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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  Robert Snyders Review - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By Robert Snyder - December 13 - 5:26 pm

  I have had many, many cars in my 73 years and the Pontiac Vibe rates way at the top of My favorites. It has excellent pickup, it can be used as a truck by laying all the seats down. The milage is always over 30 MPG. I cannot say enough good things about it. I have had Rivieras, Roadmasters, VolksWagens Impalas, Mercurys, and numerous other automobiles in My lifetime and the Vibe is my favorite.

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  Best value car you can have - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Fred Chang - December 9 - 2:36 am

  After test drive 05 Vibe and impressed by the handling and the roomy wagon space, I sold my 2003 Toyota Camry and applied my $3000 GM rebate to purchase Vibe without hesitation. Vibe helps me complete lots of small home improvement projects. Also serves as a commute car for my two little daughters. Ave mpg I got is ~29 from city drive. Using 89 grade gas constantly provide 5 to 10% of gas mileage improvement.

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  How To Get Toyota Performance in A GM Product, Better Styling & All on a Solid Frame - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By zoezmom - December 3 - 1:30 am

  I bought this for my 63" husband to commute from MD to D.C., brand new in 2003 - Trying to figure out how to please a guy, who drove a Camaro for years, but, who only believes in paying for GTO (Gas, Tires & Oil) & is a bad owner (I take care of scheduling all reg. maintenance on our cars), I knew that this would be a perfect choice. Lowest Cost of Ownership, ever! A $1K Ox Sensor, Cat Converter & Exhaust was needed by 150K Miles & just dropped her off for her first Clutch & Full Assembly & 2nd-Ever Tune-up with an Odometer Reading of 241K Miles, which will be $1500-$1600. My Mechanic stated that it has a Supra Engine & I have to tell you, it handles like an Dream Fast, Fun, Smooth & Solid

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  I love this car - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By IMSL - December 2 - 2:40 pm

  I had an 05 Vibe that I loved, but had to trade-in after accident. The 09 Vibe has everything I loved about my 05 Vibe, and more! The Stereo is excellent, the handling and power is awesome; too awesome, I got a speeding ticket before I hit 1000 miles on the car. I like the standard roof rack; the new cup holders are perfect, and I like the fact that the cargo area has anti-slide strips. Also a nice addition is the recessed cargo hooks. Its a fantastic car for the price!

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  Fun car !!! - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Patrick Drake - November 29 - 2:43 pm

  I have owned my VIBE GT for only two weeks but, just let me say that this is without a doubt the most fun, practical, economical, most comfortable car I have ever owned!! It is VERY quick but, when I carefully checked the gas milage it was an impressive 25.7 mpg. This was a combination of highway/city and fun O:) driving. Of course if you are going to constantly get on the motor you are going to be rewarded with less gas milage (power comes from somwhere).I read some articles that said the GT didnt have alot of low end power. However, my 2006 model came equiped with a transaxle gear ratio of 4:53. This low gear ratio allows the motor to get up into its high end powerband rather quickly.

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  Im happy after two months! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By VibeOwner - November 26 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car for 2 months (400 miles) and really enjoy it. Its not a race car but it has sufficient power for the highway. Cruising at 75 MPH was no problem and the gas mileage is great. Ive been averaging 33 MPH through the first 2 months. The amount of room inside is surprising giving the small overall size. Ive had a number of people praise the amount of room in the rear seats. Even with a sunroof, theres plenty of headroom (I wish I could say that for my Monte Carlo). All in all, Im extreme happy and would recommend it to anyone.

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  Bwood19s Vibe report - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By bwood19 - November 21 - 10:00 am

  I have had mine for 4 months and I only have found one thing that I do not like about it; the visors are too short to do much good on the side windows. I am 54 and maybe a taller person would have better coverage. But I LOVE the car and I am totally happy with it. Especially the 29-30mpg that I get with a combo of e-way and back road driving. I drive about 25,000 miles a year.

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  problems with storage compartment - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By slammer10 - November 15 - 7:06 pm

  I traded a 2003 camry for the 2004 Vibe we love the car had no problems except for the storage compartment under the shifter. My wife does most of the driving - she 5 foot and I am over six foot. We drove to Las Vegas this fall and the trip was great. We can pack this car with all sorts of stuff and everything fits.

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  Great Used Value - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By FLADAD - November 11 - 2:23 pm

  I have had my Vibe since new and have 45,000 trouble free miles on it now. It is fun to drive and feels bigger than it is while driving. Made by Toyota it will undoubtedly have good reliability thru 150,000. That is my goal. 35mpg at 65mph is true. Only drawback is the rear window washer, its useless. But thats a small defect in a great car

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  GM builds a solid car - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Albany Vibe - November 8 - 11:40 am

  I had been researching new models (Honda Fit, Yaris, and Versa) when the 09 came out. Was pretty much set on a Nissan Versa. The Vibe was only about $2000 more than the Versa comparably equipped. With the added features not available on the Versa (ABS, disc brakes all around, stability control, traction control, XM radio, On Star, and hands free phone) it made the Vibe a very nice upgrade. I now have 1300 miles on it, and have averaged 32.6 mpg 50-50 hwy/cty. The 5-speed is very smooth and nicely placed high on the floor. Ride is great; performance is more than adequate while delivering excellent gas mileage. Really a nice car.