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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  My Beloved Vibe - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By beloved06vibe - October 25 - 3:11 am

  I bought my 2006 Vibe new and would still be driving it had it not been totalled on Memorial Day. That car had 110,000 miles on it and I NEVER had any problems with it. It drove beautifully until its last day. It was comfortable and great on gas, held 3 kids and all their stuff, and I smiled every time I approached it. If you get the chance to get one, take it!!!

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  2004 Pontiac Vibe 4 door.hatchback - 2008 Pontiac Vibe
  By brenda1951 - October 21 - 1:17 am

  I love my bive, i bought it new with 4 miles on it. I have had it 10 yrs. has been a great car for me, if I had the money and could get another car I would search for another Vibe... I am sadden they dont make them any longer. I dont like sun roofs, but the inside of the 2004 vibe is the style I would search for .. 2004--2008/// Great car in my eyes and heart.. Love my vibe wouldnt get another if I had to and couldnt get a Vibe Id get the same company that made mine a Toyota.. maybe a Matres.. I would have to do some searching...

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  Love my car - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Diane Bancroft - October 20 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. It does everything - and does it well. Comfortable. Peppy. Great gas milage. Lots of storage. A perfect car!!!!

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  The Vibe is a Real Sleeper - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Ron Beeber - October 19 - 6:36 pm

  Im just beginning my fifth year driving this Vibe. Very satisfied overall. Very comfortable (doesnt feel like Im crouching in a "catchers position). Still 30 mpg. A bit noisy in cold weather start up until the engine warms. Surprising amount of pep cruising at highway speeds, but sluggish when merging onto a a freeway (thats the trade off one gets for the consistent 30 mpg fuel economy). Interior storage capacity is very adequate, and the seating/cargo configurations are very versatile. I change the oil/filter every 5K-7K miles and rotate the tires. I got 50K miles on the original set of Potenza tires, and bought the same tire as a replacement. A wise choice.

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  Functional work vehicle - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By IrishOne - October 10 - 4:50 am

  I work out of this car. I get 34 MPG overall including thruway miles at 72 mph and mountain roads. Im a big guy, 511 and 280 pounds, there is plenty of headroom and overall the drivers seat is comfortable. I do start to get uncomfortable after 7 hours in the car or trips over 150 miles without getting out. I put the back seats down and carry a full load of product in plastic containers. My product is very light so I dont know how it would be for heavy loads. This model is FWD, not AWD. AWD was not available in the 2007 Vibe, you would have to buy the Toyota version. Mileage is very important to me and overall, I am very happy with this car.

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  Good Little Car - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Bob - October 8 - 11:33 pm

  I switched to a vibe after owning a Dodge Ram 1500, mainly because of the gas mileage. I really enjoy this little car better than I expected. I forgot how fun it is to drive a car. Im a big guy (64" 310 lbs) and this car has plenty of room for me. I love all the storage compartments everywhere. If youre in the market for good gas mileage and lots of seating and cargo room, this is the car for you.

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  I Feel Like A Kid Again! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Lorelei J. Bell - October 5 - 4:10 pm

  I love my Vibe! Its hip, cool, socially responsible, very usable, easy to handle and park, quick, and makes me proud to own it. Here in Michigan, a great car must get great traction in ice and snow. My Vibe does! Our summers are long and beautiful; a prolonged heat wave is not uncommon. My Vibes A/C unit pumps out gobs of super cool air even when its 95F w/95% humidity. I opted for the Moons & Tunes package, with a great moonroof and a surprisingly powerful concert quality AM/FM/CD stereo that cranks! Its safe with belts, airbags, 4 pillar side panels, & excellent visibility/maneuverability. Its interior is so flexible; I can carry almost anything. My Vibe makes me feel like a kid again!

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  great for road trips - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By tarahdb - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Have owned my new 2004 Vibe for three months. Have driven it from California to Maryland in three days, and from Maryland to Georgia and back. Have driven in ice (no problem) and wind (gets blown around a little more than a civic but less than an SUV). Great for short trips with 4-5 people or long trips / lots of luggage with 2 people because the cargo area isnt all that big but the back seat folds completely flat to make a huge storage area. Very comfortable on long trips; plenty of room in the back seat, even for men. Driver sits relatively high, giving them a good view of the road. Quiet ride, road is easy to feel.

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  2004 Pontiac Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Sonfire4 - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Car is awesome, looks great, drives great. Small steering wheel took a little getting used to!

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  super fun lil pontiac - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By lani kinser - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy this vehicle, I am glad I test drove one and then traded in a 2002 honda for it. Way more comfortable and better handling and with a hell of a lot more value for the buck. I like the quality better which is not what most people usually expect going from a honda to a pontiac. But it is true! I fully recomend this car.