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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  Nimble - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By GSantee - October 25 - 2:00 am

  We love our Neptune Vibe with Tunes/Moon and Power Packages. Had been driving Toyota Celica with 120K miles when decided it was time to change. After seeing the Vibe, there was no further discussion! Pontiac did better job than Toyota with exterior design - sharp looking car! Tons of comfortable room inside. Easy to turn around in tight spots. I like orange backlit dashboard. It can fade during the day, but not bothersome, even here in the desert. Have tinted windows due to heat, makes it look even better. Buy the rubber backed carpet for cargo area to prevent sliding. This is a heck of a fun car for the money!

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  Still Thining! - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Klawdad - October 20 - 8:36 pm

  I traded in a Toyota truck just because of payments, but I love Toyota. When I read that the Vibe was essentially a Toyota, I went to the dealer because everything I read was good. I have never had a small car, so I was hesitant, but this car is actually fun to drive and the MPG is awesome--right now Im getting 28-30 in combo driving. Yes the wheel caps fall off and yes the ride is bumpy, but I am not sorry I traded--except when I needed a half ton of mulch last week.

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  VAVAVAVIBE!!!! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By coxclan - October 19 - 2:00 am

  We contemplated for a year before buying our Vibe. The deciding factor was the versatility, spaciousness and the fact that it is really made by Toyota. We currently have about 4000 miles on it. Problems: nothing that really stands out as major-the dash rattles/squeaks when it is really cold out, the dome light goes off and on when the hatchback is locked and the standard is a pain in town. Other than that, it is a fantastic car for us at this time.

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  Very Best American Car Under $20,000 - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Fred Schofield - October 19 - 2:00 am

  This car is the best American car on the road for suburban and city driving. Fantastic flexibility and steering. Comfortable in and out of traffic. Quick response when needed by driver. All these qualities make me happy in my business and family life

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  2003 Pontiac Vibe GT - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By gclaiborne - October 17 - 1:52 am

  I bought this car about 3 years ago with 111,000 miles on it. Now has 160,000 and its definitely been the best and most fun car Ive ever driven. I average 30 mpg and love the 1.8 Liter Toyota high performance engine with the 6 speed manual.

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  Vibe Runs Great & Great Deal! - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By RobRWA123 - October 10 - 1:56 pm

  Weve had this car for about 10 days now, and love driving it. Had to search hard for the 1.8 L/5MT, but worth the waiting. For the Base model, you wont need the 2.4L engine, unless youre going to be towing something. Compared to our 03 Vibe w/AT (we gave to our daughter), this car is quieter (engine noise especially reduced, road noise only noticeable at highway speeds), has more power, is much more comfortable, much safer (more [6] airbags, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and Stabilitrak), and more fun to drive. And gets better MPG (well over 400 miles on 1st tank, gets better after break-in period)! Highly recommended; the best deal out there for a "compact" car, doesnt feel like one.

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  I was Wowwed! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By RJA - October 4 - 9:30 am

  By looking at the car from afar, I was not impressed. But when I got in it and drove it, I was Wowwed! I love it, its alot of fun, great mileage, easy to handle, and a great looking small car.

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  Vibe has pluses and a couple of needs - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Vibe Owner N - October 1 - 11:36 pm

  The only difficult thing about the car is that it is hard to see out when looking towards the rear or the sides.The window configuration could be better to fix this problem.The fold down seats are excellent.It would be nice if it had a bit quieter ride.

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  Love it!! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By toadster - September 24 - 2:06 am

  I bought the Vibe just before Thanksgiving and have put 400 miles on it. Was looking for a car thats practical, reliable, and economical to replace my 1992 Sentra. The Vibe fit the bill perfectly. The only options I wanted were automatic transmission, monochrome package, and power windows/locks. Since all of the mechanicals are Toyota, reliability should be great. Lots of headroom, legroom (for a small car), and storage. High seats make it easy to get in and out. The drive is smooth and quiet once up to speed. Engine is "buzzy" under acceleration but the automatic transmission shifts smoothly. Body style is sporty and the new nose keeps it from looking like a small Aztec.

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  Awesome Car - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Dan H - September 20 - 3:50 am

  This car is wonderful! Im 19 yrs old and drive this care every day to school. It is great on the road. I also visit my friends in Oswego, NY which is a 6 hour drive..and if i lucky i get there on one tank of gas!! The gas mileage rocks! It is so versitile. All my friends love the look of my car. and the sound system is incredible! good job pontiac i was looking for a good american car to get and i found it!