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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  Great Car/Great Price - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By RobRWA123 - August 30 - 6:10 am

  Weve had this car for about 2 weeks now and couldnt be happier. Replaced an 03 Vibe. Obviously, we liked its predecessor, but the 09 is safer, quieter, has slightly more power w/slightly improved fuel economy, and burns cleaner. Overall ride and handling are better as well. Although hard to find, get the 1.8 L engine w/the base model; you wont need the 2.4 L. If you can, go 1 step further & get the 5-Spd manual - better MPG, feel more power, and more fun to drive.

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  happy so far - 2010 Pontiac Vibe
  By duvy - August 29 - 12:30 am

  nice ride overall for a small car, it is fast and runs smooth. bought in august for $ 16000 out the door. base model no power windows or locks,steel rims,but bought aftermarket rims and it looks nicer.

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  love it! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By RN - August 28 - 10:00 am

  The Vibe is fun to drive and performance is great for "moms car". We picked the Vibe over the Matrix because of GMs financing. Mileage is fantastic, especially compared to my old Blazer. Seating and leg room are comfortable for everyone, even in the back seat. My husband, who is very picky about car performance, is surprised at how much he likes the Vibe.

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  bvibe - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By bill - August 25 - 11:06 pm

  Fun,sporty,and versatile. Exterior is O.K., but the interior is great. Lots of neat features, but not cluttered. This car is so much fun to drive. Im sure with the current drive train, I will be having fun with car for years to come. I wish the base model had a few more ponys under the hood, but if you dont mind hanging around 4,500 rpm it will do.

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  Wonderful Car - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By Northstar1 - August 22 - 6:16 am

  I live in cold winter Western Canadian prairie climate and I am very pleased with my Vibe. Purchased new in January 2007 and I have accumulated 77,000 km (45,000 miles) in 3 full years. Absolutely no reliability issues whatsoever. FWD with manual 5 drives has always done quite well in snowy weather with aftermarket Michelin X- Ice tires. (You should never winter drive with all-seasons tires). Heater is good within 5 minutes and quite hot after 30 minutes. (Ditto for AC in summer with 33c [95F] heat). Excellent gas mileage. I like to travel in the intermountain western states. This car is an economical aircraft replacement vehicle for my fun-filled long road trips. Camping is great as well.

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  drive the Vibe - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Charles Guido - August 20 - 12:43 am

  Great value, fun to drive. Rear sets fold flat-good so as to carry equipment for sports minded people. A small person like myself can sleep inside when on a kayak trip. Add Thule racks to the factory racks and it will carry a secure load.

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  Vibe 2009 - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By dangelo - August 15 - 12:40 pm

  Bought a black 2009 Vibe, because the car I really wanted was not available in my area. The Vibe is a nice car, but GM still does not have a clue on how to build a small car with the things most Americans are looking for.

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  Good Vibe-rations - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By hmccoy1 - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Bought GT w/6-speed manual in February in Pittsburgh and had not one problem in the snow. Moon and Tunes package a great buy and have loved playing my CDs while tooling around. Long trips are a pleasure and I am 64". Great get-up and go through town and on the highway.

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  Excellent Choice - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Petcop - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Ive averaged 600 miles a week on my Vibe, and after 6 months of ownership, STILL LOVE this car! I find it a perfect blend of economy, cargo room, and passenger room. Im over 6 ft.tall with physical problems similar to arthritis, and have always been uncomfortable in small cars, but the Vibes design with taller seats allow me to be comfortable, and have 3 other passengers with enough leg room! It handles well at high speeds and zipping around in traffic. I went from a full size truck to this car, and havent regretted it. The cargo space is ample, and easy to clean. I highly recommend this car! Even at the higher speeds I drive, Im averaging 33mpg.

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  Could not believe the room - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Bobbydrums67 - August 9 - 4:46 am

  Did not think I would own one till I drove one. I am a old 67 yrs old drummer. I have a 7 piece drum kit. They are fit on this Vibe. I am still amazed, I am 6ft 4in tall and i have plenty of head room, leg room, etc. Truly amazed. Wife is a rural mail carrier. With 4 bolts taken out the center console can be removed and if she needs a back up vehicle this little but big Vibe will do well. 37 MPG, great ride. We own 2 Hondas also, A CRV and an Odyssey. Would buy another Vibe in a heart beat. Same as the Toyota Matrix. Wifes sister owns a Matrix. Thats what got me started looking into this vehicle. She lives in New Orleans, she visited us this year. She got 35 MPG easy on her trip to Indiana.