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Pontiac Reviews Pontiac Vibe Pontiac Grand Prix
Pontiac
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Pontiac Reviews2003 Pontiac Vibe Review
Slam poetry in motion. 2003 Pontiac Vibe Base Price (MSRP) $16,340 As Tested (MSRP) $18,400 When Pontiac first revealed the Vibe, it did it with slam poets describing the vehicle's appeal. If you don't know what a slam poet is, you're probably not in the target market for the Vibe GT, although you still may be a customer for the entry-level model. Innovative and interesting, the Vibe was built in response to research into what the youth market wants in a vehicle in the early years of the 21st Century. So this five-door hatchback has a roomy interior, a creative cargo-carrying system and even a standard 110-watt electrical outlet so occupants can plug in a laptop computer or video game unit. Speaking of those laptops, GM used the Internet to let potential customers name the Vibe's colors, which include Lava, Satellite and Envy. For those who want a sport compact but don't want to do all the work themselves, Pontiac offers a Vibe GT model. There's also an all-wheel-drive version. But regardless of the buyer's age or model chosen, the Vibe may offer the best of at least two automotive worlds: it was conceived by General Motors but is built with Toyota components and assembly standards. (Toyota did its own exterior styling for the Matrix, its version of the car for the North American market. However, for the Japanese market, Toyota simply sells right-hand-drive versions of the Pontiac-styled Vibe as the Toyota Voltz. See separate review of the Toyota Matrix at nctd.com.) 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix Review
Turning 40 with style. 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix Base Price (MSRP) $20,965 As Tested (MSRP) $27,730 Pontiac Grand Prix is the extrovert in GM's mid-size family, a sinewy body in a sleeveless T-shirt, flaunting a style inspired by NASCAR. The Grand Prix name may refer to European road racing, but the Pontiac Grand Prix is as American as a hot dog at the speedway on Saturday night. Fortunately, the Grand Prix can back its styling braggadocio with plenty of driving excitement, thanks to a thoroughly modern platform, powerful engines, great brakes and excellent handling. The GTP version, in particular, puts enough horsepower through the front wheels to keep drivers interested and alert. Yet its price is impressively modest, compared to an imported sport sedan. For 2002, Grand Prix turns 40 in fine style, with a special 40th Anniversary Edition offered on both two and four-door models in GT or GTP trim. The package includes a unique rear spoiler, hood heat extractors, dual exhausts, NASCAR-style roof fences, unique wheels, and special Dark Cherry Metallic paint. Two-tone leather seats in Ruby Red and Graphite complement the interior. Pontiac Reviews
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