Chicago Sun-Times (Enlarge photo)

06/09/2008 00:36. OK, the name is a bit too hip, and the wagon body style doesnt appeal to everyone, but the Vibe is a small car with a lot going for it.

This is the second time around for the Vibe, and like the first generation, the Vibe is an alternate styling exercise of the Toyota Matrix, which it shares virtually everything with. Both Matrix and Vibe are built off the new Corolla platform.

I tested a 2009 Vibe GT, and while I Iike the first gen, the second gen is better as it should be.

Pontiac calls the 2009 Vibe a crossover because it offers all-wheel drive and has some mild SUV styling overtones, but its really a compact wagon. Yes the W word is not popular with manufacturers or buyers, but the scale dips to the wagon side verses the crossover side.

So, why do I like the Vibe? In word:... // Chicago Sun-Times