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:

• 

  Best Automobile Secret - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By ladywolve - May 20 - 6:13 am

  I bought this car as a basic model, as I personally didnt want all the hoopla. I cant say enough about this car. I traded my 2004 Mustang in (loved it too,just too low). I have moved with this car, taken extensive vacations in this car, and well, everyone is looking for a car that gets good gas mileage, thinking it never existed, well I still get 34 mpg. all the time! We always check this as it seems surreal at times.I guess all those Honda car owners are gritting their teeth now.

• 

  Love to drive this car - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By jjividen - May 18 - 9:36 am

  This is our second Vibe, an 04 and an "08 but this one has the big engine and flies. It handles like a sports car, beats college students from light to light, has a great sounding stereo (love the XM stations), is so roomy I can load my entire art display in it and just bungee the hatch door down to travel, is comfortable on long drives (which I love now that this car in under me), it looks beautiful with the black pearl paint, sunroof and spoiler and the wheels get admiring looks now that I took out the center plastic hubs for a sportier look.

• 

  I still miss my 2005 Vibe! - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Leslie Davies - May 17 - 8:13 pm

  This is the 4th AWD drive Vibe I have owned. I had to purchase it sight unseen since my 05 lease was ending. I was delighted to hear that Pontiac was bring the AWD back, since it is such a fun, easy, efficient car to do errands around town. I only have 200 miles on it so I suppose I need a little time to adjust. It is attractive outside and I love the bright red. Inside, as a 5 foot tall women, I am still bothered by the lowering of the rear view mirror to accommodate the Onstar system, and the repositioning of the front right roof columns, along with the larger side mirrors. These 3 things seem to change my sight lines-they are different than my others models.

• 

  Love it - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Jason - May 15 - 2:36 pm

  I love the Vibe. I have own it for over a year. I have not had any problems with it. When we go on long trips we use the Vibe because of the fuel economy and the comfort. We have made many trips to MI and Canada. The acceleration is better than my partners subaru and has surprized many of my passengers. I have helped several people move using the Vibe. I also do my own maintenance and have not had any problems changing oil, oil filter or anything else.

• 

  Great Car! - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Emmaleigh - May 12 - 1:56 am

  I bought my vibe in January and it does a great job in the snow of Michigan. It is fun to drive, and has tons of space. It is also extremely comfortable and great for long drives.

• 

  Great gas sipper - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By Matt - May 11 - 10:40 pm

  I bought this used car with 12,000 miles on the odometer. It now has 38,000 miles on it, including round trips from Minnesota to Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Ontario. It gets 37 mpg, 35 with 2 bikes on the back, and 30 even in congested Toronto.

• 

  Good Vibes - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Ang - May 6 - 1:40 am

  Was skeptical at first as it looked really small from the outside. My husband said "get in and try it out". Once seated in drivers seat, I was hooked. There is a lot of room in this car. I was impressed. The car has a lot of zippiness and it fun to drive. Purchasing gas is also sweet. I can go 7 days on a tank of gas (back and forth to work (60 miles a day) and tooling around town). Very impressed with that aspect. Stereo has nice sound. I like the storage system in the back of the car for shopping. Backseat is roomy for a 6 person to sit comfortably. All in all Im very happy we purchased this vehicle when we did.

• 

  Good Changeover - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Dave Baker - April 28 - 8:56 am

  Weve owned a Caravan (V6)for the past 18 years and decided to try something with better gas mileage. So far we are very pleased with the switch. The Vibe seems to be comparible on interstate as far as power goes, gas mileage was 34 mpg on our first road trip and the passenger and driver compartment was more comfortable than the van. There was actually more leg & foot room. The only downfall is the cargo space but we hope to take advantage of the roof rack for that. Finding crossbars for the roof rack on a Vibe seems to be a challenge. I should have gotten a Vibe years ago.

• 

  vibe - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By mac - April 27 - 12:13 am

  This is a fun to drive vehicle. It has a lot of power for only 4 cylinders and has excellent fuel economy

• 

  2009 Vibe Versatile and Practical - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Frank Dolen - April 19 - 6:20 am

  Purchased car end of May and have driven about 260 miles. Good mileage about 28 mpg with 50% city and 50% highway. Should improve with break in. 5 speed automatic shifts smoothly and 2.4 engine has plenty of pep. Comfortable and smooth ride.Would recommend. Vibe seemed to run smoother than its twin the Toyota Matrix and was priced better.