Pontiac Vibe specs

2009 PONTIAC VIBE 2.4L

TYPE: Front-drive, four-door, five-passenger, compact hatchback.

PRICE: $15,710 base, $20,560 as tested.

WHERE BUILT: Fremont, Calif.

KEY RIVALS: Toyota Matrix, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Dodge Caliber, Mazda3.

POWER: 2.4-liter, 158-horsepower I4; five-speed auto transmission.

FUEL ECONOMY: 21 city, 29 highway mpg; 13.2-gallon tank; estimated annual fuel cost $1,751.

CHASSIS: Strut front suspension with coil springs, independent double-wishbone rear; power rack-and-pinion steering; power disc brakes with ABS; StabiliTrak; 17-inch aluminum wheels.

LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT; 172.1 x 69.4 x 61.3 inches.

WHEELBASE X TRACK: 102.4 x 59.6/58.9 inches.

CURB WEIGHT: 3,065 pounds.

STANDARD: Tire pressure monitoring system; front, head-curtain, side-thorax air bags; active head restraints; OnStar system; AM/FM/CD four-speaker stereo with XM Satellite Radio; tilt/telescoping steering; 115-volt power outlet; six-way adjustable driver's seat; power accessories; cruise control.

OPTIONS: Sun and Sound Package includes power sunroof, Monsoon Premium Sound seven-speaker audio system with MP3 input, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, leather-wrapped shift knob ($1,285); five-speed auto transmission ($1,050); air conditioning ($950); 17-inch aluminum wheels ($495).

(Richard Williamson writes about automobiles for Scripps Howard News Service.)