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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LOVE THIS CAR! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
By Hornedfrog77 - November 11 - 10:00 amI test drove this last summer and liked it. But now that I FINALLY bought one I LOVE it. Its fun to drive and is very visually appealing. The gas mileage is great (especially with the cost at $2 a gallon) and is very roomy. I would definitely recommend this for a buy!
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Just what I needed - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
By VTBear - November 9 - 5:40 amFirst 2k miles no problems. Average 34 mpg, handles great, good all around visibility. Live on a dirt/mud road, makes it home daily. Instruments well placed, shifter as well. Back OK for preteens, not bigger. No frills, dont need em. Fuel savings annually over last car will be about 3 payments per year at todays gas price. Quiet for such a small car.
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Thank You Vibe! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
By Accident Survivor - November 4 - 6:16 pmMy 4 year daughter and myself were involved in a head on collision with our Vibe. A woman ran a stop light and hit us head on going about 45-50 mph. All I can say is, this car certainly made an impression for me to buy a new one without hesitation. The front end was totally demolished and totalled, yet both of us were able to walk away with only bruises. The structure of the impact and how well it protected us was simply amazing. For being a small SUV, its stylish, great on gas, avg. 30-35 mpg everyday driving, and the room inside is amazing. After owning it over a year, I still can say I love the Vibe! No major problems for functionality!
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Lets be real - 2008 Pontiac Vibe
By ecolied - November 3 - 3:40 pmI do like my Vibe. Not a lot of power and some road noise. I do get get very good mileage and the car is pleasant to drive. I average 34 mpg on the highway with an automatic.
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Great car for great price! - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
By blargal - November 2 - 1:40 amI was on the search for a car for two weeks and almost bought a Mazda3 so glad I didnt! This little car is very well made and ive always loved pontiacs as my first car was one and never had an issue with it till it got in an accident. I thought i couldnt afford this car when I first test drove it but I got it right in my price range per month had great credit and apr and I knocked them down to 13grand :) basicly for the price you just cant beat the deal on a reliable car like this. Oh I chose the GT model cause thats what I have...but its an auto but has the option to switch to manual sooo 5 speed manual? only option they had lol.
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Our second Vibe! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
By cathyy - November 1 - 2:50 pmWhen my husband and I decided to trade in his Grand Am and my Vibe and get just one new car (pending retirement) there was no discussion about which model car to get. We both knew it HAD to be another Vibe. Our Vibes have never given us a moments worry. Everything Just Works, and looks good while doing it. We get the basic utility of an SUV without the hefty gasoline guzzling. When our daughter visits, the Vibe is her choice of car to borrow due to the easy car seat installation. The optional cargo box prevents groceries from sliding around in the cargo area, and folds flat out of the way. Its an ideal car for almost anyone, young or old. Dont be misled by the marketing.
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Celica SUV - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
By VibeVibeVibe - October 23 - 10:00 amCheck out the wheelbases of the Toyota Corolla, Celica, Matrix and Vibe. Surprise! They are all 102.4 inches exactly. The engines are the same size and HP rating, the Vibe is a Celica platform-mini SUV. Great seats and room, Im 6-03 240 # and this thing is comfy even on 300 mile jaunts, getting 30 mpg or better the whole way. If you can afford it, get the moonroof and CD player. Sum up:Very handy Beach Buggy with the room of a SUV and the mpg of a Corolla!! Price paid:$15,800 with AT and M/T package and keyless entry. Thanks GM for the $2000 cash back! BTW, looks more sporty/better seats than the Matrix.
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On or Off-road, The AWD Vibes a Winner - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
By pattdc - October 22 - 6:53 amIm a 55-year-old independent documentary film- maker and freelance journalist who travels extensively to get the story. Since purchasing my AWD Vibe in April of this year, Ive put 14,000 miles on her without any problems -- most of the miles on the interstates... but Ive also taken The Vibe off-road in the sand, rocks, washes and gullies of the Sonora Desert; crossed over the Rockies three times; and zipped down unimproved roads through several National Forests. Vibes peppy performance is adequate without being special. P.S. Im 6 tall and weigh 250 lbs, but The Vibe comfortably fits me, plus my luggage and equipment bags, and has room to spare.
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Five years and going strong - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
By L Rabbett - October 18 - 9:20 pmPurchased new in Dec, 2002, I have had vehicle for over five years. Decided to look at new vehicles to trade in. ended up looking at the new Vibe along with many others brands. Really like the new Vibe, but decided to keep what I have even though the new vibe has a more powerful engine.
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LOVE IT!!!!!!! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
By MY VIBE - October 16 - 10:00 amTo sum it up, I LOVE MY 2004 Vibe. It is an awesome car! It is roomy enough for 2 adults and 2 car seats, with room for luggage or something for a trip. There are alot of extra features, such as a desk or a storage bin for the hatch (which with 2 small children I will be purchasing soon!) The chrome on the inside is what sold me though! Like the song says, "Her favorite color is chrome." Until now, chrome was not important to me, but I LOVE IT! I would never buy another car again!
