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 bad but not what I expected. - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
By 93pontiacga - June 23 - 5:34 pmBeing a Toyota, I thought I could get at least 250k miles out of it before any major repairs. They say about cars nickle and diming you after they got older. This car never did that, it just slammed me with a book. I replaced the cat once, which was under warranty. At 188k, I replaced the clutch. Great so far. It has 219k on it now and it just cost me almost as much to fix as the car is worth. Needless to say, I most likely wont get another car with a Toyota engine in it.
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A Vibe for a Vibe - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
By phillip - June 14 - 6:10 amI bought a 2004 Vibe in 2004 and loved it from day one. The fuel economy and versatility was just what my family needed. Never had a minutes trouble with the car. I recently traded the 04 in for an 09. Once again, I loved it from day one. This time I upgraded to the GT model and was not disappointed. It handles great, drives smooth and quiet, and has a little more get up and go than the base model. I highly recommend it to families who need a good, reliable car that gets good gas mileage and has lots of room.
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Have fun getting there! - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
By Alison - June 12 - 9:23 pmI have always had Toyotas and was hesitant to buy a Pontiac, but the engine is the same one they put in the Toyota Matrix. I love the gas mileage I get with my Vibe. And I love the fact that I dont have to crawl in and out of my car (bad back). Very roomy and spacious, can carry quite a load. I have not had any problems with my Vibe either, thats a big +. Very happy with my car 1.5 years later.
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Perfect small car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
By wewans - June 10 - 7:23 am86,000 miles, not one bit of trouble. change oil every 3,000 miles, runs like new
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AWESOME - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
By JimBo - June 4 - 10:00 amI am 62" in my sixties and find this car by far the best new car I have ever purchased. Seats are so comfortable and so easy to get in an out of. I averaged over 35 mpg on a 6k trip over the winter. WHY WOULD ANYONE BUY A CUMBERSOME SUV AFTER TEST DRIVING THIS CAR. I have not had this car back to the dealer except for an oil change. I can actually get my Kayak inside for short trips. I love this car and can truthfuly say its the best car I have ever owed and I have owned over 30 cars. Originally bought for looks and price (Toyota engine & transmission) but its so much more than that.
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Everybody loves my Vibe - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
By AKSA - June 4 - 10:00 amWherever I go, my car gets looks (even a year after I bought it). People, sometimes total strangers, ask me how I like it, and I always tell them that I love it. The proof is for those who get to ride in it. The unanimous decision is that the Vibe-GT rocks. It has tons of cargo space. It has excellent performance: Acceleration is better than most V-6 cars, although it doesnt really come alive until above 4000 RPM, with explosive acceleration hitting at 6000 (ie you have to push it hard to really move). Handling is surprisingly good thanks to a tight suspension. The ride is quite smooth - I have yet to have a CD skip, even over railroad tracks.
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We love our Vibe - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
By resao - June 4 - 10:00 amWe bought our Vibe in June 2003. It is no-frills base model -- It is the first new car we have owned, and we love it. It is comfortable, fun to drive, and very cute. Love the cargo room! Handles well. good for longer drives.
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Love my Vibe - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
By peter a stasio - June 1 - 9:20 pmI love it. Its fun, and accerates quickly. The 5 speed feature makes it great on the highway. Mayybe not in Germany compared to the BMW or the Mercedes, but I wouldnt trade it for the world.
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AWESOME - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
By Vulcanrider01 - May 28 - 10:00 amThis car has it all. I purchased the Base Vibe with the bells and whistles attached. Have had a lot of compliments on this car. My family only owns GM products and this one by far is the coolest. TONS of room with the foldable seats. Confortable ride with speed when you need it. A+++ I LOVE IT!!!
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pontiac vibe - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
By r morter - May 27 - 2:20 amExcellent comfort, room ride ,quality and 30 mpg on average driving for 15k. A bargain compared to toyota , prius and Honda hybrids.
