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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  Cant beat a 4 Cylinder - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By SakatchewanSnow - November 4 - 10:00 am

  A 4 cylinder engine is not built for performance, but my baby still has the zip at a green light to get out ahead of the traffic. Highway driving requires the proper use of 4th gear, not sure if I would buy the automatic. So many features that have increased my enjoyment of camping, Cargo space, 110 volt plug in(for curling iron or blender), roof rack, plastic cargo w/ tie downs.

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  Excellent Value - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By nysign - November 3 - 3:16 pm

  We bought the Vibe a year ago, but waited until now for a review. The car is perfect! Wait, almost perfect: the side view mirrors could be a bit bigger. The car has AWD, Side Airbags, Moonroof and fancy radio - all the bells and whistles. And it didnt cost an arm and a leg. Seats are more comfortable than our Infiniti. This winter we outfitted the car with studded snow tires: were invincible in the snow! Would I buy another of these? In a heartbeat! But it will probably be a while because the car acts as though it will last forever. Want one? Theyre so reasonable, you might as well buy one new. Just a great car.

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  Best Car I Ever Owned - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By JimPaule - November 3 - 3:03 pm

  This 2004 Vibe is the best car I have ever owned in terms of reliability. Six years, 63,000 miles, and never had any warranty work whatsoever! The brakes are still original, even with considerable stop and go driving. GM really blew it by dropping Pontiac and especially the Vibe. It has been a Consumer Reports Best Buy since its inception in 2003! Of all their bad decisions, this one ranks right at the top. We plan to keep this car forever. It tracks through our bad northern Ohio winters with no problem with the all wheel drive and still delivers 20 mpg in town and 28 on the highway. Why would I ever sell this car?

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  Way Cool - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By vicini - November 1 - 4:33 am

  Just fun to drive if you want a stick shift. Easy to take care of. Most parts interchange with the Toyota Matrix. Dont know why anyone would pay $1,000 for the Toyota??? Itll eat tires if you let it!!! BTW Im over 50.

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  Great Car for everything - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By ecolei - October 29 - 10:00 am

  Its a tuner type car thats actually usefull. Power with utility and an excellent ride with superb handling. The only down side is to this point I am only averaging about 26 mpg. In a 4 cyl with less than 2.0L of displacement I expeted more around the estimated 30 mpg between highway and city, but Ive never broken 30 mpg.

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  2009 Vibe 1.8 automatic - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By brisan - October 16 - 8:01 pm

  I bought this car with 8000 miles on it and put on an additional 60,000 miles before it was totalled out in a crash with a 4 wheel drive pickup truck. We were driving almost 50 mph when the truck turned into us from the turn lane. We hit drivers side bumpers and came to an instant stop. My wife and I were banged up and bruised but able to walk away. We found out it had 4 and 5 stars in crash tests. We loved this car and got between 32 and 36 mpg depending on driving habits and time of the year. We never had a single problem with it and are now in the process of finding another one to purchase.

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  Life with my Vibe - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By dennishough - October 15 - 3:43 am

  This is the car I really wanted. I knew going in that the AWD model was a little underpowered compared to a 5-speed front wheel drive model. Outside style and inside comfort are first rate. Doors all close with that nice Japanese sound and fit. The trick to driving it is to keep the overdrive turned off while in traffic below 50 mph. Then when everyone is out of your way or you merge onto the highway, kick on the overdrive and let it roll up to 60 + mph. There is a torque converter that allows the overdrive to have a high and low range so you will control that with your touch on the gas peddle. I plan to add power with some after market engine breathing products.Try to get $3000 in rebates

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  my vibe.... - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By pinkQ - October 10 - 7:16 am

  I purchasee my vibe in 2003 but that wasnt a choice... it is a great zippy car that can hold a TON of stuff... great on the mileage and the only drawback that I have found is a sulfurous odor when I use the heat on occasion.. I was told by the dealer that there would be solution eventually but still have not found it...

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  Nice little car - 2008 Pontiac Vibe
  By Wayne J. Erhart - October 9 - 8:03 pm

  I was on a business trip in San Diego and rented a Vibe in 2006. Before I arrived at my Motel, I was very impressed with this car. I am 6 foot 6 inches tall and fit very well in it. What really sold me was how little fuel it took. I now own a 2008 and average 33-35 mpg in town and 36 to 39 mpg on the highway. By the way it is a 5-speed, which is a hoot to drive, especially around town. Thanks for a great little car Pontiac!

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  2009 Pontiac Vibe - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By DC - October 4 - 6:00 am

  Purchased this vehicle as part of a pull ahead deal on a 2007 Yukon. I plan on driving the car for 6 months and give it to my daughter for her birthday. Im 6-2, 250lbs and have plenty of head and shoulder room. Im looking forward to the gas mileage. The vehicle is quiet in the city but a little noisy on the highway. Well built and simple controls which I love. Great car if your in this price range. Dont expect much get up and go on the 1.8L.