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:

• 

  Vibes for you - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Helene Jacobson - August 16 - 12:20 pm

  Its a peppy smart looking car that is a cross between an SUV and a wagon. It handles smoothly on straight aways as well road construction surfaces. Great front window view. The back hatch door can be opened fully with remote or just the window can be open if you just want to put small bags in.This car is very roomy and seats 5 people very comfortable. Has great back seat leg room for tall people. This car does have roadside service coverage which hopefully Ill never have to check out,but at least its available. This car also has a great sound system.CDs play and sound like youre listening live. Free oil changes every 3 months is a great incentive also.

• 

  great vibrations - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By lovethevibe - August 16 - 4:36 am

  we have been very pleased with the vibe. we have two young kids and the vibe handles our family needs very well. flexible and roomy and very fuel effiecient - especially on hwy. the compact size makes the vehicle easy to park and maneuver in the city, but the vehicle rides solidly on the hwy. love the sporty styling. its a great- looking vehicle that still is useful for family. entry and egress is very good.

• 

  Keep it till it dies - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By GT4me - August 14 - 12:00 am

  Purchased my Vibe GT new, it now has 74,200 miles on it after owning it for almost 6 years. Its always been great on gas (I currently average about 26 mpg), big on room, and fun to drive. Want a Toyota Celica GTS with dirt cheap insurance and way more room? Get an 03 Vibe GT, they share the same drivetrain. Versatility and endurance are defined by this car. I work in outside sales and drive all day every day for my job. Never had any problems with mine. Changed the tires, brakes, and oil and thats all. Had a speaker go bad in the passenger side front door that was replaced under warranty. No moonroof leaks after 6 years. Required the least maintenance of any car I ever owned.

• 

  Just bought a 2005 - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Starcraft - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased a new Vibe (18 miles) and I couldnt be happier, well unless it had a lot more power. Its fun to drive, and the base stereo is more than adequate. Options: Power group Aluminum Wheels Fusion Orange

• 

  Great, Fun Car! - 2010 Pontiac Vibe
  By nbaatb - August 10 - 11:45 pm

  I bought my 2010 Vibe in 2011 and have been driving it now for a little over a year and I love it! Im surprised as to how much get up it has- zippy is a good word. I love everything about it. I can fit my three large dogs in the back, and the seats are high so they dont like to jump over. There is leg room in the back to actually fit people in. More room then our RAV 4 by far! I get around 25mpg city and 30 hwy. The only thing I dont like is the blind spots. The car has limited visibility and that is the only problem Ive had. I also love the plastic in the "trunk" easy to vacuum up dirt/dog hair. I can lay the seats down throw my bike and dogs in too. LOVE IT!

• 

  165,000 miles and still going strong. - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By madelineo - August 10 - 5:10 am

  I purchased my 2003 Pontiac Vibe when they first came out brand new. I have had no major problems with it. I have done regular oil changes. The only thing I have had to repalce were tires. This cars has been great. It is comfortable and has a sleek look. Continue to get comments on the car. People ask how many miles it has and when I tell them they say that is awesome. I love this car. It has been the best car i ever had.

• 

  Vibe / Matrix Mediocre car at best - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By spark123 - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Expensive car to maintain and drive. Maintainence parts hard to come by. Car requires special tires $125 each for cheapest. Poor fuel economy for size 28MPG Highway. Poor acceleration. Poor HVAC system. Harsh ride. Fair handling. Lots of squeaks and rattles. Found out after I bought it it actually was a Toyota. Reliability is good after 70000. Large blind spots at all 4 corners.

• 

  Pleased as punch - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By rls1976 - August 4 - 2:53 pm

  I was not in the market for a GM product, but had to go with GM, liked the looks of this car and am in love with it. Fun to drive on my hour and a half commute, and comfortable too. Sporty. My boyfriend is a gearhead and he even likes this car. Everyone who sees this car loves it. My passengers are comfy. I moved after purchasing the car, and it carried my stuff like a dream, way better than my previous car, a 2004 Dodge would have. I feel very safe with the Onstar, and the airbags and all the safety features. Only downfall is that my boyfriend is 64" and he doesnt fit right in the car when driving. He is very cramped and says that the high panels on the doors feel wierd.

• 

  a great car - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By joey - July 29 - 3:06 pm

  Ii traded in my suv for the vibe. Its fun to drive with plenty of pep without sacrificing gas mileage. We travel with big dogs and camp often. There is plenty of room for everthing including 2 extra adult passengers. The best mileage I have recorded was 39 miles to the gallon! Normally I get at least 36 on the road. I have absolutely no complaints with this car. It is perfect.

• 

  Practical, Fun and Reliable - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By RAC - July 29 - 12:36 pm

  The Vibe was purchased for my wife as a station car and to provide cargo space for weekend errands. The ride is comfortable, smooth and quiet. And the car is surprisingly agile on the road - it handles better than we thought it would. The cargo space (which can be configured a number of ways depending upon back seat position) is especially useful for us - the tie down tracks are ingenious and will help you to secure your cargo. We do recommend the cargo mat, however, to help prevent cargo slippage. The Vibe is fun to drive, safe, pratical and so far, reliable. The fuel economy matters more to us than speed or power, which by the way, is fairly good nevertheless!