2010 Pontiac Vibe

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
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Interior - What the Auto Press Says

Test drivers say five passengers could sit in the 2010 Vibe in relative comfort, but four is more advisable. Others suggest limiting the Vibe's occupants to two -- in order to make use of the hatchback's generous cargo space. And while neither Pontiac's website nor reviewers go into much detail about the Vibe's available features, they do highlight its sound materials.

• "With prices starting just over $15,000 you won't find a leather-lined cabin and lots of soft-touch surfaces, yet the door panels and center armrest are comfortably shaped and there are no rough edges on the plastic trim. " -- New Car Test Drive
• "The Vibe's interior has an effortless simplicity that makes it easy to navigate. The controls are simple and useful, which is a welcome change from the button overload I've experienced in many cars lately." -- Mother Proof
• "The interior retrains its driver-oriented layout and design, though now updated with easier-to-use controls, better materials and improved fit and finish." -- Edmunds

Front Seats

Experts say the Vibe's front row is expansive and provides a good view of the road. But a vocal minority says that there isn't enough bolstering for sportier driving. 

• "Roomier than before, with space for four six-footers to ride simultaneously without knees or heads stuck against the car." -- New Car Test Drive
• "Cockpit-inspired cabin design imparts a slightly closed-in feel. Legroom and headroom are fine. Visibility is generally good, but the view aft is compromised by thick pillars." -- Consumer Guide
• "Perhaps you don't feel bumps because the seats are soooo soft -- too soft because the bolsters tend to flatten out in aggressive maneuvers, doing little to hold you in place." -- Chicago Tribune

Rear Seats

Generally, writers say the Vibe's second row is roomy, and seats are comfortable enough for short trips. While kids will obviously have more room, two adults should also fit comfortably in the back seat  

• "Enough headroom and legroom for two adults, but knee space is tight. The seat is too firm for long-trip comfort." -- Consumer Guide
• "The roof line is so high that little ones probably could stand without hitting their melons against it, yet an adult on a trip of any duration will fidget trying to find a place for their knees." -- Chicago Tribune 

Interior Features

Reviewers say little about the amount of standard features offered with the Vibe, but they do point out above-average material quality and intuitive controls.

• "Inside the Vibe is styled to please, with a visually interesting dashboard layout that is nonetheless eminently user-friendly." -- Edmunds
• "Materials -- nicely grained, low-gloss plastics and stain-metal accents -- are attractive. A durable knit-fabric upholstery is standard, though the GT receives leather-trimmed seats." -- Dallas Morning News
• "My teenager immediately noticed the car's backseat amenities. Of course there was the requisite auxiliary jack, but it was the 110-volt outlet -- where he could easily plug in his electronics -- that really caught his eye." -- Mother Proof
• "The IP and the center stack are simple and ergonomically bang on. The large HVAC controls can be operated while you're wearing gloves, and the Toyota-derived wiper and signal stalks move with silky precision." -- Car and Driver
• "Where the Toyota Matrix can be had with an in-dash navigation system, the Pontiac Vibe just has a little blue OnStar button that connects you with a nice person who can tell you how to get where you are going. ... As we didn't have someone else in the car, the OnStar representative read out the directions and had OnStar record his recitation so we could access it from the car at any time. This kind of navigation help just doesn't stand up to a GPS system with maps." -- CNET

Cargo

The automotive press finds the 2010 Vibe's 49.1 cubic feet of available cargo space accommodating -- even for small boats.

• "A generous amount of cargo space is available, as the rear seats and front passenger seat fold flat to accommodate longer items." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "The front-passenger seatback, as well as the rear seatbacks, fold flat should you want to carry a small ladder or even a kayak." -- Dallas Morning News
• "The optional rear cargo storage system is a cinch to use and does an excellent job of anchoring grocery bags." -- Edmunds
• "With minor cursing, we stowed a bike back there. Plus, the right-front seatback folds flat, creating even more valuable space." -- Car and Driver
• "Available cargo management system is highly recommended, as it offers numerous options for keeping smaller items from rolling around; included are a pop-up 'cage,' segmented under-floor storage bins, and shopping-bag hooks." -- Consumer Guide