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Pontiac Vibe GT '03

The Pontiac Vibe is a subcompact crossover SUV that was first released in 2002. Although the Vibe is an American car, it is familiar to Japanese consumers because a right-hand drive version was exported to Japan and re-branded as the Toyota Voltz.

The highest-grade sports-oriented Vibe is the GT, a souped-up version that shares its mechanical components with the Matrix XR. Its biggest highlight is its engine, replacing the 1ZZ 1.8L Corolla engine of the standard Vibe with a Celica 2ZZ engine with a 6 speed manual transmission. This increased the power output from the standard 138 BHP to 180 BHP.

Naturally, the increase in power required reinforced suspension and stronger brakes, transforming the standard model's reasonable "commuter car" personality into something hard core and sporty.

Of course the Vibe GT still functions admirably as a crossover SUV. The black-themed interior makes the most of the generous 102.3 inches wheelbase, providing ample space both front and rear with plenty of headroom. The arrangement of the seats is superb, allowing the Vibe to carry even large outdoor-use items with ease.

Incidentally, a more highly tuned version of the GT known as the Vibe GT-R was also revealed, but never made it to market.

In 2008, both the Pontiac Vibe and the Toyota Matrix underwent a full model change, but unfortunately NUMMI was dissolved and it never succeeded in gaining popularity.

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