2009 Pontiac Vibe: Jalopnik

http://jalopnik.com/cars/spy-photos/2009-pontiac-vibe-301942.php

Is this the new Matrix in Pontiac sheet metal?

http://jalopnik.com/cars/assets/resources/2007/09/2009_Pontiac_Vibe.jpg

http://jalopnik.com/assets/images/gallery/12/2007/09/medium_1413982772_4eb7790cd6_o.jpg

http://jalopnik.com/assets/images/gallery/12/2007/09/medium_1413982558_485f97af88_o.jpg

http://jalopnik.com/assets/images/gallery/12/2007/09/medium_1413982364_37ef8298ed_o.jpg

http://jalopnik.com/assets/images/gallery/12/2007/09/medium_1413982462_c506733ac1_o.jpg

http://jalopnik.com/assets/images/gallery/12/2007/09/medium_1413982160_0d62224ccd_o.jpg

http://jalopnik.com/assets/images/gallery/12/2007/09/medium_1413982240_0a9eebf867_o.jpg

What does the group think?

Yep sure looks like a Matrix...:D

This was actually posted before, either talking about the Vibe or Matrix.

it's been like that for several years. they are almost exactly the same car-toyota motor/tranny/etc.
the only reliable pontiac....

^the only one indeed.

I actually kinda like it tho.

It's got the steering wheel from my Corolla, as well as the HVAC controls, as well as the door handles, and the automatic shifter.

Most definitely a reskinned Toyota.

STEERING WHEEL - http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y229/alphabeta777/IMG_6220.jpg

HVAC CONTROLS - http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y229/alphabeta777/IMG_6219.jpg

DOOR HANDLES - http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y229/alphabeta777/IMG_6224.jpg

SHIFTER - http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y229/alphabeta777/IMG_6210.jpg

So where does the Blade fit in to the lineup? I thought the Matrix was gone and the Blade would be replacing the Matrix in North America.

I hope the rumors of a V6 and AWD for the Matrix come true. That would be ideal for me, but the 2.4L I4 and FWD would work.

is it just me or does the new vibe looks just like a big facelift?

So where does the Blade fit in to the lineup? I thought the Matrix was gone and the Blade would be replacing the Matrix in North America.



There is NO Blade for the U.S. The Blade name is the JDM version of the Auris sold in Europe...the Blade/Auris are smaller than the Matrix or new one at least. We still get the Matrix name just a new version.:thumbup:

I hope the rumors of a V6 and AWD for the Matrix come true. That would be ideal for me, but the 2.4L I4 and FWD would work.

4wd is back, and independant rear susp.

4wd is back

of course not on the Xrs, right?

4wd is back, and independant rear susp.
Thanks for the info. Even if it doesn't get a V6, AWD with the 2.4L I4 will suit my needs very well.

of course not on the Xrs, right?

No 4wd on the XRS I don't think

will the matrix have the corolla interior or same as the vibe

It's got the steering wheel from my Corolla, as well as the HVAC controls, as well as the door handles, and the automatic shifter.

Most definitely a reskinned Toyota.

STEERING WHEEL - http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y229/alphabeta777/IMG_6220.jpg

HVAC CONTROLS - http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y229/alphabeta777/IMG_6219.jpg

DOOR HANDLES - http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y229/alphabeta777/IMG_6224.jpg

SHIFTER - http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y229/alphabeta777/IMG_6210.jpg

Yeah, but notice how it's a little cheesier?Low end Pontiacs have to be a little cheesy so salesmen can push the customer upbrand towards a bonnie.

I still dont understand why GM sells both the Vibe and the Torent. They seem to be the same kinda vehicle and pretty much the same size.
Its sort of like all those years that GM had the Cavalier and the Prizm. Then again, a lot of the stuff GM does doesnt make much sense, so that shouldnt surprise me. :lol:

I still dont understand why GM sells both the Vibe and the Torent. They seem to be the same kinda vehicle and pretty much the same size.
Its sort of like all those years that GM had the Cavalier and the Prizm. Then again, a lot of the stuff GM does doesnt make much sense, so that shouldnt surprise me. :lol:

The Vibe and the Torrent aren't even close to each other, neither was the Cavalier and the Prizm.

Anyways, I would much rather have the Vibe. It looks alot better than the Matrix and has Toyota quality. That's a great combination.

how do you know what the new matrix will look like?

The Vibe and the Torrent aren't even close to each other, neither was the Cavalier and the Prizm.

:ugh3: I dunno what you are smokin', but it must be some good stuff. :smokin: Dude, the Prizm and Cavailer were almost exactly the same thing. You are aware that the Prizm was a rebadged Corolla, right?

:ugh3: I dunno what you are smokin', but it must be some good stuff. :smokin: Dude, the Prizm and Cavailer were almost exactly the same thing. You are aware that the Prizm was a rebadged Corolla, right?

