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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  Nice Car - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By D Jensen - December 15 - 9:56 pm

  I just bought my Vibe and love it. Was looking for a small fuel efficient car that has lots of room and does ok on highway. But wife uses it around town mostly. She loves it. Cant wait to take it on a longer trip to see how it does. Its not a big car but it feels close to it.

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  Vibe Excitement - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Joe Hood - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Nice Nice car...we should do more cars with Toyota....

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  Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By dpitts6719 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I have taken it to Florida from North Carolina twice since I bought my Vibe and have gotten great gas mileage-- 33/35 mpg highway, Every where I get people wanting to know if it is a minivan a station wagon or an suv. I just tell them its a mini-suv. everyone loves it and most would like to own one. I love the idea of not having to crawl in and out of it like a small car or step up high like an suv. I have hauled a heavy-duty storm door without the back door open. I simply popped the backglass open and it hung out about 2" laying flat. I can seat 3 large people in the back seat without them being crowded. My friends like that. I LOVE MY VIBE

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  I love my Vibe!!! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Shammie - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! Ive owned hondas for 25 years, but after 9/11, I figured Id buy something more American. This car not only looks great, it is totally functional, comfortable, and practical. And its just the right height for me and my elderly mother to get into - no more climbing up out of a hole!

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  Excellent Car for Driving to Work - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By GAR - December 11 - 10:50 pm

  This car is excellent for driving to work. It uses very little gas, and has a flexible interior for hauling. I can haul 8 ft. 2x4 lumber with the hatch shut! I also haul bags of mulch, TVs, etc. Its just a great little "truck" with car like mileage.

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  Vibe Review - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Bob - December 6 - 5:26 pm

  Im still liking my 05 Vibe. Since gasoline is nearing $3/gallon in my area, the economy of the car is the main attraction. Still, I like the exterior styling very much and the interior is modern, too. The handling is better than I expected and the car is perfect for those suburban errands. Ive driven it on the highway and it is relatively quiet below 70 mph. I easily bettered the EPA highway estimates by simply accelerating a little less aggressively. The fact that its built by an American manufacturer makes me feel better. I still turn around and look at it when I get out.

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  Vibe vs Matrix - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Racer 450 - December 2 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased a 2004 Vibe, front wheel drive, loaded, even with NAV system. Simply a great car, built by Toyota, but with better build quality than the Matrix. The Vibe is made in Calif. with the Corolla, yet the Matrix is built in Canada. Research has shown the Vibe has higher build quality, and you can get a better price than the Matrix.

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  My pontiac vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Marcelina Rivera - December 1 - 2:00 am

  My pontiac vibe as been good to me. As long as I keep it well maintained and taken care of its performance has been what i expected. Its got great horse power and is fun to drive especially when your taken trips. Its cargo friendly and safe too. Overall I am one satisfied cunsumer.

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  2009 Pontiac Vibe GT - great! - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By LJ - california - November 28 - 4:23 am

  Purchased used with only 12k miles. 2.4L (toyota camry) engine and 5 speed auto/manual a great combination. This is not offered on the Toyota Matrix. GT model rims/tires are nice, but noisy on rough roads and you feel the bumps. Versatility and appearance are better than average. Handling is excellent because of full independent suspension, wide/low profile tires and sport tuned suspension. I did my research and compared to Matrix, Versa, Mazda-3 and Fit - Vibe GT model won out for best combination fuel economy, performance and SUV type features in a compact hatchback. GM warranty a plus (100K powertrain). Mileage should be around 30+ on highway.

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  worth the search - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By cc27 - November 25 - 10:00 am

  I have been searching for a car for nearly a year...wanting something that was highly rated by consumers, economical, safe and affordable with 2 kids in college. The Vibe was very affordable...a little better than the TMV price and it has been fun to drive. My husband and son rode in the back on a recent trip. Both are at least 6 feet tall and had plenty of leg room. The acceleration has been fine...better than my van that has 4 cyl. Having Edmunds research was a blessing in assuring myself I had found a deal in the Vibe. I have the FWD automatic model.