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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  Get the Vibe (GT)! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By desertf8 - April 3 - 10:00 am

  fun little vehicle to drive-very sport good rear seat room for 3 children love the chrome interior excellent features

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  Good Vibes - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By salukilover - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive wanted this car every since the first brochure came out. Ive found my hatch remote unavailable and the middle compartment will not stay closed. It is made of cheap plastic and will not stay latched. To the dealer I go in less than 2 months to get the remote reprogrammed and the plastic compartment fixed. I drive 80 miles in a day and wanted an economical car. I fill up every 3 - 4 days because of the small tank and I dont drive 55. My paint is already chipping from the rocks. Suggestion: Get the clear coat put on your new car. Im still happy with my vibe. It is fun to drive and with having dogs, the hard plastic in the back is awesome!

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  Great second car for seniors - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By J DICKENS - March 31 - 2:26 pm

  Good comfort for around town...Would not want to take a long trip as im a senior and want comfort.

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  Pleased so far - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By mmsphoto - March 30 - 1:00 pm

  I purposefully chose the 1.8l for its higher gas mileage and have been getting 31 mpg combined so far. I wish some of the upper models were avail with the smaller engine, 2.4 is overkill and eliminates the point of a small, efficient hauler. The main competition was the Astra and Im sad that the Pontiac isnt nearly as peppy for the same engine size and that it doesnt shift anywhere as smoothly. That said I like the layout of the interior a lot, everything is where I expect (not something I could say for the astra) and the price was sure right. The cargo area is great but really needs a dome light. I love that its ipod ready and the AC works like a charm. Its a very comfy ride.

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  not so great - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By jonnymaze - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Okay you may get good gas milage but you sure dont get performance. I know its a 1.8 liter engine, I think it should have a little more get up and go. I didnt realize how tight a space the front seating compartment is.

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  Great Little SUV! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Gilbert Fuller - March 23 - 2:00 am

  This awd model replaced a awd subaru. We have had no problems whatsoever, in fact we liked it so much that we bought another one (not awd) this december. We have always had a large car (cadillac) but we felt the difference in the ride was far outweighed by the convenience of our Vibes!!!

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  Great Value, Fun to Drive - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Dvd67 - March 20 - 12:26 pm

  I purchased my Vibe GT in Oct. 08 and have since put 10,000 miles on it. I find the car very fun to drive and nibble in city traffic, much more so than my old Pontiac Trans Am GTA. The 2.4L has plenty of power to do just about any task you ask it. The interior home is amazing for a small car and the cargo area is more than spacious. Driving in snow and ice is a breeze, at times you almost forget it should be slick conditions. The fuel economy has been pleasing with an average of 28 mpg. I have had as high as 31 mpg and nothing lower than 24 mpg. Its a great sporty little car with economy in mind.

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  lava - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By dmsm - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Great car! Fun to drive, motor could be a bit larger, but economy great. Surprisingly large cargo area. View of road really good. No problem in snow without AWD. Overall great car. No regrets buying this model!

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  Not Impressed - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Acrista - March 6 - 1:13 am

  Traded in my 08 Pontiac G5 (had tons of probs) for 09 Vibe bc of the wonderful ratings I had read on the 08s...wish I would not have. Has been a dependable car but I havent enjoyed having it since I bought it. Seems to be a step down from my car that I had previously. Road noise is terrible inside of car! Maybe I am just used to my super quite G5 (couldnt even hear it on while inside) but I have to continuously turn up radio as I increase speed so I can hear it. Odometer does not give me read out of how many mpg I am currently getting, how many miles I have until I am out of gas, or what % of oil life I have left. These 2 have been big adjustment for me!

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  Good Vibe-rations! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By jdoymca - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle with smart options for work at home/portable office types like Real Estate Agents. Great power, esp. at the higher rpms. More comfortable than most in its class! Receives great comments from passers by.