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:

• 

  My 2003 Vibe GT - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By B-Dog - April 12 - 2:40 pm

  I swapped my 2003 Honda Civic Si for my Vibe GT, "Spinelli" because a) I needed a five door for easy access for my five-year old son, and b) I needed a domestic vehicle for my job. Ive been pleased with the swap. The car accelerates crazily when you hit 6000 RPM, but around town with my wife & son, its quite docile. Its a real Jekyll-and-Hyde kind of car. The handling is nice, the brakes are strong, and I do get 30+ MPG on the highway consistently. I drive over 30K miles/year, most of them highway, so thats a nice add (especially with Premium selling for $3/gallon now). Ill definitely consider another one next fall when itll need replacing.

• 

  Great car for the money! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Rob - April 8 - 8:26 pm

  I was in the process of building a new house when my previous vehicles lease expired so I was on the hunt for an inexpensive vehicle. I cheaped out and leased a 2003 Vibe w/ a manual transmission-the only options on the car are alloy wheels and a 6 disc CD changer. I am very happy with the vehicle. It gets great gas mileage and I was surprised how much stuff I got in it with the rear seats folded down (dressers, lawn mower, tables). I owned a GMC Jimmy several years ago and experienced one quality defect after another so I was aprehensive about going with another GM product. But since this is really a Toyota in a GM skin it has proved to be reliable and solidly built.

• 

  I love this car! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By kbowser`05 - April 7 - 9:03 pm

  Great Gas mileage; fun Moon & Tunes package; comfortable. Just a great vehicle for an affordable price! Personally, I think the Vibe is much better looking than its "twin" the Toyota Matrix.

• 

  My first brand new car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By rosemachine - April 5 - 10:00 am

  This car is a dream to own,its everything that I wanted and it is perfect for me and my kids.

• 

  Lovin it - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By dschavey - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I had a smart buy on a 2001 sunfire that was due. I had received a letter from my dealer that I should come in and see what was new. I had not planned on getting rid of my sunfire because I loved it, but when I saw the new Vibe I fell in love with it and drove it home that afternoon. And my husband and I have been enjoying driving around town and receiving so many compliments. I also love the color (orange fusion metalic)! Its great a can find my Vibe anywhere I park. Thank you so much for our new comfortable ride.

• 

  Vibe 05 - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Gary - March 27 - 2:56 am

  On the good side, robust for a 4- cylinder, SUV-like roominess with seats down, mileage great @ 55-60mph, not so good averaging 70mph as could be expected. On the bad side, rough downshift when braking downhill, annoying seatbelt reminder, headlights that cant make up their mind at dawn and dusk. Overall a very sound car.

• 

  Good ergonomics - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Rob - March 25 - 2:10 pm

  I originally wanted to replace my 85 Voyager with a new minivan but I would have to spend an additional five grand to own a van vs a Vibe. I drove past a local dealer and took one home to show the family. My wife and two boys climbed in and were surprised at the amount of room inside this neat car.The first thing you notice is that you sit up high giving you fantastic visibility, as well as great ease of entry and exit.The 1.8 liter motor has plenty of power and zips through traffic just fine. It is also amazing how much you can fit inside, fold the seats down all the way,or half way, you can load up for a craft show or major grocery shopping. This is a small car with a big attitude, get one.

• 

  2004 pontiac vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By arjayess - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Im satisfied with my Vibe. Its the standard model with five speed manual transmission. I like the way it handles, its comfortable, has good utility and it gets reasonably good gas mileage. My only complaint is that the interior could be a little longer to allow for more storage space. In the future I would hope to see them produce this car as a hybrid with all-wheel drive.

• 

  Very good show - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By smm - March 25 - 10:00 am

  It handles well, it gives good gas mileage, its comfortable inside, and it has a surprisingly lot of space. If it holds true to its Toyota heritage, it should be reliable. Also the 5-speed manual transmission does a better job of allowing you to maintain a constant highway speed than did the auto transmission that comes on the Corolla, which I got ticketed in while driving as a rental car because I couldnt keep it under 65! Overpowering a car isnt a good idea if it puts you in a first- relationship with your local highway patrolman.

• 

  Awesome little ride - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By p_sincere - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I dont know if it is just me but the 5 speed manuel gives the engine the feel of the GT version. I honestly couldnt tell the difference between the higher rated GT, which is why I opted for the 130 HP version. I never envisioned purchasing a Pontiac, but you cant mistake its better looks than that of the Toyota Matrix. I have the say GM has finally got its stuff together!