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:

• 

  Hope it gets better with age - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Bruce - November 19 - 2:40 pm

  We bought a new car so that we would have a trouble-free auto to drive. In retrospect, we might have been wrong. The car has been back to the dealer at least 4 times (you lose count after a while) to repair the check engine light situation. Fortunately it has been under warranty thus far. Needless to say, it takes time and effort every time we take it in, and this is exactly what we wanted to avoid when purchasing a new vehicle. We wanted to buy an American-made car (at least, buy from an American company), but probably not next time.

• 

  Reliable Winter Driving - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Richard - November 16 - 8:33 pm

  Had the car for only two months. Its the AWD model and it gets up our 300 ft 25-30 degree sloped paved driveway even before its plowed. It handles great in all conditions. I enjoy sliding in and out of the cabin with ease. Some minor complaints, would be the trauf that the windshield wipers sit in. It gathers snow and ice. I wish the ignition area would lite up at night. The car is getting about 23 miles to a gallon on mostly highway driving. Could be due to the cold weather and its not broken in yet?????

• 

  Enticed - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By kscot3 - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I was a very happy VW driver but we needed more room without a huge new monthly payment (new dad). The Vibe fit all our stuff and still has room to spare. Better fuel economy was a plus and the little things like a roof rack and storage spaces everywhere helped make this decision easy. Also, safety ratings and recommendations from the web and Consumer Reports were what we wanted to hear. The Vibe handles well and offers a lot of car for a fair price.

• 

  From a Dodge Ram to a Vibe? Great car! - 2008 Pontiac Vibe
  By 99evo - November 13 - 2:36 pm

  We looked at cars for over a month and decided on the Vibe. It has plenty of room for me(6-2") and my wife(5- 10"). It has good looks, great fuel mileage, and comfort all in one affordable package. Great for weekend trips as it has plenty of room for all our things. Overall a great car.

• 

  One Heck of a Car - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By L. Bowers - November 9 - 5:13 am

  I purchased my 06 vibe as the new 07s were coming to market. So to say the least I got an awesome car for the price. Mine is a 5 speed manual with the 1.8L. It has plenty of pep for a smaller engine and awesome fuel economy. I mostly do city driving and after 7 months my MPG increased from 31 to 34. I love the cargo area and the roomy cockpit what a surprise for such a small car. I car pool with 2 of my hockey buddies and there is more then enough room for our 3 large hockey bags and sticks. The fit and finish is a little on the weak side but what can I expect for a car under 18,000.

• 

  Fun, Practical & Economical Car!! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Carol T - November 7 - 1:26 pm

  The car is not only economical, it is very practical and roomy. The back seat has more leg room than any other small car we looked at. We can comfortably fit 4 adults in the car with room to spare. It is also great for grocery shopping, taking the dogs to the vet, etc. It has good pep and the ride is nice! I would highly recommend the car, especially for the price!

• 

  Great Car - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By GetTheVibe2003 - November 1 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this vehicle over 18,500 miles since I bought in December of 2002 and it has been a pleasure to drive. Comfortable for myself and my passengers. No real problems with it mechanicaly yet. I have just taken it for its usual oil changes.

• 

  Downsizing to a Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By UGS - November 1 - 2:00 am

  A lot of utility & Ill never lose it in a parking lot (Fusion Orange Metallic). Cargo floor rattles sometimes. Great gas mileage (30.2 mpg for 1st 3600 miles) Wheel doesnt tilt enough & I cant move the seat closer w/o bumping my knee. It is a lot of fun & the moons & tunes pkg. is a kick; but I miss the power of my 2000 Intrigue.

• 

  Nice ride! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Ron - October 30 - 9:23 am

  I drive 110 miles a day to work enjoy the good gas mileage! Very nice riding car!

• 

  Over 20K miles and still lovin it.... - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By vmp711 - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I commute 70 miles round trip to work, driving both highway as well as hilly mountain roads, and I was sick of paying through the nose for gas. So I bought the Vibe, and I LOVE it! My bonus was its roominess -- you can fit a lot of stuff in this car (groceries, bikes, dogs, kids, skis, etc...) If you want to go from 0 to 90 in 2 seconds, dont get this car. If youre looking for luxury, youre better off with a Lexus. But if you want something affordable, roomy, and fun to drive, this is it!!!