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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  Good car - Good value - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By RCH - July 14 - 2:06 pm

  Our 05 Vibe is a nice little car. Gas mileage, so far, has been good (about 30 mpg in town). No mechancial or body problems after 3500 miles. The interior is nice and seats are comfortable, but many of the interior surfaces are hard and cheap feeling. The hard arm rests are not too comfortable. Ride and handling is good in the city and on the highway/expressway. Overall, it is a good car for the money spent.

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  2004 Pontiac Vibe Fwd 4 door wagon - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By MaryLynn Callahan - July 1 - 4:00 pm

  I love this car. I love the look, the size, the amount of room inside and the color (Fusion Orange). Also love the gas mileage.

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  good car, with minor errors - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By snakes - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I lvoe my car, its fun to drive and mostly comfortable. The onyl drawbacks i have had are glare form the crome on the dashboard, the way the driver visor clips the rear-view mirror when you put it down knocking it out of alignment. Also for those people for short arms/legs the shift being so far up is a little starin on the shoulder/elbow. Aside form that its got GREAT handling, fantastic for driving and really good mileage. Only defect i have noticed is the corners of the tracks in the trunk have got stress fratures at the corners.

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  Pontiacs Best Kept Secret - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By dkrblaze - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Ive been looking for new wheels for quite a while now, and came across the Vibe. After test driving the GT model, with the 6-speed manual trans, I was sold! This thing is a rocket! Same car as the Toyota Matrix, but with an American nametag. Smart looking vehicle, with a TON of room on the inside. Seats 4 adults really comfortably, and rear seats fold down to create a lot of room for moving just about anything! For the money this is a wonder car. Way to go Pontiac!

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  2008 Vibe Review - 2008 Pontiac Vibe
  By mojo - June 28 - 10:10 am

  Bought for gas mileage, style, and storage capacity. Mileage varies between 26 - 36, depending on type of driving. Used for vacation and was pleased with capacity, mileage, responsiveness and comfort. Was surprised that there was not much noticeable road noise in most circumstances. A little stiffer suspension than expected on rough roads.

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  brand new less than 1500 mile - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By patsy - June 27 - 7:43 pm

  bought on zero interest promotion. broke in on trip to the UP of MI. about a 1,000 mile trip coming and going. rode well--had trouble keeping at speed limit, unless used cruise, as it rode so smoothly. good on gas--about 31 or 32 mpg. dont think it will ever see that magical 34 mpg. city driving is easy. have not got a fillup since back but mileage seems is good.

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  scared in snow! - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By scared in snow - June 27 - 3:06 pm

  We just bought a 2009 awd vibe for my wife. We live in Denver and had a good size snow. She called from work her 1st day driving this vehicle. It slid all over the place!! could hardly stop at stop signs & would just slid when turning! So i drove it when i got home, she was right! I do realize it is light but even with the "snow feature" awd kicked in, it was scary. The tires are very good--low profile, perhaps if we changed to regular tires? any Thoughts?? Very disappointed in Denver.

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  35 months of observation - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Vibe - June 26 - 10:06 pm

  Very reliable. Good gas mileage. Lots of interior room for luggage and cargo with rear seat backs in down mode. Never returned to dealer for warranty work.

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  Vibe does it all very well! - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Lisa - June 24 - 3:13 pm

  I have the 1.8 L Base model. It was inexpensive. I average better then 33 mpg with mixed city/hgwy driving. Its also comfy and roomy. People comment on its good looks. Good stereo, AC, and cargo area. It also pulls my 1200 lb boat package. This vehicle suits all of my driving needs, and does it quite well. I have been thrilled and very happy with it.

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  Great buy - 2008 Pontiac Vibe
  By Bob - June 20 - 1:03 am

  Lots of extras in the Pontiac version power roof, windows roof rails etc. Very peppy and fun and easy to drive. Bought for my teen who is a new driver and it has been perfect.