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 Vibe - Brations - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By chrilad - January 11 - 10:26 am

  Bought the 2003 Vibe in May of 2003. A little nervous being a first model year. The Vibe has been nothing but reliable. We chose the All-wheel Drive model to deal with winters in Upstate NY. Handles even the heavies snow and ice with no problem. Plenty of room and all seats fold to form a single flat surface for loads. Approaching 47,000 miles and only performed routine maintenance and tires. Not the fastest car on the road by any means, but can get up to highway speed in average time. This is essentially a Toyota, but with Pontiac badge, insurance will be slightly less.

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  Great Car for all - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By rbourne - January 10 - 10:00 am

  The more i drive it the more i love it. The vibe is a quality product that is cheaper than toyotas matrix and looks better to boot. My only problem is that the manual shifter is loose, going to replace it with an after market one anyway so no real complaints.

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  I Love It! - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By Bethanne - January 9 - 8:40 am

  I bought this car based on reviews that I had seen on the internet. I keep my cars a long time so I wanted something that was reliable, safe and fuel efficient. I love this car! It is so much fun to drive, handles really well in the snow and a very stylish roomy interior. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone who is looking for a fuel effecient ride that is a treat to drive!

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  09 Vibe 5m - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Joed - January 8 - 4:10 am

  Im delighted with the car. Smooth ride. Easy, light operation of clutch and shifter. Geared so I can get into 5th at 40 or 45, which is economical for my city driving but may explain why EPA highway is only 32. IP attractive and easy to read but I wish speedometer numbers were by 10s not 20s. Pleased to find the 1.8 engine quite adequate.

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  More fun than I hoped - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By joep - January 4 - 11:46 pm

  This is actually the 5 sp Auto. Just turned 3000 miles and I still love to get in this car and drive. With fairly aggressive driving, I consistently get 25 mpg combined urban/freeway driving and over 29 on the freeway. Very comfortable with a great sound system. You can take circular freeway on-ramps at high rate of speed and it stays firmly planted in your lane and with very little body roll. The "torquey" engine is always ready to scoot when you want to. My two previous cars were a Mustang SVO and a Taurus SHO and I really dont miss them.

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  marks review - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By mark mullen - January 4 - 2:00 am

  only interior problem is a few rattles and head rest to close to head cant move back

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  Deception - 2010 Pontiac Vibe
  By Robi Robo - January 4 - 12:03 am

  Purchased to replace an old Audi Quattro, it is the worse car I ever drive and a huge disappointment: uncomfortable with those checky shock and hard seats, bad gas mileage (around 21-22), boring to drive and unefficient AWD. It is the first time I was stock on my driveway and this unsecured feeling on wet/snow roads. We though that was because on the tires, But tire Plus told us it has the best tires for the car.