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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  good VIBErations - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Tubesfan2 - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Only 1 month old, my vibe is so versatile. Can haul kids n stuff or cool cruising car. Good gas mileage and build quality. The under shifter storage door should be sturdier. Loads of room, this is like a mini-suv. You sit up high: the window sills and roof height are the same as my toyota pickup, but the car looks so compact. Great styling, I think its better looking than the matrix.

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  Thinking of buying one?......Buy it ! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By philndz - December 26 - 10:00 am

  This car is fantastic. I cant really say much more than that. I am averaging 24,000 miles per year and the gas mileage, comfort, and fun to drive factors are amazing. This car is very nimble in stock form and I have improved the suspension and added some engine power in order to be even more competitive in Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Autocross Racing. All in all a fantastic vehicle....very happy with my purchase.

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  Love My Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By From Maine - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Love my Vibe especially interior versatility (see "favorite feataures"). Very cool looking for a wagon and SUVish without the obnoxious size and gas consumption. I average 35 mpg!

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  best vehicle I ever owned - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By automatic - December 23 - 11:53 am

  very comfortable. very easy to manuever. the gas mileage is constant at 33 to 35mpg. Always looks great. Plenty of cargo space, easy to put the back seats down to maximize the room available for cargo. sound system is very good. Love the angle of the passenger dash placement of the air bag. is not set to hurt passenger, but too cover the windsheild, and minimize possibilty of severe trauma. My only complaint is I dont love the arm rest and places for drinks etc. you need to grope to locate. all in all, I plan to keep it as long as I possibly can. It would be hard to duplicate the good features.

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  My Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By alby1b - December 21 - 10:00 am

  The most fun to drive and most fuel efficent AWD vehicle I have ever driven.And it gets better gas mileage than the EPA rates, unlike those Hybrids that get closer to half what the EPA said.

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  Initial Impressions - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By S Keith - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Have owned this car 3 months. Very satisfied with quality and economy. Only real complaint is the driver position is just a bit different and it is difficult to get used to. Arm rest could be a bit forward, which would help. Havent recorded gas mileage less than 26.5 MPG, which for short trips and automatic is GREAT. The relatively small engine (1.8L) has adequate power.

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  Thoughts after a year of ownership - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Tim Dodge - December 15 - 6:50 am

  I admit I was a little uneasy at first downsizing from our large sedan to a compact auto but rising fuel costs and poor reliability of the sedan forced our hand. Well any misgivings have vanished. WE LOVE THIS MACHINE! Great handling (love the AWD in our snowy NY winters), good gas mileage for a AWD (average of 31 with the top mileage @ 36 on the open road, around 26-28 intown) and most of all flawless reliability of this sistership to the Toyota Matrix. Although the ride is a little bumpy compared to the pillowy ride of our sedan it is amazing how we can drive this car 14 hours to the Myrtle beach without tiring. The car is sufficiently peppy in power although dont challenge any Hemis!

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  GrannyVibes - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By beckys56 - November 30 - 12:06 am

  I have had no problems with the vibe. It gets great gas mileage on hwy 35- 36,in town average 29. Lots of room for my camping equipment and grandkids. Got a lewis and clark bag for the top when in travel mode, works great saves room in vehicle for other things. Do wish I had cruise control. Would suggest for people to purchase a vibe. Not really liking the new design, but as long as they didnt chg the mileage I could handle the new design. I have drove 70000 miles in 6yrs, I would drive my vibe any where if need be, handles great, even in snow. Change oil 3000 miles or 3mths,tires 1x a year and yearly check ups.

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  Pontiac Vibe - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By CPS - November 20 - 10:53 am

  This car has a very smooth ride, I feel secure in the way it handles. It looks good on outside and inside. The stereo is excellent. Im very happy with it.

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  We Be Viben - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By M.Krey - November 19 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is comfortable and fun to drive. We own a 2003 Vibe GT, that my husband drives, and I had to buy a second Vibe in order to get driving time! The interior has enough room for the 3 Greyhound dogs that we have.