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 value and safe at that - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Howie Adams - July 8 - 10:26 pm

  My wife just totaled her Vibe after having for a few years. We owned from 20k to 82k miles. We had to change brakes and one set of tires...nothing else. Overall it had a nice sporty look and was comfortable to make long 1000 mile trips. I would highly recommend. Car was hit very hard in front and no scratches to driver. I wouldnt have thought of as safe as car as it is. Going out to buy another

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  I love my vibe! - 2008 Pontiac Vibe
  By melissa - July 5 - 10:33 am

  i love this car. its is a reliable, fun, peppy sporty little car, but at the same time works for my baby. getting him in and out is easy as the car sits fairly high as opposed to most other cars you have to bend over into.

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  Reliable!! 140k+ - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By frankshwartz - July 4 - 2:36 pm

  I drive a lot! School, work, play. This car has been nothing but god to me. lots of room inside. (a 6 ft man can sleep nicely in back) I chose not to trade it in but keep it as a second road trip car. I think I can honestly get 300k out of this thing!

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  High Mileage Vibe GT - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By boblather - June 29 - 11:10 pm

  With just over 80,000 miles on my 2003 Vibe GT, and flawless reliablity I can recommend this vehicle without reservation. The Vibe truly comes to life at high RPMs, and its lower RPM response is better than protrayed by the automotive press. I have been pleased with its frugality, obtaining consistently greater than 30 MPG, and never less than 28 MPG even with hard driving. It truly is a versatile people mover, able to hold a family of five and requisite luggage. The AC outlet is great, although no longer available. As for its looks, its grows on you over time. This car is truly has been a pleasure to own.

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  Great all around car. - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By wolf-force - June 28 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car! Not only does it look sharp, it drives as smooth as my last car;(a honda civic). They have a great selection of different colors. I got red lava. I get alot of complements on my car. The gas milage is pretty good too. It drives like a car but you sit up higher like in an suv. The only thing I would like changed is the windshield sun visor. The visor only comes down about 1/3 of the windshield. When I drive in the morning the sun comes strait in and I cant block out the sun. I just put my sun glasses on and Im ok. I have only had it for a short time, so we will see about the reliability later. Go test drive one Its fun to drive.

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  Good car - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By me - June 21 - 8:03 am

  Very good so far. No problem since bought. Good looking and great features. Fast speed up. Big storage room. Good sound quality radio. Separated (60/40) foldable back seats. Auto headlight and taillight, interior dim light. tire pressure monitor. Smooth shift transmission.

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  Tough to Beat - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Ken Garcia - June 16 - 11:20 pm

  The nature of my work is driving. I drove more than most. Much more. My care turned 79K today, 18 months after my purchase. I keep trying to find a grass is greener on the other side car. Yes, an Audi and BMW certainly spell greater success to a prospect. A cady is certainly more luxurious, and a Subaru has a better ride. However, No other Auto provides the Stereo, gas mileage, handling, ease of operation, cheap to keep, sunroof, parking ease and ample room for five for a two hour drive than this car. Its so hard to beat and I have driven numerous. I keep trying to find better and simply havent been able to do it at this price point NOT CLOSE!!!

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  Go Vibe - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Mikec1234 - June 16 - 2:00 am

  The vibe is a great car and fun to drive. I like being able to fold all the seats down. Can haul a lot that way.

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  Vibe a good car for snow, ice . - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By stevo2 - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car in ice & snow. Goes if not high centered on drifts. Ability to put rear seats flat ideal for our big Bouveier dog. Lots of head room and width. Tie downs work well. 8 foot molding/trim can be carried with all windows closed. Viability good all around seat. Rear window defroster works well. Has features found on expensive cars. Provides good value for the money.

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  GM finally hit the mark! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By D&S - June 11 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I love our Vibe. We purchased the fusion orange model with the automatic transmission, power package and moons and tunes for $18.7k out the door (including tax title&plates). We opted for the 17" wheels well. So far we have taken several road trips in the Vibe, and are fighting over daily driving rights. Mind you we also own a corvette and an audi TT yet we prefer the utility, gas mileage and frugality of this little cross-over. Driving the Vibe feels natural...the seats are comfy! The interior storage room in the Vibe is outstanding! The torque of the 4 is adequate for passing and accelaration.