Many buyers still find two compact automobiles that have been discontinued for some time to be appealing options, particularly small families on a budget who don’t require anything difficult but need something convenient.
Although they compare favorably to a number of current sub-compact SUVs, the Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix do have an appealing design, dependable and efficient engines, a flexible interior, and a high level of equipment.
Is one preferable to the other? They share so many characteristics since they were jointly developed by Toyota and General Motors, so no, really. They could even be considered non-identical twins.
Even if their bodies are slightly different, the interior is identicalwith the exception of the emblem on the steering wheel and a few accessories, of course! Driving is not made more difficult by their high front seatsin fact, it improves visibilityand their back seat offers plenty of space. Another point worth noticing is that the trunk floor is entirely made of plastic, making cleanup a breeze.
By the way, the Vibe was available in basic, GT, and AWD models, whereas the Matrix was commonly found in basic, XR, XRS, and AWD variations. The 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine in the simplest model produced 132 HP, while the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder in the most advanced models produced 158 HP. Both all-wheel-drive systems were available as options.
Let’s not forget that the Matrix was a proudly Canadian product built in the Cambridge facility in Ontario, whereas the Vibe was put together in the NUMI plant in Fremont, California, despite the fact that they are two mechanically similar vehicles. But don’t worry, the job quality at these two plants was rated extremely well.
The Vibe is now sold for less money than the Matrix because Pontiac’s name and reputation are no longer as well-known. But even though some people continue to have this opinion, the first was actually made just as well as the second. Both cars are in excellent condition and have passed an inspection, so you can confidently choose between them.
In This Article...
Vibe and the Matrix are they the same?
The mechanically identical Vibe and Matrix went on sale last month. Both are produced by Toyota, albeit in various locations (the Vibe in Fremont, Calif., and the Matrix in Cambridge, Ontario).
Does a Toyota engine power a Pontiac Vibe?
The economical base trim, the mid-range AWD trim, and the more potent GT sport trim all came in the 20032006 Vibe.
A Toyota-built 1.8 Lstraight-416-valve engine with 126 hp (94 kW) on the base model (manual or automatic gearbox) and 118 hp on the all-wheel drive model (automatic only) are the available powertrains for this vehicle. The GT variant has a VVTL-i version with 164 hp (122 kW) (manual 6-speed only). The US Environmental Protection Agency testing criteria were changed in 2008, making the Vibe no longer the most fuel-efficient vehicle sold by GM in North America.
Despite having similar designs, the heating and cooling systems of the Vibe and Matrix actually utilise a number of different, brand-specific components. These parts include the serpentine belt, the heater hoses, the heater core, and the air conditioning compressor and associated hoses.
Between model years, there were a few small adjustments. The Vibe was created for the first time in 2002 and released as a 2003 model. The GT had a maximum output of 180 horsepower (134 kW), the base model was rated at 130 horsepower (97 horsepower), and the all-wheel drive variant was rated at 123 horsepower for the first three model years (92 kW). Toyota retested its engines for the new Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) ratings standard, which resulted in a reduction in engine power claims for 2006. For the 2007 model year, the GT and all-wheel-drive trims were dropped because to weak sales and the implementation of new federal emissions regulations.
In the 2005 model year, the front fascia received an upgrade. The front grille was redesigned to mimic the styling of the Pontiac Solstice, which was subsequently adopted by other vehicles in the Pontiac series, in an effort to “converge” the Pontiac image. The front grille on the 20032004 Vibes was more reminiscent of the long-gone Pontiac Aztek.
Odometers on the first-generation Vibe, Matrix, and Corolla are not able to “roll over” 299,999 km or 299,999 mi. There is presently no recall or “fix” for this. Until a solution is developed, mileage must be tracked manually. [1]
Is the 2009 Pontiac Vibe’s engine a Toyota?
The 1.8-liter 4-cylinder 1ZZ-FE engine, which also powers the Toyota Corolla, is the standard engine for the Toyota Vibe from 2003 to 2008.
Another Toyota engine, the 2ZZ-GE, which is a variation of the same 1.8L engine with variable valve lift added for more power, is used in the Vibe GT.
A 132-hp 1.8L DOHC 2ZR-FE Toyota engine, which is also used in the Corolla and Matrix, is the standard engine for the 20092010 Vibe. The Toyota Camry and RAV4 both have a 2.4L 4-cylinder 2AZ-FE engine with 158 horsepower as an option.
There are some 2.4L engines that are known to use up oil. Overall, we believe that the 1.8L engine is preferable because it is more dependable and may last a long time with frequent oil changes.
Is there a timing chain or belt on the Pontiac Vibe? There is no timing belt; timing chains are used in all of Vibe’s engines. Only if it is strained does the timing chain need to be replaced.
What vehicle compares to the Toyota Matrix?
Due to dwindling sales, Toyota announced on August 5, 2013, that it will stop producing the Matrix for the US market after the 2013 model year and that there were no plans to replace it with another car.
[46] Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada continued to produce vehicles for the Canadian market for the 2014 model year, and they were put together at Cambridge, Ontario. [Reference needed] After that, the Matrix was no longer sold in Canada and was not available for the 2015 model year. [47] Through its Scion brand, Toyota continued to market a variety of small hatchbacks in North America. The Scion brand “transitioned to Toyota” on September 1, 2016. [48] The Corolla iM would replace the Matrix for the 2017 model year. The newest version, the Corolla hatchback, was introduced for the 2019 model year.
What Pontiac has an engine from a Toyota?
