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 - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By 2009 Base - June 2 - 12:10 am

  I traded in my beloved Jeep Wrangler for the Vibe. Aside from the fact that I can no longer take the top down on a nice day I really like this car. I am a big guy and I do not feel the least bit cramped, nor is there an issue of getting in and out of the car. It is fun to drive and really very quite. If you get one, pay for the power package. I did not do this and now wish I would have.

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  One Great Vehicle - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Burton Dietz - June 1 - 1:20 pm

  This car is just about as perfect at it gets. Great gas mileage, comfort and style and it will literally carry things that much bigger vehicles cant because the front passenger seat will fold flat. When this one wears out, I will definitely be buying another.

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  compact suv - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By joe k - May 24 - 7:06 pm

  this is the most versatile car i have ever owned. its a fun car to drive with good gas mileage. capacity to haul your huge dogs or rambunctious kids. get all the the groceries you can afford in this thing, or go to the nursery for all the plants you want. whatever you are looking for you can normally fit it in a vibe. and the gas to fill the tank for three hundred and some miles of driving on a trip wont bankrupt you

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  Three weeks old - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By paradox - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Purchased this car three weeks ago and am still in awe at the value for the money. Factoring in the rebates and end of model year discounts available this was by far the best value. Sure you can spend thousands more for faster, bigger, louder, or sleeker but look at the big picture. Think about when gas goes back up to over 2 bucks a gallon your getting nearly 25mpg!

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  Fantastic reliable car - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By A Andrews - May 22 - 11:10 pm

  Before the Pontiac Vibe was out on the market, I saw a report on Popular Mechanics, and I knew this was the car I was looking for my wife. It had all that she needed. Although being a totally new car, just knowing that it was basically a Toyota Corolla, that was all I needed to know, so, as soon as it was out, I ordered one. Made the right choice!

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  What a feeling - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By Chuck - May 19 - 6:13 am

  Well I must admit my wife was right! She picked out the Vibe for my next work car. We bought a Auto Sport with Sun and Sound also included was the power package. This car is awesome as 4" of snow wasnt even a challenge. As a previous owner of a 03 Elantra GT one couldnt even start to compare the difference. I encourage everyone to have a open mind and give the Vibe a try! My only dislike is I wanted Victory Red! not Salsa

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  Vibe vs. Outback - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Larry - May 18 - 5:13 pm

  I can most accurately compare this car to the 01 Subaru Outback wagon I traded in. I traded because of the Generals various incentives, a variety of research (including Edmunds), proven Toyota drivetrain reliability vs. a growing concern about websites featuring major head gasket issues in 98-02 2.5 liter engines on Soobs, and having a car with a good trade-in value. The Subaru was quieter, was a tad more stable in winds, and seemed to have a bit more room. Other than that, the Vibe is probably more reliable, has better mileage (both are AWD), butt-level seating (good for bad backs and visibility), great Moon and Tunes stereo, and equal power because the Vibe has a "smarter" tranny.

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  Sadly parting with this car. - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By iamhere - May 11 - 6:18 pm

  Sick at heart. This 2003 Vibe has 155,000 miles on it. I replaced a sluggish starter about 20,000 miles ago. That is it other than battery, tires, alignment, brakes and spark plugs. Some jerk ran a stop sign and totaled the car. Sick at heart. Want another just like it. It was perfect and I know it would have gone another 100,000 miles easily. Best interior and configuration. Never a bit of problem. So sad.

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  Nice ride - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Repoman - April 28 - 8:33 pm

  Overall build quality is great. After 10000 hwy miles averaging 31 MPG (2.4L, 5 Auto). Ride is comfortable and quiet. Performance and handling are good. Very quick and responsive.

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  Cmon! Interior coming apart after 3 months - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By R&L - April 16 - 4:03 am

  We purchased this vehicle four months ago. First rims had bubbles in them, then the lever to release seat came apart and now after 4 months the window console panel is popping up. Very cheaply made and whats the deal with the stupid storage racks! couldnt come up with something better? I could go on and on about things that we found wrong with this Jewel from GM. Way to go boys! Wont get another purchase from me again!