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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  an american car that rocks - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By tjs317 - July 17 - 5:36 pm

  okay, I wanted to buy american & get the reliability of a toyota. Nuff said, same assembly line as toyota matrix. a 6 speed tied to the yamaha engine doesnt hurt, either!!!

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  Nice - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Wkind50874 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle 12/2002 and it has 75,000 miles on it and had zero problems.

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  Great Vehicle, missed features... - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Anne/Agood4684 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought a Vibe 03 base model, then traded it in for a 03 Grand Am GT, but I missed my Vibe and within 1 year of my original purchase of the Vibe 03, I traded in my Grand Am GT for a Vibe AWD 04....AND LOVE IT!!

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  Great Vehicle for the Money! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Chief1995 - July 4 - 3:23 pm

  This car is a fun vehicle to drive and is easy on the pocketbook (average 33 MPG city). This coupled with the Toyota design elements and reliablility make this vehicle a great purchase. The vehicle has storage capability that is not available with the standard sedan. You either have to sacrifice gas milage or storage. All in all, I have enjoyed my vehicle and look forward to driving it every day. The XM satallite radio is a significant plus when traveling in areas with limited traditional FM/AM coverage.

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  This is the most fun car Ive ever had! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By jody - June 19 - 10:40 pm

  I have had my Vibe for about 9 months now. My gas mileage is great and I havent had to do anything but change the oil. It handles very well and everything works very smoothly. I feel like it is very quick for a 4 cylinder. I also like the higher seating position. I can fit a lot of cargo in the back with the seats folded down. I love the look of the dash and interior. The exterior styling is great also. I have gotten compliments on my car at the drive up at the bank, car wash, etc. All in all, this is a very cool versatile vehicle.

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  Great little car - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By RoundhouseMan - June 18 - 8:56 am

  I have had two years of fun and economical driving. It has lots of space for carrying people and cargo. The cargo area is high enough that I was even able to get a boxed dishwasher in the back with the seats folded and the lift gate closed, yet it still feels like a compact vehicle. Manual drivers seat adjustment up and down is possible (not just sliding the seat back and forth), a plus for short people. Mileage is 30-33 on the freeway. I would buy another in the future if they were still making them. Dealer and service are great.

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  a love affair - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By A Dimarco - June 13 - 1:56 pm

  this is my wifes car but I drive it on out-of-town trips because of utility and gas mileage. What a vehicle! She is 52" and I am 64" and we both love it! Its practical as well as classy. Gas mileage outstanding. Handles well both in town and on highway. I notice that the reviews by "experts" are all 20% lower than reviews by owners. Theres a reason for that. Roomy interior and flexible seat heights a plus for multiple users. the standard 1.8L engine is definitely light on hills -- be prepared to downshift -- but its an acceptable tradeoff for gas mileage. If you want the power get the GT and pay for extra gas(were considering it - WV is hilly)

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  RUNS GREAT - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By BRI - June 9 - 5:36 am

  I have had the car for six months and so far so good. Needs more power and fuel milage is poor

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  Good Vibes! - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By W Barnes - June 8 - 11:50 am

  A really great car to own and drive! Get lots of compliments, especially about the color (stealth grey, really a greenish, sometimes bluish) that changes depending upon the light and time of day. Would buy again but next time with stability and traction control (wanted this time but price with all options was just too high). If you are looking for an auto with a high seating position, gas economy, ample cargo space and options, a little more ground clearance than average, an alternative to an SUV and style, this is it! (If GM/Toyota would make the changes below the car would be near perfect.)

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  Glad I bought it - 2010 Pontiac Vibe
  By budman - June 7 - 3:13 pm

  Really like the car. Rides nice, handles better than expected. Got 35.5 MPG on 600 mile trip. Have 11000 miles on it and no complaints. Used Clunker money, GM rebate and GM card rebate. Paid 9900.00 for a new car. Thought that only happened to other people.. Plus GM 5 year/100,000 mile power train protection.