Pontiac Vibe

The Pontiac Vibe is popular for its practicality, sporty styling and zippy performance.A new front fascia greatly improves the appearance of the 2005 models.It's a smoother look that suggests the styling of an upcoming sports car called the Solstice.

A five-door hatchback, Vibe has roomy front and rear seats, making for comfortable travel for four.Its cargo compartment features a track system with adjustable tie-down anchors for securing your stuff.The seating setup is flexible, allowing the driver to flip down the passenger seat when hauling items up to eight-feet long.That seat can be used as a desk for a laptop computer, which can be plugged into the 115-volt electrical outlet.

Vibe is best represented in the standard model.It's pleasant and comfortable to drive and offers versatility when it's time to haul something.Its four-cylinder engine delivers adequate performance and it's clean, already meeting Ultra-Low Emissions standards set for 2007.It's also inexpensive.A Vibe loaded with optional safety features, premium sound systems and cargo compartment accessories retails for about $20,000.And it can get there: All-wheel drive is available for dependable all-weather capability.

The Vibe GT is designed to deliver more excitement, but its high-performance engine seems too peaky for this application and adds considerably to the cost.Vibe comes in wild colors, and accessories are available to enhance its look.

New safety features are options for 2005 models, including StabiliTrak electronic stability control, side curtain airbags, seat-mounted side-impact airbags, a tire pressure monitor, OnStar, and programmable automatic door locks.The front-passenger airbag has been upgraded on all models.2005 models get new cloth fabrics as standard equipment.Leather has been added to the options list along with an upgraded audio system.