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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  After 2 years and 40K, no regrets! - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By snowdog_ix - January 6 - 2:48 pm

  Bought this car new from a dealer a couple of years ago. I am 64", and I loved the headroom/interior space in this vehicle. I am a single father and was looking for value, reliability and gas efficiency. After a couple of tanks of gas driving in the city, I realized I was getting 7L/100km. Awesome! I am over 40K now and have only had it into the shop for 2 recalls. It has never let me down. It is not super powerfull on the highway. (slow going up a hill with the kids in the back) But I will trade that for the gas mileage I get any day. On-star in-car phone was interesting for the first year, but I let it expire because I didnt want to pay the fees.

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  Loving The Vibe! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Lauren =) - January 5 - 8:10 pm

  Ive had my Vibe for about six months now, and loved every minute of it! I have three dogs, and love to hike and camp, and the Vibe is perfect! Lots of space, easy to clean up, and fun to drive! Great gas mileage from the car makes the 30 minute commute to and from work less stressful, and the interior design makes any trip a joy. Im not worried about my family growing, either, seeing as how every part of the vehicle is easily accesible and easy to clean. I might make my next vehicle a Vibe (with a manual transmission this time

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  Everything I want in a car! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By umich_81 - December 29 - 10:00 am

  Ive found the Vibe perfect for my needs. Its got a ton of cargo space once the back seats are folded down so I move all my stuff pretty easily. Ive been really impressed with the gas mileage I get, and the Vibe has a sporty feel to it. Its a very practical car on paper, but it also looks great on the road. All my friends think its a great looking car. I just graduated from college and I think it has everything I want (in terms of features, safety, gas mileage, and looks) for an affordable price.

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  My 2006 Vibe - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By dgranros - December 16 - 5:53 am

  Bought my Vibe with 24,000 well maintained miles on it. I traded in a PT Cruiser which I dearly loved but constant electrical /quality issues finally forced me to move on. My Vibe has been a joy, absolutely bulletproof and delivers a steady 30 -31 mpg in combined city/ highway driving. The Vibe does have considerable road and wind noise (at least compared to the PT). The cars handling is quite good and acceleration is decent with the automatic. Not especially fast but ok for my needs. I like the older (pre 09) Vibes for the side molding and fairings. Should offer some protection in the parking lot wars. Certainly better than the 09s which havent any side protection at all.

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  Great Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Macadew - December 15 - 12:50 pm

  Outstanding vehicle for the price. Gas mileage is excellent, car rides well and very comfortable in front seat. Surprising amount of room for rear seat passengers as well. Quality has been super outside and inside. Only negative is noise generated by engine. Besides that everything is great.

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  Cute, but not as stable as our Suburu - 2008 Pontiac Vibe
  By AM - December 4 - 1:00 am

  Defintitley notice the change going from a Forester (AWD) to the Vibe. It handles slick roads rather poorly, spinning the wheels as we turn corners on wet roads. But the mileage has ranged from 24 mpg city to 36 highway, doing better than our old Forester. Very cute and hip! Love the size and larger backseat.

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  A Versatile Fun Car - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Brian G. - November 24 - 6:53 am

  Ive only had this car for 2 weeks. Its so much fun to drive, and handles like a much more expensive vehicle. The ride is quiet and smooth, and the 2.4 engine provides more than enough power. The interior seems spacious and all the controls are in easy access. The interior uses alot of plastic, however it does not look or appear cheap. The seats are very comfortable in the front and rear, and the cargo space is incredible when the rear seats are folded down. The A/C blows nice and cold which is a plus, since I live in Florida. I wanted the upgraded radio, but mine has the base radio, however it sounds great. Ive driven in some very heavy rain, and this car was terrific! GREAT CAR!!!

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  Love this car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Ron Nichols - November 11 - 11:40 pm

  This is a great little car. Good performance and great looks, much better than the Matrix. Fuel economy is considerably better than EPA rating. I have only one problem with the car since new-a cracked battery case- an it was fixed under warranty. 46000 miles and no other problems. Plenty of room and comfortable.

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  Great Value - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Jason - November 11 - 1:46 am

  I had an Olds Alero that gave me nothing but trouble (In the shop over 15 times in 3 years...all covered under warranty, but unaccepatble). I looked to the Toyota Matrix for quality, more room and better gas mileage. The fact the Vibe has a Toyota pedigree was the strongest selling point. I was primarily looking for the Matrix, but a pre-owned loaded Vibe with only 7000 miles came across me so I jumped at it. The cars design is top notch and the build quality impressive. It corners well and accerlartion is better than I thought it would be. You have to know going into buying that its not a hot rod, but there is plenty of power for everyday driving. Gas mileage is icing on the cake.

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  no BMW but solid economy car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By John Yeh - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Good, reliable car. Very good gas mileage and plenty of space inside for a small car. With a Toyota Corolla drivetrain, itll be reliable. Wish it had better handling, similar to Mazda Protege, but I bought it because it was more thrifty fuel-wise and had a bigger interior. Itll never be a BMW but for an unrich guy like me it was a good buy. The interior is fun and the stereo sounds good. As a recording engineer, I always test my mixes in the car. Plus having that extra space with the fold- down rear seats, I can carry a rack of equipment while still having kid- carrying flexibility that I didnt have in my two seat pickup.