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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  Alomost 2 years and still got the vibe!! - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Sctbyd - October 3 - 5:40 pm

  This is a great car. Me and my wife have had this car for almost 2 years now and have had not one problem yet. Have 37,000 miles on it, from going to L.A.(Disneyland) at least 11 times since we bought it. Nothing to complain about very roomy and very comfortable. Tested not filling up once going from San Fran to LA and got there with some fumes left to spare (trip miles were 410!!!) seems to get better gas mileage as the years pass.

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  great car - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By MATT - September 30 - 2:40 pm

  Love this little station wagon great on gas very comfortable drivers seat. love the sunroof. no trouble yet and ive owned it for a year and a half. Oil filter air filter are easily accessed. Simple underhood design.30k with 0 unschedualed maintanence costs to date.

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  2004 Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By bootknife - September 27 - 2:00 am

  We like the roomy interior, and the flexibility to set the seating in many different ways. We have the 17 inch tires and the handling is superb, however it does need more power. I understand a turbo is going to be available, this will help. A great car for the price.

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  Great vibes from my Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Happy Viber - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I drive 70 miles each day. I traded in my Corolla, because my back was killing me if I had to drive a long distance (2hrs or more). Now my back is grateful because the seats are very supportive and the ride is comfortable and quiet!(Driving the Corolla was like driving a beer can!) The Vibe is bigger, carries more stuff (so much so that my huband want his next car to be a Vibe instead of the small pick-up he was planning on getting. Thank you Pontiac for bringing back the pride in driving an American Car!

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  I Love My Vibe!!! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Molly LaMar - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the Vibe in June of 2002. I love the sleek style. It is very affordable, and the gas mileage is great. We dont travel long distances often, but it is great for small trips. The electrical outlet is a wonderful feature with children. They can play their games without wearing down tons of batteries. My only complaint is the smell it makes when it is cold outside. It smells like rotten eggs, but once the engine heats up it goes away. We have had this checked, but there is no apparent problem. It only does this in the colder weather. Otherwise, it is a great car and I strongly recommend it!

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  Needs more torque! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By DJ Miller - September 16 - 10:00 am

  I have the GT model with 6-speed manual gearbox. Either the engine should have more torque or higher ratio first gear. It takes good foot coordination from stop or youll sit embarrased in traffic restarting the engine. Reverse also needs a higher ratio. I have to back up a hill into my garage. I have to do this faster than I care to just to keep from killing the engine. Engine is great if you get it above 4400 RPM. It likes to rev fast, like driving a motorcycle. Above 6000 RPMs is a "kick-in-the-pants". Of course fuel mileage will suffer. Still you can drive quick and fast while still getting 25 mpg. If you drive sensible 32 mpg.

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  Does what I hoped for - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By SteveT - September 16 - 5:26 am

  After a terrible experience with a VW Jetta (it lived in the shop), I was looking for a solid, reliable vehicle with good fuel economy. So far the Vibe fits the bill. Ive had ZERO problems so far in a time period that the Jetta wouldve filled with one thing after another. I did a lot of research and was very impressed by the philosophy and reputation of the NUMMI plant where the Vibe is built. It certainly shows in the final product.

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  Hoped for more than I received - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Rick Sundeen - September 12 - 2:00 pm

  I purchased my Pontiac Vibe with high hopes of a versatile automobile with high gas mileage. While the versatility aspect has been fine, I feel that the gas mileage isnt up to par with what they suggest. Given that it is a four cylinder with less than hoped for response, its getting around 24 instead of the hoped for closer to 30 mpg. Even being on top of air filter and tire pressure maintenance... Also, the biggest downfall is in winter driving. I live in the Northeast and this car should not be sold here. The OEM tires are rated A for traction and temperature, but they have no grip whatsoever. I have to believe that the weight of the car is not distributed over the tires properly.

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  Fun, Practical , & Different ! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Emily - September 6 - 2:46 pm

  I had a 1991 Honda Civic Hatch & was ready for my first new car. I knew I wanted a hatch and something distinctive rather than the generic looks of the civic & focus. The Vibe is a fun travel car but practical for the weekly trip to the grocery store ! Bright Chromatic dials, Cybercloth seating, and a high view of the highway. I dont feel like Im being looked down upon by all the passing SUVs!

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  The Vibe - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By nervisnel - September 5 - 1:50 am

  I have to say the Vibe is a great little car. I love the way it looks on the inside and out, handles well. Gas mileage right now could be a little better. Maybe it will be when it isnt winter time out and having to be in AWD all the time. If anyone wanted a nice reliable car, the 2005 Vibe is a great deal. Seats are really comfy , easy to move and adjust.