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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  Look at me Im saving - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Tahoe Trader - September 15 - 4:06 pm

  Just traded 07 Tahoe, thought the ride would be degraded but was happy to find this "sub compact" not small at all. Roomy and so much fun to drive, cant believe a 4cyl could have so much pep! All my SUV neighbors can laugh but Im laughing all the way to the bank. Excellent vehicle of choice with the changes taking place in our economy.

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  Love My Vibe! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By jackiepow - September 14 - 10:56 am

  This was the first Pontiac that I ever owned, so I was a little apprehensive to look at them in the beginning. However, once I got inside at the dealership, I knew this was the car for me. I am 52" and this car fits me like a glove (it also fits my 61" husband). The manual height adjustment for the seats is really what sold me. It gets fantastic gas mileage, handles wonderfully, and its really quite roomy. I can see out of all of the windows and always feel safe.

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  Good little car. - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By paintballove - September 11 - 11:01 pm

  Its a functional wagon. Good MPGs, but with any car its all in how you drive it. The 5spd manual is fairly fun. The steering is responsive and effective. It wont win awards for looks, but I bought her at 88,000 miles and hope to keep it until it dies. You really dont discover the usefulness in having a wagon until you own one. The stereo layout looked too 90s. Not acceptable for a car made in 2006.

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  Poor gas mileage - 2008 Pontiac Vibe
  By chipvic - September 10 - 4:20 pm

  Bought this to save on gas mileage, commuting 1 hour a day to work Hwy. Im only getting 25 mph, sticker says 26-31 and am not happy. We planned on traveling and using luggage carrier ( we unfortunately discovered rails to hold carrier don"t come with car so you need to spend extra to buy that) but where to put carrier as radio antennae is on roof? I do like driving it tho, not sure if we will keep car tho with gas mileage poor.

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  Worth every penny - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Rich - August 29 - 10:13 am

  Needed AWD due to living in Northern New England. Vibe was cheaper than Matrix with better warranty. Paid less than invoice. Needed versatility which Vibe had. People love the way it looks. Good value with Sun and Sound Package, AWD and Convenience package.

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  not so bad - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Batman2327 - August 27 - 2:20 pm

  This car has been great so far. Bought it used and havent had any problems. Although the acceleration isnt great it does have a fairly consistent acceleration up to 100mph and what it lacks in acceleration it makes up for it with good handling, esecially for a tall vehicle. I can fit two booster seats and a car seat in the back with no problems.

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  The perfect car! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Mark - August 27 - 10:23 am

  I bought my first Vibe when they first came out in 2002 and after 36000 miles it has been flawless. Last year when my wife needed a car, we carefully considered Camry, Accord, Mazda 6 and Jetta but endded up getting another Vibe. Im perplexed by Edmunds luke warm review, while Jetta gets a glowing review?? The Jettas interrior and trunk is cramped compared to the Vibe, and the Vibe has better steering response and a far better base engine (I didnt want turbocharged). Edmunds says the Vibe is not "sporty", but I find it nimble and crisp, on par with import sport coups. The larger Camry and even Accord is not as nimble, but the Vibe has just as much interrior room.

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  Love it, Love it, Love it! - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By nanalehew - August 25 - 3:03 am

  Ive been driving a 1998 Dodge Ram truck for 10 years purchased new. Never minded the 17 mpg till last year driving 40 miles one-way to work everyday. Finally decided it was time to look at fuel efficiency. Did all my research and honestly I reluctantly purchased my Vibe just because I really didnt want to drive a car again after driving a truck for so long. I have about 12,000 miles on my Vibe now after 6 months of ownership. Never had less than 30 mpg off the dealer lot. Average 30-35 in combo driving. All I can say now is that I LOVE MY VIBE! Roomy, fuel efficient, smooth riding, no mechanical issues so far. Road noise is a little more than expected, but no complaints. LOVE IT!!

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  Second Time Around - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Jake - August 18 - 12:16 am

  1-12-09 replaced 03 Vibe with 09 AT Pwr Pkg msrp 19,480 due to adv deal I couldnt refuse, 11,913+tax/title; 2000 under invoice, 1500 rebates, 3000 GM Card (upped from $1850 by GM offer), 250 dlr coupon. Free Garmin GPS. Sold 03 33m miles for 9,500. Only issue so far is a few rattles. Less engine/road noise than the 03 and many extra safety features - 4 whl disc ABS, Stab Ctrl, 6 airbags. Just enough bigger than the FIT to be practical with nearly same mpg. Getting used to electric power steering but that is the current trend. Drive by wire seems no different. Just as comfortable, no harder to see out of than the 03 - got to use your mirrors. Hope to keep this Matrix twin 10+ yrs

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  Pontiac/Toyota Made A Winner - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By OustedSoul - August 17 - 5:33 pm

  My wife and I wanted SUV cargo space without buying a gas guzzling SUV and the Vibe fits our needs to a tee. There is lots of head, leg and arm room. Plenty of cargo space. And we are averaging around 31 mpg. We got the Moon & Tunes package (which really really rocks), the Power Package and the Safety Package with Side Air Bags & ABS. The car is very fun to drive and we havent had any problems with the car at all (No vibrations, Nosies, Etc.) I highly recommend the Vibe to anyone looking for a great family car that is fun to drive, good on gas and has lots of cargo space.