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 THIRD VIBE - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By Greg W - March 8 - 8:36 am

  This is my third Vibe. I like its looks and versatility. It is quite roomy for its size.

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  Very Pleased - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By TMilnamow - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This is a small car with unique styling and a top quality drive train with a well thought out interior. Its way above the competion in styling. The only thing I dont understand is why I dont see more of them on the road.

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  I Loveeeeeee My Vibe - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Meee - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Excellant pickup when passing for a 4 cyl. Handling around curves is excellant. Smooth drive. Enormous inside, deceiving from outside. Plenty of legroom front and backseat.Cargo space goes from front to back with seats down. Great sound out of the 6 speaker system. Alot of fun to drive. Excellant gas mileage. Plenty of storage compartments hidden as well as open. Enjoyable moon/sun roof. Dashboard reminds me of an old GTO with the round chrome gauges. Bright orange contrast at night makes for great visability.

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  What a great car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By CliffSTane - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this vehicle for six months now and have been very pleased with it. I drive 25 miles to work everyday so I already have close to 14,000 miles on it, and the car hasnt missed a beat. After a few oil changes already, the vehicle has been getting very good gas mileage on the highway as well in the city.

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  My Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Paul Camp - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I love my Vibe. That may sound strange for a man to say, but I do! I love the way it drives, looks , and how it handles on the road. But most of all I like the fact that I dont have to stop and gas it up all the time. A tank of gas in this car seems to go forever. I also think that the Vibe is a people friendly car. The other day I pulled up to the Bank at the same time as another Vibe owner. Before I could get out of my Vibe a woman in her Vibe called out to me and said "nice Vibe. How do you like it?"

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  Pontiac Vibe 2003 - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By aponas - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Its perfomance is good. Takes to the road well. The design is a new mod- look. Handling is good. The only dis- like is the hub-caps make a terrible noise when driving over turtles, which is embarssing. Espically when we have guests in the car.

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  12,000 mile review - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By fladad - March 1 - 5:30 am

  I have had my Vibe since OCT and now have 12000 miles. Not one mechanical problem yet. The upgraded stereo-Moons and Tunes-sounds great. The car is nimble and quick for only 130hp. At 65- 70mph I get a true 34mpg with auto transmission. It feels bigger when inside than it really is. Unless you have GM card points and OLDs loyalty rebate, it makes more sense to buy a used one with 10-12k miles for about 12- 13000 dollars.

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  carol - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Crone_Art - February 26 - 3:53 am

  I have driven it 6500 miles in six weeks. Absolutely no complaints of any kind. Mileage is fabulous.The last 820 miles was 31.8 mpg at average 73 mph. For the entire 6500 miles average is 30 mpg. Space for storage is great.

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  A Great Car ... Through The Years! - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By k_texas - February 20 - 3:36 pm

  I bought my Vibe new back in early 07 ... here it is five years later and I still love it. She (yes, its a girl -- with her own name) just turned the corner and has safely and efficiently taken me over 100,000 miles. Cant rave enough about fuel economy. Last road trip was just a few weeks ago (about 900 miles r/t) ... she did me proud with 30-35 mpg!! Really?? YES! I noticed a past reviewer commented on very poor handling in Midwest winter snows. Id like to chime in on that and say mine was quite the Opposite. She handled herself very respectably in a South Dakota winter -- with FOUR blizzards back-to-back.

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  I Love My Vibe - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Christine - February 13 - 2:20 am

  Its a great car - sporty, sharp, and classy! Big enough for all your stuff small enough to park in the city. Lots of compartments to store things in the front and the trunk. Great handling - smooth shifting! Great on mileage! Now all it needs is the fridge and the hot/cold cup holders!