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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  Love My Vibe!! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Tami#1 - August 2 - 2:00 am

  The Vibe handles extremely well. Suspension and steering are nice and tight. The interior is great for those with kids or DOGS, in my case. The exterior look is more sporty than the others in this category.

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  pontiac excitement - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By gearjamr - August 2 - 2:00 am

  my vibe is the first pontiac ive ever purchaced,from the first drive i was sold sporty and spunky for its size.fuel economy is awsome ,espiecally with the gas prices right now plenty of power nice close shift pattern,comfortable ride and seems to have good sound barrier against vehicle operating noise compared to some other compacts ive driven.two things id change rear wiper really needs improving and the clutch pedal travel to activate the neutralsaftey switch to start car is like you have to put the pedal thru the floor board.

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  No wonder Pontiac is in trouble - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By erif - July 30 - 12:10 pm

  We bought this car in January and put alot of miles on it, so far 21,000. We have had 3 sets of tires due to cupping. Pontiac did cover the cost but faught us on finding the cause. The result was the rear alighnment was out by 1.5 degrees. Tires cupped in 3,000 miles. Fit and finish wehn delivered was bad also. Then the icing on the cake... We had a passenger side floor that was flooded. And what did Pontiac say? It was normal to have some water enter the passenger compartment when going through a car wash with high p.s.i. water or heavy rain! I could not believe they said it was a normal occurance. They offered no fix, we are getting rid of this car and going back to Toyota!

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  get up and go - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By lyro - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I really like my Vibe but for one thing when you are pulling out in traffic it does not have alot of power to get you going once you get going its great

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  Untitled - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By trinka - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. Great gas mileage, roomy, well designed interior. Right from seat as well as full back seat fold down flat for transportation of surfcoard, etc.

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  i like it - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By kmafra - July 22 - 10:00 am

  alway drove big cars;; happy with Vibe ;; been driving it 2 yrs. now

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  Great Car - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By tammy656 - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I had been researching cars for a few months.....I kept going back to the Vibe!! I test drove a few other suvs and wagons, buth this one had exactly what I wanted; affordable, sunroof, good gas mileage, 4 doors and plenty of room!! Well I was hooked and my kids loved it to. My Kids loved the stereo and the moonroof. So I decided to buy the Vibe. Well I got all that I wanted and more. I have 3 kids and they are comfortable sitting in the back and We have plenty of room for groceries and what ever else we need, I get 300 miles to a tank of gas, moonroof is awesome, drives great in rain...which we had alot of so far this year, what else could I want.

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  A Great Little Car - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By mekcamp - July 14 - 12:30 pm

  I am 68" and my job requires a lot of driving. Although I love my Chevy Silverado, I knew that I was going to need an fuel efficient vehicle or go broke trying to keep the truck filled up. I did a lot of research and of all the cars that fit this category, I found the Vibe a very good buy. Ive owned my 2006 for over a year now and have no complaints at all. As mentioned above, I am 68" and still have as much head room in the Vibe as I do in my pick-up. The only reservation that I do have is the placement of the Automatic Transmission console which restricts my right leg a bit. Overall, this is a very nice car and I will probably purchase another if the need arises.

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  Exactly what I was looking for - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By annrad - July 8 - 4:53 am

  I replaced my small pickup truck with the used Vibe as I wanted a front wheel drive vehicle with flexible cargo area. My work requires I get around in all weather, and I frequently carry pets, camping gear and stuff. We just had a rare snow storm here in AR, and this car got me everywhere I needed to go, it is great! I have the standard transmission, and am getting 31-32 mpg in town, better than I expected. The car came with the moon and tunes option, which is great fun. My only problem initially was that the plasic storage area to the left of the steering wheel kept falling open. I finally managed to remove and replace it, now its staying closed. This car is every thing I wanted.

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  Only OK so far - 2010 Pontiac Vibe
  By Joey S - July 2 - 8:03 am

  Ive had this now less than a week. Purchased with a clunker trade in and GM card points. Never would have picked a GM car otherwise. Im taking a lot of abuse at work for its ugly exterior styling. Im experiencing the same issue others have mentioned with the tranny in that it down shifts as soon as you let your foot of the gas. Also with only 140 miles the paint has chipped and is rusted. Nice huh? Well see what the dealer says but Im not optimistic. I wont do GM again. Iderad having to deal with the service department.