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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  Bye Bye SUV - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Steve Hale - September 8 - 2:30 pm

  After looking for a replacement for my wifes SUV. I chose the 2009 AWD Vibe over the Subaru Impreza. The sunroof was not available in the Subaru which we desired. We also liked the plastic flat floor when the seats were down. Since the drive train is Toyota in the Vibe we new reliability should not be an issue. Add the XM radio and OnStar into the mix and the value seemed to be much better. So far my wife loves the car. We cant wait to see how the AWD does this winter.

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  Back for more - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By car-mine - September 5 - 3:03 am

  My wife has a 2005 Vibe. Very reliable. We use it to car-top two kayaks, and I can fit my bicycle in it, with the back seats folded. It has gotten good mileage--close to 30 MPG. When I decided to get a new car for myself, I checked out the restyled 2009 Vibe and was impressed. It is much sportier looking, and the interior has been refined. The seats are firmer and more supportive. The vinyl on the dashboard and upper door panels is cloth-like in texture, and somewhat upscale. Hard to find the 1.8 liter engine with automatic, but one came through my local dealer and I snapped it up-- didnt want mileage penalty for the 2.4. The 1.8 is quite good and quieter than in the 2005.

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  Fun Little Car - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By secman - August 26 - 4:23 pm

  I bought this car for one reason - gas mileage - and so far it has been great, but still disappointing. I do mostly highway driving and so far, I have averaged 30.85 MPG over the first 2500 miles. This is great, but not the 34 MPG EPA estimate for an automatic Vibe. My only other complaints are that the seats are not as comfortable as they could be (they could use a lumbar support), and the side mirrors are pretty small. But now for the good: Fun, fun, fun to drive...great pickup in low RPMs. Large windows in the front and on the sides (great sight lines) Great stereo (Monsoon package) Great interior space for a little car Great height for a little car Good handling 0%/72 mos

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  Gas Mileage! - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By kadog - August 25 - 8:40 pm

  Great car overall. Looked for about a year. Just had a baby so needed something 4 door with room and great gas mileage. Did not want a minivan. Only have 2k miles on it, so far no problems other than a slight rattle on the dash from plastic piece vibrating loose? Hence the 7 on build quality. Hesitant to buy Pontiac, my dad was a Grand Am fanatic and they always had problems, dont know why he kept buying them. Found out it was basically a Toyota Matrix and I was sold. Like the sportier look of the Pontiac, better warranty also.

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  Love It!!! - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Terri - August 23 - 2:26 pm

  I own the Vibe GT... and I love this car it is soooo fun to drive. I really like the turn-ratio.. the pick up is really good it you let it get to 4000 or 5000 rmp the car will take off!! great gas milage.. love the 60,40 fold down seats... over all best car I have owned in a long time

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  A good choice - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Viber - August 23 - 12:23 am

  I just got my new Vibe after selling my Prizm. It is great! At this time with gas over $2, this was the only one that give reasonable mileage and the nice SUV feel. The Toyota engineering makes it an easy pick and this has the better styling than Matrix.Of course I got tons of incentives too, making it a bang for the buck. Lots of cool features. I love the cluster gauges and lighting. Really nice looking and practical interior. I cant really complain about the power because my prizm was about the same range. This seems to have good handling. Only concern I have at this time is - the suspension seems to be rigid. My Prizm handled bumps much much better. Overall, it makes you a proud owner!

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  great car - 2008 Pontiac Vibe
  By great car - August 22 - 10:43 pm

  I have just had this car for 3 weeks, but, I am a tall woman (5,10") and this is the most comfortable car to drive, and still be fuel efficient.

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  VIBErations - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Vibe Viewer - August 22 - 2:56 am

  From the first time I drove my Vibe, I was completely satisfied with ALMOST every detail. The only exceptions would be the compromised visibility due to the wide plastic rear window supports and the cramped control panel when the gear shift is in park. The gas cap release lever could be a bit larger. I am a heavy man but the seats and leg room are still extremely comfortable. The gas mileage is about 30 mpg, even with the a/c. The car is tight (no squeaks) and the ride is excellent for almost any size vehicle. The price was excellent considering the many factory-installed options. Well done, GM!

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  My Second Vibe/part two - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Ron - August 19 - 8:40 pm

  I must admit that I too was driving my Vibe for the first week in third gear not realizing that 3rd gear is left and 4th(overdrive) is right at the same position on the automatic shifter. That erases my earlier comment on the need for a "4(forward)speed transmission" as the 1.8L Vibe has one. ...not sure I understand the comment about the noisy ride as mine drives quietly---certainly less noise than in the 03 version. Looking forward to 200K miles in this vehicle!

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  A fun car to drive - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By Gayle - August 16 - 8:13 am

  I have owned many cars in my fifty years of driving and I rate the Vibe close to the top of them. It is a fun car to drive, handles great, looks good, economical to operate and very versatile to haul stuff with. I plan on keeping this one a while.