The base Vibe comes with a 130-horsepower four-cylinder engine. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, a four-speed automatic optional ($850). The Vibe comes standard with wind-up windows, manual door locks, and 16-inch steel wheels, but it is otherwise reasonably well equipped with air conditioning; a CD player; a two-prong, household-style 115-volt power outlet (as well as two automotive-style 12-volt outlets); and power mirrors. Anti-lock brakes ($500) are optional.

The all-wheel-drive Vibe (AWD) is similarly equipped, but its engine is de-tuned to 123 horsepower. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) and automatic transmission are standard; no manual transmission is available.

The Vibe GT is a factory-built sport compact with 180 horsepower and a six-speed manual transmission. It also gets four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, 16-inch cast aluminum road wheels, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. No automatic transmission is available.

Side-impact airbags are optional ($575) and come packaged with an alarm system. A Power Group ($750) adds cruise control, power windows, and power door locks with remote keyless entry to all models. The optional Moon and Tunes package ($850) adds a power glass moonroof and 200-watt audio system. An in-dash six-CD changer is also available as a stand-alone option ($325) or as part of a DVD-based navigation system ($1,650). New for 2004 are 17-inch aluminum wheels with 215/50R17 Dunlop all-season tires, XM Satellite Radio, and OnStar telematics.

Also available is a dealer-installed supercharger for the base model that will deliver 7.5 psi of boost for a 35-percent increase in horsepower and torque. The supercharger can be installed on either manual or automatic Vibes, and shares the Vibe's 3 year/36,000 mile warranty.