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:

• 

  Pontiac Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By dsweet - February 26 - 10:00 am

  This is easily the best vehicle that I have driven for the price I paid. This Pontiac is an indication of the great quality GM vehicles now have.

• 

  Just what I needed. - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Timothy R. - February 15 - 1:33 am

  This car is perfect for the situation I faced in 2005. I got transferred to a new job 120 miles (round trip) from home. I knew my GMC pickup truck would not be affordable to drive that distance. So, I decided to buy the Vibe. It was just what I needed. I dont get the optimum gas mileage because I carpool with two other people. This extra weight does cut my mpg down to 27-28 mpg. Everyone who rides in the Vibe likes the ride. I plan to drive this vehicle until it gets too expensive to buy replacement parts. I think I am in a majority, I see more and more people driving Vibes every day.

• 

  Didnt like it - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By ariesrose - February 12 - 4:03 pm

  we bought the Vibe used with 23,000 miles on it.when the tranny went in my van. big size difference. i liked the fact that it sat up high, but there wasnt much passenger room. had little nickle and dime things go wrong with it everytime i turned around. went through breaks often, the power windows died on thedrivers side open in a rain storm. the trim around the front passenger side door was a rusted mess ( yes rusted at 35,000 miles. the seals on th doors stuck and the seatbelts were constantly locking tight on you. the drivers belt would release but everybody else had to constantly rebuckle. yes it had an electric plug in it but for what? not enough power to it.

• 

  Practicle - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Sam H - February 8 - 6:33 pm

  This car does a little bit of every thing. I can haul a trailer, put the seats down, seat 4 adults 6 ft or taller and get good mileage. This car does it all. Pluses include room, ceiling height, get up and go, mileage and style. The biggest negative is road noise, just turn up the XM radio. 17,000 miles after a year and 2 months of ownership, just change the oil and rotate tires. MPG is 28-30 with mixed driving with quiet engine. The seats are comfortable and fit taller people well Iam 6.1 and can wear a hat.

• 

  good thing for standard air - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By steve johnson - February 7 - 10:00 am

  We are very pleased with our vibe the gas mileage was a major factor in purchasing our vehicle, with the prices always seeming to rise. Very comfortable and plenty of storage room for a trip.

• 

  Excellent reliable economical vehicle - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By DrGreg - February 4 - 8:26 pm

  The Vibe is an excellent car for a small family that needs room and economy. The rear seat folds flat and is hard plastic so you can easily slide your stuff in and out. The cargo mat (or carpet) is a good option to keep stuff from sliding around, and it also quiets it down a bit. The performance is adequate, the Toyota engine revs freely if you ever need to pass. The only problem Ive had is when the oil was changed, someone put the windshield washer tube out of its clip so it was kinked and no fluid came out. This was quickly fixed and adjusted correctly at the dealer. It gets excellent mileage and is fun to drive. I recommend it for someone not needing the space of a minivan.

• 

  Versatile, Economical, Fun! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Mike - February 1 - 9:36 pm

  This is the first vehicle Ive owned that I like even more now than the day I bought it. Great gas mileage, fun to drive and plenty of cargo space. I have not experienced any problems or concerns with this car, and it has a very solid, well-built feel. I am very satisified with my Vibe and highly recommend it to others!

• 

  Great Cargo Area! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By C. Moran - January 31 - 4:33 pm

  Bought this car for its resale value / reliability, gas mileage and cargo space. 100% satisfaction with these features. Bonus: we got rear-ended at 45 mph and walked away from the totaled vehicle without a scratch..... were going to buy another one.

• 

  Vibe is the perfect anti-SUV - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By maxximumtek - January 25 - 2:00 am

  Before ordering my Vibe, I had a Mini Cooper S on order for a few months before deciding it would simply be too small. So then I gave serious consideration to the Chevy Avalanche as the answer to all my "utility" needs. Then I took a look at the Vibe and found that it did a little of both (small, sporty, but very useful) for way less $$ than the Mini or the enormous Avalanche. With the base Vibe, I routinely get 36mpg on trips, and the seats are some of the most comfortable Ive yet to have in a daily driver. Plus you can haul 8 2"x4"s with the hatch closed!! In all, a good car and a VERY good value!

• 

  Great Car! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By lw - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I love the looks of the VIBE! Its fun to drive! Sporty looking! I appreciate the leg room and ceiling room that is given in this car....much more than I expected!