"Can this really be happening?"

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A few weeks ago, Pontiac was kind enough to invite me to an event to give their all-new Pontiac Vibe a thorough testing. They put together a wonderful presentation that made sure we were aware of all the "new and improved" elements of this interesting little SUV/wagon, set up a good road course to put the vehicle through its paces, and then let us loose for a day carving through L.A. canyons with a final destination in beautiful Malibu.

2008 Toyota Matrix XRS Wagon

2009 Pontiac Vibe GT Wagon

But for me, it was all about "touching the untouchable," or the subtle nuances I had felt when recently driving the Vibe's kissing cousin, the Toyota Matrix. As you know from reading these pages, IntelliChoice's Cost of Ownership data and my own driving experiences, have both been agreeing with the chest-thumping from General Motors as of late. And both have been finding their latest vehicles to be without compromises or excuses. Let's be honest--if you bought a GM vehicle during the last 10-15 years, there's a good chance it was because you got a great deal on it. Either you had an uncle in the business that pulled a favor or the advertised rebate or special financing offer was just too good to be true. You didn't buy it because the car "just had to be mine"--unless it was a Corvette, of course!

But here in the late 2000s, GM is on a real roll, and by driving these two vehicles that are technically and practically identical, I got a priceless look into the near future of the U.S. industry. The Matrix and Vibe are undoubtedly separated by a gulf, however shrinking, based on their manufacturer's name badge.

Also this week, I had the privilege of driving yet another all-important vehicle from Pontiac--the all-new G8 sedan. Okay...all-new is a bit of stretch, as this car is based on an existing platform and sent up from GM's Holden division from Down Under. But all indications are that this car is going to completely energize GM's "Excitement" division here in the U.S. Tune in next week for my full report...is there a bright future for Pontiac?

Posted on 2008-02-25 | Permalink | |

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