The only difference is one was reliable and well built and the other wasn't

I still dont understand why GM sells both the Vibe and the Torent. They seem to be the same kinda vehicle and pretty much the same size.
Its sort of like all those years that GM had the Cavalier and the Prizm. Then again, a lot of the stuff GM does doesnt make much sense, so that shouldnt surprise me. :lol:



The Cavelier and Prizm aren't related...also from what I notice and I think a lot people on here can agree is that the Big3 are known to be badge-engineering happy. They have a lot of product overlap and misplacement (not saying for every model) but you know with all the divisions they overlap each other quite a bit, not to say Toyota or others don't do this but its doesn't seem as blatant. Like Mercury for instance is obsolete in my book, sure they have a "different demographic" than Ford but they are just dressed up Fords...so are Lincolns but they are more distinct and Ford should move Lincoln up to compete with Caddy better IMO, which I think they are. The Torrent is Pontiacs replacement of the hiddious Aztec...the Torrent is the mid-sized SUV class, where's the Vibe is the "compact" or sizable wagon class like the Matrix.

Although you have some what of a general point in that there are SUVs out there that have the same or less room than a wagon, or even a car! Because I think most automakers don't know how to utilize the space for a bigger car. I remember ridding in the latest Caddilac Escalade and I felt cramped, sure there was stuff in there but still, head room and leg room weren't that impressive and I'm not even 6ft tall, almost. I'll get off my soap box.

Found this on a Website listing Build Dates for the Canada Plant where the Matrix is assembled. According to this Blade Replaces Matrix in 08.



Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
198795,030 Corollas
42,406 Solaras
80,582 Matrix
158,269 engines
135,428 Corollas
78,781 Matrix
13,334 RX330
200,317 I-4 engines
317,433
Corolla,
Matrix,
RX350
4,230 people
250,000 vehicles
150,000 engines
4,602 employees; North American president; Matrix to be replaced by Blade in 2008

Maybe the president's name is Matrix.Or they are talking about movies they will show in the employee lounge?

Does any good information come from these posts?

Found this on a Website listing Build Dates for the Canada Plant where the Matrix is assembled. According to this Blade Replaces Matrix in 08.



Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
198795,030 Corollas
42,406 Solaras
80,582 Matrix
158,269 engines
135,428 Corollas
78,781 Matrix
13,334 RX330
200,317 I-4 engines
317,433
Corolla,
Matrix,
RX350
4,230 people
250,000 vehicles
150,000 engines
4,602 employees; North American president; Matrix to be replaced by Blade in 2008





We are getting the matrix only.

Does any good information come from these posts?

Can you give us the link?

Here you go !
http://www.toyoland.com/toyota/plants.html

Torrent:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e4/Pontiac_Torrent.jpg/800px-Pontiac_Torrent.jpg

Vibe:
http://www.northmo.com/autovilla/pics/2003-pontiac-vibe-white.jpg

They aren't even close. Who's smoking what?

Cavalier:
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/11/13/028486.2-lg.jpg

The exact same car but called a Prizm:
http://images.automotive.com/reviews/images/prizcar.gif

Amazing. The Vibe is a Corolla (Matrix) and the Prizm was a Corolla. The Prizm is the same as the Cavalier, and the Torrent and the Vibe are the same. That means that the Vibe is the same as the Torrent, Cavalier, and the Prizm. I feel so enlightened. I still can't figure out how none of those cars share the same platforms, yet they are the same.

:clap:

Here you go !
http://www.toyoland.com/toyota/plants.html

Thanks man!that is a very informative page.I wish they had links to official Toyota sources for their info.It would be sweet to get the Blade.Some other sources are saying it will still be the Matrix.Here is one.

http://pressroom.toyota.com/Releases/View?id=TYT2007092563806

"Guys trust me. I have already seen the new Corolla at the Toyota plant in Cambridge, Canada where they build the Corolla, Matrix and the Lexus RX350. I recall seeing a frame of the new Matrix or maybe it was just the current one that the factory workers frowned at me and covered it with a car cover. Anyways, the front A-pillar to the back like the window designs are all exactly the same to the current Matrix which means it's a very heavy refresh but not an all new body."

is this true??????

I don't think the statement about a refresh is accurate, because the Vibe shots shown on the first page are CLEARLY that of a Toyota from the shots of the interior, and it would be safe to assume that the Matrix would be similar. The exterior design of that Vibe looks nothing like the windows of the Vibe posted on the previous page so by putting 1 and 1 together, it would be a reasonable guess to say that the new Matrix is different.

"Guys trust me. I have already seen the new Corolla at the Toyota plant in Cambridge, Canada where they build the Corolla, Matrix and the Lexus RX350. I recall seeing a frame of the new Matrix or maybe it was just the current one that the factory workers frowned at me and covered it with a car cover. Anyways, the front A-pillar to the back like the window designs are all exactly the same to the current Matrix which means it's a very heavy refresh but not an all new body."

is this true??????

