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:

• 

  Still Going! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Roadrunner - September 7 - 12:43 am

  Though this car is only an 05, it has many hard miles on it. It just hit 145k. Never had it to the dealership, never a problem! Just normal things you have to maintain. Still has original battery. Had brakes replaced last summer. Hit a deer and help up VERY well, hardly could notice any damage. I love this car. Its unreal what you can pack into this thing! Nice storage areas inside, lots of space and very roomy & comfy! The fold down flat seats make it nice for putting just about anything in it. I think its a very sharp looking car. Had it over a year before I actually realized it was a station wagon. Mine is a 5spd and gets great gas mileage. 145k & still going strong!

• 

  From NEW to 106,000 miles..7yrs of FUN - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By fladad - September 5 - 10:54 pm

  I now have 106k miles on the Vibe and I have only replaced the tires and that was at 65,000 with the original Goodyear Eagle tires. Still have original brakes. The VIBE will cost less than its twin the Matrix and have the same reliability. I think it was 2009 that they changed the engine with increased hp but less mpg.. I would rather have the better gas mileage and the design of the 2003-2008 body too.. Both the MAtrix and the Vibe are built on the Corolla platform, but I think the Vibe is more versitile..

• 

  2009 Vibe - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By JM - September 4 - 8:23 pm

  I have had my vibe 2 months now, I do like it a lot it does handle well and the user friendly interior is great, like the curse control, it is easy to get in and out of. I like setting up a little higher that most cars. I love the color of mine it is Carbon gray, I do get a lot of complements on how it looks. The gas mileage is also good. Very disappointed when the On Star pkg doesnt include the Monthly auto ck on the vibe.

• 

  93,000 Miles and no major issues - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By fwviber - September 2 - 7:56 am

  We bought our Vibe 3 years ago and it still looks and runs great. We traded in an SUV to save on gas money. The savings has been great. We get around 30 mpg no matter where we drive. We have owned the car from 36,000 to 93,000 miles and have only had to replace the alternator, outside of your normal tires and brake replacements.

• 

  Impressed but not thrilled. - 2008 Pontiac Vibe
  By TheCarGuy999 - August 31 - 11:36 pm

  Nice reliable transportation that offers acceptable gas mileage at the cost of acceleration, performance & in cabin comforts. I am experiencing a few rattles in the cabin during acceleration that gets louder the harder you push the small 1.8 L. Sunroof is disappointing, 2 visits to the dealer has made the leaking almost stop. Versatility of fold down seats and cargo capacity are spectacular.

• 

  A good buy - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By gmmas - August 31 - 3:30 am

  I tested this car in comparison to many others thinking that it would not be enough car for me. I tested it on the highway and found that it was plenty of car to pass and I could get a ticket if I tried..no problem. It has also been very functional with a lot of cargo room and very handy tie down spots for bungee cords. The roof rack is pretty much just for decoration though in my opinion. I get 35 mph on the highway with the AC on and after over 11,000 miles have not had a single initial quality issue. Lastly many other cars have stolen the overall Vibe styling. The vibe was the first with this general look.

• 

  Great Car/Fun to Drive - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By Rick Zitarosa - August 25 - 11:40 pm

  This car is used for commuting and social functions with family/friends. Great utility, economy and purpose in design, sporty appearance and very "fun" to drive. Many owners of more expensive "crossover" vehicles are shocked at the reasonable price. The Pontiac Vibe is a definite winner and it has been pleasurable to drive and completely trouble-free for the 13,000 miles I have owned it so far. Ideal as a commuter, work or family car, it has something for everyone.

• 

  utility can be fun - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By DVRMAS - August 22 - 2:00 am

  For a utility type vehicle when equiped with the 17 inch wheel package you cant believe the cornering ability. My vibe has the standard suspension but the summer only tires,do not even try to use them in the snow. Winter tires with new rims work great in the snow....Wisconsin. Two years and no problems with the Vibe.

• 

  love this car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By goodvibe - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car after owning a 2002 Audi A4 which turned out to be a lemon. I will never buy another VW/Audi product again! Vibes have great looks,(better looking than the Toyota Matrix)performance, fuel economy, versatility and room. This car is smooth and quiet on the freeway and peppy around town. Passing power is good even with the 4spd automatic which my Vibe has. The moon and tunes package is great too, with excellent sound quality from the stereo. With more standard features than the Toyota Matrix, just as good reliability, and coupled with the rebates from GM, Vibes are by far the better choice of the two.

• 

  Great Car! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Rebecca Grohowski - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Not only is this car sporty looking, it provides a great ride. It is fuel efficient and for a small car seems very roomy. It has a lot of pep on the open road. I am short and find this one of the easiest cars to get in and out of with ease for all passengers as well as myself.