Overview & Reviews

The Vibe is an all-new model in Pontiac's lineup designed to combine the best attributes of an SUV, a station wagon and a small van. Thankfully, the result is rather attractive and hip, not to mention utilitarian.

• Crisp handling, unique features, utilitarian design.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 202.00

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  Hoped for more than I received - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Rick Sundeen - September 12 - 2:00 pm

  I purchased my Pontiac Vibe with high hopes of a versatile automobile with high gas mileage. While the versatility aspect has been fine, I feel that the gas mileage isnt up to par with what they suggest. Given that it is a four cylinder with less than hoped for response, its getting around 24 instead of the hoped for closer to 30 mpg. Even being on top of air filter and tire pressure maintenance... Also, the biggest downfall is in winter driving. I live in the Northeast and this car should not be sold here. The OEM tires are rated A for traction and temperature, but they have no grip whatsoever. I have to believe that the weight of the car is not distributed over the tires properly.

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  Not bad but not what I expected. - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By 93pontiacga - June 23 - 5:34 pm

  Being a Toyota, I thought I could get at least 250k miles out of it before any major repairs. They say about cars nickle and diming you after they got older. This car never did that, it just slammed me with a book. I replaced the cat once, which was under warranty. At 188k, I replaced the clutch. Great so far. It has 219k on it now and it just cost me almost as much to fix as the car is worth. Needless to say, I most likely wont get another car with a Toyota engine in it.

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  Good Car - 163,000 miles - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Mike - October 20 - 5:00 am

  I bought my Vibe new in January 03, and it has been very reliable. I was horrified at first, when I leaned against the front fender, and it caved in like a paper bag, but the drivetrain is pure Toyota. I had a sensor replaced at around 100K for around $100, but thats it. I changed the hoses and serpentine belt, and flushed the radiator at around 80K, but thats it. My check engine light and airbag light are on, but it still runs great. It doesnt heat up until highway speed, so I think the thermostat is sticking. I am 63 and 275#, but I fit fine. My family of 4, and our luggage got 33mpg @ 80mph when the car was new!

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  Intense research paid off!!! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Michelle - June 20 - 8:50 am

  Couldnt be more pleased w/ this vehicle, unlike the "second car" for cash I bought at the same time (1996 Ford Contour) - weve stuck thousands into that lemon! The Vibe however, is a delight. There have been a few fixes...oxygen sensor, broken outside door handle (thats one thing which I found was true, plastic on interior and exterior on the cheaper side). We have grown our family fast, and I can actually put 3 car seats across the back. Its deceivingly roomy. The cargo area is decent and even my 63" husband doesnt feel cramped in the front seat. Remember when servicing this car, take it to someone who knows Toyota engines (Tuffy replaced some fluids), I was told this is a no no.

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  Buy One! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Don Wells - April 28 - 10:40 pm

  I now have over 72,000 miles on my Vibe. I bought it used with 40k so I have no idea whether there were any initial problems, but I have had to fix NOTHING, and everything works fine. The Moon and Tunes package is great- the sound is surprisingly good w/ rds display. The car is just easy to drive. Easy to park, easy to enter and exit, comfortable seats (which still show no wear). I average 30 mpg driving very aggressively. It handles well and holds an amazing amount of stuff (considering its shorter than a Civic, its astounding) as well as hauling hundreds of pounds in the back without hurting handling. The engine is fairly refined although a little buzzy at high RPM, Acceleration is go

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  Pontiac Vibe w/ 148,000 miles - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By David Crump - March 8 - 3:43 pm

  The car has worked great for 148,000 miles. I totaled it out 2 weeks ago. I wanted the car to go 250,000 miles. I have had no MAJOR issues with the car. Normally I would see a clutch around 100,000 and new CVC joints around then from other cars I have owned. But no issues with the Vibe. Great Gas mileage, for the price and the cost it is better than the VW jetta TDI. I have had 3 problems with the car: 1. Three of the four door handles broke around 110,000 miles. 2. The transmission bearings went out at 38,000 miles. It would have been covered under there new 100,000 protection plan. 3. The back seat cup holders broke around 50,000 they are just made from cheap plastic.

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  Vibe is the perfect anti-SUV - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By maxximumtek - January 25 - 2:00 am

  Before ordering my Vibe, I had a Mini Cooper S on order for a few months before deciding it would simply be too small. So then I gave serious consideration to the Chevy Avalanche as the answer to all my "utility" needs. Then I took a look at the Vibe and found that it did a little of both (small, sporty, but very useful) for way less $$ than the Mini or the enormous Avalanche. With the base Vibe, I routinely get 36mpg on trips, and the seats are some of the most comfortable Ive yet to have in a daily driver. Plus you can haul 8 2"x4"s with the hatch closed!! In all, a good car and a VERY good value!

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  Awesome buy - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By tishwo - January 16 - 5:56 pm

  Our vibe has been phenomenal. No mechanical problems whatsoever! The reliability and drivability has been that of a European car!

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  4+ years and going strong - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Steve S - January 1 - 6:53 pm

  I bought this car the first model year as I liked its good gas mileage, a small exterior for easier parking in NYC but a lot of inside room. As I am 62" I was impressed that I could sit and have plenty of head room. It also gave more leg room that vehicles that are a lot bigger. Good car for the city and hwy driving is nice but could use a bit more pep. Mileage is great. I have had only one problem with the vehicle which came within the warranty period. One of the sensors in the gas tank malfunctioned which prevented any gas from being pumped into the tank. Took 4 days for the dealer to get the part and fix it and then they lost the keys. Would definitely buy another one.

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  Good solid car with some issues - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By R. Florez - September 14 - 4:33 pm

  Interior design is great. Very flexible, roomy, and comfortable, however there have been a few quality issues common to this model. Broken blend door motor, broken latches on HVAC air filter, overly sensitive automatic headlight sensor that turns on headlights and dims dash lights on a sunny day when A-pillar casts a shadow on sensor. Ive had an issue with the headlights mysteriously turning on when the car sits overnight in temperatures near or below freezing, resulting in a dead battery the next morning. No mechanical problems. Fuel mileage is excellent with 1.8L engine. I get about 31-32mpg in mostly city driving. Of course the downside is that acceleration with this engine is anemic.