The new Matrix is totally different than the currant one. The body you saw was a measurement body for checking fits

http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2007/9/27/9070927.001/9070927.001.1L.jpg

:clap::clap::clap:

http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2007/9/27/9070927.001/9070927.001.1L.jpg

:clap::clap::clap:

lol... nice ad!

Looks good.. despite not being able to see anything. The shape is promising.

is that a big spoiler protruding in the rear?

http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2007/9/27/9070927.001/9070927.001.1L.jpg

:clap::clap::clap:
:lol: That's an awesome ad :D


is that a big spoiler protruding in the rear?
DUN DUN DUN :lol:

is that a big spoiler protruding in the rear?


Or a hard-on from all the excitement:lol::lol::lol:

http://images.paultan.org/uploads/2006/12/blade2.jpg

The only difference will be the grille & the name.

http://images.paultan.org/uploads/2006/12/blade2.jpg

The only difference will be the grille & the name.

Not even close! There isn't one line on the blade thats the same as the new Matrix

The original press release picture of the "halloween" Matrix has a small fine print. Anyone read that? it's pretty funny.

The original press release picture of the "halloween" Matrix has a small fine print. Anyone read that? it's pretty funny.
What does it say? :eek:

"toyota.com Prototype vehicle shown with optional equipment. Production model may vary. (c)2007 Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc."

After reading that, go look at the photo again and hopefully you see the joke in that fine print.

The cover is optional? :eek: How can they do this to us?

PS: Why is the smiley list missing from the quick post thing?

PS: Why is the smiley list missing from the quick post thing?

I'd like to know the answer to this as well

http://www.thegmsource.com/index.php?categoryid=10&p2_articleid=668

Hope you like, Looks like the matrix will be getting the high performance engine, and yes all-wheel drive, hopefully together in one package *fingers crossed*

Oh man, the new Vibe looks nice. From the pix of the headlights in the sheets, Matrix looks like it'll look way better.

I agree, albeit a conservative change I think the American consumer will embrace this change.

why didnt they show the matrix first?

The following link, article and pic are for those, like me, who can't access the GM Source.

http://jalopnik.com/cars/los-angeles-auto-show/2009-pontiac-vibe-revealed-308868.php



http://jalopnik.com/assets/resources/2007/10/pontiac_vibe_gt_09.jpg

we will get the Blade after all....

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.leblogauto.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/12/plr/toyota_blade_1_470.JPG&imgrefurl=http://iluvmyford.blogspot.com/2007/08/toyota-blade-replaces-matrix.html&h=353&w=470&sz=37&hl=en&start=23&um=1&tbnid=TV4ee5oDhSlPDM:&tbnh=97&tbnw=129&prev=/images%3Fq%3DToyota%2BMatrix%26start%3D20%26ndsp%3 D20%26svnum%3D10%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN (http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.leblogauto.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/12/plr/toyota_blade_1_470.JPG&imgrefurl=http://iluvmyford.blogspot.com/2007/08/toyota-blade-replaces-matrix.html&h=353&w=470&sz=37&hl=en&start=23&um=1&tbnid=TV4ee5oDhSlPDM:&tbnh=97&tbnw=129&prev=/images%3Fq%3DToyota%2BMatrix%26start%3D20%26ndsp%3 D20%26svnum%3D10%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN)

we will get the Blade after all....

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.leblogauto.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/12/plr/toyota_blade_1_470.JPG&imgrefurl=http://iluvmyford.blogspot.com/2007/08/toyota-blade-replaces-matrix.html&h=353&w=470&sz=37&hl=en&start=23&um=1&tbnid=TV4ee5oDhSlPDM:&tbnh=97&tbnw=129&prev=/images%3Fq%3DToyota%2BMatrix%26start%3D20%26ndsp%3 D20%26svnum%3D10%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN



The guys that work for Toyota say we are NOT getting the Blade...and the Matrix will not look like the Blade. So I don't know if I believe them or the on-line magazine.:confused: I guess just wait and see. I wouldn't think Toyota would already replace the Matrix name, its a good selling car and strong name.

we will get the Blade after all....

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.leblogauto.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/12/plr/toyota_blade_1_470.JPG&imgrefurl=http://iluvmyford.blogspot.com/2007/08/toyota-blade-replaces-matrix.html&h=353&w=470&sz=37&hl=en&start=23&um=1&tbnid=TV4ee5oDhSlPDM:&tbnh=97&tbnw=129&prev=/images%3Fq%3DToyota%2BMatrix%26start%3D20%26ndsp%3 D20%26svnum%3D10%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN

WE ARE NOT GETTING THE BLADE!

WE ARE NOT GETTING THE BLADE!

:lol:

So is there anyway you can compare the new Vibe to the new Matrix design without getting in trouble, based on the picture above?

So we are getting the Blade?

just kidding!!:lol::lol::lol:

I actually like this new version of the Vibe, it looks good! Better than the current by far. I like that its more athletic and aggressive stance.