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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  Great Car! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Brandon C - August 24 - 10:00 am

  I needed someting to replace my 1993 Grand Am and wanted something versatile. The Vibe came along just in time as I am an exclusive Pontiac owner. My Vibe is just the right size and handles much better than most other cars its class. So far I have averaged about 33.5 MPG split with city/hwy driving. The Toyota engine is a good selling point. Overall, the Vibe is the best value considering its size, fuel economy, horsepower, etc. Best of all, its a Pontiac!

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  Great car replaced blazer Ok dealer - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By stech - August 10 - 10:00 am

  After 3 chevy blazers and terible gas millage and expensive repairs I switched to the Vibe GT. Still able to pull my jet ski, haul 4 bikes in the hitch and still get close to 30 mpg even at 80 mph. Does loose a bit of speed up the hills down south, but a quick downshift to 5th and kept up with friends in there vans and suvs. Only difference is it was under $20.00 to fill my tank and we all went around 300 miles to a tank of gas.

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  118K/2.5 years What a lucky pick - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Kenny G - August 6 - 5:36 am

  As you can see by the miles, I work from my car. While I wish I had a Cadillac for comfort, I use a pillow. I only average 30/31 simply because I spend so much time idling on the phone. So if my miles are any part of reality, I would imagine that engine hours wise has produced an additional 30% of use by simply idling. The main reason why it idles so much is because of the one BIG flaw the car has - the headlights. While I appreciate the safety involved with them, when the car is running with lights off and turn car off to "accessory position", the lights remain on. So its easy for the battery to die. At 118K I would by another one. I think I tell you about that at 240K

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  smart choice - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By Paul - August 1 - 12:26 am

  I purchased my 2007 Vibe after testing and researching the usual segment competition and the car has been everything I expected. City/combined mileage has averaged 27+ and more on the freeway in short trips. I really only wanted the base model with an automatic trans and power group added for convenience- so had to search local dealer inventories instead of taking the more expensive models with options I didnt want or need. I found just what I was looking for and after 5 months of ownership the car has been great with no problems. Quality seems good.

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  Fun Little car to drive - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By Marty - July 24 - 7:03 am

  I test drove cars for 6 months before I saw my Pontiac Vibe. When I saw it I thought this is perfect for me and my kids. They have school activities, and I can go shopping and still have room for everything else. Great gas mileage as well.

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  Love it! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Mandy - July 23 - 11:50 pm

  I really love my new Vibe. I think a lot has to do with the dealership as well. They were very helpful! This car has been through some rough weather already, and did wonderful!

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  I love my baby - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Vera Wilkinson - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Yu did not allow for the few of us that bought this car in 2002 I was the 1st at this dealer ship in chicago and have loved it ever since that day the only correction I have is the front window side molding is located at a point in view that obstructs when turning and the steering wheel does not tip down enough and the backing up visibility is harder because of the back window frame position This is not very much when yu consider all of the advantages and the fun of the drive also I have disablilites getting in other cars so this has been great ( I had a grand am before ) This is also a selling point

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  MY VIBE - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By TCC - July 23 - 10:00 am

  IT IS A SMALL CAR I AM NOT A SMALL CAR PERSON IT IS NOT VERY COMFORTABLE FOR ME I WOULD NOT TAKE IT ON A LONG TRIP

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  Great Value - 2010 Pontiac Vibe
  By Karen K - July 14 - 9:03 am

  With carpools days now behind me, I was looking to replace my minivan with something that still offered significant cargo space but got better MPG than the non-hybrid SUVs on the market. Chose the 1.8L Vibe and am very happy with its versatility, handling and economy. At age 52, I got my first speeding ticket while "grooving" to the XM radio tunes when driving it on its first turnpike ride. I like to think of this ticket as a testament to my enjoyment of the smoothness of the ride and audio system on my new vehicle. With its excellent safety features, reliable Toyota engine, MPG and interior space, I think the Vibe is an exceptional value.

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  Nice Little Car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By ehamilton - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Overall the Vibe is a great buy. I have had no problems with the car since I bought it. It is a very reliable and fun car to drive. I would definately recommend it to others.