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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Santa Barbara Vibe - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
By curtchester - September 1 - 8:30 pmInitially, a problem with car wandering under all road conditions. After replacing Continental tires, problem solved IF front tire pressure 38 and rear 36. Now handles perfect with neutral steering. Otherwise, absolutely no complaints.
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Better than Basic - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
By Jello - September 1 - 10:56 amI bought this car as basic transportation 2 years ago, and it has exceeded my expectations. I average 34 mpg with my 5 speed, and have gotten over 40 on the highway. The car is cheap, and cheaply built, and I miss my Avalanche for durability and quality, but I love the gas mileage and the small size. Even as small as it is, we never have an issue getting all our stuff in it - even when taking three boys to their football games. Several of my friends have Vibes now, too, after seeing all the things I do with mine.
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Way to Go - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
By vibester - August 28 - 10:00 amThis car has great gas mileage - super for a small family or a single person needing to cart items around - a true mini SUV
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Needed instead of Wanting - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
By Steve - August 23 - 1:30 pmGot a very economical car in this era of rising gas prices. I got a great price for everything that came on this Vibe. Anyone needing an inexpensive car that is inexpensive to run then check out the Vibe. I went with the FWD instead of the AWD. I drove both, about the same feel supposedly a little better mileage with the FWD. Lots of head and leg room. Im 62 and there is 6=7inches of headroom to spare.
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VIBrate-ing - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
By Rich - August 3 - 3:13 amThe Vibe is a great deal more than I even expected! The ease of handling, peppy response, fine gas mileage and roomy cabin area are amazing for a car of this size and price. I gave up a foreign SUV - and Im completely happy to come back to Pontiac!
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Great Vehile - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
By jimirayguy - July 21 - 2:00 amI needed a vehile with good gas mileage and power to drive on the expressway. After looking at many vehiles, I found the Pontiac Vibe to be the best. Without spending $25,000 or more. Fun car to drive, handles good and mileage avg. is 26.7 mpg.
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cogswells clinical trial of autos - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
By donnajean - July 21 - 2:00 amhandles well, tight turns. Easily washable seats. Had windows tinted. Headlights are dashing. Sun roof powered is a great option. Adjustable side windows a plus. Rxcellent gas mileage.
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fun to drive vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
By john king - July 21 - 2:00 amI am over 6 feet tall and weigh about 230 lbs. My family is tall. I had been waiting for years for a car with good interior room front amd back and this is it. It is also easy to exit and enter which is important when you have older passengers. Ergonomically great. I got awd and had to give up some fuel economy. Sun roof,rear door and window access make it all fun.
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I love my Vibe!! - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
By Brenda, Minneapolis - July 18 - 12:46 pmIf you are in the market for a used 2007 Vibe, you can sleep at night knowing youve made a wise choice. Ive bought mine new almost 3 years ago, and have 41,900 miles today. Ive never had a single mechanical issue, this is the most reliable car I have ever owned. It is a GREAT all- purpose vehicle; the roomy interior offers a HUGE amount of headroom and is great for long road trips (my son is 65" and is very comfortable driving this car). The fold-down seats and hard-coated cargo area make hauling luggage, sports equipment, etc. a breeze. Its sporty, stylish, and the integrated roof-rack is sweet!! PLUS the 36 mpg (hwy) rocks. I will keep this car forever!!!
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Vibe review - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
By P.Jones - July 11 - 5:56 amThe Vibe has been a very trouble free auto since day one. It is 3 years old with 30,000 miles on it. It still looks new.
