Which Pontiac has a Toyota engine?
The Pontiac Vibe is a unique vehicle that features a Toyota engine under the hood. This collaboration between General Motors' Pontiac division and Toyota resulted in a compact hatchback that combined Pontiac's styling with Toyota's renowned reliability and engineering.
The Pontiac Vibe's Origins
The Pontiac Vibe was introduced in 2002 as a 2003 model year vehicle. It was developed as a joint project between General Motors and Toyota, with the Vibe being a rebadged version of the Toyota Matrix. The Vibe shared the same platform, powertrain, and many other components with the Matrix, but featured Pontiac's distinctive styling and branding.
Powertrain and Performance
The Pontiac Vibe was available with a choice of two Toyota-sourced engines. The base model came equipped with a 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 130 horsepower. This engine was the same as the one used in the Toyota Corolla and Matrix. For those seeking more power, a 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing was also offered, generating 170 horsepower. Both engines were paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
Unique Features and Design
While the Pontiac Vibe shared its underpinnings with the Toyota Matrix, it featured a distinct Pontiac-inspired exterior design. The Vibe had a more aggressive and sporty appearance compared to the Matrix, with a bold front grille, sculpted body panels, and unique wheel designs. Inside, the Vibe offered a spacious and versatile cabin, with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and ample cargo space.
Reliability and Reputation
One of the key selling points of the Pontiac Vibe was its reputation for reliability. As the Vibe shared many components with the Toyota Matrix, it benefited from Toyota's renowned engineering and quality standards. This made the Vibe a popular choice among buyers who wanted the practicality and dependability of a Toyota, combined with Pontiac's distinctive styling and brand identity.
Conclusion
The Pontiac Vibe was a unique collaboration between General Motors and Toyota, resulting in a compact hatchback that combined the best of both automakers. With its Toyota-sourced powertrain, reliable performance, and Pontiac-inspired design, the Vibe offered a compelling alternative in the compact car segment.
Is the Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe the same?
Although the Vibe and Matrix are similar designs, the two brands actually use several different components, which are brand-specific, for their heating and air conditioning systems. These components include the air conditioning compressor and related hoses, the heater hoses, the heater core, and the serpentine belt.
Are Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix parts interchangeable?
You are correct that the Pontiac Vibe and the Toyota Matrix are nearly identical cars, except for the interior and sheet metal. In fact, these cars were built side by side in the same assembly plant. Based on this I would say the Toyota motor mounts should be an exact fit.
Does the 2006 Pontiac Vibe have a Toyota engine?
This car has Toyota Matrix/Corolla guts. The 1.8 VVT motor is good for 300K miles. The 4 speed automatic is really a 5 speed.
What is the GM version of the Toyota Matrix?
Pontiac Vibe
Toyota Matrix at a Glance
It was available for 2003 up until 2013 in the United States, and until 2014 in Canada. It was born out of a partnership between Toyota and GM; the GM variant of the model was the Pontiac Vibe, part of the now-defunct Pontiac line.
Does the 2003 Pontiac Vibe have a Toyota engine?
Powertrains available for this car are a Toyota-built 1.8 L straight-4 16-valve engine producing 126 hp (94 kW) on the base model (manual or automatic transmission), 118 hp on the all-wheel drive model (automatic only), or a version with VVTL-i producing 164 hp (122 kW) for the GT (manual 6-speed only).
What Pontiac has a Toyota engine?
Pontiac Vibe
The Pontiac Vibe was a compact car made by General Motors with Toyota at New United Motor Manufacturing plant in Freemont, California. It was only sold as a five-door hatchback. The Vibe has the same engine and parts as the Toyota Matrix and Toyota Corolla. The Vibe and Matrix were made in different factories.
What are Pontiac Vibe years to avoid?
Reliable Years Of The Pontiac Vibe
Given a 7-year run, you really only need to avoid the 2003 and 2009 models, and the others should be relatively consistent if you want to buy them used.
Did Pontiac use Toyota engines?
Customers could choose between a motor from the Toyota ZR Series and another motor from the Toyota AZ Series. Only a year later, in 2010, GM broke the news that they would nix the entire Pontiac brand. The Vibe and its sturdy Toyota motor went down with the Pontiac ship.
Does a 2009 Pontiac Vibe have a Toyota engine?
Although it's equipped with Toyota's larger 2.4-liter I-4 (a 1.8-liter is standard on the base car), this thing doesn't feel swift. The 158-hp engine is sufficient to move the car around, but it doesn't have the visceral sound or thrust one gets in a true hot hatch.
Will Toyota Matrix parts fit Pontiac Vibe?
You are correct that the Pontiac Vibe and the Toyota Matrix are nearly identical cars, except for the interior and sheet metal. In fact, these cars were built side by side in the same assembly plant. Based on this I would say the Toyota motor mounts should be an exact fit.
