The popular 2010 Pontiac Vibe remains virtually unchanged after a comprehensive re-design in ’09. Versatile yet sporty, the 2010 Vibe is a five-passenger, five-door wagon that takes many of its mechanical and cabin features from Toyota’s Matrix hatchback. The Vibe’s exterior, however, is all Pontiac, as is the specially tuned suspension.

The 2010 front-wheel-drive Vibe offers two trim levels, Base and GT, as well as two engine choices, the standard 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder (I4) and an available 2.4-liter I4. In addition, two transmissions, the standard five-speed manual and an available five-speed auto-manual transmission, are offered. Pontiac also offers an all-wheel-drive Base Vibe.

The standard 1.8-liter I4 puts out 132 hp at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. The EPA estimates 26/32 mpg for the 1.8-liter engine with the standard manual transmission. The available 2.4-liter I4 power plant generates 158 hp at 6,000 rpm and 162 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. With the available five-speed auto-manual transmission, the 2.4-liter I4 gets an EPA-estimated 20/26 mpg.

Besides an impressive 49 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded down, standard appearance, convenience, and comfort features for the Base 2010 Vibe include front bucket seats, telescoping tilt-wheel steering, power mirrors, floormats in front and rear, 16-inch steel wheels, OnStar telecommunications, a hands-free phone, and a single-CD player with four speakers. The AWD Base trim adds the five-speed auto-manual transmission and air-conditioning as standard equipment.

The 2010 Vibe GT adds such standard features as leather-trimmed upholstery, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, cabin air filtration, and a 320-watt audio system with seven Monsoon premium speakers and a subwoofer. Appearance, comfort, and convenience options for the 2010 Pontiac Vibe include upgraded paint, a power sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a theft deterrent system.

Safety isn’t slighted in the 2010 Vibe, with such standard safety features as four-wheel disc ABS, traction and stability control, dual front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, the OnStar post-collision safety system, child seat anchors, rear door child safety locks, and dusk-sensing headlights, among other things.

Owners of the virtually identical 2009 Pontiac Vibe find this nifty hatchback versatile, sporty, and stylish despite having a few issues with build quality, blind-spots, one or two switches, and driver’s-seat legroom.

Fuel economy, handling, looks, safety features, cargo room, and overall comfort are the qualities especially admired by owners of the Pontiac Vibe.