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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  I like it - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By sassysparky - July 6 - 8:30 am

  We just purchased the 1.8L Vibe (09) this past weekend, with some upgrades like AC, cruise control, and power doors and locks. Its been handling extremely well in the Michigan winter, and Im already getting great gas mileage on my little jaunts around town. Love the way it looks, it feels solid yet zippy. I wish the base model had some radio controls on the steering wheel, but the car comes with XM radio which is great where I live. So far, so good. Having some issues figuring out the proper tire pressure though!

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  The Vibe is Great! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By kfelker - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my Pontiac AWD Vibe and I love it! It sits up high, the seats are pretty comfortable, it has nice pickup (going up hills does cut down on the pickup, but thats to be expected with the AWD model). Im very happy so far with my experience, and I would recommend the car to anyone.

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  Love my vibe!! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By marcieb - June 27 - 7:36 pm

  130,000 miles and still going strong!!!! I bought this car with 32,000 miles on it and have never had any big issues except A/C quit getting cold to which I took it in and no one could find a leak but after having a/c charged 3x and a/c only lasting a couple days there must be a leak somewhere but Ive chosen to live without it at this point. Ive used this car for sooooo many things, hauling just about anything I could fit in it (cake deliveries, landscaping materials, home improvement materials, furniture ect...). Hoping to see 200,000 miles or more on this baby, still looks in great shape!! Oh i usually get 33mph highway :)

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  Still Going Strong - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By 123me - June 20 - 12:08 pm

  I bought the Pontiac Vibe after reading it was the 2nd least stolen car in the Central Valley of California. We have a bit of a problem with theft here and having seen my neighbors Hondas picked off annually I decided I was going to look for something thieves were not interested in. The Vibe has proved to be a terrific car, and anyone looking to invest in it as a use vehicle I say you won’t regret the choice. The Pontiac Vibe is the sister car to the Toyota Matrix. Take a look inside and you will see the same dashboard in each. There is plenty of headroom and with the speaker sound system I have no complaints

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  Intense research paid off!!! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Michelle - June 20 - 8:50 am

  Couldnt be more pleased w/ this vehicle, unlike the "second car" for cash I bought at the same time (1996 Ford Contour) - weve stuck thousands into that lemon! The Vibe however, is a delight. There have been a few fixes...oxygen sensor, broken outside door handle (thats one thing which I found was true, plastic on interior and exterior on the cheaper side). We have grown our family fast, and I can actually put 3 car seats across the back. Its deceivingly roomy. The cargo area is decent and even my 63" husband doesnt feel cramped in the front seat. Remember when servicing this car, take it to someone who knows Toyota engines (Tuffy replaced some fluids), I was told this is a no no.

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  Great Versatile Car! - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By blazer7t8 - June 18 - 5:31 am

  We bought our 09 Vibe AWD when it was a year old and had 11K miles. It has 90K, now. My wife drives it most of the time and she liked the size and control layout. The interior is nice and the seats are comfortable. We often take this car on a 4 hour road trip to visit family and my back does not hurt. We average 28 mpg. Have gotten as high as 32. It swallows up cargo. Have hauled tall filing cabinets, 8Kw generators, lumber, etc. With the higher ground clearance and AWD it gets around great in Ohio winter snow. It could use more sound insulation. You hear a lot of road noise. New tires at 58K helped but still noisy. No major repairs, only normal maintenance items. Overall, great car!

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  Im happy. - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Steve - June 18 - 12:16 am

  Excellent car. Rented one for a trip from Texas to Colorado. The car performed well-even in the mountains. Hit a big mule deer in W. Texas. We were fine-but the car seemed pretty damaged (160 mile tow). Even so, I liked the car so much I bought one. Looked at the Matrix, but toyota doesnt come down on price much. The Pontiac dealer knocked off $1,000 and then another $1,000 because I was not a pontiac owner. Upon signing the papers I noticed another $600 off ($2600 total off $19,500 MSRP)because Champion Pontiac wants to give the lowest price. In and out in 2 hours.

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  Review of my Pontiac Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By IndianaMe - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely love it! Very economical & fun to drive. Has great acceleration & power for 4 cylinder automobile. Always had pontiacs & even though this vehicle is partial Toyota wouldnt hesitate buying it, again. Was prior all USA made buyer.

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  04 Vibe, 1.8 ltr,4 cyl, auto. - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By phillygal1964 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Cars appearance small and deceiving. Must view from inside out. Spacious/lots of compartments/storage. Have cargo mat/nets in your deal. Shadow color hardly shows road dirt. Stay clear from Monotone. Road particles can easily chip the paint. Sporty lit dashboard electronics. Sporty steering wheel. You can rest your left foot on a foot rest while driving. Car sluggish at first until in second gear. No highway passing woes. Great gas mileage 29 city mpg and 34 highway mpg. Overall, great car for the money with a SUV feel.

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  A surprisingly good family car - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By JI - June 12 - 3:00 am

  Absolutely love this car. This is our primary family vehicle for a family of four and a labrador retriever. The Vibe is a comfortable car to drive and be a passenger in. I am surprised by the amount of backseat room in this car. This car is getting about 35 mpg on the highway, if not more, and it only costs about $40 a week in gas, driving 24000 km a year. Easy to get around the city in and a breeze to park. I would buy another one for sure, cant wait for the 2009 model.