Market Position:
Compact hatchback/wagon, positioned as an affordable, practical, and fuel-efficient vehicle with a strong emphasis on versatility and value. Often cross-shopped with vehicles like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Mazda3.
Competitive Analysis:
The 2007 Pontiac Vibe, a product of GM's partnership with Toyota, shares its platform with the Toyota Matrix. This collaboration ensured robust engineering, reliability, and a focus on practicality, distinguishing it in a competitive segment.
Key Features:
Flexible cargo space, efficient engine options, reliable powertrain (shared with Toyota), hatchback utility, comfortable interior for its class.
Coverage Areas:
Operation, controls, convenience features, safety systems, maintenance, basic troubleshooting
Estimated Page Count:
~200-250
Manual Type:
Owner's Manual
File Accessibility:
Readable and printable on Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
Systems Covered:
Instrument panel, driver controls, seating and restraints, climate control, audio system, lighting, power windows/locks, starting and operating, driving and operating, controls, dashboard indicators, instrument cluster, fuel economy, parking, towing, maintenance and care, fluids and capacities, tire pressure, oil changes, filter replacements, basic troubleshooting, warning lights, emergency procedures, changing a flat tire, jump starting a battery
Procedures Included:
Daily checks, fluid level checks, tire pressure checks, starting and stopping the engine, using cruise control, operating climate control, using infotainment features, adjusting seats and mirrors, proper use of seatbelts and airbags, basic maintenance tasks (e.g., checking oil, washer fluid), emergency procedures
Technical Depth:
Basic owner-level operation and maintenance. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or complex repair instructions typically found in service manuals.
Specific Procedures:
Operation of the trip odometer, setting the clock, using the interior lights, fuel door operation, windshield wiper speed adjustment, rear wiper operation, defogger usage, emergency brake engagement and release.
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1794 cc)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Horsepower:
126 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
122 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Gt Engine Notes:
The GT model featured the higher-output 2ZZ-GE engine with Toyota's VVTL-i technology, offering a distinct power band and engagement.
Gt Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1796 cc)
Gt Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, VVTL-i (Variable Valve Timing with Lift intelligence), DOHC, 16-valve
Gt Horsepower:
170 hp @ 7800 rpm
Gt Torque:
130 lb-ft @ 6800 rpm
Standard Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual
Optional Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (with electronically controlled overdrive)
Transmission Features:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) standard on all trims. GT models typically came with the 5-speed manual transmission.
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4/5 Stars
IIHS Front Crash Rating:
Good
IIHS Side Crash Rating:
Good
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS) (standard on GT, optional on base models)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System:
Not standard on 2007 models.
Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags (driver and passenger), front side-impact airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags (optional/standard depending on trim), front seatbelt pretensioners, LATCH child seat anchors
Infotainment Features:
Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional satellite radio compatibility, optional premium audio system with amplifier and subwoofer (Harman Kardon on some trims).
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise control. Limited advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) compared to modern vehicles.
Connectivity Options:
Auxiliary audio input jack (on some models/head units).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions and oil type used).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles
Major Service Interval:
Refer to manual for specific mileages (e.g., spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid replacement).
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 (API Certified)
Coolant Type:
Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent (typically P-HOAT formulation, pink color)
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
Dexron III or equivalent (check manual for specific part number/spec)
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent (check manual for specific part number/spec)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 US quarts (3.8 L) with filter change (1ZZ-FE)
Known Issues:
Exhaust manifold cracks (especially on the 1ZZ-FE engine), oil consumption (on higher mileage 1ZZ-FE engines), water pump leaks, occasional ABS sensor failures.
Brand Heritage:
Pontiac was a performance-oriented division of General Motors, known for models like the GTO, Firebird, and Trans Am. In its later years, Pontiac diversified its lineup, including collaborations like the Vibe.
Model Evolution:
The Pontiac Vibe was introduced in 2002 as a 2003 model year vehicle, developed in partnership with Toyota. It shared its platform and many components with the second-generation Toyota Matrix. The first generation ran from 2003-2008, with the 2007 model year representing the latter half of this generation.
Production Location:
Fremont, California, USA (NUMMI plant, a GM-Toyota joint venture)
Recognized For:
Value, practicality, fuel efficiency, and reliability due to its Toyota mechanical underpinnings.
Konsumen Reports Rating:
Generally received favorable ratings for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction, reflecting its Toyota heritage.
Certifications:
Meets all U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for the 2007 model year.
