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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  Best buy in 10 years - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By CML-FAL - June 17 - 7:36 pm

  First 1500 mile highway driving mileage per gallon was 31.1 mpg. Mileage town driving 21.2 mpg. interior room more than adequate

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  2005 evaluation - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Wildcat - June 17 - 4:40 am

  light at above 70mph. Vibration at initial startup from standing.Mileage excellent, Should be delivered with a floormat in rear. choppy ride.

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  Great Car - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By kevin_junger - June 15 - 12:20 pm

  Purchased the car in March 03 and have been very pleased. As of today the car has 58,000 miles and has never been back to the dealer for any reason. Handling is excellent. Acceleration is acceptable but the 1.8 liter is a little noisy above 4,000 rpm. Overall I am very satisfied with the purchase and would buy another Vibe in a second.

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  The Best - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By cg71811 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I traded in a jeep for this car and I love the vibe so much more.

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  My Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By paintt70 - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Iam a GM retired. always buy GM. I have vans since 1996 3 Ventures & 1 Montana gas prices are so high we decided to get a more effecent auto. Vibe fits the bill. It brought fun back to driving.

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  My Vibe, I love it!! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By nola - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Its been 8 months since my purchase of my Vibe, and I still love it! The newness has not worn off, neither has the new car smell. It stood the test of this past winter with flying vibe colors. Im so happy with this car, there so much to say, but not enough words to say it. I could only recommend this car to anyone who is tired of stodgy,look alike tin cans with wheels. This car has personality. And you feel the excitement when you drive, even to work! Its so versatile too, car wagon, sport ute. Ive been calling it my spagon. A little bit of everything, and still dressy enough to take to any event without feeling out of place. Simply, I love it.

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  Sporty wagon - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Indybill41 - June 6 - 2:10 am

  I have enjoyed driving it comfortable highway cruiser.We took it on a long trip to Virginia and got 31mpg on average.I was really impressed with the mileage I had a 2003 vibe 1.8 auto. that only got 28.5 on the exact same trip. It handled the mountains with ease the 03 vibe struggled in the mountains. I didnt get as tired in this car on this trip versus all others I have owned. I have had 80 vehicles since 1979. Traded a 07 Pontiac solstice GXP in on this car no regrets. Glad I made the purchase.

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  2007 Vibe: a GREAT car! - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By Commonsense - May 28 - 5:16 am

  I get better than 35 mpg in combined driving, most of it during rush hour. When traffic cooperates, I get better than 38 mpg. This car has lots of cargo space with the back seats folded down. Its made in America, costs less, is at least as reliable (no problems so far), and gets better mileage than the competing imports

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  acceleration - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By leonard shoemaker - May 25 - 3:53 pm

  must be careful when starting from a dead stop. with front end being so light, car has tendency to lose traction. must watch when on stones, dirt or wet road.

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  So far so good - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By lbalb - May 21 - 6:06 am

  I purchased my Pontiac Vibe in 2006. I have yet to have a problem with it. It has been an extremely reliable car. Not one problem to report. It seems that the car gets better gas mileage as it gets older. I am averaging around 31 miles per gallon on highway which is most of my time.