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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Love my Vibe - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
By Hawkybaby - June 2 - 9:26 pmI just got my Vibe about 2 weeks ago and it is a dream! It is a 2005 and is pretty loaded. I got the monochrome color package in the Fusion color scheme. It looks awesome and turns a lot of heads.
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Not so happy - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
By Jennifer - May 30 - 9:33 pmWe bought our vibe new in 2003. I was happy to have the style of a Pontiac and the reliability of the Toyota engine. Was I wrong! I have replaced my engine already at 70K. After research I have come to find out this is a common problem in Toyota engines. I would have expected something more reliable than what was purchased. I do love this car, or I wouldnt have spent the money to replace the engine. But it has left a bad taste in my mouth about the Vibe. I will not be purchasing another one for a 2nd car as planned. Its hard to praise a vehicle whose engine barely lasts past 70K. Boo Toyota. Would rather see a GM motor in this car.
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I love my GT - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
By southerndelight - May 27 - 8:26 amI love the handling, comfort, and looks of my GT! I have the only one in my city and surrounding area everybody wants my car! I do not plan on trading this one I do believe I will drive it till the wheels fall off!
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Great car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
By OC - May 24 - 10:00 amIm 66 years old and not the type of person Pontiac expected to buy the Vibe, buy my wife and I really enjoy driving it.I drove a small car before but this seems so much bigger.You sit high so you get a good view of the road and you dont mind the lights at night.There is plenty of room for storage on long trips.I feel confident with this GM/Toyota combination.
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Great car - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
By Ken Horton - May 22 - 9:30 ammanual transmission lets you drive for mileage: I consistently average above 36mpg. Large amount of interior space that is very flexible to configure with the 60/40 fold down seats. Rock solid reliability (its a Toyota). No repairs other than routine maintenance at 50K miles.
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vibing in the vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
By bonnievg - May 18 - 10:00 amthe only problem i have is it makes a whistling sound on windy days.
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Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
By Saree - May 13 - 10:00 amThis was the very first NEW car I ever bought. I love it still. It is so fun and comfortable to drive. I often drive from the Southern US to Southern Ontario Canada and I have never had a problem with the car itself. This car has served as a mode of transportation, a hotel room, a way to move house, there is so much room!
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Versatile and FAST! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
By L.J. - May 8 - 5:43 amMy 2003 Vibe GT is a great car. The 180 H.P. Toyota GT-S engine is fantastic, and just screams above 6000 rpm. Press reports that say it doesnt have a lot of low end torque just make me scratch my head. The difference between the stock engine and the GT is obvious. Plus, it gets great mileage. I average around 29 mpg combined, and got 35 on a recent trip. It handles great, too! The interior is so versatile, and the rear seats fold to make a flat cargo floor. Theres plenty of legroom, and the build quality is top notch. I would prefer it to be a bit quieter at highway speeds, but what do you want for $20k! Gripes: I replaced the sound system; the shifter is a bit clunky.
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awesome - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
By Vibe - April 29 - 11:26 pmI love this car! It handles well in the snow, you can haul anyting from a recliner to a table, and can even fit my 6 5" brother in it. It feels like an SUV without the high gas mileage. The only thing I regret about this purxchase is not getting ABS.
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Great car with 1.8L Auto - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
By toomuchcar - April 29 - 3:53 amBought this car for my Daughters first car. Looked at all the competitors, and this 1.8L auto is a great balance of utility, safety, fuel efficiency and handling for the money ($1500 rebate at the time). This toyota based car has reliability and same solid drive train I enjoyed with the Toyota Corolla that traded in.
