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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  Oh what Car - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By slammerbob - January 14 - 8:00 am

  This is the second vibe we have owned, we had a 2004 vibe and had traded in on a honda civic hybrid that was a mistake . We bought the awd in august and really enjoy driving it. Plenty of space to haul anything like a mountain bike or a power washer with room to spare. The earlier vibe had a problem with storage under the shifter staying closed. We intend to keep this one I hope subaru takes note their vehicles are getting to expensive for the average family to afford.

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  07 Vibe - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By Robin - January 11 - 7:33 pm

  Great car. Has over 30,000 miles and no problems. Roomier than what you would think when you see it and comfortable.

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  GREAT - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By KirbyRocks333 - January 10 - 10:00 am

  great, awsome, ill keep till i die its soooooooooo great

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  Me and My Vibe - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Buckeye - January 5 - 6:56 pm

  Love this car - owned two SUVs previously but had to give them up due to distances traveled and gas expenses. Found this little gem and I feel right at home - sitting up high and feeling safe while getting the added bonus of good gas mileage. Performs very well; quite zippy. People (teens included) like the cars performance and appearance. We love the audio system, sun roof and fast-responding heater. It is keeps us warm! We are ready for the nasty winter :)

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  Ellis GT - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Richard Ellis - December 26 - 5:16 pm

  My wife and both enjoy our Vibe. We took a gamble buying a new 2003 model that had very little written about it at that time. We are very pleased by the performance and reliability of the GT and have only two minor repairs since we purchased it in 2003. My wife uses the Vibe,five days a week to visit shut-ins and seniors, on backroads that are gravel or sand in addition to normal paved highway. She loves her Vibe and enjoys the "spirit" it has for all types of normal driving conditions. She has mentioned buying a new one after this one reaches 150,000 miles.

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  Love my Vibe - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By STEPHANIE B - December 26 - 7:23 am

  This has been the best car I have ever owned. I love it and now my sister is going to purchase one also. My daughter wants one also. This tells you that it is a great car!

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  Uh-Mazing - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By MooCow1527 - December 24 - 2:20 pm

  I had purchased a Dodge Caliber in January 07- over the course of my 2 year relationship with that vehicle it was terrible. I wanted something new, but a similar body style. I found the 09 Vibe and fell in love. Its an amazing car with lots of features for not a lot of money. I got the dark silver paint with black inside. Sunroof, power everything, monsoon stereo and chrome rims. My husband says its like a space-ship inside. This is a fabulous car and Id recommend it to anyone who wants a fun, spunky car!

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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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  Happy - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By 26.2 - December 19 - 8:06 am

  My 1st American-made car purchase in 30 years. That, plus GMs pending doom made me hesitant about purchasing an 09 Vibe but glad we did. Traded the AWD of a Forester for the mpg of a Vibe. Very happy after the first month. The 1.8l with std transmission is a little slow off the line but has plenty of windup once you pass 3000 rpm. Nice quite ride. 35+ mpg highway. 28 mpg in town. Yakima canoe rack fits the roof fine.

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  The Vibe , a Great Little Car - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Warren Curt - December 17 - 1:06 pm

  This car has all I am looking for with the current fuel situation. I replaced a V8 truck and have cut my fuel consumoption in 1/2. It cruises very well at 75 MPH. There are numerous storage areas. It has very adequate space for 4 adults. I like the styling better than its cousin the Toyota Matrix. I would recomend this car to anyone.