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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  fun in the snow - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By wybigone - September 20 - 2:00 am

  so far its been a great vehical! Liable, and handles snow and slick roads very wwell. Not sure whats up with the a/c. Seems like it could get little cooler

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  The Perfect Vehicle - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By JaeMaeJar - September 20 - 2:00 am

  The Pontiac Vibe is a great vehicle for anyone. It has enough room for a family to travel in it together and it is also small enough so if your driving by yourself you dont feel as though your driving a boat. It is the perfect vehicle falling between a car and a SUV. It is wonderful for the college student having to drive back and forth to school. A definite have for anyone.

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  So far, so good! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By CougarVibe - September 18 - 4:40 am

  With the rediculous rise in gas prices and the incentives available from GM (Employee Discount/$1K Cash/$1K "Conquest"), I was more than happy to buy my Vibe and get rid of my Explorer. Besides very good gas mileage, I bought this vehicle because of its AWD ability and Toyota drive-train. The exterior is much better looking than the Matrix, the car is very functional thanks to the storage room and 5-doors, and it definitely has a stylish character. The interior layout is good, with only a few complaints (center armrest is too short, CC is located in awkward place, no power drivers seat). Overall, Im very happy considering I got an AWD for the FWD MSRP!

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  Great Little Workhorse - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Jim - September 16 - 5:30 pm

  76,000 miles and more than a few scratches and it still elicits positive remarks on its looks. The Pontiac is more attractive than the Toyota version. It can haul so much. Mine is a working vehicle. Very well designed for this. Love the permanent tie-downs, wish there were more. moveable tie-downs not as well designed as they might be, but I use them. I like it in white, but wish it had black bumpers to not show the scratches so much. Great car!

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  My Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Andy - September 15 - 4:06 pm

  This car is probably the best Ive ever had (#10 or so). The only thing that I dont like about it is the pressure on your ears when driving over 45 mph and there is a back window open. This pressure is annoying and worsens as you speed up. Other than this minor annoyance, the car is very reliable, good looking and fully loaded.

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  Awesome! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By mkjaz - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I love my Vibe. I own the GT model and she sings wherever I take her. She is quick, different, and fully equipted. I will buy another one.

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  We like this car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By splendidtina - September 15 - 10:00 am

  We just bought it yesterday, but we think it is awesome, so far.

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  Best Bang for your Buck In a AWD - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By PGKDave - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I compared the Subaru Forester, Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4, and the VIBE AWD. They are all great vehicles but on paper the VIBE offered more for your money. So I took a chance and purchased the AWD Vibe. I was a little leary of its lower horsepower ratings. But after driving it for a week now in New York City traffic, I found that it is quite peppy and has more power than I was lead to belive. It is very nimble and handles like a dream. The gas milege is great for a AWD vehicle. I recommend that you purchase the rear cargo mat because things tend to slide around in the cargo area if they are not tied down.

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  Good solid car with some issues - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By R. Florez - September 14 - 4:33 pm

  Interior design is great. Very flexible, roomy, and comfortable, however there have been a few quality issues common to this model. Broken blend door motor, broken latches on HVAC air filter, overly sensitive automatic headlight sensor that turns on headlights and dims dash lights on a sunny day when A-pillar casts a shadow on sensor. Ive had an issue with the headlights mysteriously turning on when the car sits overnight in temperatures near or below freezing, resulting in a dead battery the next morning. No mechanical problems. Fuel mileage is excellent with 1.8L engine. I get about 31-32mpg in mostly city driving. Of course the downside is that acceleration with this engine is anemic.

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  Great on gas, but poor engine - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Kristy - September 11 - 11:03 am

  I bought my vibe because I have heard such good reviews, and I liked the fact that it is a Toyota in disguise, but I am truly dissapointed. The check engine light came on and when checked out, it turns out I need a catalytic converter, also it has started losing oil so a compression test was done and I need a new engine also, which is why my cat. converter went bad. I have been sooo upset because I dont have the money to just go and put a whole new engine in and I have to have a car. Regular oil changes have always been done in this car so we dont know why the engine has went bad. I hope everyone else has better luck with their vibe.