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 It - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Dave - May 20 - 7:26 am

  I absolutely love my Vibe. The mileage is great and there is plenty of room for my family of three. You cant beat Toyota quality at a Pontiac price!

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  Love my collectors item! - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Carol Jarvinen - May 19 - 2:33 pm

  Sadly, this car (or any Pontiac) is no longer made, but if a used one is being considered, I highly recommend it.

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  Good 2 Go - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By watts1371 - May 7 - 8:26 pm

  I bought my Abyss Vibe back in Feb. 04. Previously I was driving a Dodge Dakota, but wanted a little more room. I wasnt really aware of the Vibe until I started looking for a trade-in. I fell in love with it, and bought it even though it cost more than my truck. It has great styling, very functional, gorgeous interior, and great gas mileage. The performance can be enhanced easily if you want to spend a few bucks. I put Eibach Sportline lowering springs on it and it now sits about 2 inches lower and handles even better than stock. I also put a Magnaflow exhaust which makes it sound a little bit more aggresive.

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  2009 pontiac Vibe GT - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT - May 4 - 2:56 am

  We have owned our black GT for 2 months and love it. We have put 3600 miles on it so far. We drove the base 1.8 auto and did not like it at all. First gear was very short and then when hit second it bogged the motor down. I felt as if I would have to floor it every where I went. Then drove a 2.4 manual and was impressed. Found that the base models seats were too soft and the head rest bothered my wife. Lastly I drove the GT and just loved it. Seats are extremely better and the handling is superior to base. It is a little more bumpier than base probably because of the tire size. I did not drive the AWD. If the AWD is not needed, for the extra bucks go for the GT. Average 30 MPG. 80% highway

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  Reliable car - 2010 Pontiac Vibe
  By manitoba1 - April 30 - 5:04 pm

  We have put on 80,000 km with no issues to report. We like the gas mileage and cargo space. Very good on ice and gravel. Noisier and less room than our sequoia, but a lot more practical for 2 or 3 people.

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  Love my vibe! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Sara - April 26 - 1:00 am

  Just got my new Fusion Orange Vibe and I LOVE it. Almost bought at Matrix, dealer got a little nasty when we said we were going to look at the Vibe. Saw my baby on the Lot and I was hooked, got a great deal with the moons & toons and on-star package already in car. Didnt think I cared about the moon roof but now I love it. Smooth drive, seems to get great mileage, love the wide front window, great viewing area (compared to my old Jimmy). Just FUN to drive at 52 years old, feel like a kid with my first car!!

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  Love my vibe - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Nervisnel - April 22 - 8:10 pm

  I love my 2005 AWD VIBE> I have never has a car that I loved as much as this one. Everything about it is perfect... Comfort. handling, gas milage. I have 700 miles on her now and just gets better every mile. I love the dash , seats. Well as I said. EVERYTHING>..

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  Wash and Wear - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By docta96 - April 22 - 7:23 am

  We have had a variety of AWD continuously since 1974 and this represents the best combination of all. It is an outstanding blend of economy, comfort, utility and reliability. We often drive long distances in inclement weather and the AWD Vibe handles everything exceptionally well and without drama or failure while allowing us to always arrive on time. This is my wifes favorite vehicle and she cares for it assiduously. I have recommended it to many others, along with the Matrix twin.

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  2009 Pontiac Vibe - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By mshuell - April 19 - 5:06 am

  Our 2009 Vibe now has 8000 miles. It has been perfect in every way. For a small engine, it scoots right along. At 75 mph on the highway its as smooth as glass. The car gets great gas mileage. 32 mpg in mixed driving and 35 mpg on the highway. I definitely bought the right car.

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  My Midland Vibe - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Vibe Lover - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I really like my Vibe. I average 21-31 mpg and have gotten 33 mpg on the highway. I was a minor traffic accidents where a Jeep Grand Cherokee hit me. It didnt move the car hardly any, and I was swerving hard to the right as fast as I could to miss being hit. When I test drove the Vibe, I got next to some 18 wheelers on the interstate, and hardly felt a draft off them. They were going about 70 mph at the time, and I probably 60 mph (getting on the ramp), then up to 70 mph go get next to and pass a few. I also swerved once at about 65 mph to dodge a squirrel (didnt hit the brakes, merely swerved), and the Vibe handled really well (the squirrel survived, too).