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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  Pretty good for the money - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By chlywily - November 29 - 2:00 am

  The car has been very reliable, but has an intermittent knocking when started sometimes. Can be hot or cold and the dealer has no clue.

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  We Love This Car! - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By Scott - November 23 - 10:36 am

  We bought this car after struggling to find a fuel efficient wagon-esque vehicule. We looked at everything on the market, and nothing else (but the Matrix, which is kinda ugly) came close mileage-wise. Its sporty, fun to drive (Im 36), great looking, with surprisingly large storage given the size. No problems at all after 8K miles.

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  Best car in the nation - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By lady t - November 14 - 7:33 am

  Gas mileage is unbelievable. 11 gallon tank. The car is very roomy can carry a small sized couch.

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  wow - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By S shields - November 7 - 8:13 pm

  I love the car, the only thing is I am tall and wish it has telescoping wheel. (feels like I am reaching for it)

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  great car - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By c baker - November 6 - 8:33 am

  I searched the web for a car for my daughter that was low cost and fuel efficient. I got it when I got my vibe. I liked it so much I kept it and will get her one when she graduates from High school.

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  THe Vibe GT Rocks! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By photeus - October 27 - 10:00 am

  After 60 days in the Vibe GT I am very happy with this car. The acceleration is great and it is a fun car to drive. It handles well, although you have to pay attention at highway speeds. The 6-speed gearbox is tight and it shifts easily. I have NAV, and the CD Changer and larger wheels. I find people staring at it all the time, maybe as it is Lava Red. A great buy at the price!

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  Vivi - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Vivi - October 25 - 2:50 am

  I love my Vibe. It is sleek and cute and I feel very comfortable behind the wheel. It is spacious but does not drive like a big car. The gas mileage is excellent.

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  fun car to drive - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Betsy O - October 20 - 9:23 pm

  Ive been very happy with my Vibe. Its cute, and fun and easy to drive. Despite its petite proportions, the interior has plenty of room for people and cargo, and the seating position is nice and high, so you dont feel like youre sitting on the road. Ive had several large and tall passengers who were impressed by the roominess even in the back seats. The Vibe gets great gas mileage - I typically average 30-34 (I have an automatic). The instrument panel is laid out well and the gauges are attractive

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  A zippy ride - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Martina G - October 20 - 11:23 am

  I used edmunds.com to review wagons and chose the Vibe over its fraternal twin, the Matrix, and the Mazda3 because I liked its design and the price better. Love the ride! It is easy to get in and out of, sits high, and it really hugs the road. It has a zippy start and wants to go much faster than the speed limit permits, so when possible, I use the cruise control which runs very evenly (no fits and starts). So far I get 25-26 mpg in city driving. Stereo is great and the sunroof is nice for California. Storage capacity is excellent, and the rubberized surface makes cleanup easy. Price was $300 over invoice.

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  Good Car - 163,000 miles - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Mike - October 20 - 5:00 am

  I bought my Vibe new in January 03, and it has been very reliable. I was horrified at first, when I leaned against the front fender, and it caved in like a paper bag, but the drivetrain is pure Toyota. I had a sensor replaced at around 100K for around $100, but thats it. I changed the hoses and serpentine belt, and flushed the radiator at around 80K, but thats it. My check engine light and airbag light are on, but it still runs great. It doesnt heat up until highway speed, so I think the thermostat is sticking. I am 63 and 275#, but I fit fine. My family of 4, and our luggage got 33mpg @ 80mph when the car was new!