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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  You Get What You Pay For! - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Rock12 - January 31 - 9:13 pm

  The thing that is really fun about the Vibe is that it sits higher than a sedan. This means that you can look into the Hummer next to you and the driver can see you smiling as you fly past the pumps because of the fuel economy. I havent been in a domestic product for years. The only reason I bought this one was, it is a Matrix/Corolla power train, Matrix and Vibe jointly developed, and well employee pricing got the $21K sticker down to $17k. The drawbacks are the usual complaints that I have with domestic products, poor quality paint and plastics throughout. I had quite a bit of trouble initially with the transmission, although I believe this was an anomaly specific to my vehicle.

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  ok - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By cntrygrl - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Watch for the roofs may leak And paint may pill. Overall great car

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  new vibe owner - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By lovemyvibe - January 29 - 3:30 am

  Ive had my Vibe now for a whole 3 weeks and I love it!! I have owned 3 other new cars since my Vibe and not one compare to the comfort and reliabilty of the Vibe. Best practical car out there.

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  Exciting New Ride! - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By sassls - January 28 - 3:46 am

  After test driving the Highlander, the Equinox, and the Vue, we test drove the new 2.4L FWD 2009 Vibe and drove it home. We have only owned it a week (purchased 05/09/08) but have found it to be a practical but fun family ride. Gas mileage is as promised and should get better when the car is broken in. Great value for the money.

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  Tin Foil Car - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Matt - January 22 - 4:33 am

  This car is a basic to and from work car. Front fenders are thinner than the Lunar Landers. Interior is cheap, cheap, cheap. Visor mirror has closing lid on driver side only? Scared to death of being hit in this car at any speed.Cannot shut off auto headlights.Undercoat on car has to be re - applied due to poor quality control. Passenger seat too low. No power seats available.

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  Oil Leaker - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Glenn Koll - January 19 - 6:20 pm

  Could be a nice economical vehicle. Reliability & depentability awful. Purchased in 12/2004 in shop four times for the same OIL LEAK. We only have 1350 miles on vehicle. Dealrship can not guarantee vehicle is repaired. GM will not honor Lemon Law. Being given the run around as dealer will write up the same repair different ways. Forced to contact product liability attorneys. As a loyal GM customer to sum this up in one word Disappointing. Will no longer purchase GM vehicles.

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  The Toyota that thinks its a Pontiac - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By McMandolin - January 18 - 2:00 am

  For a tall person like me who wants good gas mileage and isnt so concerned about acceleration, this is the perfect vehicle. It has extra headroom and seats at the right level for easy ingress/egress. Many have commented on the red lighted instruments.

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  I Love My Vibe - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Mandy Ethridge - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I love my 2003 Pontiac Vibe. I couldnt afford an SUV and didnt want a car. The Vibe was the perfect pick. I am so glad they came out with the Vibe. I had to wait three months to get my Vibe because they just came out and no one in my town had one yet. The wait was worth it. Ive never owned a standard and it is sooo easy to drive. I would suggest anyone to get a standard they are so much fun, and the room is great too! My husband tented the windows, put a stereo and amp and new wheels on it and my ride is sweet. I coulndt be happier! The gas mileage my car gets is also very good and with gas prices going up it is going to be a wise investment.

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  Va Va Va Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By jude - January 13 - 10:00 am

  i have had my vibe for one week and so far i think this car is awesome ! i can drive for hours and be totally comfortable. it handles very well and has great pick-up. great gas mileage. thanks pontiac.. i am very impressed.

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  First AWD Car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Cheetahchip - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Didnt really get to drive it in the snow yet, but it handles very well in sleet and in the rain. Cant get my knees positioned right though without hitting the steering column. Needs more room there. Windy conditions make it hard to steer properly. All in all it is a fun and really nice car though.