Compare Then Buy American: Ponitiac Vibe passes the comparison test

The Pontiac Vibe is a terrific American car.

It doesn't fit the image of "American car" as does the Lincoln Town Car, which is built in Canada, or the Ford Fusion, which is built in Mexico. However, the Vibe is an excellent value, has oodles of features and is solidly constructed. It has an American nameplate and is built in California, which is still technically part of the United States.

To those who have a negative image of American cars: The Vibe is nearly identical to the Toyota Matrix. Both are made on the same assembly line. Yet the Vibe has more features and is cheaper than the Matrix. My grandmother is rolling over in her grave knowing that Americans are paying more – and getting less – for Toyota's sombrero instead of the Pontiac arrowhead.

Standard features on the base Vibe that are optional on the Matrix include electronic stability control. Not available on the Toyota is the Vibe's Swiss-Army-knife-like rear cargo management system. The Vibe, which starts at about $16,000, costs about $1,000 to $2,000 less than a similarly equipped Matrix. General Motors' warranty is notably longer than Toyota's, but the Matrix will likely better hold its resale value.

Differences in steering feel or handling agility - if there are any - will be forgotten or confused during the drive from the Toyota dealership to the Pontiac store. Just don't compare the base model of one brand to the up-level edition of the other.

With versions rated at more than 30 miles per gallon, this hatchback (or little wagon or crossover or whatever) is a viable alternative to a sport utility vehicle. For sure the Vibe is sportier and offers comparable utility. And it's American.