Overview & Reviews

The Pontiac Vibe began life as a Toyota Matrix twin and ended it as the answer to a trivia question: "What is the only Pontiac model to be produced for the 2010 model year?" That's right -- while all other Pontiac models went the way of the dodo after GM's 2009 bankruptcy fiasco, the Vibe stuck around for a last hurrah. It's gone now, though, and that's a real shame. Of all the compact cars that wore Pontiac badges, the Vibe was by far the best.

Smart packaging is what made this small wagon desirable, as the Vibe combined clean styling, a roomy interior and exceptional utility under one affordably priced roof. A peppy powertrain was another welcome feature. The fact that the Vibe also got above-average fuel economy and had a solid reputation for reliability only added to its appeal among budget-minded consumers.

There were two generations of the Pontiac Vibe. Both are distinctive in appearance without looking overdone and resemble a sporty four-door hatchback rather than a frumpy station wagon. The Vibe offered a lot of functionality for not a lot of money, and Toyota-sourced parts and powertrains counted as another point in its favor. Despite Pontiac's demise, the Vibe should enjoy a long life on the used-car market.

Most Recent Pontiac Vibe

Produced for 2009-'10 only, the second-generation Pontiac Vibe is the corporate twin of the Toyota Matrix. What this means for pre-owned models is that the Vibe has reliable Toyota genes and will likely provide years of dependable service. The Vibe was treated to distinct exterior styling, however, as well as its own trim levels and options.

Pontiac sold this Vibe in base, AWD and GT trim levels. Base Vibe models were front-wheel-drive only and had a 1.8-liter 132-horsepower four-cylinder engine and a torsion-beam rear suspension. AWD models had -- you guessed it -- all-wheel drive, as well as an independent rear suspension and an upgraded 2.4-liter four good for 158 hp. The sport-themed, front-wheel-drive GT had the more powerful 2.4-liter engine along with the independent rear suspension.

All models came standard with a five-speed manual transmission except for the AWD model, which could only be equipped with a four-speed automatic. A five-speed automatic was optional on the GT, while the four-speed automatic could be added to base models. Base Vibes could also be equipped with the 2.4-liter engine at extra cost, in which case the five-speed automatic replaced the four-speed on the options list.

Inside, this Vibe featured simple and intuitive gauges and controls. Build quality was good, with most of the interior bits and pieces sourced from Toyota. Thanks to the Vibe's elevated roof line, there was plenty of room for passengers. In the safety department, the Vibe came standard with antilock disc brakes, OnStar, stability control and a full complement of airbags.

In reviews, we noted that acceleration was sluggish in the base Vibe but peppy otherwise, especially in the GT, which wasn't noticeably weighed down by the all-wheel-drive system. Expect fuel economy of nearly 30 mpg or more on the highway in all models. The four-speed automatic was rather anachronistic for a new model, though the five-speed automatic was a satisfactory unit. Handling was capable in all trims and even somewhat entertaining in GT models.

Used Pontiac Vibe Models

The first-generation Pontiac Vibe was sold from 2003-'08. It was available in base and GT trim levels. Base Vibe models had a 126-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and could be equipped with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (AWD). Non-AWD models were equipped with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission, both of which yielded adequate response in traffic and fuel economy in the low 30s. The AWD model was rated at 118 hp due to its different exhaust routing, and the four-speed automatic was mandatory. Acceleration was sluggish in the AWD Vibe, but it was still a useful option for buyers in harsh climates who needed a low-cost snow vehicle.

Aimed at a small niche of performance-minded consumers, the Vibe GT came with a Yamaha-designed high-revving 1.8-liter four-cylinder rated for 164 hp at a lofty 7,600 rpm. Sold in front-drive form with a six-speed manual transmission only, the GT was much quicker than the base Vibe, provided the engine was kept on boil. Ride and handling dynamics, however, were largely the same as in other Vibe models -- adequately comfortable and responsive for commuting purposes, but underwhelming from an enthusiast's perspective.

Other than the elimination of the GT and AWD models after 2007, the first-generation Pontiac Vibe received minimal changes. However, there are some equipment differences of note if you're shopping for a used one. A DVD-based navigation system was offered as an option from 2003-'05, but Pontiac discontinued it for 2006. Used-car shoppers interested in this feature will likely have difficulty locating models with it installed, as it was a rare selection when new. Also, while front seat-mounted side airbags were always optional on the first-generation Vibe, full-length side curtain airbags weren't available until the 2005 model year. That was also the first year that buyers could get stability control, but availability was limited to front-wheel-drive base Vibes equipped with the automatic transmission.

