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:

• 

  Best Pontiac Yet - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By gmgirl - June 4 - 2:33 pm

  bought this Vibe new and just hitting 100K.I have no real complaints. Great fuel mileage, GREAT cargo space, sharp interior, its got the Toyota guts with the Pontiac price tag!!!I am an avid Pontiac buyer, and this is by far the best Pontiac Ive had. I love it. I use mine like its a truck sometimes, hauling everything from dishwashers, landscaping rocks, to building lumber. Cant beat it for its use and fuel mileage. Terrific vehicle! I guess one complaint would be that I have to get my tires rotated about every 3K miles because the weight distribution of the car is off and causes "cupping" of the rear tires. I get free rotation, so I dont care too much. I would definitely buy another!

• 

  Love it - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Rsudik - June 2 - 2:00 am

  The gas milage is awesome. I have averaged about 31 miles a gallon since I bought this car. I drive about 400 miles week, and with the growing gas prices its a blessing. The car is quiet, comfortable, unbelievably roomy and of course that gas milage. This is the best car I have ever purchased.

• 

  Good Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Vibe Man - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Excellent Car for the Value!Toyota Motor!

• 

  Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By mellee - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Was not looking for a new vehicle when I fell in love with the Vibe. The dealer who had the car was not even great, but the perfect car made up for it. Love the extras like two prong outlet and moon and tunes pkg. Better looking than Matrix and all the reliability of a Toyota. Best resonably priced car.

• 

  Love the car, but hate the interior!! - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By Theresa - May 31 - 3:40 am

  I love the vibe, but I always get shocked by the interior everytime I exit the car. And it is very rough! The gas mileage is excellent! I have no idea why but we just had to replace the computer because our check engine light was coming on and they said when it shows the code it was showing, GM said to replace the computer, so were hoping thats not an on going problem. The brakes do squeak, but not all the time. Over all the vibe is a fun car to own!

• 

  great styling and fun - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By paulam - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Purchased my vibe in 3/04 and was very pleased with it. The gas millage is good and the styling is great. Very fun to drive and handeling is great. I just do not like the spongey feel of the seat material. It feels like a mini suv.

• 

  best car Ive ever owned - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Bchrisnmill - May 28 - 10:00 am

  this car provides a smooth comfortable ride,and weighing only about 1500 lbs, the 130 hp is plenty.All accessories are well within a small movement of your hand.very user friendly interior.easy to enter and exit,plenty of cargo,and did I mention the great ride...and anywhere from 250-350 mpg.

• 

  Rides better than larger cars - 2008 Pontiac Vibe
  By Danny Boy - May 26 - 12:50 pm

  This car has great fuel economy and plenty of power. The fold down seats and accommodating hatch allows me to put down movers blankets and haul things. The good quality seat construction and the well-designed suspension give it a surprisingly comfortable ride for a car this size. I am confident that the car will still be quite usable when I give it to my grandson to use for college in 2029!

• 

  2003 Pontiac Vibe GT is FUN to drive - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By dreaelles - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought a Pontiac Vibe GT in December, 2002. It is a lot of fun to drive. It handles really well and is great on gas milage...I get about 30/gallon on the highway (if not more). It has an aggressive look that I like better than its sister car, the Toyota Matrix. It did have some problems though...dashboard rattles (one is easy to fix with an inch of electrical tape and about 60 seconds of time)and the glove box had a rattle which I think was just a loose cover over a screw. My cd player was making a weird noise when I would apply the breaks, but the dealer replaced it with a new one which seems to be just fine. Over all, a great car!!

• 

  Decision to buy a Vibe = :) people - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Snoopy13 - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Who would have thought that having to deal with buying a new car at the holidays would have been such good fortune? It was...we love our Vibe. I am shorter (51) and my husband is a bit taller (60) and the seats and other items adjust extremely well for both of our heights. Since we have bought our car more people that I have never met have asked to look at our car, if we liked it, whether it was a good value, etc. This car is truly going to become a trend as it continues. In my opinion this car has it all - plenty of space, comfortable, very stylish, great options, great price, great mileage, and so much more!