The Women & Family Car Guide

Family Hauler Shoot-Out
What's best for your family: An SUV, a crossover, or a minivan? To help you decide, we tested for roominess, practicality, safety and fuel economy.
The Best Family Cars of 2008
Edmunds and Parents Magazine team up to choose the 15 best family cars in a range of sizes, styles, and price points.
Comparison Test: 2007-2008 V6 Family Sedans
Malibu, Accord, Altima and Camry duke it out for best in show. The results may surprise you.
Driving Pregnant
Airbags and seatbelts are there to protect you, but protecting your unborn child may require changes in the way you sit behind the wheel.
The Breeder's Cup: The Battle To Be the Best Minivan
Honda's Odyssey has worn the editors' crown for a few years running. Can Dodge's all-new Grand Caravan unseat this perennial favorite?
Minivans Reach the Point of Reckoning
Minivans have become the Rodney Dangerfields of the automotive world: They get no respect — but a lot of people like them. Could Chrysler's new van stop the sales slide?
What Should We Do About Grandma's Driving?
As the elderly population grows, so do the dangers they pose on the roads. Our comprehensive senior driving series explores innovative approaches to help seniors drive more safely and discusses if — and how — to take away the keys.
Top 10 Features Every Minivan Should Have
Some minivans are more practical than others. We feature 10 recent innovations (plus some bonus goodies) that you won't find everywhere.
Best Cars for Kids in Car Seats
If your family is growing, you know how hard it can be to work with kids and car seats. Make it easier for all of you by buying the right car in the first place.
Family Road Trip Must-Haves
Traveling for the holidays? We've got the be-all, end-all list of what you need to make it a pleasant journey.

Read More Strategies Advice

Women's Car Care Classes
Car maintenance classes for women help save money and can demystify your next trip to the shop.
Save Money With the Best Automotive Credit Cards
You save hundreds, even thousands on a new car, parts or service by using automotive-branded credit cards to earn rewards on your daily purchases.
Used Car Best Bets
Buying a used car is the best way to save money, but how do you know which ones will hold up the best? The winners of our Used Car Best Bets award are reliable, safe and available.
New or Used? Buy or Lease?
It all comes down to this question: What do the numbers say? Our advice editor takes you through the three most common car-ownership scenarios.
How to Get a Used Car Bargain
Part One of this three-part series shows you how to identify target cars and arrange financing. Part Two discusses how to locate and evaluate prospective candidates. The final article teaches you how to negotiate and close the deal successfully.

Diesel, Gas or Hybrid?
The auto industry is pushing all three technologies, but Americans aren't so sure. Where does that leave you, the consumer?
Women Take Bonneville by (Ethanol) Storm
Three female GM engineering interns tune a Cobalt SS using ethanol to set new land speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats. It's hardly your typical college internship.
Ethanol? Fuel cell? Biodiesel? An Alternative Fuel Overview
What's all the excitement about alternative fuel? Where can you get it?
Top 10 Tips for Improving Your Fuel Economy
You don't have to buy a hybrid or diesel to get better fuel economy. Follow these tips and you'll get the best possible MPG out of your car.

See our Green Car Guide

New Law To Prevent Kids' Backover Deaths
If you can't see properly behind your vehicle, tragedy can result, as hundreds of parents can attest. The recently passed Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act requires better rear visibility and other vehicle changes to protect children and pets.
New Porsche Performance Course for Women
With equal parts fun and safety, Porsche taps into your inner racecar driver while teaching critical handling skills. Vroom!
Should School Buses Have Seatbelts?
The answer may seem like an obvious "yes," but there's more to it. Even the federal government isn't sure.
How To Crash-Proof Your Teen Driver
The most dangerous activity most teens engage in is simply driving. Our new five-part Teen Driver Safety Series examines why thousands of teens are dying in crashes and offers a variety of practical solutions to keep them safe.
Most Important Safety Features for a Family Vehicle
When buying a family car, don't skimp on the safety features. These will help you achieve maximum peace of mind.
Top 10 Safety Technologies
Technology can save your skin. We look at 10 car safety technologies you should consider for your next car.
Are Small Cars as Safe as Large Cars?
When you're looking for fuel efficiency, you're probably looking to smaller cars. But are they as safe as the gas guzzlers? It depends on how you drive.
Tips and Techniques for Driving in Rain
Using wet-weather driving techniques will keep you from waiting for a tow truck in the rain. And they could save your life.
A Quick Guide to Recalls
What's the difference between a recall and other types of bulletins? What are the recalls on your car, and can you get them fixed for free? Find out here.

See our Car Safety Guide

The Driving Woman Blog

Best cars, dealing with dealers, family safety and more, from the women editors at Edmunds.com.

CONSUMER RATINGS & REVIEWS

What real women are saying about the
2009 Pontiac Vibe GT
4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

2009 Pontiac Vibe GT Review: "A very nice way to put 14 minivan years behind me. Like minivans, my Vibe is practical and versatile. Unlike minivans, the Vibe is economical and fun to drive. But the Vibe GT is a few details short of perfect. I exchanged the 18-inch wheels standard on the GT for the 17-inch wheels optional on other models. I lost some tight cornering ability but gained a whole lot more in noise reduction and comfort. Blind spots force me to trust the mirrors more than I'd like. I had back-up sensors installed to allay fears that I would back into something or, worse, someone, such as the grandchildren who live with us. I would have also appreciated an in-dash compass. Still a great ride and purchase."

Favorite Features: "Very good balance of fuel economy and acceleration. Excellent handling and braking. Fun to drive. Bold yet not bizarre styling. Versatile interior. Easier to configure, load and unload than my old minivan. Tap-shift gear setup is excellent for downshifting on hills. Lots of airbags."

Suggested Improvements: "Sacrifice a little styling to improve on the blind spots, and/or offer a rearview camera option. Add a compass and/or GPS. Make 17-inch wheels standard on the GT. Make the 18-inch wheels optional for those more interested in image and muscle than a softer and quieter ride."
— Smokiescat

Consumer Rating	9.0
See all reviews of this vehicle Rate your own car

TOOLS YOU CAN USE

What people are paying for new and used vehicles in your area.
True Market Value^® (TMV)
What your car really costs you over five years, including insurance, repairs and more.
True Cost to Own^sm (TCO)
Buy or lease? Take low APR or cash back? What will the monthly payment be?
Calculator Suite
Pricing, ratings, features, crash scores, and specs for up to five cars at once.
Side-by-Side Vehicle Comparison
Is it time to service or repair your car?
Maintenance Schedules, Recalls, and Technical Service Bulletins

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