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 vehicle! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By snydered2004 - June 10 - 1:23 am

  My wife and I are extremely happy with the Vibe. We have the "Toons and Moon" package and it is outstanding. The build quality is great and the car gets great gas mileage.

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  Versatility - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By nancyceo - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Great car with many options and uses. This is a fun sporty car that is also practical and fuel effecient. I love looks of the dash board and the 6- speeds makes it fun to drive. I also got the sunroof and 6 disc changer, which make the car even more enjoyable. I recently drove from Miami to Phoenix and even with the car loaded with stuff, it got great mileage. It was also comfortable even on that very long drive.

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  Love my Vibe! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Feather - May 31 - 11:33 am

  We bought the Vibe new in 2003 and have only had to do the brakes, oil changes, and tires - and were almost at 100K (97K right now). Even though we cant fit three car seats in the back (darn!) and have #3 on the way, we are keeping this car as my husbands daily driver. Easy to drive, enough horsepower for me - LOVE the storage capabilities with this car, and I would recommend one to anyone. Definitely impressed with my first (and what seems like my last due to the demise of the brand) Pontiac.

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  Good VIBErations - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By xknvmb - May 30 - 10:00 am

  This is a great automobile. I usually have problems with comfort in a small car because of my size (61", 230 lbs) but I drove this from OK to MI with my wife and 3 family pets and we had no trouble. Plus we got great fuel mileage. Great performance and handling.

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  I like my vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By R.M.Thorne - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Had a lot of cars in my life this is one of the best.Got around 9000 on it and love it more every day. Very good miliage and do not tirer over long hauls. Just come out of Blairsvile Ga to Wildwood Fl. in just under 8 hours with one stop for gas. got 35.2 for mpg.at 72 mph.So far like every thing about it.Very nice little car.

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  My first Pontiac @ 57 - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By annie - May 29 - 10:46 pm

  I purchased this car on July 5th,2005.The salesman searched the entire state until he found a model I requested:5-speed, loaded with everything but ABS. I am completely happy with my purchase, and can reccomend it to anyone who values fuel economy; a spunky engine; and a high cuteness factor. All of the options I requested are just what one would expect and hope for: they work,and they look good doing it. One more thing: I have four dogs(big ones) and there is plenty of room when the rear seats are down.And I think it could even be used for camping(sans dogs) for me and my squeeze.Lots and lots of room. I love this car.

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  Glad I have one. - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By greencleanutah - May 25 - 5:03 pm

  My vibe has 155,000 miles. Thanks to TOYOTA for making a great motor the only maintainance ive done is change plugs-which were extremely easy and affordable cause there is no plug wires to replace. tires and the front brake pads were extremely easy to replace. I also like that the back seats have hard plastic on the back of them so when they fold down its like having a small truck. I use this vehicle for my organic carpet cleaning business. Good gas mileage. So far havent found any other vechicle that is as old as this one that looks and operates as good as this one.

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  Family Safe Car - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By ellaarkin - May 21 - 5:03 am

  This the first car I am actually comfortable driving my children around in. My children are my most valuable treasure and we found a reliable and economical family car.

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  Excellent all around! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Misterbaker - May 17 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car Ive owned!

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  Its a Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By cmacrae - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Car is dependable, totally hugs the road in bad weather, steering is tight and accurate, is a great car to drive and it has a personality. Extra packages are good choices and it is priced right. I believe a very good buy.