The Pontiac Vibe gets back into the trend of popular hatchbacks with its complete makeover for the 2009 model year. More stylish and a better overall compact sport wagon, the Vibe is available in either front- or all-wheel-drive for both trim levels.The two different trim levels for the Pontiac Vibe are base and GT. The base sport wagon includes 16-inch wheels, a tilt/telescoping steering column and a four-speaker audio system. The 1SB package adds a better engine, cargo organizer and fold-flat front seat. The GT upgrades to 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, full power accessories, keyless entry, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather/cloth sport seats and an upgraded 320-watt audio system with MP3 playback.

The interior of the Vibe can seat up to five people with a 60/40-split backseat. Fabric is incorporated in the seats of the Vibe, but for GT models there are leather accents. The trunk has 20.1 cubic feet of cargo room which increases to 49.4 cubic feet when the seats are folded.

Six airbags are on all Vibes, as well as antilock brakes and an electronic stability system. Side-impact airbags for the front seats, active head restraints for the front seats and side curtain airbags also come standard.

What’s worth checking out this year in terms of mid-size crossovers is the Pontiac Torrent. Introducing the GXP trim with a powerful V6 engine, the roomy Torrent scored high in crash test ratings. Mostly for on the road, the 2008 Pontiac Torrent’s all-season tires don’t slack during foul weather, especially on the enhanced GXP.

This midsize crossover SUV is available in two trim levels—base and GXP—each seating five passengers available in front- or all-wheel-drive. The base Torrent has 16-inch alloy wheels, full power accessories, air-conditioning, cruise control, OnStar and a CD/MP3 player with an auxiliary audio jack. The GXP gets 18-inch wheels, more power, unique hood and body-color bumpers, performance-tuned suspension, dual exhaust outlets, remote vehicle start, privacy glass and a power driver seat. A sport instrument panel, steering-wheel audio controls, auto-dimming rearview mirror and front sport seats with multilevel heating are also included for the GXP.

The base trim is equipped with a 3.4-liter V6 engine that produces 185-horsepower from its five-speed automatic transmission. A much more impressive 264-horsepower is produced by the GXPs 3.6-liter V6 engine. The GXP comes with the six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control.

Standard for both trims are electronic stability system and antilock brakes. The Electronic Trailer Sway Control is a new feature that detects trailer sway and maintains control when there is improper weight balance or excessive vehicle speed.

Seemingly close to the end of its life, the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix receives minor changes this year. While some features, like General Motors’ OnStar communication system become standard, Grand Prix has dropped the midlevel GT trim this year.

Now there are only two trim levels to choose from for the Grand Prix: base and GXP. The base is equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, keyless entry, OnStar, full power accessories and a CD player. The GXP upgrades to 18-inch alloy wheels with performance tires, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, more advanced stereo system, leather upholstery and a head-up display. Both trims levels offer a Sun and Sound package which features a sunroof and a nine-speaker Monsoon stereo with an in-dash six-disc CD player. A navigation system and satellite radio is also optional.

Powered by a 3.8-liter V-6 engine, the base sedan produces 200-horsepower. The GXP upgrades to a 5.3-liter V8 engine at 303-horsepower. Both engines drive a four-speed automatic transmission.

A tire-pressure monitor is standard on both trims. Although they come standard on the GXP, antilock brakes and traction control are optional on the base sedan. Full-length side curtain airbags are optional on both models.

The Pontiac G6 is in its 4^th model year with noteworthy changes in terms of looks and safety. Adding two body styles in 2006, the Pontiac G6 additionally includes a new GXP high-performance trim for this year. The GXP trim replaces the GTP.

The four-door sedan is available in four trim levels for 2008: the entry-level Value Leader, base G6, GT and GXP. While coupes are offered in either GT or GXP trim, the convertible can only be a GT. Equipped with 16-inch wheels and air-conditioning, the G6 Value Leader sedan also has full powered accessories, a four-way manual driver seat and a CD player. The base G6 upgrades to 17-inch alloy wheels, remote keyless entry and cruise control. The GT has a V6 powered engine, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, sport-tuned suspension, and an eight-speaker Monsoon sound system including a subwoofer and satellite radio.

GXPs ride on 18-inch chromed wheels, automatic climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, six-way power driver seat and heated front seats. Available equipment packages include an in-dash CD changer, sunroof and leather upholstery.

The sedan is run by a 164-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. GXP trims have a 3.6-liter V-6 engine powering 252-horsepower. The GT is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine at 219-horsepower; while convertibles are rub by 222-horsepower, 3.9-liter V-6 engines.

All-disc antilock brakes and traction control are standard for all models. Standard on GXP sedans on coupes are electronic stability systems, side curtain and side-impact airbags.

In its second year of production, the Pontiac G5 receives minimal changes and still remarkably resembles the Chevrolet Coupe. The G5 presents a smooth and quiet ride, but limits itself since it is only offered as a coupe.The two trim levels for the compact sport coupe are either base or GT. The base comes with 15-inch steel wheels, full power accessories, remote keyless entry, air-conditioning, 60/40-split-folding rear seat, satellite radio and a CD/MP3 player. The GT upgrades to 17-inch aluminum wheels, fog lamps, sport-tuned suspension, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Pioneer seven-speaker audio system and steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls. Optional for both trims are a six-CD changer, heated front seats, sunroof, leather upholstery and remote vehicle start.

The base trim gets a 2.2-liter inline four-cylinder engine that produces up to 148-horsepower; while the GT is powered by a more potent 2.4-liter with 171-horsepower. EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy is 22-24 mpg in the city and 31-33 mpg on the highway.

Standard on the GT are four-wheel antilock disc brakes and full-length side curtain airbags. Traction control is available for Pontiac G5’s that are equipped with ABS brakes and an automatic transmission.