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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  Has to stop and think about accelerating - 2010 Pontiac Vibe
  By Darryl - April 10 - 4:46 pm

  It has a hesitation, a miss, a delay in acceleration, a hiccup after stepping on the gas………………….it is obvious to me all the time and there to catch my attention whenever I try to go. Its not a shift issue, shifting up & down is fine. The problem is: step on the gas at 20 mph it dips its nose then goes, or step on the gas at 30 mph it dips its nose then goes, or step on the gas at 40 mph it dips its nose then goes, or step on the gas at 50 mph it dips its nose then goes, and so on. Kinda been snubbed by my dealerships service department on this, not sure if their problem, GMs issue, or what.

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  Love my Vibe GT - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Scooter Mama - April 9 - 10:00 am

  After trading in my Montana Mini-Van, I was fearing regrets of losing all that extra space. The regrets lasted maybe a day. This vehicle is so much FUN! It has proven you can be a mom, haul kids, and still feel like you have something fun to drive! I have heard it dubbed a crossover utility vehicle - Its cause you can taxi the troops but feel like you are driving a Camaro! I am over 6 feet tall and I easily fit and with the sunroof and jammin stereo, I cant to run those errands to the store. I LOVE MY VIBE GT!

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  Old farts like it too - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By rebbullbro - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased our new Vibe in February and are very happy with our choice. It is solid,responsive,fuel efficient and comfortable. This is a great "little big" car and a great value too. We got the FWD four cylinder automatic.

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  My Vibe ROCK!!! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Jennifer - April 7 - 3:56 pm

  I originally bought a 2003 Vibe the year they came out, and traded it for and 04 GT. This is the best car I have ever had. I have 125,000 miles on mine and have only put 1 set of brakes, 1 set of tires and a battery in my Vibe. This car ROCKS. I will drive it until the wheels fall off and get another one.

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  I like my Vibe - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Jon Dixon - March 26 - 7:16 am

  I think your review is spot on. Its a good overall package of style economy vesatility and performance. I had to make a couple of quick maneavers to avoid trouble and handled confidently and stuck to the road. We didnt need a big SUV, but wanted to have some utiliy. A good balance.

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  5 years, no problems - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By wm - March 24 - 3:30 am

  I purchased in Dec 2003, and nearly 5 yrs later I still love this car. It is incredibly functional, durable, and reliable. I have had ZERO mechanical/maintenance problems with it. My only complaint is the sheet metal for the exterior is easily dented - expect to see some dings on the bodies of older models. I am proud to say I just made a long distance drive on the freeway with the cruise control set at 65, and got more than 33 miles/gal. At 58,000 miles Im just changing the tires. She still looks good, and is the perfect car for a dog owner/family man like me.

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  Still love it after 3 years - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Terry D - March 22 - 5:43 pm

  Its a great car and fun to drive. Although most reviews have an issue on the cars power, I find it can to be enough to get on the highway or merge into traffic. I took a long trip last year with the family and it was comfortable and held a lot of luggage, a cooler and two big kids in the back. I had no problem going 80 - 85 mph and keeping up with the flow of traffic. I have only had a problem with a screw coming loose in the moonroof and it wouldnt close properly but it was fixed under warranty. The Vibe wasnt my first choice but I an sure glad I have mine. Its a pleasure to drive!!!!

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  Ive become a promoter - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By massimport - March 21 - 8:36 pm

  I love this car and still love it after two years. I bought it used (9000mi) and have doubled the mileage without a single problem; other than having to replace the mirror because of my own stupidity. It has room for anything - Ive loaded dressers, trees, moved an apartment, and more in this car. Great gas mileage. Once this one gets to be too old, Ill buy another!

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  Great car! - 2008 Pontiac Vibe
  By Cheesy Chic - March 18 - 2:40 pm

  I commute several miles each way and this is the perfect car for me! Its very roomy and comfortable! Not to mention not that bad with gasoline. The interior is what amazes me each time I get into it! I had been driving a smaller model car and this is like driving in a dream after hitting all of the bumps in the car!

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  Loving The Vibe! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Lovin My Vibe - March 13 - 9:00 pm

  I just recently bought a used 2004 Vibe. Originally i was in the market looking at Hondas or Toyotas... but one drive in the Vibe, and I was hooked! This car has everything, from a style that doesnt make you feel like its a Wagon. Everyone who has driven with me, are like, "WOW! we might consider getting this car too." It has it all, style, comfort, extra little perks, and a smooth ride, but doesnt break your piggy bank. I love that it has Toyota parts under the hood, & the interior of the car is Exactly! like that of the Matrix, which my friend owns. Now after having this car, a Honda or Toyota just look boring! Im glad I got this instead!