2009 Pontiac Vibe Exterior Review [ 2008 , 2007 ]

• Overall
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Specs
• Photo Gallery

Exterior - What the Auto Press Says

Although the Vibe has noticeably lost some of its least-liked design elements, reviewers say its exterior styling is very little changed. What most reviewers don't say, however, is whether they like the overall affect.

• "As for style, the 2009 is evolutionary rather than revolutionary." -- Dallas Morning News
• "Though the new Vibe continues to share much with the Toyota Matrix, especially under the skin, the exterior differences seem more pronounced than they were with the first-generation models." -- Motor Trend
• "Though Pontiac officials say the sheet metal is all new, it won't be obvious to most people as the vehicle retains the same basic lines of the previous model. But I did immediately notice the more muscular wheel arches of the new car, as well as the more steeply raked windshield -- both nice improvements." -- Dallas Morning News
• "The general shape of the previous-generation Vibe is evident when viewing the new model, but the 2009 Vibe is, on the whole, sleeker than its predecessor thanks to smooth bodysides and bumper moldings." -- Cars.com
• "The Vibe's 16-inch tires are gobbled up by giant Pac Man-mouthed wheel wells -- swallowing three-quarters of each tire. Big slabs of metal give the car a chunky, oversized appearance. The exterior panels are stamped in 'husky' size. And 'husky' is rarely complimentary." -- Detroit News