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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  Its Great - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Luv My Car - September 25 - 5:46 am

  I absolutely love my little Vibe. I got the Sun & Sound pkg, so it looks and sounds great too. I love the spunkiness it has for such a little car, especially for a 4 cyl automatic, and it runs great on a cross-country trip. It holds as much as my old clunky Isuzu Rodeo, and gets twice the gas mileage!

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  I like his car more and more - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By M. Mikesh - September 17 - 9:26 pm

  My Vibe is a great little car, my first ever new car. I wanted a car with great gas mileage that would fit a 6 ladder, and was made in America. I like the fact that the Vibe drive-train and engine are made in a joint-venture with Toyota, which gave me more confidence in the cars performance over the long term. I want to drive this car for 200,000 miles, like I did with my 1990 Honda Civic. The Vibe consistently gets good mileage, has been nearly maintenance free for the first 50,000 miles, and still looks great. It seems slow when its loaded with 4 large passengers and going up a hill at 55 mph, but I can punch the accelerator and it will suck more gas and move right up the hill.

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  diggin the vibe - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By jpt - September 13 - 1:53 pm

  I have really enjoyed owning a my Vibe. I love the affordability and the versatility of it. Especially, for the limited driving I do. If I spent a great deal of time in the car, I probably would not have chosen the Vibe because it is underpowered. It has been a great car and completely reliable. I most definitely would recommend it and would likely buy one again. I would love to see it with a more powerful engine and am sorry to see that they have discontinued the AWD....which is sure footed here in Michigan. The best part is that it is an American nameplate with Japanese reliability.

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  Practical, Sporty Looking City Transport - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Mark - September 10 - 8:33 am

  Ive had my Vibe for over a year. I am very pleased with its practicality. It replaced an Isuzu Amigo which was pure joy for 11 years. With the Vibe you get sensibleness - good gas mileage, surprising cargo capability, and a slightly higher (for a small car) seat height. Despite its sporty appearance, its no sports car, and it could use a little more power for mad city traffic. But when you figure in the good mileage, its generally worth the trade off.

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  awesome - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By gene10 - September 7 - 3:43 am

  oh please!!!a 1.8 engine in a 2700lb car..well i love the little 1.8.I installed a k and n air filter..a world of difference.Great gas miliage. Im thinking about buying the supercharger/gm product..or the k and n cold air intake system,you will get more hp and torque..im always comming up with excuses to drive it...im hooked.

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  Wifes car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By jybo - September 5 - 10:00 am

  While the standard model with its automatic transmission will not win any races I still think this is an extreemly fun car to drive. I bought it for my wife and got the factory 17" wheels. This car was meant bought for her to get around town reliably and it does that very well. We have not had any trouble. Where it exceeded my expectations is in the handling, it carves the curves without complaint. The only issue we have had is open road wind seems to bounce it around pretty hadr.

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  Very Vibe Happy - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Ross - September 5 - 6:53 am

  I am very happy after getting rid of my gas guzzling Isuzu Rodeo. Very roomy for all my camping/mountain biking gear. Comfortable for 4 adults if needed. Great mileage for such a roomy vehicle. Feels very solid. Winter diving performance remains to be seen. The GM incentives/pricing made this a no brainer.

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  Viben it down the road - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By Linda Kauffman - September 1 - 3:26 pm

  When we had some bad snow storms come thru in the last two months, this Vibe did awesome. It handled the snow as if it was a 4x4. This is a good fuel economy car to own.

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  2006 Vibe - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Gregg - September 1 - 3:16 pm

  We drive 50 miles a day over Bozeman pass to go to work. The Pontiac Vibe handles the hills and curves with ease in all types of weather from wet roads to 3 foot snow drifts.

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  Most reliable vehicle in the world! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By hughsbase - August 29 - 9:35 pm

  I am extremely happy to announce that my vibe just hit the 300,000 miles mark and still running. I have driving this car around the country all the way to New Mexico and back with barely little maintenance. If you can find this vehicle get it! I promise you will not regret getting this vehicle!