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:

• 

  Great Car - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Choosing Cars - March 2 - 10:00 am

  We have had the vibe for 3 months now and have only had good experiences with the vehicle. The car was to be my commuter vehicle, but my spouse fell in love with it and now I only drive it on the weekends. The car has plenty of power and is fun to drive. It has a smooth ride at all speeds. The interior is very useful with all the seating/cargo configurations available.

• 

  Performance, Utility, Economy and Cool! - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Scott - March 2 - 3:40 am

  Traded in my SUV for the more efficient Vibe (sounds like a trend, doesnt it? Luckily, I only ended upside down by about $900 on the deal). I was never a big fan of the older vibe. It just looked like a grocery getter, bland, wagon-like and just something moms and old ladies would drive. But the 2009 Vibe caught my eye, particularly the GT trim. Its sleek, sexy and with the economical yet punchy 2.4 L option, I was sold. This is the 5 speed automatic version (theres no option for this, hello Edmunds!). Small but roomy, powerful but economic (29 MPG on average!), great interior (the seats are SO comfortable), and this car is hot! Getting a lot of stares! I would recommend this car!

• 

  175K Sold At auction for $3900 - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By KennyG - February 27 - 9:23 am

  Repo man took it at 175K. Miss my Vibe. Drove like a tank. Changed the oil religiously, didnt burn a drop. Can you imagine it sold at auction for $3900 with that kind of mileage?

• 

  Great little car! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Kris592 - February 24 - 10:00 am

  I tell ya I was a little sceptical of buying another american car but I figured since its basically a Toyota we couldnt go wrong. Ive really come to enjoy all of the great features of the car. 15000 mls later and absolutely no problems!

• 

  like almost everything - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By curtis sooley - February 23 - 2:20 pm

  This is very good car for me. It is very versatile and decent fuel milage but is still fun to drive. The vibe is not the fastest car but it gets the job done. The steering is percise and it handles turns and corners really well. The transmission is a real plus because it doesnt shift up and down for every little hill and downshifts into third when going downhill. The main reasons I like this car is that I sit up higher than most small cars, its good on gas, really handy and above all it has been reliable.

• 

  09 Vibe base first impressions - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By 09Vibe - February 19 - 6:20 pm

  Purchased a base model with automatic. Compared to previous generation model, improvements in interior ergonomics and performance were immediately evident. I especially appreciate that the car comes standard with side air bags/StabiliTrak/ OnStar, even in the least expensive model. Standard sound system is wonderful and includes XM radio. Overall, Im extremely happy to be a new Vibe owner!

• 

  What a mistake - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By fsjd - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Within the first month the trim fell off the car doors, the sun visor will constantly change location without manual malipulation, there is rattling noise from within the a/c vents; the air conditioning is insufficient, never reaches the back of the car. A big mistake and wish I had never bought this car. If I could sell it today and my money I would !!!

• 

  Excellent Choice - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By mover24 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Vibe new and it has been a great car. No problems and ver fun to drive

• 

  03 Vibe Reflections After Two Years - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By mhosbach - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Leased my Vibe shortly after they became available. The sporty looks and cross-over concept were what attracted me. Interior ergonomics are right on. Drivers seating is perfect. Cargo capacity is surprisingly large. Mileage is excellent, low 30s for my daily commute. Ride, handling, and brakes are great. A disappointment has been the 200 watt stereo. The door speakers rattle. In 30,000 miles, my Vibe has had no mechanical problems. A few minor glitches in the first year were probably "new model" type problems. Buy a Vibe! It has the right mix of cool style, features, and value.

• 

  Vibe! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By joselago - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Only one problem: Noise detected in HVAC system. Had something to do with the A/C. Replaced free at dealer (took 3 tries to get it right). Free loaner car from dealer. Roomy (Im 65 and fit easily) Overall excellent value.