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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  Not all I had hoped. - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By UPS man - July 4 - 2:00 am

  The peppy part and the milage are on the mark but its really just another small car to me. Its noisy and has a constant vibration. There are too many blind spots. I drive a large delivery truck and can manuever it better in traffic. The passenger side seat in narrower than the drivers side and squeezes you. Problems including a CD player skipping and the air conditioning quiting. It has an AC outlet but only the smallest of plugs will fit because of the cover cap. We needed a new key and it took the dealer 25 minutes to program the auto lock system with it.

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  The Anti-SUV - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By P.Crew - July 4 - 2:00 am

  As a family on the go and requiring an economical and functional car, we have hit the nail squarely on the head. The combination of price, breeding (Toyota thru-and-thru), economy, and comfort are staggering in todays market. The car sits just high enough to afford a good view, without being rude to other drivers. While performance is moderate, it is exceptional for the 34 mpg we actually get in combined driving. At 63" I am very comfortable in this wonderful car. The lone gripe is that the angle of the top of the doors gives a somewhat "distorted" feel when looking over your shoulder or using mirrors to change lanes or back up.

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  Love My Vibe! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Ellen - July 3 - 12:53 am

  I love my VIBE! This car handles great, is fun to drive, is fuel efficient (and clean burning!) and it looks cool. It easily carries our canoe, kayaks, bikes and hauls around our 100lb Black Lab.

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  A Good Vibe! - 2010 Pontiac Vibe
  By Janda - July 2 - 5:56 pm

  We picked up our new Vibe just in time for a family trip - loaded the boys, the bikes and the bags and put 700 miles on pretty quickly. This is the best purchase Ive ever made - I love it, Im glad i got one in time and wish they were still making them.

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  Terrific Sport Utility Wagon (SUW) - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By doc science - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle came with few flaws in its build/design. Engine noise is greater than expected and there is vibration from engine revs that are felt accelerating, But,t does not deter me from loving this cars looks, handling, safety, comfort and fuel economy. I now have 3400 miles on it. City mpgs = 24- 25 & 33.8 highway. No way youll get the posted 29 mpgs in town. Interior is nice, seats give great back support on long rides and everything is "ergonomically correct". Visibility is very good. This vehicle is much roomier/bigger inside that one would imagine looking at it from the outside. I give this vehicle 2 thumbs up because it does it all.

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  Vibe Review - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By debdeb - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I love my Pontiac Vibe. I am a 48 yr old female, and my daughter is 15. I wanted a car we BOTH liked, because this will be her car next year. I know it is called a cross-over utility vehicle but people are always asking if it is an SUV or a station wagon. What do YOU think???

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  Buy a Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By KRB - June 27 - 2:00 am

  The Vibe and the Matrix are basically the same car. Up until 2003 I was a faithful Toyota consumer; not after seeing the Vibe. I bought my Vibe 4 days after it was introduced to me! I love it!!!

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  Vibe Review - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Jill Jackson - June 27 - 2:00 am

  We have had our Vibe for a year now and have been COMPLETELY satisfied with the car. It has been a pleasure to have a new vehicle that we have not had to keep taking back to the dealership!!!!

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  Great Car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By PViber - June 27 - 2:00 am

  We bought a Vibe for our teenage daughter just before she left for college. Its unbelievable how much it holds with the rear seat folded down! Its a sturdy, safe car, and we feel good about her driving it.

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  my vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By j. tracey - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I brought this vehicle in Sept 2002, trading in a 2000 Chevy Cavalier. I loved the test drive and came home with the Vibe. I took the Vibe on a road trip to the New England states via a scenic route thru the mountains on back roads. It handled wonderfully and got great gas milage on the trip 33+mpg the whole trip. Its the perfect car for me and my auto insurance went down almost a $100.00 per year. Id buy another Vibe in a heart beat!