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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  Unbeatable - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By pro1mt2000 - February 14 - 10:00 am

  The Pontiac Vibe is the most significant car built this year. Its aggressive styling, luxurious ride, outstanding fuel economy, make it an unbeatable package. It has plenty of power, roomy interior, and plenty of personality. Definitely get the moon and toons package.

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  Feeling the Vibe - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By TeeDubb - February 11 - 1:00 am

  My Vibe was a leftover new 2006 I found on a local lot in May 2007. I replaced my ancient 1993 4Runner with the Vibe and I couldnt be happier. Tons of interior space (as much as my old truck), lots of storage cubbies, surprisingly peppy engine (though a little noisy when it gets into higher RPM) and aggressive, sporty styling (much cooler than the Matrix). After about 1700 miles, Im very pleased with my purchase.

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  Good looking fair performance - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By TR - February 10 - 1:56 pm

  Like the look. Slow at start but better at high speed. Dont feel safe at high speed. I got automatic which said 29-34 mpg but never been higher than 30 mpg (most on highway). A little difficult to see when backup. Engine is noisy. Tires are expensive for the side. Inside smells like egg. Cheap material for dashboard. Quite comfort seats but not for big guy. People on rear seats can easily kick something under the front seat. Air conditioner control is hard with gear at parking position. Poor rear washer. I bought it because it is Toyota inside but the outside is better than matrix and got a good deal. Sticker price is too high with this car. Dealer was not good but service dept is nice.

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  My Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By RRitter - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I got my Vibe a couple of months ago because of my my job requires me to drive alot. Great gas milage but the Vibe has one of the worst blind spots I have ever seen. If I had of known about this from the beginning I would not have bought it.

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  Excellent Car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By mbj629 - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Have owned for over a year.I adore everything about it.I am a mother of two,who dislikes the idea of a minivan.This vehicle is just right in pricing, style, safety, & fuel economy.

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  Vibe Owner - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Norm - January 29 - 6:03 am

  Very flexible design. Nice handling, reasonable ride for a small car. The engine is unusually noisy under acceleration. It could use a little more power, but the MPG is quite good. I found the seats a little too low, especially in the front. Some window tinting would be welcome. Side winds will move it around a bit more than I am used to. Overall, a fun car to drive.

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  My Review - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Beth - January 24 - 4:53 pm

  I love my Vibe. It is the best car I have ever owned. It is very fun to drive and has great get up and go. Has a wonderful passenger airbag sysytem to turn off the airbag automatically if a child or small adult is sitting in the front passenger seat. Plently of cargo space, GREAT gas mileage, and comfortable seats. The only draw back is it doesnt come with electric windows and entry system unless you bump up to a much pricier model.

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  Cool, Fun, Practical & Reliable - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Rick Hansen - January 15 - 4:50 am

  I simply love this car. -Chose monochrome color. Enjoy the sound system w/6-CD in dash. Performance is zippy with standard engine & mileage is quite good. Back seat is quite comfortable for guests and so many configurations for stuff (I feel we have as much carrying room as our Jeep Grand Cherokee had). The Pontiac styling with Toyota engineering really works for me.Also, nice having side air bags and antilock brakes. I currently have driven almost 70,000 miles on this Vibe and not one rattle. Nice having a rather complete range of electric functions.

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  Enjoy the drive - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Manny R - January 9 - 4:20 pm

  The vehicle has a lot of room is fun to drive fuel economy is great and the 4cly engine is pretty good for the size of vhicle. i am able to park easily the rear quarter windows have a slight blind spot but you can adjust. easy entry and getting out allows my elderly mom to get in and out easily a nice firm ride i can fell the road with the 17" wheels handles corners like a sports car with less stops at the gas pump i am very satisfied with my vibe if my kids would need a car for collage i would buy another no hesitation.quality vehiclee worth your hard earned $$$$$$

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  great car - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By seuinoz - January 9 - 10:00 am

  i have a envy green pontiac vibe(they dont make this color anymore) the car is just over a yr new and i have already put close to 20,000 miles on it. there are no problems with this car. no major repairs done, just minor warranty work(headlights goofy cup holder design in back seat area) besides that nothing major(for buying a car the first yr it comes out on the market)lets say the 3rd month it was out on the market. what a kick ass car(i love it) keep up the good work pontiac (i love ya)