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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  My Vibe saved my life - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Debbie - May 8 - 9:36 am

  My parents bought me a new 2005 Vibe On May 25,2005. I was in a terrible accident August 9, 2005 My car was hit in the drivers door by another car going 40-45mph the force of the impact pushed my car across the street and into a pole. I got out of my car and walked away from the accident with only a sprained neck and a bruised shoulder...my passenger was unhurt. My car was totaled by the insurance company with over $13,000 worth of damage. I bought the Vibe because I loved how it looks but the 5 star safety rating was the reason my parents wanted me to get this car and I am alive today because of it. I am buying another Vibe this week.

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  I love this car! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By SuperVibeGT - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my Vibe for about a year now and Im still as excited about it as the day I bought it. It has served me beyond my expectations. The Vibe makes hauling things back and forth to and from college easy. Also, theres plenty of room for several friends and sporting equipment. The unique engine with the 6-speed manual transmission makes it unsuspectingly sporty, which really appeals to me. Braking is great, handling is good. Safety ratings and fuel economy are great bonuses with this car.

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  Buy One! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Don Wells - April 28 - 10:40 pm

  I now have over 72,000 miles on my Vibe. I bought it used with 40k so I have no idea whether there were any initial problems, but I have had to fix NOTHING, and everything works fine. The Moon and Tunes package is great- the sound is surprisingly good w/ rds display. The car is just easy to drive. Easy to park, easy to enter and exit, comfortable seats (which still show no wear). I average 30 mpg driving very aggressively. It handles well and holds an amazing amount of stuff (considering its shorter than a Civic, its astounding) as well as hauling hundreds of pounds in the back without hurting handling. The engine is fairly refined although a little buzzy at high RPM, Acceleration is go

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  A decent car, no more, no less. - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By action_nad - April 25 - 12:02 pm

  Not the fastest car I have ever had, but not the slowest. Does alright on gas, around 27 mpg by my measurements, but coupled with a very small tank means a lot of stops at the gas station. Interior on the base model is cheap looking, and driving can get uncomfortable after a couple of hours for tall people. All in all, not a bad little go kart, but you can do better.

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  love it - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Jacquie Thomas - April 21 - 2:00 am

  when people ask me how I like my new vibe, i say "i dont like it i love it " I am on the highway alot and the gas worry is a thing of the past. fun little car to drive and i havent went on atrip yet that i didnt have enoughroom for everything.awesome!

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  Good Value - but questions remain - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Gary - April 17 - 8:13 pm

  Great Gas Mileage. Fun Car to drive. Fits smaller people like a glove. Some quirks that seem not to make sense such as Headlights always on(Can not be turned off at any time), Front windows recall(mine were fixed under warranty before recall), Front of car including hood chips very easily, and most nagging for me is the fan in the car is always on(air comes through vents constantly). These things get noticed after newness of car wears off!

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  my review - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By awd wagon - April 14 - 1:33 pm

  I drive on highway for going to work but live on country dirt roads and it handles very well on all kinds of roads.It also handles well in the snow.

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  Love the VIBE! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By spayurdog - April 7 - 6:20 pm

  Fun to drive, great for hauling! Bought used, have had no problems with it. Will look for another, but very sad they are no longer making. :(

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  Fun to Drive - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Good to Go - April 4 - 3:30 am

  I love this car! I compare it to the Subaru Outback because of its versatility. Ive only had it two weeks but I can tell the gas mileage is great. Only problem Ive come across is putting gas in the tank. The pump constantly shuts off like its full even when I just start pumping. Very annoying, takes 10 minutes to fill tank. Anyone else have this issue? I checked on recalls or campaigns and found none. Other than that, great car.

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  Love my Vibe - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Brandy - March 28 - 10:06 am

  I love how I can fold down the back seats and fit almost anything in this small car that has so much space and room. Plus I am very tall and wanted something that had plenty of leg room for the driver and all the passengers, this has it. Lots of room for a car!!! The vibe has good fuel economy and plenty of room! I love it.