User Reviews:

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  Vibe / Matrix Mediocre car at best - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By spark123 - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Expensive car to maintain and drive. Maintainence parts hard to come by. Car requires special tires $125 each for cheapest. Poor fuel economy for size 28MPG Highway. Poor acceleration. Poor HVAC system. Harsh ride. Fair handling. Lots of squeaks and rattles. Found out after I bought it it actually was a Toyota. Reliability is good after 70000. Large blind spots at all 4 corners.

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  fun to drive, but Im disappointed - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Wisconsinite - December 20 - 7:40 am

  2.4 l automatic with sunroof and sound package. Its fun to drive, but I think the sunroof sucks up about 2 mpg. I have never gotten over 30 mpg in the 5,000 miles Ive driven it. I drive about 80% highway and 20 small town (no traffic jams) and get 27-28 mpg with conservative driving. Im disappointed b/c I hoped Id get what others reported during the months before I purchased. The ride is really rough, too. If I knew Id get this mpg, Id probably have stuck with another Sebring with a cushy ride. Also, in order to get the roof rack, I had to pay for custom wheels, so the option was really about another $1,000. I will probably trade it in the spring for a different American vehicle.

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  MY VIBE - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By TCC - July 23 - 10:00 am

  IT IS A SMALL CAR I AM NOT A SMALL CAR PERSON IT IS NOT VERY COMFORTABLE FOR ME I WOULD NOT TAKE IT ON A LONG TRIP

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  Less Than Happy - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By LESS THAN HAPPY - May 12 - 5:33 pm

  I find it difficult to give this car much of a rating. I take my dog with me most everywhere I go, so I decided on the Vibe based on its size and practicality. I am very disappointed. This is by far the noisiest vehicle I have every owned! I find myself checking the windows to see if I left one of them open. There seems to be no sound deadening insulation in this vehicle at all. This makes long trips very tedious - and also makes listening to music impossible. Also, the AWD model should be available with a manual transmission - the automatic doesnt allow you to coast freely - its always holding you back causing you to play with the accelerator to hold a constant speed.

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  not so great - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By jonnymaze - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Okay you may get good gas milage but you sure dont get performance. I know its a 1.8 liter engine, I think it should have a little more get up and go. I didnt realize how tight a space the front seating compartment is.

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  Good looking fair performance - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By TR - February 10 - 1:56 pm

  Like the look. Slow at start but better at high speed. Dont feel safe at high speed. I got automatic which said 29-34 mpg but never been higher than 30 mpg (most on highway). A little difficult to see when backup. Engine is noisy. Tires are expensive for the side. Inside smells like egg. Cheap material for dashboard. Quite comfort seats but not for big guy. People on rear seats can easily kick something under the front seat. Air conditioner control is hard with gear at parking position. Poor rear washer. I bought it because it is Toyota inside but the outside is better than matrix and got a good deal. Sticker price is too high with this car. Dealer was not good but service dept is nice.

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  Vibe 2009 - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By dangelo - August 15 - 12:40 pm

  Bought a black 2009 Vibe, because the car I really wanted was not available in my area. The Vibe is a nice car, but GM still does not have a clue on how to build a small car with the things most Americans are looking for.

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  Miss my Aztek!! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Trinity - June 26 - 11:36 am

  I bought the vibe wanting to get better mileage than my Aztek. Better mileage is about all Ive gotten. From day 2 Ive had troubles, constantly in the shop and theres no pep to this car. The front seat folds down for use, but doesnt lay flat, visibility is awkward also. Not great...although many people love them.

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  Didnt like it - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By ariesrose - February 12 - 4:03 pm

  we bought the Vibe used with 23,000 miles on it.when the tranny went in my van. big size difference. i liked the fact that it sat up high, but there wasnt much passenger room. had little nickle and dime things go wrong with it everytime i turned around. went through breaks often, the power windows died on thedrivers side open in a rain storm. the trim around the front passenger side door was a rusted mess ( yes rusted at 35,000 miles. the seals on th doors stuck and the seatbelts were constantly locking tight on you. the drivers belt would release but everybody else had to constantly rebuckle. yes it had an electric plug in it but for what? not enough power to it.

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  2006 AWD - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By nhollins - December 14 - 1:23 am

  My new Vibe replaces a 12 year old Sunbird. I thought the 1.8l engine would be a headache on the freeway. Surprise for me ! The rpms are only at 3200 to go 130km/hr. The 4 valve/cylinder is the only way to go ,to make a sensor controlled engine function to its best. I had TrimLine install a hoodshield thats 24" wide ; 1/2 way up the hood. I had a 74 Corolla that ran troublefree for 10years. So as soon as i found out the Vibe had a Toyota motor , i ordered a new Vibe. What a happy newcar owner i am, considering this is the 1st vehicle bought without even a testdrive !