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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GOOD BUT COULD BE BETTER - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
By CARMAX GIRL - December 16 - 3:33 pmThis car is fun to drive and gets great gas milege. The interior and exterior are both comfortable and stylish, but the exterior paint is of poor quality. The car is also very reliable, but not fast.
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PCM - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
By jk - December 6 - 2:00 amI had the Power control Module replaced in May 2010 and when I questioned the recall that just came out, I was advised that I should not have paid for the PCM since it was under a warranty put in place by the government and I received a full refund. Check into it if you have also had the PCM replaced and your Vibe is not over 8 years old
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GOES and goes 211,000 miles at 34-40 mpg - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
By bass player - December 4 - 6:47 pmNo major repairs, only maintenance like fluid changes and brake checks. Enough room for a string bass and 2 children. Great car! We live where there are dirt roads and rough roads, no repairs needed. It has a timing belt. I drive 500 miles per week and average 35 mpg. When I freeway drive its 40 mpg. I have been rear ended twice. Once by a large pick-up truck (I opted to not repair) and recently by a semi trailer truck and I am still driving my Vibe. This time repairs are needed due to my crunched lift gate. I need to transport the string bass.
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VIBE - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
By JAMES THURSTON - December 3 - 2:00 amIN COLD WEATHER LOTS OF RATTLES FROM DASH.
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Blue Vibe base fwd auto power package - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
By goodvibrations - December 1 - 8:16 amI have only had the car for two weeks but I am very pleased. Like sitting up higher than a normal car. Good interior space and hatch glass that opens separately is handy. Nice that the passenger seat folds down so kids son can get a nice view of the road. Love the dash. Provides all the information you need and its just plain cool. Gas mileage is excellent and I like the gearing. At 100 km per hr (60 mph US) only reving at 2500 rpms. Great little family wagan with a sporty twist no regrets with my purchase.
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WITH $5000 OFF ONLY 10S - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
By GoBoy - November 29 - 10:00 amGet toyota quality with GM big time rebates and incentives in a small SUV package with mid 30s MPG. I haul cement in it. I trailer it. I hug the corners like a fat tired car. Red line limiter kicks in about 6700. Get snow tires the stock ones are more for performance, but not bad in the snow. No vehicle on the market compares Yes it is manufactured in California USA :)
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One of the Best Decisions Ive made!!! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
By NewPontiacDriver - November 28 - 9:56 amIve had this car for three months now and I am completely statisfied with it so far. It drives nice, accelerates adqeuately, stops confidentally, and most importantly (for me) pulls through the snow with no problem. My steep, snow covered driveway is a problem no more. Also I love the fact that it is pratically a Toyota in GM clothing.
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Versatile and Fun! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
By Miss Michelle - November 22 - 10:00 amLove my 2004 Fusion Orange Metallic Vibe! The Moons and Tunes and the Power package is worth the extra money.
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We Love It! - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
By howard a. - November 22 - 9:10 amThe 2009 Vibe GT has exceeded every expectation we had. we average 32 mpg, we love the way it looks, it drives and handles like a much more expensive sports car. The 2.4, 4 cylinder engine has an unbelievable amount of power. The ride is comfortable and we enjoy sliding the sunroof back as we motor down the highway listening to our favorite xm station on the built in xm radio.
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Love my Vibe - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
By al - November 17 - 11:46 amWhat a great little car. Excellent fuel mileage, fun to drive, Lots of pep, good ride, NO trouble with it at all. I would definatly buy again.
