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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  LOVE this car! Will drive it till the wheels fall off! - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By osuraerae - March 25 - 6:46 am

  I love this car! It has been a dream to own. No major problems and coming up on 80000 miles, only routine maintenance needed. It is reliable and comfortable.

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  My First New Car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Joyce Malloy - March 24 - 2:00 am

  This is the nicest car Ive ever owned also the most reliable. I have not even slid once this winter and I live in Pittsburgh, Pa. and this is one of the worst winters we have had in about 5 years.

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  Cheap and cheery - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Avid Napper - March 14 - 11:30 pm

  I needed to economize and fast, so traded in my 2005 Dodge Magnum SXT with AWD for a 2005 Pontiac Vibe with AWD. While I miss the pickup and heft of the Magnum, I certainly dont miss the frequent trips to the gas station. Plus, the Vibe hugs the road and is surprisingly peppy for a car that gets great mileage (well, compared to the PT Cruiser I had before the Magnum, which didnt get such great mileage, come to think of it). While I was afraid I was going to resent driving around in an economy- mobile (and honestly, I will wish Pontiac offered heated seats when winter returns), Im quite pleased with it. And my partner, a snob where American cars are concerned, enjoys driving it too.

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  Purchased new - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By drava - March 10 - 6:29 am

  I now have 114,000 miles on car. Am very satisfied, It handles like a sports car, feels like a sport car, performs like a sports car with its hi tech engine and 6 speed trans. I wish a supercharger was available, Did you know that the GT engine is the same base engine used in the Lotus Elise sports car? I understand the engine is built by Yamaha A supercharger is available for the engine by Lotus plus it has a special software to control the valve timing I have replaced only normal wear items ie clutch, brakes, tires, struts Did have powerwidow problem ie glass coming loose from regulater, but they did have a recall on that

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  after a few initial quality problems... - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By BEanVive - February 26 - 5:43 pm

  I really enjoy this car. However, I did have a problem with a leaking sunroof when I first purchased it. After 3 repair attempts, though, I think they fixed it. Also, the paint quality could be better. The paint marks up easily. Overall, the interior is awesome (though the auto-headlights drive me crazy... the turn on in bright sunshine). It is very comfortable for short and long trips. It parks in the tightest spots, and it has good power. I often find myself going 75-80 on the highway, though it feels much slower. Wind and road noise is great for such a small car. Also, the cargo room is amazing for such a small car. Many storage spots, and it is really sharp looking.

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  Back to the Vibe - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Mraz77 - February 10 - 11:20 am

  I originally had a 2003 Vibe and got almost 5 good years out of it before trading it in for a G6. When searching for a second car this summer I tried to avoid looking at another Vibe, wanting to try something new, but I couldnt help it and realized that the 2009 Vibe is definitely that something new I was looking for. Once driving a GT I realized it had everything my 2003 lacked, especially power. Driving a lot of highway miles the difference in the upgrade to the 2.4L auto 5-speed is quite noticeable. I love the feel and comfort, along with the safety. I am definitely glad I invested in a Vibe once again.

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  Little but Unique - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Dan Stiel - January 29 - 12:20 pm

  I have a Lava red mono tone, preferred package, It is great on gas, but can be a little more sportier and comfortable for the driver.

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  Nice car ,great for travel - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By FWD Automatic trans - January 27 - 3:16 pm

  Ive had the Vibe for one year, great fuel mileage, comfortable to drive even on longs trips, lots of space for a small wagan. All in all a very good car, Had no problems with car.

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  Who approved the 09 design? - 2008 Pontiac Vibe
  By Burns1210 - January 23 - 7:43 pm

  Ive had the Vibe for a month and Im liking it so far. As mentioned in other reviews, it seriously needs a telescoping steering wheel. The despicably low center arm rest can be replaced with a Corolla arm rest for much better comfort. The roof rack- less roof rack makes no sense. The cross bars used to be standard. Have to unscrew the antenna to use it anyway. The upgrade stereo is nice, so are the alloys. I like the head rest positioning, never had a car that I could actually rest my head on the head rest while driving. Plenty of rear seat room, and cargo carpet and bungee tie-downs are a must-have. Getting 32-34 mpg using 10% ethanol.

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  2007 Vibe - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By Ray - January 13 - 8:16 am

  I purchased the Vibe with having our first born and for the gas mileage. Ive put 27k miles on it so far with no problems. Getting around 34 mpg, with 28 mpg in the winter. Like other Pontiacs it is noisy on the highway and wish there was a bit more leg room. But overall Im very satisfied. Handles great and looks good for a wagon. Very versatile as I can put a variety of stuff inside it.