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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  husky-mobile - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By excal - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought the vibe mainly to take my two huskies for their walks in areas less populated. It is the first "car" I have bought in years. I have gotten used to trucks.

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  Great Car - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By JohnR - August 5 - 10:00 am

  Bought my Vibe with 33,000 miles and now has 108,000 after my 5 years of ownership. Oil changes every 5000 miles. First brake job when it was in the 90k range. Changed the belt and did a few other preventative items at the same time but thats it. Car has been great and is zippy enough to be fun to drive. Ugly GM radio but the sound is good. My drivers window rattles a bit but its the only one so there may have been some damage to it before I got it. All in all, this is a great car if you are looking for a reliable, sporty, and convenient vehicle to own.

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  full of zip and cute - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Tami - July 31 - 2:00 am

  The car handles well, parks easily and looks sharp. I do not even mind filling up my Vibe at the gas tank... I like this car alot!

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  love it - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By kyle - July 31 - 2:00 am

  great and fun and better than other cars

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  The Best Car Ever - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Elizabeth P. - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I love my vibe! The moon and tunes package have made it a fun ride. The high rise seats are comfortable and the interior and exterior are sleek but sporty. Even without options the vibe is a good deal as much of the standard package is well-rounded. I love the versatility of this vehicle. You can move stuff inside and on top and the seating is roomy. Its like an SUV but smaller and more practical. Its also easier to park.

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  safe reliable commuter car - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By papi - July 30 - 11:23 am

  Son drives to school 25 miles. Mileage is great on highway. Not a lot of bells and whistles but is a safe and reliable car. XM is nice, and on star is great for college kids and parents peace of mind. Car can store a lot. I wish that they did not get rid of the separate opening glass on the rear door this year, but all in all it is a great first car, well above the typical entry level vehicle.

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  Great Car! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Melissa - July 27 - 5:30 am

  Fun to drive and very practical. I wasnt wanting to pay $30,000+ for a full size SUV - this fuel efficient car makes for plenty of space. Feels very safe and solid.

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  Fun multipurpose compact - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Lewis G. - July 20 - 9:36 pm

  This car has performed better than expected. A peppy 4-cylinder with excellent handling. Well-build interior and comfortable seating. Good gas mileage (about 31 hwy. / 27 city), but less than advertised (35 hwy. / 31 city). Roof racks and hitch (added on) makes it a good transportation choice for most recreational activities such as camping, kayaking and cycling. With the exception of a rubber window liner that was replaced under warranty, the car has had no problems at all.

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  Excellent - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By John - July 17 - 4:53 pm

  This car gives great fuel economy and handles very well. It is fun to drive and I would recommend it to all.

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  Great Car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Chris1234 - July 15 - 10:00 am

  Overall this is a great car for the price. It drives nice, handles good and has a ton of room. I was able to load 40 2x4s with the seats folded and the hatch still shut. I would recommond this car to anyone looking for a fun, safe and inexpensive ride.