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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  The most fun Ive had driving a car - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By elaine - October 10 - 5:56 pm

  I looked at every car with this body style, ie: Aveo, Matrix, Spectra5. This car is so fun. I feel like Im in an SUV because I sit up so high. The interior has more room than my 4 door sedan but the body is about 4ft smaller. Acceleration is steady, braking not too hard. Ive drive 160 miles and used a bit more than a qtr. tank. I do not have the engine noise that Ive read about in some reviews. Maybe Im just not that spoilt. I drove a lot of cars and read a lot of reviews...this is the car I bought. Even with its little quirks, in my opinion even with the expensive cars out there, the reliability and reviews prove this to be the car to pick.

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  My 2005 Vibe - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Zach - October 6 - 11:10 am

  I recently bought a 2005 Pontiac Vibe. I have been driving it for a week now and I already love it. I get about 27 mpg and it isnt even broken in yet. The audio system in it is very good for stock. This car handles and accelerates beautifully. I like it and recommend it to anybody looking for a fuel saving zippy car.

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  A Good Purchase - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By JerryStar - October 4 - 10:00 am

  The Vibe 2003 model is the car that I chose. It handles well and is very economical. I have to drive long distances everyday and find that the Vibe saves me gas money. I recommend it to anyone interested in a vehicle that will get them where they need to go and will save them money at the gas pump.

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  quality at a good price - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By vibe - October 1 - 5:06 am

  Ive had my Vibe for 2 years now. I have live in California and it has been on the beach and over the Sierra Mountians. Have never had a single problem. Mileage is what was advertised, although it did take a break-in period to get there. The paint on the bumpers and bottom door trim could be a little better. Im a big 50 year old man. It takes me camping and on business trips. Still get comments on the looks of it. Friends have been so impressed a few have purchased Vibes. You wont be disappointed.

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  i love this car - 2010 Pontiac Vibe
  By gregg n - September 29 - 10:56 pm

  i replaced a 2003 base vibe with the 2010 gt. wow! we love it. i do miss the rear opening window, the luggage rack, but it is so fun to drive. i anticipate that my biggest concern in the future will be the paint quality. i fear that pontiac knowing they were shutting down cut back on the amount of paint applied to the car thinking what will the consumer do about it. except for that, i really love the car.

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  My fav car - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Mil - September 29 - 8:20 pm

  I purchased the vibe a few months ago. I totally loved the toyota matrix and then I realized the vibe is very similar and much more affordable.

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  Is this really an American Car - 2008 Pontiac Vibe
  By Skeets - September 28 - 5:23 am

  I guess I picked the fully loaded version GT, which has everything everyone wants. In comparison to my Ford Explorer, it is small but roomy. Handles pretty well in wet and slick conditions as long as I dont try to put her on test by making sharp turns. Traction control is awsome, kept me straight on the road in past snowy days. It is not designed by Toyota but GM and Toyota has several projects done together under the name of Nummi. Just like Ford had been building Mercurry Villager and Nissan Quests on the same assembly line but general public does not know the inside facts.

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  Shes Red!!!! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Wild Crazy Redhead - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my FWD Vibe and I love it. its roomy, comfortable seats awesome moon roof and stereo. It has good pickup and interior of gauges is RED lol.I love the flexibility of rear seat going flat and for longer items, passenger folds too, family cant believe all the room. My grandkids love the big side windows too.

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  Post recall thoughts - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By WTH - September 6 - 12:33 am

  Much better than the previous model. Much more comfortable. Much peppier. No problems merging on to hi-ways and fun on back roads. Great in rain and snow. If you have a strong ego its more car than youd ever need.

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  Dont waste your money on the imports. - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By markaw3 - September 2 - 2:00 am

  This car has it all,roomy, good handling great stereo, excellent GM build quality,good gas mileage,color choices,super bargain from dealers who helped me find every discount that was available. Power package is worth the money. Lookad at Matrix but not the same bargain and so much uglier in a blah way. Toyota engine tends to drone on though at least has some pep.All thats unknown is long term reliability but so far its ahead of my previous Nissan (various electrical problems never found by dealer).If this car had Saturns dentproof panels it would be just about perfect.Anyway ,buy one ,you wont be sorry.