2009 Pontiac Vibe GT

It’s a spacious hatch (think Chevy HHR, Toyota Matrix) that wants to emanate a crossover, um, vibe. Hence an all-wheel-drive version. The Vibe, made in the joint General Motors-Toyota facility in Fremont in Northern California, also comes as a GT version powered by the same 2.4-liter unit found under the hoods of the Toyota Camry and Scion tC.

Pontiac promises better-quality materials for the new Vibe’s interior. File under “sensible and slightly stylish.”

UNDER THE HOOD

1.8-liter four-cylinder engine
132 horsepower

2.4-liter four-cylinder engine
158 horsepower

26/32 mph city/highway (2.4-liter, all-wheel-drive, manual)

WHEN?

TBA

HOW MUCH?

TBA

OUR TAKE

Not sex on wheels, no striking design, no exceptional philosophy, just good, old transportation that should appeal to a wide range of potential buyers. Not exactly a vibe -- more slight tingle.