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:

• 

  Fun car! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By MSR - February 26 - 2:46 pm

  I purchased my brand new 05 Vibe about a week ago. I was looking for a "family car" that had plenty of room, a great safety review, and a reliable build. The Vibe has all that, and is also a blast to drive. Its utilitarian.. theres plenty of room for all your stuff, and the rear seats fold down to give you a huge amount of cargo room. Its also a gas sipper, mine gets about 29/34 mpg on regular gas.. a plus with the insane fuel prices right now. It also features a Toyota engine and drivetrain. Much of the car is designed by Toyota, and it shares many parts with its "sister" auto, the Toyota Matrix. There were a lot of nice options included for the price too, it was a great overall value.

• 

  I still love my car!! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Kathy - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Clocked over 120K in 10 years and still going strong. Fits everything I ever needed it to...Camping Gear, Kayaks on the roof, 46in flat screen, my 3 dogs, and dozens of 8foot 2x4s for the occasional home project. I live in PA and its been to Florida, Boston, New Orleans and everywhere in between. Its my first choice for long trips and gets great gas mileage-upper 30s on the highway. Great in all weather, even snow, but good all weather tires are a must. Odd problems are just starting to happen now...need to change the Catalytic Converter, first fuse just blew last month and something is wrong with the vent in the gas tank. Filling up takes forever. But still the best car ever!

• 

  2005 VIBE - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By greywolf855 - February 21 - 4:30 am

  Fun car and economical. I traded a full size Dodge club cab to save on gas. The vibe gets over three times the milage of my old truck. It has plenty of power for everyday driving and some fun too. The shifter is a little stiff and it goes into 2nd and 3rd gear somewhat hard. Quick shifts occasionally end up in gear grinding. The vibe will save you money over the matrix with dealer incentives that toyota does not offer. Plus its styling is better that the matrixs.

• 

  6 months 21000 miles Salesman Style - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By MoldbaseSteve - February 17 - 3:33 pm

  Great little car, great comfort, great mileage, great cargo capacity. I am a outside salesman and after 21k miles in 6 months I can say this is one nice car. averaged 38 mpg in the summer about 34-5 in the winter, simply fantastic, very comfortable and this is after at least 4 hours in the car 5 days a week. Dual power outlets keep my laptop on and my phone powered up, have hauled some pretty impressive items for the wagons size "do you have a truck?" nope i have the Vibe. The one complaint I really have is that the handling and steering while quite capable are not fun, but this is coming from someone who drives a miata or a motorcycle, so Its probably more nitpicking than anything

• 

  Audi to Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By notloyal - February 16 - 5:43 pm

  Traded an Audi Quattro for this 2004 Vibe, best trade Ive ever made. The Audi was a well built vehicle, but not reliable and expensive to repair, and there were lots of repairs. The Vibe is reliable, excellent gas mileage, easy to drive and half the cost of the Audi. Will be getting another Vibe soon.

• 

  fun ride - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By hallj - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Lots of fun to drive, great gas mileage.

• 

  2009 Pontiac Vibe - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By jmklein - January 19 - 8:40 pm

  I have just purchased a new 2009 Vibe with optional auto/manual shift package, 17 chrome rims/rear spoiler, and other little misc. options as well. The car is definitely worth its weight in gold, I traded in my 2003 Grand Am, and am very impressed that Pontiac has stuck with the great responsive, sport like steering. The car overall has great body lines, interior is comfortable, and the fold down rear seats including the passenger are a great feature. The overall pick-up response of the car is very impressive, especially in manual mode where you can get the few extra RPMs when wanting to get that "race feel." Overall, you can feel the great quality everytime you get behind the wheel.

• 

  Follow up comment - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By 09Vibe - January 13 - 6:33 pm

  Just a follow up to previous posting. One strange item missing from base models is variable intermittent wipers. After driving in the rain today and thinking that the option must be a separate add-on, I went back and checked the Pontiac website to find that they are not available on the base model. For those living in rainy climates, its an annoying omission by the manufacturer.

• 

  Pontiac with a Toyota Heart - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Jethro - January 5 - 5:33 am

  I was shopping for a gas sipper and came across the Vibe. After researching i found out the vibe is a matrix which both are made on the Toyota assembly line and share the corolla engine and transmission with many toyota carry overs but much better styling than the matrix imo. This auto is terrific, plenty of storage, well thought out design, quiet on the road, zippy around town

• 

  great little car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By daredog - December 28 - 10:00 am

  Purchased this car two months ago, and have definately enjoyed it. It handles like a charm and gets 35mpg on the highway. Dont know how well the AWD functions, as inclement weather has not shown itself yet. The AWD is a bit sluggish off the line, but holds its own well at highway speeds. the automatic tranny has trouble finding the best gear when going up hills or when passing at high speeds. would definately prefer a manual in this car. but not a choice. car is often downshifting when cruise control is engaged, making for a loud ride at times