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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  Looks like a $30,000 Car!!! - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Jason - April 30 - 6:06 pm

  I bought the 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT for my wife last week and so far its been the best car either one of us have owned. For $21,000 you get so much for your money plus the advantage of great gas mileage. Its really quick with the 2.4 L GT engine and the 18" wheels ride smooth. The interior is so sexy with all the leather accents and styling. The exterior is eye popping and catchy. Its a very stylish ride and we love it so much. Also the XM Radio and OnStar is a plus!!!

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  Vibe - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Deborah - April 27 - 6:20 pm

  I love it for the versatility!

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  Just Bought it, check engine light on - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By traded in 2005 vibe - April 26 - 3:56 am

  Well, we just drove it off the lot today, they had to do a dealer trade to get the exact car i wanted, Carbon Gray GT. It had 297 miles on it from the trip down from Akron, Oh. We have put about 50 miles on it and the check engine light is on, there was a knocking sound in the engine and the Vehicle Stabilitrack "VST" lights are on. And its Saturday, so no maintenance until Monday!

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  Great car! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Fabulosa - April 22 - 4:00 pm

  I have nothing negative to say about my wonderful Vibe,I do housecleaning for a leaving and this car have been excellent for my business, I recommend everyone to buy this vehicle. Money well invested.

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  Pretty good, improved awd - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By john - April 21 - 3:23 pm

  I had a 2005 vibe awd that was horrible in the snow etc. It was like it didnt even have awd so I traded it in quickly. I test drove the 2009 Vibe awd and it was much much much better in snow. Pricing is good but gm needs to put some incentive on it, even Toyota is offering 0 percent on the Matrix. So I am waiting a bit to purchase unless the Subaru Forester comes out with some good incentive (great car too) first. Subis do have the best awd. I like the new vibe the 2.4 engine is a big big improvement over the 1.8 quiter, peppier smoother. I do think they should offer the 5 speed auto Rather than the 4 speed with the awd. Mileage would be better, get up to date gm and Toyota.

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  Always there - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By bmore2rutgers - April 19 - 2:52 pm

  Im sad to say, that my Vibe AWD was totaled a few weeks ago when someone ran into me. The 2005 Vibe AWD was in my family since coming off the production line. We kept up with regular maintenance, and can only remember it being in the shop once for a rear output bearing leaking. The vehicle was great, and very very dependable(toyota powertrain). It lacked some pep when getting on the highway, but other than that handled great. I remember taking it through two foot of snow, and well... it made it without getting stuck. Ill miss the car. I most likely wont look to buy another one, because I felt the interior was put together a little cheaply.

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  transmission - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By lou - April 17 - 7:30 pm

  at 57,000 miles 5-speed manual transmission failed. dealer helped because out of warranty so it cost $2200 for new trans. now have 92,000 miles and starting to hear noise again, afraid its going to fail again.

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  Fun Function - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By BW - April 3 - 8:56 pm

  My girlfriend got a promotion and now drives 140 kms each day in winter conditions. We were looking for something bigger and safer over her 99 Metro. Settled on the Vibe due to the standard Traction and Stability Control (which isnt standard on the Matrix twin). Functionality of the car is great with lots of space (moved four winter tires and lots of gear while moving). I find the 1.8L to be plenty of power and gives upper level fuel economy (about 41 MPG Canadian average). Interior isnt anything special but seats are quality and thats all you really need. Perfect car for combining economy, function and a little bit of driving fun.

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  This is a great car - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Cliff - April 3 - 10:00 am

  I didnt believe I would like to drive this vehicle, but I do! I used to drive a Jeep Cherokee and that consumed way too much money for gas. With the Vibe, Im filling the tank once a week when I used to being flling the Jeep every other day. This car looks great and handles well. I bought the base Vibe for fuel economy and its a little slower than what Im used to driving but its a very small flaw if I had to choose one.

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  So Happy! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By ginandtonic45 - April 3 - 10:00 am

  I was SO hesistant about buying this car. I was downsizing from a Chevy Blazer and wasnt sure I wanted an American car again. I had to test drive it three times. But I love it now. Its reliable - good in our winter snowstorms - and incredibly fun to drive, even if its only a 4 cylinder. There is a ton of storage space and it will make a great "baby" car in a few years. I get tons of comments on it - how cool it looks interior and exterior.