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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  Loved it at first!! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Karens commuter - August 14 - 10:00 am

  This car is a great car. Fun to drive, great looking, fits all sizes... at first the gas milage was 32, now it averages 26-28. Still good, but not what i wanted. There is no back support and if you commute, invest in a pillow!! That is my number one complaint. Other than that, I love it. (it looks bigger than it really is)

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  No wonder Pontiac is in trouble - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By erif - July 30 - 12:10 pm

  We bought this car in January and put alot of miles on it, so far 21,000. We have had 3 sets of tires due to cupping. Pontiac did cover the cost but faught us on finding the cause. The result was the rear alighnment was out by 1.5 degrees. Tires cupped in 3,000 miles. Fit and finish wehn delivered was bad also. Then the icing on the cake... We had a passenger side floor that was flooded. And what did Pontiac say? It was normal to have some water enter the passenger compartment when going through a car wash with high p.s.i. water or heavy rain! I could not believe they said it was a normal occurance. They offered no fix, we are getting rid of this car and going back to Toyota!

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  Worst car Ive ever bought - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By pra22 - March 13 - 11:49 pm

  I bought this car used 3 months ago (with 118,000 miles), and in the 3000 miles Ive driven it, it has needed TWO catalytic convertors! It also needed repair on a window that was cobbled together (which of course, I couldnt see). It is also the NOISIEST car Ive ever had. It revs up alot each morning when it is cold outside until Ive traveled a few miles at higher speeds. I rue the day I bought this car and Im afraid to drive it for fear the transmission will be next. I clearly have a lemon.

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  Some Good-Some Bad - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Terry Sack - October 31 - 1:53 am

  I bought the Vibe because I have had a Corolla with 270,000 miles on it with no problems. Must have gotten a lemon as engine went out at 80,000miles ($5000 and GM laughed at me---never another GM vehicle for me). Also replaced 2 catalytic converters---never did this before on the many, many cars I have owned. Check engine light has been on more than it is off. Noted others had tire problems--so did I. Tire shop said camber was off from factory. Other than the expenses above the car has been fun to drive and gets great mileage---lots of room. I will never deal with GM again, however.

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  OK for the Price - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Steve Harper - September 9 - 4:33 pm

  We test drove a number of other small sedans/hatchbacks before deciding to purchase a Vibe. The ride quality and offered features seemed to be a cut above the rest of the pack. However, so far we are not too impressed with the build quality (center wheel caps fell off, sunroof leaks, rear view mirror vibrates, paint easily scratched; instrument panel rattles/squeaks in cold weather). Also, the gas mileage is only OK (averaging 24 mpg in mixed driving). Traction in the snow seems to be reasonably good.

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  Spent More time In shop than on Road - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By MommyC - July 20 - 10:00 am

  I have driven the car for only 5,000, but it has been in the shop over 5 times trying to get the Sun roof to stop leaking and popping. I am not looking forward to a winter in the snow with this roof. pontiac are considering a recall because of the poor performance / design. I do not like the way the roof flexes when the Sun Roof opens and closes.

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  poor fuel economy - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By brian - October 28 - 12:33 pm

  This vehicle is poor in the snow.Fuel economy is 20-25 mpg max,dont try to pass a car at hwy speed on two lane rd or you might be dead!!! If you are looking for fuel economy and a good car in snowy areas this is not your your car.

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  2005 evaluation - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Wildcat - June 17 - 4:40 am

  light at above 70mph. Vibration at initial startup from standing.Mileage excellent, Should be delivered with a floormat in rear. choppy ride.

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  Overpriced Econobox - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By spark - January 23 - 4:43 am

  Once the novelty of the car wears off you start to notice the harsh ride poor cornering and all the squeaks and rattles. The car is difficult if not impossible to get like trans fluid ($12 a quart, filter not available)filters etc. Poor fuel economy for its size about 29 mpg highway and has poor acceleration. The car is about $4500 overpriced. Tires are are extremely expensive due to being high performance (why????) as the only ones that fit and wear very fast.

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  Little things got annoying over time... - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By andrear - June 13 - 5:03 pm

  I really liked this car at first, but over the last two years little things have started to annoy me. First of all the gas millage is awful, and always has been. I was led on to believe that this car was so great on gas and that was never the case. Also the blind spot on this car is boarder line dangerous. You cant see the dash lights in the sun because they are red and set back to far. Also the center compartment thing comes open over every bump. I ignored these things for a while, but now they are getting hard to live with. The car is not that fun to drive and handles awful in the snow.