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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  Love the Vibe - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Debbie - July 30 - 11:53 pm

  I just bought this car and love it! It is fun to drive, great radio, and I love the room in the back with the fold down seats. I am able to fit my two dogs back their easily. I look forward to many years driving this car.

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  2 Years & Still a Joy - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Dj ViP3R - July 29 - 8:23 pm

  I bought my 2003 Abyss Vibe GT in November of 2004 on an impulse while browsing dealerships. 2 years later and the car is still a thrill to drive! Acceleration is slugish at low RPM but the engine sings all the way to 8000 RPM. Cornering is substandard on the stock rubber but any decent store bought tire will make it a corner god. If possible, opt for the 17" wheels. Stopping with the 4 wheel discs is breakneck and pedal feel is solid. Controls inside are easy to find and cargo space is unreal with all the seats down. I am 65" tall and 4 people my size can ride in this car VERY comfortably. And for you audiophiles out there, this cab space begs for a speaker box.

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  Good Viberations - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Blue belle vibe - July 29 - 5:06 am

  We rented a Vibe for a weekend trip in 2004 because thats all they had left. My wife would not let me drive the car the whole trip she loved it so much. We bought a leftover model when we got back and got a great deal. She commutes about 45 miles a day and has not complained a bit. The car has tons of room and gets about 32 mpg. We camp a lot so the plastic back hatch area makes for easy cleanup. The roof racks are very useful and solid and we use them for our 2 kayaks. The back seat is roomy even for my football player son. Ive replaced the brakes once and change the oil every 3000 miles. The car has 65500 mostly hiway miles. Hopefully they keep making these when well be ready for the next one.

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  Wife loves her vibe. - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Barry - July 28 - 5:33 pm

  This is my second Vibe. My wife does most of the driving. She gets 37 mpg. Her Vibe is the only thing around the house she does not complain about.

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  Great little wagon - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By edinde - July 27 - 2:06 pm

  Bought this vehicle in Oct 07 after looking at many different cars. Took it on 770 mile trip within 1st week and was surprised at the mileage at the speeds I was driving (75-85mph). Averaged 32.5 at 80-85 34.5 at 70-75. Handled great and enjoyed the height adjustment feature on the drivers seat. I purposely ordered the 5spd because of my good luck with my 92 Camry with the same setup and almost the same gas milage but over 200,000 miles on the car. Still drive the Camry to work everyday but the milage concerns me on a trip, therefore the vibe purchase. Love the way you can use the interior for even long items. Hope I can say the same for this car in 16years and 200k later.

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  5spd - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By 3ni - July 25 - 12:10 am

  All factory with aftermarket 19 inch bbs rims, rides nice kinda slow as compared to a 1.8 vtech honda, I have 310000 KM and it still runs smooth with no major problems eccept for that dam window!!!

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  Great choice to drive - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By KATI - July 14 - 2:23 pm

  I love my vibe. My daughter thinks its great. We both like the moon roof. I compared and looked at many vehicles and finally decided on the vibe due to gas mileage. I drive to work 65 miles 1 way 4 or 5 nights per week. It actually gets 32-33 mpg, but then again i dont drive the speed limit all the time. For a 4 cylinder it does have a lot of pep!!!!!!!! Its the best!!!!

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  Fun,fun,fun - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Ronald Clement - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I used to own a Geo Prizm, (a rebadged Toyota Corrola), and I liked it. (A woman hit me and totaled it.) I then bought the Vibe (built on the Toyota Corrola frame). And I love it. I can fold down the back seats and fit all my band equipment and still get 35 MPG! Try that with a van or SUV.

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  Best yet - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Emil - July 9 - 11:53 pm

  We drove mini-vans for years& didnt need 3rd.seat anymore.We looked at many small wagons & found the vibe superior for room for the price.Have averaged 33.4 MPG for 4200 miles- city&highway.Very quiet-no wind or road noise.Shifts smooth with plenty pep-cruises at 70 MPH with ease.Have not been back to dealer for any problems.Too bad GM is quitting one of the best cars they have had.

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  I love my V-Bay - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By My V-Bay - July 7 - 7:43 pm

  I love my car. I bought it 01/2007 and have put 5k miles on it. It goes like 80 miles before it hits under the F on the gas tank. Gave a 7 for build quality due to the noise when driving on rough surface. I bought base model - and love it. Car does really well - fits my small and large friends who are 300+. Car accelerates quickly. Looked at Matrix and Caliber which are in same class as the Vibe. Looked at the Toyota Yaris as well. Took this car for test drive and bought it same night. This was our 4th car from the dealership and are very happy with it. Hope to keep it for many years