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:

• 

  Awesome buy - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By tishwo - January 16 - 5:56 pm

  Our vibe has been phenomenal. No mechanical problems whatsoever! The reliability and drivability has been that of a European car!

• 

  Very good value for the money - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By deyeo - January 15 - 10:00 am

  People like the design (including me). The instrumentation is well thought-out: easy to read and reach. The gas mileage is consistent and excellent. The use of space seems efficient. The interior is well planned and I can load a lot into it-- cargo as well as passengers (who are comfortable, they say). Handling is succinct and reliable. I travel a lot and can comfortably take everying I need for camping, cycling and any other activity I want to do.

• 

  09 - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By good value - January 14 - 6:00 am

  2.4 engine really makes a difference, a little roar under hard acceleration but overall quiet with a decent ride. Good value for a mini crossover. Better seats than before and improved driving position w/added tilt/tele. Brakes stopped ok. Should receive more attention this year from people of all ages because of value and utility. Definitely upgrade to the 2.4.

• 

  Great little car - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By Great all around car - January 6 - 7:23 pm

  This is an all around great car, plenty of room inside, 29.5 mpg overall, 33 on the highway.

• 

  Reliable transportation - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By Jeremy - January 2 - 7:40 am

  I bought this car with 11,000 miles on it. I enjoy driving the car and like the good 35-40 mpg I am getting on the freeway. However, I do find the driver seat to be a bit uncomfortable on longer drives. I have had two service calls, one for a leaky front wind sheild and another for some weatherstrips that came loose on the passenger side window. No problems with anything mechanical. I would recommend this car for anyone seeking good mpg and a reliable car. Open the hood and you will see that pretty much everything has Toyota Motor corp on it. Get Toyota reliability for American prices!

• 

  4+ years and going strong - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Steve S - January 1 - 6:53 pm

  I bought this car the first model year as I liked its good gas mileage, a small exterior for easier parking in NYC but a lot of inside room. As I am 62" I was impressed that I could sit and have plenty of head room. It also gave more leg room that vehicles that are a lot bigger. Good car for the city and hwy driving is nice but could use a bit more pep. Mileage is great. I have had only one problem with the vehicle which came within the warranty period. One of the sensors in the gas tank malfunctioned which prevented any gas from being pumped into the tank. Took 4 days for the dealer to get the part and fix it and then they lost the keys. Would definitely buy another one.

• 

  My car - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By ken - January 1 - 2:50 pm

  I picked the 2.4L base automatic over several other models.I have 7000 miles on it.I have had several issues with it the center caps kept coming off,the steering column had a noise in it when it hit a bump. The dealership found the electronic box on the bottom of steering wheel is bad and now the dashboard pieces that were taken off will not snap together. The plastic clips seem to be very brittle they break off easy. The XM radio is great as long as you dont go through mountains or valleys or even under shade trees signal will go out.The 2.4 has lot of power would not recommend 1.8. Ive been averaging 26 mpg city 35 mpg. highway. The wheels make car stand out.

• 

  Good Vibrations - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Pontiac Fan - January 1 - 10:00 am

  My wife was looking for a car to go back and forth to work in that was good on gas, reliable on the road, and good handling in bad weather. She test drove an AWD Vibe, but didnt act excited about at the dealership, but when we left the lot she said "I want one". We bought one a week later, traded in a 99 Grand Prix GTP of all things for a Vibe. This car is FUN!

• 

  My little suv - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Lori - December 29 - 10:26 pm

  I was looking for a suv type vehicle, and saw a vib on the pontiac dealership lot by accident. I loved the looks of it, and when I found out it was made with Toyota i bought it. I love this little car. It sits upright, plenty of room, and very little wind noise. I recently drove it from Arkansas to Birmingham, Alabama, and got around 34 to 35 mpg runny at 60 to 70 mph. I never had any problems passing by just using common sense. I was very pleased with everything about it. The one thing that I did notice that bothered me at first, was the first time I turned on the AC around town. I noticed the pull of it on the motor, but after I got used to it it was no big deal. Paid $16,400

• 

  2009 Vibe - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By john - December 28 - 7:06 pm

  as much fun as my 2006 civic but more practical. I have a 2.4 with 5 spd auto which wasnt a choice on the drop down menu on this website. Just got back from a 5000 km road trip and got about 39 mpg (Canadian) I rated the reliability high but really dont have the mileage to prove that, although the warranty is by Canadian standards very generous.