much more upright than in typical small car. Great head room even with sunroof, but long-legged drivers may want more rearward seat travel. Good overall seat comfort, but spirited cornering reveals lack of lateral bolstering. Outward visibility slightly cluttered over the shoulder, good otherwise.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base, auto.	Class Average
5	4

Seat comfort nothing special, but two adults enjoy good head clearance. Chairlike height affords sufficient knee and foot room unless front seats are well back. Entry/exit pretty easy, but doorsills rather narrow, and doors should open wider.

Cargo Room

Base, auto.	Class Average
7	4.8

Liftgate includes handy separate-opening window. Rear seat folds in easy one-handed motion to make a flat load floor. Right front seat also flops down for extra-long items. Cargo bay has tie-downs and built-in tracks for securing gear. Cabin furnishes ample small-item storage.

Value within Class

Base, auto.	Class Average
6	6

With discontinuation of the all-wheel-drive model for 2007, Vibe looses much of its appeal as an alternative to a compact SUV. Its main assets--good utility and fuel economy, and Toyota-reliable engineering--are intact. The rowdy low-torque engine is a big debit, though. As a Pontiac, Vibe tends to carry heavier, more frequent discounts than the Toyota Matrix upon which it is based.

Total Score

Base, auto.	Class Average
55	52.9

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		42
Average Score		52
High Score		60