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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  Always loved this car! - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Cgts - November 8 - 10:13 pm

  All I can say is that anything would have suited me fine after having driven a Daewoo Lanos! But, I always admired the Pontiac Vibe for its adorable design since the first time I ever saw it. These new defined designs of the car is just stunning! Ive got the GT, and I love how this car looks! As an art major, it has been just spectacular having so much cargo space to haul my sculptures and oversized paintings. Very reliable car, not to mention it is crazy fun to drive. One thing I thought was great about the car was the magnificent interior design, but this is coming from someone who used to have cup holders directly under the radio, so I guess theres room for improvement on that note.

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  Great Car! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By CMGierbolini - November 7 - 1:53 am

  My husband and I rented a Vibe around the 2nd week of Dec 2004. We loved it so much we bought one 2 weeks later! It is the best car Ive ever driven! Its stylish and fun to drive. I only wish it had a few more horses. Other than that its the perfect car! I definatly recommend it to anyone!

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  Awesome Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Alyson416 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Even though I own a 2003, the Vibe is definitely an awesome buy. With rear seats that fold down flush with the trunk, and comfortable seats and reachable controls on the dash, this car is an awesome little SUW and Id recommend it to anyone!!!!

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  The Vibe is great - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Schippee - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I have owned big cars all my driving life. The Vibe was attractive to me because of the gas milage it gets. I drive 60 miles run trip to my work and it has great gas milage.

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  Good "Vibe"rations - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Frogzsong - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Love this vehicle! This has to be the cutest car Ive seen in a long time. Great Colors, super style. Gets a lot of attention on the road. Versatility of an SUV, but economical. The interior is comfortable for all passengers and the driver. Love the attention to detail and options. My Vibe is super looking, fun to drive and I am really enjoying it.

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  pontiac vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By gmg - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Car has surpassed my expectations with a relatively inexpensive car. Very pleased

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  Vibe lover - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By RPrice2227 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I have a vibe and have in the past gotten 45 miles per gllon on a trip. We drove a 650 mile trip comfortably. I love my vibe is not a speed demon but has great peck up and is very responsive. Handles curves well. My wife drives 50 miles a day back and forth to work in it and feels secure. One plus it has a very reliable toyota engione which should give us many miles to come.

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  We love this car - 2010 Pontiac Vibe
  By Love this car - November 2 - 4:43 pm

  We purchased this car after waiting three months for a Chevy Equinox and we couldnt be happier. We switched from a Saab all wheel drive SUV to a smaller better gas mileage car. The car is very zippy and handles great. Although its size isnt that of an SUV, it does have plenty of room even with a baby. After a full week with this car, we love it. Every Vibe owner we talk to loves their car after 3 or 4 years. This is unusual for any car. We are happy and if you are looking for a decent size car with alot of options for a great price, take a look at a Vibe if you can find one. We couldnt locate many within a 50 mile radius in S. Florida.

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  I love my vibe! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By kelly - November 2 - 3:36 pm

  My vibe is an all wheel drive and I love it! I didnt really know why my boyfriend insisted on the all wheel drive until this winter. My car handled better in the ice storm in Ohio than his 60,000 SUV!!

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  The Matrix only better - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Deanna - October 28 - 6:56 pm

  I love my Vibe. You will not ever need another car. The folding seats make it the best ever and most versitile vehicle I have owned in 30 years. Fun to drive and the styling is wonderful. More features than the Matrix and more comfortable this vehicle is built by Toyota and is the same as the Matrix with better options. Great for families and my grandkids love it.