In the automotive world, we’ve seen the popularity explosion of SUV’s that run the gamut from plump to absurdly obese. And, with escalating gas prices, environmental concerns and congested city streets, many buyers have realized that perhaps owning a two and a half ton truck equipped with a thirsty V-8 may not be the most economical mode of transport for ferrying young Jimmy to soccer practice. Throw in the cornering prowess of Ben-Hur’s chariot, and more body roll than a Richard Simmons infomercial, and you’ve got an idea of how exciting piloting one of these mastodons down a winding mountain pass can be. While there are people who legitimately use the off-road capabilities of SUV’s, a majority will never trek over anything worse than a gravel road. Knowing this, General Motors and Toyota have joined forces to “cross-pollinate” the best attributes of a car and an SUV. The result of their efforts: the Pontiac Vibe (and its fraternal twin, the Toyota Matrix).