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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  Reliable, predictable, economical, zzzzz - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Bradford - October 8 - 5:56 pm

  My Vibe makes me smile. Its the red one you see most often in ads but not the GT. No supercharger. I bought it with 31k and put 32k on it. Besides oil changes only had to replace front brakes. Tight steering. Boring to drive but unbeatably reliable. Its a Matrix, after all. MPG averages 28-29 if I do 70 or under on the freeway and relax in traffic. Lots of space inside when you flatten the back seat. The car rides high for its light weight and you are at the driver level of the average SUV. You must adjust your mirrors accurately to avoid the blind spots - dont look surprised Toyota/Pontiac - you know they are there. Very easy to park and turn. A truly great little car... but boring.

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  Best Hatch on the Market - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By careckner - October 7 - 11:26 am

  This is an amazing little car, its 2.4 L. engine is snappy enough to get to 60 in about 10 sec (shifting manually), plenty of room for 2 adults and 2 kids in car seats, cargo area is amazing, seats are very comfortable(and Im 68") Seating position is very good,Gauges are bright, clear and well laid out, stereo is very good for stock. While shopping for this car, I tried a Nissan Versa, Hyundai Accent, Suzuki SX4, and a Dodge Caliber R/T, in the end it came down to this and the Caliber. Unfortunately GM doesnt have their act together, because this was by far the best economy car in their line up, fortunately its made by Toyota (Matrix Clone) so you get Toyota quality with Pontiac style.

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  Best Bang for Your Bucks - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By mjb56 - September 30 - 5:30 pm

  This is our 2nd Vibe, the first being an 05, which was a great vehicle. This one easily surpasses that. Very smooth and quiet, by comparison with good power. Fuel mileage has been outstanding. With the rebates and credit card points available it was a deal we couldnt pass up, even though we werent in the market for a new car. However, my wife has already informed me that she will be getting a speeding ticket as this Vibe is much quicker and smoother than her old one. Were extremely pleased, again. Cant believe GM wont be offering this vehicle any more. Major mistake! Please reconsider, GM.

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  VIBE - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By NIGHTMAN1 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Love this vehicle--fun to drive---great performance

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  Fun Car - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By DJ Drift - September 23 - 10:00 am

  The GT version is fun to drive. The corners, the straight-a-ways, on-ramps, off-ramps(braking), are all fun to do. The only problem I have had, was snow. The engine is an all aluminum engine and doesnt do to hot in the snow. But other than that, the car is quick off the line. Kinda sluggish in the low end torque area, but when you hit 6000rpm all the way to 8k, hold on. Gas mileage is good also. Driving from Virginia to Minnesota, you have to cross through the mountains, which I might add is a blast, I still get great gas mileage. I never want to get stuck someone in the boondocks of West Virginia and in the Vibe I dont have to worry about that.

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  Excellent car. - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Mike - September 16 - 10:16 pm

  I wanted a reliable car with good gas mileage, but I am 60 years old with bad knees, so I needed a car tall enough to let me easily get in and out. I know this car was designed for young people, but it meets my needs just fine. I plan to keep it for a long time.

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  Get some "lift" in your life - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By castovicini - September 9 - 10:00 am

  The low end torque is a downside, but the car is fun to kick into "lift" mode at 6000 RPM. You can fold down the seats and carry the groceries home with the new lamp, or put all three kids in the back with the seats up. There are some cheesey plastic interior parts, but thats why its a $17,000 car.

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  kitti2719 - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By kitti2719 - September 9 - 5:06 am

  Traded my Ford Explorer in for the the Vibe and I love it - much better gas mileage and there I find I have just as much room in the Vibe as I did the Explorer. Although I had to get to used to the front wheel drive I think it handles quite well except when next to big Trucks on the hwy you can really feel the wind pulling. The only problems I seem to be having is with the windows wind seems to howl through drivers side and I think the seal is broken in the hatch back window

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  Noisy, Poor outward visibility - 2010 Pontiac Vibe
  By Mike Joseph - September 8 - 11:56 pm

  I have driven this car only for two weeks and my first impression was how small this car is and fits so much inside. It took me a while until I got used to windows and mirrors, its hard to see everything from these little windows so I was always worried about the blind spots. Also the way the hood was designed there is no way that you can see the end of the car or at least if you are close to hit something. The way the car handles is really good, it lacks power but what can you expect from a 1.8 liter engine. The main issue that I had with this car was the road noise, its so weird that you can never get comfortable when you drive on a highway from the noise level.

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  As fun as it looks.... - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By badgerfan68 - September 7 - 8:26 am

  Ive had my 09 Vibe for about a month and really enjoy it. I have a GT w/ the 4sp automatic. The vehicle is responsive with excellent acceleration and the steering is tight and active. Weve already taken a weekend road trip with the vehicle and comfortable carried my wife, child, dog and all the necessary gear associated with the aforementioned. On the highway, we achieved 30 MPG, in town around 25 MPG. The ride is very smooth and quiet, with minimal road noise. There are no squeaks and rattles so far (which drive me crazy) and the fit and finish is clean and tight. Storage room is ample for compact car.