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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  Best Car Weve ever owned! - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Scott - March 24 - 7:02 am

  This is by far the best car weve ever owned. 220k and still great. Only repairs have been brakes, battery, serpentine belt, wiper blades and tires. Regular maintenance important, done with tranny fluid at each 50k, plugs at each 100k, same with coolant. Oil and filter every 5k. Still have original alternator, a/c unit (no recharge needed on freon), muffler system, hoses. Stock radio w/ 5 cd changer blew after 3 years-replaced with after market. Almost 10 years and this car is still going. Hope to get 230k then its time to retire the Vibe....with tears in my eyes then I am sure.

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  Pontiac Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By courtney92381 - March 23 - 12:00 am

  I absolutely love mine. I bought it in June 2009 and could not be more happy. Will be buying another when its time to trade this one in for a new model. Love its capacity and room. It has all the luxury of a big SUV but in a smaller package.

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  Sporty and practical... - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Boersmar1975 - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Never under 30 MPG. Enough zip to get you through traffic. Sporty look and feel. Features galore. Great stereo with moon and tunes. Can be packed to the hilt because everything folds down.

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  great fun - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By EDM - March 12 - 4:53 am

  Read reviews before purchasing. The GT model has the extra horsepower to get up to highway speeds in a hurry. The six speed takes some getting used to, but it is fun to drive.

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  OK Car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By wingman - March 11 - 2:43 pm

  Roomy for a smaller car. Has some nice amenities - lots of nice storage areas, regular electrical outlet, fold-flat front passenger seat. Has needed more repairs than Id like. Has had on-going issues with the computer system and sensors going bad. Had to replace the wheel bearings early on. AC is now going bad. Transmission leaves much to be desired - does not perform well at highway speeds. This car works for 2 kids, but 3 car seats will not fit in the back.

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  Pontiac Vibe w/ 148,000 miles - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By David Crump - March 8 - 3:43 pm

  The car has worked great for 148,000 miles. I totaled it out 2 weeks ago. I wanted the car to go 250,000 miles. I have had no MAJOR issues with the car. Normally I would see a clutch around 100,000 and new CVC joints around then from other cars I have owned. But no issues with the Vibe. Great Gas mileage, for the price and the cost it is better than the VW jetta TDI. I have had 3 problems with the car: 1. Three of the four door handles broke around 110,000 miles. 2. The transmission bearings went out at 38,000 miles. It would have been covered under there new 100,000 protection plan. 3. The back seat cup holders broke around 50,000 they are just made from cheap plastic.

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  Decent Ride - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By MSimon - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Good on the highway. Sluggish 0 to 50MPH. Well designed interior. Great for moving things or carrying loads. 200 watt stereo below average. Speakers vibrate. Omits sulpher smell when you floor the gas pedal. 28 to 30 MPG. Tires are wearing quickly. Original equipment Continental tires will need to be replaced at 35,000 mile, despite rotaing tires every other oil change.

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  From Firebird to Vibe - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Neptune Blue - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I drove the entire market under 20K, except the Vibe. Somehow, I was not convinced because my former car (1997 Pontiac Firebird) out preformed the otheres. I listened to a friend about the Vibe. I test drove it and was impressed. Considering I drove most of the other cars on the market, the Vibe had the most power at will, presumed Toyota quality, and the typical impressive Pontiac body stylings. While my new car is not my Firebird, she sure as hell is better than some of the other pieces of crap on the market.

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  03 Vibe Base model AWD - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Vibeguy03 - March 1 - 5:50 am

  Great car, very reliable, easy to maintain. Great way to go without having to buy one of thoes stupid SUVs or minivans.

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  Great car - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By bobbo - February 26 - 12:03 pm

  Ironically I was looking at the Matrix as my final choice. I play the drums so hauling my kit was a big factor. When I saw the room with the seats down I was most impressed. Ive put 25,000 miles on and have no complaints, in fact when I told the service mgr I was looking at a Toyota he said" Well this IS a matrix with a Vibe body. Im getting between 33 and 36 mpg consistently in combo driving.