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 GT review - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By badbary - October 27 - 11:13 am

  Overall this car has been great. The build quality is excellent and it is extremely fun to drive. It is so versatile. The sound system is great and mileage is still impressive with 100k miles on it. 6 speed manual adds to the fun. Have only had to replace brakes and tires once and keep up on oil changes.

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  feel the vibe - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By riasntx - October 24 - 10:00 am

  The interior of this car has a rugged type design. It is fun to drive.

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  My Review - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Diomede22 - October 24 - 12:26 am

  Found it to be a good little family car with good gas mileage. Lots of neat little features and great use of space. Base 4cyl engine could use a bit more of a kick, but its got some anyway. At 61, I am more comfortable in this smaller sport wagon than I was in my SUV I used to have.

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  Style & Comfort - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Halfpint - October 19 - 10:00 am

  My vibe was very helpful in my move to my new home. The foldable rear seats were a plus. The interior while sporty is also very easy to care for(just ask my nephew and the millions of things he has spilled). The gas mileage is also a HUGE money saver!! Im often complimented on its style. I find it sporty as well as comfortable. If youre looking for comfort as well as style this is the car youre looking for!!!

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  RECALL, but wait! - 2010 Pontiac Vibe
  By wade - October 16 - 1:53 pm

  purchased with the help of GM points and cash for clunkers program. So, whats a good GM vehicle? Ouch, me too. Guess what, the Toyota built (80%) with a pontiac skin, is GMs best car! Check out the rating guides,its Gms best period! Ok, looked at it, and wow! Sporty look, interior room is suv like. Im serious. AWD,great for wisconsins winters. Its funny, Ive read other reviews and zippy was mentioned often. My wife and I nicknamed the car "zippy" when describing the ride and feeling we get when driving. But, now we have a re-call on this vehicle! 100% fact. My service man has said we will recieve a re-call letter from Pontiac. We are @ the bottom of the food chain. Minor I hope!

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  Basic Transport with attitude! - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Tundra88 - October 16 - 8:36 am

  My family needed to replace a very unreliable Volvo and decided to go with this Vibe. Toyota build at a GM price. Of course since the purchase weve had to deal with the gas pedal recall but otherwise its been flawless. During the recent Atlanta ice storm we parked my 4WD pickup and drove the Vibe. It was great in the icy conditions. Stability control is awesome! Good gas mileage, decent handling and (subjective) good looking. Everyone in the family loves driving the Vibe, its no race car, but then its not supposed to be...

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  Great car to travel across America!! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Michael Dinsdale - October 15 - 1:46 am

  We have had this car for about 3 weeks , and Love it!!! the fuel economy is way better than what was put on the sticker.It drives really well on the highway and in town. We are very pleased with our choice of this type of suv.

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  Zippy Vibe - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Rob - October 13 - 9:40 pm

  I found the standard Vibe with automatic transmission to be very zippy around town as well as the freeway. City fuel milage varies from 24 to 29mpg depending on traffic and stop lights. I like the wide wheelbase and the way it hugs the road and the curves reminisant of the 60s, a Pontiac trait. Ilove this Vibe as it passes the gas stations, not like other vehicles that outweigh it and wastes fuel. The Vibe is an all around zippy fun vehicle; its the answer to todays gas prices. I look forward to driving the Vibe to Monterey, and up to Oregon, and Washington, i know it will get looks and stares, it always does.

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  Vibe works for me - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By pizan - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Car has been a great vehicle for its size - a little small. Ride is great and front seat is comfortable for 4-6 hour drives I make regularly (511" tall). Rear seat comforatbly seats adults and cargo space is flexible and adequate for most uses (golf clubs need to be angled to fit back there w/o folding seats down). The cruise is touchy on hills, revving alot. Overall Im very pleased with this vehicle - my only regret is that the new orange color was not available in the 2003 model I bought.

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  Great 2nd Car - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By JVB - October 5 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I bought the Vibe as a second car. We are both 6ft+ and it has great head room and fair leg room. It also good gas milage. The back seat has room for a car seat and two grandparents. We are very happy with it.