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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  True Long-Distance Driving - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Mike L - April 10 - 9:43 am

  I worked for a firm that leased a couple of different vehicles one of which was the VIBE. I was due a new vehicle and chose to try the Vibe since it seemed to be a mini SUV wagon. The vehicle was the best vehicle I ever was issued. No breakdowns, always reliable sturdy, and "quick" dispite the under- powered engine (should be larger 4 cyl or 6 cyl) Only issue was starting from the line, no pep and you need some distance to enter a busy fast highway. However, using it on the streets of NYC I never had a problem. The only issue I had was the interior design, window opener locations, lack of rear seat heading, Air conditioning ports seemd sloppily designed. I recommend it for all.

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  Throw away car! - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By bkelly - April 7 - 6:10 am

  I have had nothing but problem after problem with my Vibe. I am so very sorry that I purchased this car. I hadnt had the car a week and had a problem with the brakes. I was told it was because I live on a dirt road. How funny. Dirt roads have been around forever. It was a metal shard they found after much insistence. Many other problems exist as well.

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  versatile - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Patricia - April 5 - 11:20 am

  Peppy, manual 5spd trans, excellent acceleration even on steep inclines on open highways, good gas mileage, avg 28mpg city-35mpg highway, easy to maneuver, excellent short-turning range, interior spacious both front & rear for leggy passengers, plenty of head room, comfortable easy to reach for smaller drivers, front and rear seats fold down allowing gracious hauling capacity, excellent versatility as family vehicle seating max5 or camping, garage sailing, etc.

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  Best Little SUV/Wagon Made! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By pattyc - April 4 - 11:03 pm

  We bought this car when it was just a yr old in 2004. It had 36,340 miles. It now has 172,000 miles and still in GREAT Shape! We drive mostly highway miles and enjoyed 30 MPG but got 33 MPG on a recent trip to Ohio. Due to the 6 speed manual transmission and being extremely well maintained. You would be Amazed at what you can haul when the back seats are laidd down flat since the back cargo capacity is Huge! Sister car to the Toyota Matrix at a fraction of the price. I Love this car and would buy a new one but Pontiac is no longer making them thanks to GM. Replaced the brakes once. Alternator Drive Belt in 2006. The starter recently & tires in 2007. Otherwise just changed the oil religiously.

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  Goodbye big SUVs, Hello CUVs - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Uncle John - April 2 - 2:00 am

  I finally downsized and got rid of a GMC Jimmy which was nothing but trouble. I picked the Vibe since its got the heart of a Toyota and the body of a Pontiac. The car hugs the road around corners, handles better than any vehicle Ive ever owned, and has a 5 star crash test and gets 30 mpg. locally. I got the 5 speed with the moon and tunes package (Sunroof and 200 watt sound system) and the safety package with side air bags and antilock brakes. The storage space is amazing with the back seat folded down. I bought a 4X6 foot indoor/outdoor charcoal carpet at Home Depot to line the storage area. This car is so much fun to drive as a 5 speed.

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  A neat little car - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Rngoddess - March 23 - 3:40 am

  I bought my Vibe the first year they came out. I liked the look of it first of all, then driving it I LOVED it! The only reason I am trading it in is because I need a larger vehicle. This is a great car for a small family or a single person. Me and my 2 kids fit comfortably in it. When you want to go, you GO! This 4 Cylinder engine performs far above any other I have driven. I recommend it to anyone!

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  The Vibe is a nice car for retired folks - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By randy - March 18 - 1:40 am

  I have about 3200 miles driven and am well pleased with the vehicle. I researched and test drove many vehicles. This car met the needs of our family. My wife and I are recently retired and went down to only one car. The Vibe gives us a roomy interior for carring home groceries and for hauling materials for my home inprovement projects. The gas mileage is pretty much on target. I do lose about 2.5 MPG when I use the air and also when the air temp. drops below freezing. The head room is amazing, I am 6-3" and even with a sun roof there is more than I need. Leg and hip room are also quite adequate.The Vibe seem to handle very well and the engine is responsive. The style is also great.

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  No Complaints - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By spyglass - March 17 - 5:50 am

  I have the 1.8L with the automatic option. Some professional reviewers knock it because it isnt "fun" like a BMW or a Porsche. Well for the money the car is great. Build quality is A-1. Seating is comfortable and it can take 4 passengers a long way before any of them start to feel cramped. Bought it for our son who is 62" and 215 lbs (football player). He loves it. Gets great mileage. We got in the neighborhood of 34-36 mpg on the highway with the cruise control set at 70 mph. The 4sp auto tranny shifts smooth and the 1.8 engine wont win any races, but its ideal for a car this size. Would buy it again in a heartbeat.

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  Worst car Ive ever bought - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By pra22 - March 13 - 11:49 pm

  I bought this car used 3 months ago (with 118,000 miles), and in the 3000 miles Ive driven it, it has needed TWO catalytic convertors! It also needed repair on a window that was cobbled together (which of course, I couldnt see). It is also the NOISIEST car Ive ever had. It revs up alot each morning when it is cold outside until Ive traveled a few miles at higher speeds. I rue the day I bought this car and Im afraid to drive it for fear the transmission will be next. I clearly have a lemon.

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  Great Car - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By E Olexa - March 12 - 10:16 pm

  I purchased this car in late June and it has been fantastic! Great gas mileage (50% HWY) @ 28 MPG. I am 6 ft 3 in and I am very comfortable in the Vibe. The 2.4 L engine has plenty of passing power and climbs hills with no problems. I would recommend this car to anyone.