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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My first 30k miles in a vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
By markrh - October 27 - 10:00 amA true multi pupose vehical with a great fuel milage. 30,000 miles in one year at 32+ mpg saved a lot of coinage. No need for a pickup truck. It carried everything I needed and more. Three kids in the back seat, skis on the roof. See favorite features. What can I say, Just plain fun to drive.
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First New Car Owned - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
By First New Car ever - October 26 - 8:33 pmWe bought this car after quite a bit of reviewing similar cars. We liked the way the back seats fold flat. We compared it with the Matrix, but we didnt like the looks of the Matrix as well. We needed a practical car to fit our dog, and to haul stuff on occasions. This vehicle is working out very well. We bought the 5 speed, no bells or fancy stuff. Car gets 34+ MPG in the city, and gets 37+ MPG on the highway. With careful driving could get more MPG maybe 35-38 plus. Its fun to drive, so it is not easy to keep the foot of the gas...the wife would have liked the automatic better, but she is liking the stick now. The vibe was a good buy decision for us, handles great, good visibility.
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Love my Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
By KathyB - October 16 - 10:00 amI researched this car for two months before I finally bought one. I fell in love with the way it looked while I was test driving some Fords. I thought I might be less than satisfied with a 4- cylinder, but it more than makes up for that. It handles great and is fun to drive.
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2004 vibe replaced a gt mustang conv ? - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
By gonz - October 16 - 10:00 amthis vibe replaced a 97 gt mustang conv for fuel mileage and dependability dealership sucked but overall pleased with purchase and value
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Flys like a butterfly stings like a bee - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
By Andrea - October 12 - 6:26 pmRide is smooth, reliable performance when you need it, excellent handling awesome on the corners.
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Great Economic and Stylish Choice - 2010 Pontiac Vibe
By Gary T - October 2 - 10:33 amThe CARS program paved the way for the wife to research cars that achieved 30+ miles per gallon and the Vibe came up as a strong contender in the fuel economy arena. After learning that the current model actually came out in 2009, she proceeded to research reviews on last years model and discovered that the 09 Vibe had achieved a very respectable 9 out of 10 Edmunds ranking and very favorable reviews across the board. Dealer inventory in our area is disappearing at a rapid pace so the Vibe has deservedly caught on in Pontiacs 11th hour exit. We both agree that this is indeed a vehicle that shouts reliability, comfort and economy and if performance is lacking, we dont notice. Impressive!
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Great car! Definately feeling the vibe - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
By GaryMan - September 26 - 10:00 amI love this thing. After my sis accident on the highway with the sluggish Pathfinder, we bought this car and its great. Lots of cargo space and good fuel economy too, what more can you ask for!? Dont expect this car to be gutsy, but it sure is fun to drive.
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Vibe time - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
By CHThom - September 26 - 10:00 amGreat ride and great looks. Lots of head room and leg room for passengers but for a tall driver, the "dead pedal" for the left foot is annoying and forces my foot into an uncomfortable position. Long rides are sometimes a chore because of this arrangement. Lots of cargo space and the rear window opening is fantastic for loading & unloading groceries. All in all, I would buy this vehicle again without hesitation. I just wish that they would get rid of that "dead pedal".......
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The Best Car YET!!! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
By IBSALY - September 26 - 10:00 amThe Vibe is the best purchase that we have ever made. It is fun to drive, awesome to haul small stuff, and how cool is it that the back seats fold down FLUSH with the trunk to make for easy hauling of larger items. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a well-priced, economical, reliable vehicle that stands out from the rest out there!
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best little car ive ever owned. i am 80 - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
By annie the dream - September 26 - 10:00 amive owned many autos in my 80 years but this one has capturedmy heart. enjoy driveing it .the next best thing would be automatic wash and wax.
