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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Still high mileage! - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
By 34mpg - September 24 - 8:09 amI have owned my Vibe since buying it off the lot in 2006. Over 169,000 miles and it is still averaging 34mpg. Just took a trip and on the first leg of 300 miles at 60 mph I got 44mpg! The next leg of 200 miles at 75mpg only got 35mpg. No equipment problems other than the known PCM issue that was recalled/replaced. Maybe Im just lucky with Pontiacs. My first car, a brand new Sunbird, is still going at 280,000 miles. I gave it to my nephew 12 years ago, he has beaten the heck out of it but it wont die.
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best in its class - 2008 Pontiac Vibe
By all_pr - September 15 - 7:15 amI never owned this vehicle but was assigned one of the 4 owned by the place i used to work.I got it with less than 50 miles basically brand new i used to drove 200 up to 500 miles daily and have to say this car was great in every way. First lets call things by their name this is a 4 cylinder economy base car you cant expect great acceleration or killer looks or comforts found in luxury cars.I put 108k miles in 14 months besides oil changes(cheap oil by the way every 7500 miles) and wiper blades it never gave any problem if that is not reliable i dont know what it is.Even the tires it came with lasted for about 13 months.Sometimes i question the ability of some people to review cars.
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OK for the Price - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
By Steve Harper - September 9 - 4:33 pmWe test drove a number of other small sedans/hatchbacks before deciding to purchase a Vibe. The ride quality and offered features seemed to be a cut above the rest of the pack. However, so far we are not too impressed with the build quality (center wheel caps fell off, sunroof leaks, rear view mirror vibrates, paint easily scratched; instrument panel rattles/squeaks in cold weather). Also, the gas mileage is only OK (averaging 24 mpg in mixed driving). Traction in the snow seems to be reasonably good.
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Fun to drive - spunky small wagon! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
By chelle - September 7 - 10:00 amThis spunky small wagon is fun to drive, has a lot of get-up-and-go! Good gas mileage. Nice appearance with the typical sporty Pontiac look! Comfortable seats, lots of legroom and headroom for those tall folks. Cool navigation system, great stereo, and 6- disk CD changer.
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Fantastic Fusion - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
By David - September 3 - 3:06 pm2004 Fusion Vibe. Fusion color receives tons of double takes. Purchased with some anticipation, but could not be happier with my decision. Exterior size was a concern, but there is an abundance of interior space. I love this car. Purchased with 17 inch wheels and rims, but considering chrome rims soon to make the total package just "Pop"!
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Not a vehicle to buy if you live where it snows - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
By magic10fingers - September 3 - 10:55 amI purchased my 2006 Vibe in October of 2010 and have had nothing but trouble with it. This car handles horribly in midwest winters. It has newer tires, just no traction on or in snow and rain. I went in a complete circle turning a corner 1 day and I was barely moving because the snow was fresh and could tell the Vibe wasnt handling well. I was having issues with my key not working in the ignition back in November, and just got a letter on February 19 2011 there is a safety recall with my car. I wouldnt have known about the recall because it wasnt discovered until Aug of 2010 and I bought it in October. Letters didnt start going out until January 14th 2011. Shakes on windy days.
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Nice Car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
By hmiwb3 - September 1 - 10:00 amGreat little commuter car. Comfortable, manuverable and easy on gasoline. Love the looks, the good performance, easy shifting, and the space for odds and ends.
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A Great Little Car that GM Killed - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
By Michigan Man - August 30 - 10:00 amA great vehicle that unfortunately fell due to the fate of GM. Purchased 2 years ago and no issues at all - always follow the scheduled maintenance and visit a GM dealer. I would purchase a Vibe as my next vehicle if it still existed.
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Toyota Quality Coupled With Pontiac Cool - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
By bruce bellin - August 26 - 2:00 amMustang got me through "male menopause." Vibe has the sporty looks and is as much fun to drive with far better quality & practicality. Was going for Vibe Gt until saw in manual it requires premium fuel -for an economy car? Six foor two and is plenty comfortable. Narrow rear wheel wells allow alot to be carried flat. With snow tires,fine in snow. 2004 guages in white & orange better than 2003s all orange ones. I give it a solid recommendation.
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Great First Car - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
By bobsmith1127 - August 15 - 11:53 amMy mom bought this to replace her mini van and I got it about a year ago. Its a great, versatile car with some sportiness on the side. The inside is modern and is still in style after 4 years. It has great headroom and leg room for 4 adults. The folding seats are great, I can fit my drum set no problem. The sound system is pretty good for 4 speakers, lots of bass and clean sound. The engine is a little small (130 HP) but it accelerates fine and does good on hills.