This Pontiac hatchback was jointly produced by General Motors and Toyota and had two alternative engine options: the 1.8L 1ZZ-FE and the 2ZZ-GE, both of which are from the Toyota ZZ Series.
With a new range of engine options and a revamped body, the Vibe launched its second generation in 2009. A motor from the Toyota ZR Series or a different motor from the Toyota AZ Series might be selected by customers.
Only one year later, in 2010, GM announced that the whole Pontiac brand would be discontinued. Along with the Pontiac ship, the Vibe and its robust Toyota motor perished.
Pontiac Vibes last how long?
Some of us find that the best way to get long-driving, dependable wheels without going broke is to purchase a well-reviewed old car.
The driving and maintenance practices of the previous owner will have a considerably greater impact on a secondhand car’s longevity than the brand, Lang is eager to point out. Therefore, it is the buyer’s responsibility to ensure that the vehicle passes a reliable mechanic’s check before taking it home.
Despite the fact that their manufacturers no longer produce them, the following old automobiles can provide second (or even third) owners with unexpectedly good reliability for years to come.
Chevrolet Prizm
Only produced from 1989 to 2002, this compact vehicle has the kind of forgettable 1990s style that made it simple to misplace in a crowded parking lot. But underneath the uninteresting shell was an engine that was mechanically the same as the Toyota Corolla’s and had a comparable level of dependability. The industry average is 126,358 miles, while the average mileage on a Prizm, as documented at dealer trade-in, is a respectable 136,402 miles, according to the LTQI. There are also very few problems with the engine, transmission, or drivetrain. The Prizm earns a dependability rating of 69.1 overall.
Pontiac Vibe
When Pontiac went out of business in 2009 (model year 2010), this small five-door hatchback’s seven-year stint in production came to an end. The engine design was based on the Toyota Corolla, just like the Chevrolet Prizm, so it likewise delivered high reliability. The Vibe’s average mileage according to the LTQI is 125,455 miles, and the model receives a respectable dependability rating of 72.8.
A 2010 Pontiac Vibe with just 60,000 kilometers is accessible for under $15,000.
Ford E-Series Van
The Ford E-Series full-size vans, sometimes known as Econoline vans, were produced from 1961 until 2014. They were terminated last year, and the Ford Transit has taken their place. The few families you see driving them typically have their own TLC television show. These are typically classified as work automobiles. This van is ideal whether you need a work van or a powerful family transporter that can accommodate a large family of tuba-playing hockey goalies. (Side airbrush art is optional but recommended.) The E-Series receives a commendable 77.8 dependability grade from the LTQI, which also notes that the average mileage is 131,483 kilometers.
Is there a Toyota transmission in the Pontiac Vibe?
The Toyota A246E transmission was included with the Pontiac Vibe. However, they are not without issues, so let’s examine some of the most typical Pontiac Vibe transmission issues, consider repair costs, and determine what you can do to fix them.
Do you require a new transmission? Obtain a price quote for local installation and replacement transmissions. By making and model of your car, look up the transmission model.
What issues are there with Pontiac Vibes?
The breakdown of the transmission has been a frequent issue in numerous 2003 Vibe redesigns. Despite having fewer than 100,000 miles on their odometers, owners of the impacted models have reported having trouble shifting gears. Their engines likewise abruptly stopped working.
Is the Pontiac Vibe a reliable vehicle?
The Vibe boasts excellent dependability, outstanding fuel efficiency (31 MPG highway with the 1.8L engine), and a compact handling style with a station wagon’s passenger and load volume.
Who makes Pontiac Vibe vehicles?
At the New United Motor Manufacturing facility in Freemont, California, General Motors and Toyota collaborated to produce the Pontiac Vibe, a small automobile. It could only be purchased as a five-door hatchback. Toyota Corolla and Matrix engines and components are shared by the Vibe. Different factories produced the Vibe and Matrix. Due to low sales and the discontinuation of the Toyota Sprinter, the Vibe had replaced the Chevrolet Prizm in 2002. (Prizm was a mere rebadged version of this car). Toyota marketed the Vibe as the Voltz from 2002 to 2004 in Japan. Due to the closure of NUMMI by General Motors and Toyota, the Pontiac Vibe was discontinued in 2009. General Motors revealed that the Vibe would be replaced by the Buick Verano when Pontiac declared it would cease operations (a badge engineered Opel Astra). Although it had limited AWD, it was sometimes referred to be a tiny crossover and went up against the Dodge Caliber.
It is possible to make this brief transportation article longer. Contributing to Wikipedia will benefit it.
Why was Pontiac ceased production?
The brand was created in the 1920s in Pontiac, Michigan, with the working class in mind.
After three decades, it was on the verge of extinction, but GM saved it by associating the vehicle with drag racing and giving it a muscle car image, according to Peter Bowes of the BBC in Los Angeles.
According to our reporter, the strong V8 engine-equipped GTO, which was suitable for racing, contributed to the brand’s success in the 1960s.
Sales for Pontiac reached almost one million in 1968, a milestone that was never again reached.
When Burt Reynolds used a black and gold Firebird in the popular movie Smokey and the Bandit, the car’s fame became global in the 1970s.
However, General Motors started to scale back on its performance image in the late 1990s, and mechanical issues with some of the latter models hurt the brand’s standing with consumers who bought sports cars.
And due to GM’s problems in previous years, Pontiac had been in a grave decline.
In the end, Pontiac’s demise was caused by a shifting market, dwindling sales, and a harsh GM restructuring.