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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  Mt GT - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By omahanut - February 8 - 10:00 am

  My last vehicle was a mini van that was 10 years old. I was hesitant to drop down to a small car, but the style attracted me. I have not been disappointed. It is fun to drive and gets great fuel economy.

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  Impressed! - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Rachel - February 4 - 6:23 pm

  I traded my Impala for the Vibe and it has been a good choice. The Vibe is compact, but can still fit everything that I need to haul. I like the fuel mileage, Im getting a little over 30 mpg with 500 miles on the Vibe. I really like the exterior of the 09 Vibe compared to previous models. I am very pleased.

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  Downsizing - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By JerryO - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Love the gas milage(auto), had a Ford F- 150 and was tired of making OPEC money. It has ample room( Im 62" ), nice and simple int. and for a wagon, nice body. Drives nice, fwd has power with 4 adults and baggage. 10-20K less than other vehicles with similar int dimensions, cargo room ok, front seat fold down flat adds huge space advantage.

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  Pontiac Vibe FWD - Auto - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By SteveinNY - February 1 - 10:00 am

  A perfect suburban commuter. Excellent seating for 4 adults in an upright (back friendly) position. The build quality on my vehicle is supurb...no defects after 8K miles other than a storage compartment latch. Drive train is smooth and the shifting precise. Gas mileage is 32mgp in suburban driving more on the highway. The car is solid all the way around and handles well in all driving conditions.

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  09 Go - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Al - January 21 - 11:13 pm

  I have had this car for over a year now and have enjoy great performance at 25 MPG. Looks small but is large inside. love the self shift feature and the Monsson sound system is great. Stock tires are great in snow and rain. I have had no problems thus far- this car is basically a Toyota Matrix as it is built in same assembly plant.

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  Well designed, well made, great mileage - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Rod in Portland, OR - January 9 - 12:43 am

  It took two months, but I researched and drove every car in this class. Selected base-model because it is best all-around fit for me. Toyota Matrix was second (identical mechanicals. Vibe is exported to Japan as a Toyota.) Car had to be less than 175 inches long because of short garage. Vibe is 171. Very practical, fun, versatile car. Very easy to drive. Ive used it on trips to Seattle and the Oregon Coast, around town, and for hauling stuff including 8-ft 2X6s. I keep meticulous expense records. 32.6 overall mpg to date (city/highway). Best ever was 39.3 freeway mpg @ approx. 75 mph with air conditioning on. Glad to have automatic driving lights in this rainy climate.

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  home run - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By 98clru - January 8 - 6:56 pm

  now have 38k on it, great gas milage, comfortable, versatile, economical, reliable, cute. After nearly 2 years and 38k mile, only issue is the storage compartment under transmission shifter, a little duct tape on pivot point tightened it up, now no worries! NO TRIPS to dealer for repairs/adjustments.

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  Vibe experience - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Norm T. - January 6 - 2:00 am

  Nice handling. Noisy engine, but smooth.

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  Feel the Vibe - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By C.Hade - January 5 - 5:53 pm

  Great cross-over for the money, lots of fun to drive, handles very well, very good braking system and well built! Fuel efficient, nice int. and ext. styling. The kids can get in and out of the vehicule with ease in the rear seating area.

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  Vibe Lover - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Martin - January 1 - 3:53 am

  I bought this car when I lived in Texas and was attending college in Pennsylvania. I went from a Corolla (which I loved) and wanted something with much more people and cargo space without compromising fuel efficiency. With this car being built by Toyota, it finished my decision. We have had no problems with it whatsoever and it now has 96,000 miles on it!!!