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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  I would buy another Vibe - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By bmontgomery - November 9 - 4:40 pm

  I have had my Vibe for over a year now and I am happy with it. I can get 33 mpg on the highway if I keep it below 70 mph. City driving in a Minnesota winter is more like 24 mpg but that story is the same with all my cars. My only complaint is that the cargo area is not wide enough. I bought a station wagon so that I could carry stuff and the Vibe has let me down a few times.

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  love it - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By zaferis - November 3 - 10:00 am

  love the size, comfort, and so far am glad I bought it

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  Owned a 2003 and a 2004 - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Oogie - November 3 - 10:00 am

  Loved the 2003 so much I bought a 2004. Waiting for the supercharger to come out as I purchased the FWD automatic (wife - cant drive stick) The GT version has the PEP I wanted and the supercharger will allow me that. Lets get on GM. Get it to the public. You teased us since the auto show. HATE the automatic headlamps as they do what they want to Sun or Shade.

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  I like it! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Frank Guthrie - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought this one because of the good reviews and the fact I felt like I was actually getting a Toyota from General Motors. I liked the idea of the station wagon features and the advertised good mileage. Unfortunately, it was difficult to find Vibes at my dealer, and I had to settle for one that didnt have the anti-lock brakes and anti-theft deterent and side airbags which I really, really wanted.

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  Great Car!!!!! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By jpd12 - October 23 - 7:06 pm

  I use this website alot when purchasing used cars, so I thought I should contriburte. We purchased our 05 Vibe in July of 09 with 100,000 miles and have absolutely loved it! Unfortunately we got in an accident and the car was totaled. Definitely looking for another. The transmission was auto.

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  slower but excellent value - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Bob - October 22 - 3:30 pm

  Our Vibe is a great value... storage, comfort, independent suspension creates competent ride and handling. All Wheel drive has proven itself in snow and wet weather. Unfortunate lack of torque and power, one time snow/ice packed into wheels and created a terrible wheel balancing problem. Any other compaints might include squeaky brakes when wet. Otherwise, a very dependable and long term quality car.

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  One Fantastic Ride - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Greg Halford - October 22 - 1:00 pm

  I owned a 2005 Vibe since 2006. It had 21000 miles on it when I bought it. I drove that car for 3+ years and had the mileage up to 112000 when Bambi took me out of the race. I was sooo mad.. There was no thinking about it and I went right out and bought another one. I loved the first one and Im still loving the second one. Other than normal maintenance Ive never had either car in for any problems.!! Just oil and filters and replacing the tires. You can not go wrong with a Vibe !! Too bad that Pontiac is going out of busines as this particular type of Pontiac is a sure-fire winner. I will be sure to purchase another one before you cant find them anymore.

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  Fun to Drive and Practical - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By jackb - October 18 - 12:10 pm

  Bought only used 2009 Vibe GT I could find within 300 miles of Chgo. Got a good deal $18,800 less trade etc. Had 3400 miles on it. Have had it for a month now. One long trip to Nashville, 1000 Mi. Fun to drive, handles great, performance w/5 sp auto very good. Very useful cargo capacity. Interior nice upscale, except it could use a little more foot & leg room. Exterior styling more appealing than previous model Vibes. Looks good in Hot Red Metallic. Gas mileage could be better about 23-25 in city, on trip avgd. 27.5 mpg driving 75-85mph plus some city driving, AC on whole trip. Trade off for 2.4 perf., I guess. Wifes car mostly. Quality seems very good & so far very reliable.

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  great little car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By gerry adams - October 17 - 10:00 am

  With the cost of fuel where it is, had to look for a vehile that got better milage than our 1996 Seville STS. And boy did we find one. Our 2003 Vibe has been a very, very plesent purchase. The milage is wonderful and the ride quite comfortable. The back seat has much more room than anticipated and the rear storage area is just what the doctor order. Have suggest this vehicle to friends and coworkers who are getting ready to purchase a vehicle. So far two friends have purchased a Vibe, and they are completely satisified.

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  Luv it unless Im going up the hill - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By khokoomj - October 15 - 8:44 pm

  bought my car brand new Sept. 03, went to the dealershop and specifically told the salesman what kind of vehicle I wanted. I got a sporty looking orange vibe, I luv it unless I am going up the hill and it starts to power out and I have to shift down, great on prairie roads. Recently, there is a ticking sound and had it inspected & changed different things I have been told might be wrong with it, but the ticking is still there. A GM dealershop told me it might be the tranny but I have no problem shifting or anything like that or might be a rock inside the tranny, have had no other problems with it except its gutless. I have been told it might be the purge valve so I will change it