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:

• 

  Love it - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By leslie - November 9 - 3:46 am

  Bought this car new and have absolutely loved it - no problems except needing a relay switch replaced shortly after purchasing (fell under warranty and towing). Great space-amazingly roomy, good exterior design. Seats fold down for extra storage and plastic backs for easy cleaning. Higher ground clearance is also very nice. Great get up and go and excellent fuel mileage

• 

  Love my Good Vibe - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By Lori - November 7 - 10:06 pm

  Had 3 Altimas in a row, so I was skeptical about a change, but I love my Vibe. Its a great not quite as big as an SUV or as small as a sedan size, and I love how I sit a little higher off the road than my previous mid-sized sedans. I prefer a 5 speed and the location of the stick took some adjustment, but it handles beautifully and is a thrill to drive. Great for carrying stuff without having to go with a truck.

• 

  Good Performance at Reasonable Cost - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Dale Hartough - November 7 - 10:00 am

  The Pontiac Vibe has very good performance for the cost. I drive a six speed GT version. It has amazing acceleration in passing situations. The loading area is very good. A very practical, performance option.

• 

  I LOVE THIS CAR! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By cpando - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I WENT TO THE AUTO SHOW IN MOTION BY GM. I DROVE EVERY CAR THERE AND THE COMPETITION. I DROVE THE VIBE AND FELL IN LOVE WITH IT. IT HANDLES GREAT IT HAS A RETRO LOOK INSIDE. IT LOOKS LIKE A COCKPIT. IT GETS GREAT GAS MILAGE . I DRIVE MOSTLY CITY AND SO FAR I HAVE DRIVEN 258 MILES AND JUST HIT A HALF TANK OF GAS. I HAVE THE SUN ROOF WHICH I LOVE. IT HANDLES CURVES BUMPS YOU NAME IT. IT HUGS THE ROAD LIKE A DREAM, I LOVE THIS CAR.

• 

  2003 Vibe - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By GE - November 7 - 8:00 am

  Great car until the transmission failed at less than 60,000 miles costing me $3,500 in repairs plus grief. No help was received from GM after filing a claim. Ill buy a Nissan next time.

• 

  I Think Im in Love - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By jessica - November 2 - 10:10 am

  It is awesome!! It is so fun and cute! At first I wasnt too crazy about the looks of it. But, we test drove and looked at everything. This was just more practical! I love furniture and this car is just as roomy as a little truck when it comes to hauling stuff home. I am 53 and it fits me to a tee, my hubby is 61 and he Loves it! Gas mileage is great now that is is $4 a gallon. It is fun to drive and roomy, the back seat can comfortably seat 2 adults. I love this car, I call it my little go-cart, the motor is a little loud and the steering wheel gives it the sporty feel, it is so fun!

• 

  Beware San Francisco drivers - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By SanFranciscoBadVibe - October 31 - 6:30 am

  I will try to differentiate between my major criticism of the car and my other opinions. I drive almost exclusively in SF and was looking for much more economical city car. Although advertised as 29 MPG/city I am lucky to get 18. I would like to get feedback from other SF residents what they are getting. Otherwise this is a pretty great car. The hatchback versatility plus remote keyless entry, sunroof, comfortable seating position are great. This is a fun, attractive vehicle that suprisingly has been easy for me parking on the street. There is enough horsepower to handle the hills too. BTW, I have an automatic but you can only pick manual on this site. I also recommend using Costco to buy.

• 

  Some Good-Some Bad - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Terry Sack - October 31 - 1:53 am

  I bought the Vibe because I have had a Corolla with 270,000 miles on it with no problems. Must have gotten a lemon as engine went out at 80,000miles ($5000 and GM laughed at me---never another GM vehicle for me). Also replaced 2 catalytic converters---never did this before on the many, many cars I have owned. Check engine light has been on more than it is off. Noted others had tire problems--so did I. Tire shop said camber was off from factory. Other than the expenses above the car has been fun to drive and gets great mileage---lots of room. I will never deal with GM again, however.

• 

  Review by RMH - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By RHenningsen - October 29 - 6:06 pm

  This the third Vibe weve owned and each one has had exceptional gas mileage. The last Vibe got 30.1 miles per gallon for 29000 miles. This 2009 is averaging over 30 miles per gallon too. Repairs have only required service oil,filter,tire rotation and alignment on the 2006 model. The 2009 has only 3000 miles and has had no repairs as of yet. On the 2009 model I miss the carpeting on the deck in back the shade covering that area along with the intermittent window washer. Other wise the 33.2 miles per gallon on a recent trip is great. I hate to see the Pontiac line disappear. Maybe they will give the vehicle to Chevrolet for a boost in their division car mileage requirements.

• 

  Excellent, fun car so far - 2010 Pontiac Vibe
  By Chelsea Michigan - October 26 - 7:36 am

  Bought a 10 Vibe as part of CARS program -- it was very hard to find one in stock, they sold like hotcakes. We wanted a base Vibe, stripped down without add-on features (not even a/c), but couldnt find one. We wound up with a 1.8L and manual transmission, but with a/c. But thats OK. Its a very good car -- we really enjoy it! Our only complaints are the pretty tepid highway acceleration (which can be scary when merging onto highway in front of trucks), and the bizarre location of roof antenna, noted in many other reviews, which makes it hard to do much with roof rack.