Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV / Sport Compact Hatchback.
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Matrix, Ford Focus, Mazda3.
Platform Sharing:
Shared platform and significant components with the Toyota Corolla/Matrix.
Design Philosophy:
Practicality, fuel efficiency, and versatile cargo space.
Demographics:
Younger buyers, singles, small families, budget-conscious consumers.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling, fuel, exhaust, transmission, drivetrain.
Chassis:
Brakes, steering, suspension, wheels, tires.
Electrical:
Lighting, instrumentation, wipers, horn, fuses, battery, basic diagnostics.
Comfort Convenience:
Climate control, audio system, power windows/locks, seating adjustments, interior features.
Safety Security:
Airbags, seat belts, child restraints, anti-theft system, vehicle security.
Instrumentation:
Dashboard indicators, warning lights, gauges, message center.
Operation:
Starting and driving, parking, shifting gears, using headlights, wipers, climate control.
Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure, changing wiper blades, bulb replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Interpreting dashboard warning lights, basic on-road troubleshooting for common minor issues.
Emergency:
Using hazard lights, spare tire and jack operation, jump starting the battery.
Level:
Consumer-focused, practical user guidance.
Scope:
Covers everyday operation, basic maintenance, and driver awareness of vehicle systems.
Readability:
Optimized for digital viewing and printing on standard paper sizes.
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable if converted from an OCR-enabled source.
Resolution:
High resolution suitable for clear reproduction.
Original Binding:
Stapled or perfect bound (physical copy)
Original Paper:
Standard automotive manual paper stock.
NHTSA Frontal Driver Dl:
5 Stars
NHTSA Frontal Passenger Dl:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Driver Dl:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Rear Passenger Dl:
5 Stars
NHTSA Rollover Dl:
4 Stars
Brakes Standard:
Front Disc / Rear Drum
Brakes Optional:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - Standard on some trims, optional on others.
Traction Control:
Optional on some trims.
Airbags Standard:
Frontal airbags (driver and passenger).
Airbags Optional:
Side-impact airbags (front) and Side Curtain airbags (front and rear) available on some trims.
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters for front seats; 3-point for rear seats.
Audio System Features:
AM/FM stereo, CD player, (optional) premium audio system with subwoofer, MP3 input (on later models/trims).
Climate Control:
Manual climate control or optional automatic climate control.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Auxiliary Input:
May be present on some trims as an option or later revision.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles).
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace annually or every 15,000 miles.
Spark Plugs:
Iridium-tipped spark plugs, typically every 100,000 miles.
Coolant Flush:
Initial flush at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30, API Service SJ or ILSAC GF-3 compliant.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.0 US quarts (3.8 liters) with filter change.
Engine Coolant Type:
Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) - Pink color, or equivalent.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron II or III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) - check specific model/trim, manual may vary.
Common Complaint 1:
Oil consumption: Some 1ZZ-FE engines can consume oil due to piston ring design. Regular checks are recommended.
Common Complaint 2:
Catalytic converter failure: Can occur prematurely if oil is being burned.
Common Complaint 3:
Water pump seal leaks: Early signs may include coolant loss and a whirring sound.
Common Complaint 4:
ABS light illumination: Can be caused by failing ABS wheel speed sensors or control modules.
Pontiac Legacy:
Pontiac was a division of General Motors known for performance-oriented and sporty vehicles.
Vibe Concept:
Developed in partnership with Toyota, the Vibe was a rebadged version of the Toyota Matrix.
First Generation:
2003-2008
Manufacturing Location:
Fremont, California, USA (New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. - NUMMI plant, a joint venture between GM and Toyota).
Initial Reception:
Praised for its practicality, fuel economy, and value, especially considering its Toyota mechanicals.
Insurance Institute Highway Safety:
Good ratings in frontal offset crash tests.
