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:

• 

  LUUUV this car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By jeffjess214 - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I am a busy mother of two extra large boys. One is 5 years old and 85 pounds the other 11 years old and 160.This car is fantastic ....I didnt want the regular old soccer mommobile....This car is spacious enough to fit our family and all there stuff.....The day we bought it we went to a home improvement store....no problems fitting our purchases in the vibe

• 

  Buy This Car - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Plat2005Vibe - May 4 - 12:40 pm

  I bought my Vibe a few months ago and I love it. It is an Automatic, with "Moon & Tunes", Power group, aluminum wheels, and black leather interior. Average gas mileage is 28 city, 35 highway. Current miles: 2560. I compared this with serveral other cars and this was the most that I could get for my money. A similarly equipped Matrix would have cost me over $3000 more. Fit and finish are pretty good. The car feels solid and is surprisingly quiet inside. It maneuvers well in traffic and brakes well. For those who had problems with the car "falling apart", maybe they are a bit too rough on it. I find it to be well made. Very versatile and economical!

• 

  Fantastic Little Hatchback - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By LostPsyche - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I have only had this car a month and I love this thing. It is really fun to drive and seems to be really solid on the road even in the turns. It is no Mazda 3 but for me it is sporty enough with a lot of practical applications. I really wish GM had not killed this car off, they could have re-badged it to a Chevy or Buick nameplate which is a shame that they just let it drop instead. The cruise control takes a bit to get used to. The Engine is nice too, a little torquey on take offs but it is a solid engine and great for quick merges.

• 

  Last of the breed - 2010 Pontiac Vibe
  By Dakovich - May 3 - 1:10 am

  We purchased the 1.8L with optional Auto tranny. We went with the Vibe over a Scion XD for many reasons. Better looks, better interior, way more comfortable, seats go up/down, tilt/telescope wheel, more room, larger cargo area, similar mpg, still a Toyota basically so equally reliable, and the GM warranty beats the Toyota/Scion one. 1.8L Auto has plenty of juice for us, were not aggressive drivers but it has get up and go when needed. We like the tight suspension and steering which takes bumps surprisingly well. Not many 1.8Ls left around, lots of 2.4Ls and AWDs though. We Didnt want to trade mpg for the extra power.

• 

  They got it right - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By The Rock - May 1 - 2:00 am

  Finally, a roomy car with style, class and a manual transmission

• 

  Fun little car - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Alyson - April 30 - 10:30 am

  This is a great little car. I like that the inside is significantly larger than the outside appears. It is quite peppy and comfortable. I typically drive between 500 and 1000 miles/week, and I love the gas mileage I average (31-33mpg). I bought mine with all of the bells and whistles that Pontiac offers - upgraded sound system, roof, leather, etc, but would like to see seat warmers and electric seats.

• 

  Love my Vibe! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By nettied - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Have had my Vibe for a little over a year. It has been nothing but fun, fun, fun. Ive driven it everywhere from the mountains to the beaches and no problems. Great cruiser, plenty of space, fits an eight foot ladder and a 6 foot teenager. When you see another Vibe on the road, owners wave at each other. Get the stereo package - a must for traveling. Fits in compact parking spaces - great for city parking and driving. Dont hesitate - highly recommended!

• 

  Practical But Fun - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Paul Crockett - April 23 - 3:46 am

  I bought my Pontiac Vibe GT, the first new car Ive owned, in April of 2008. I cross-shopped it against a Honda Civic and a Mazda3 sedan. I found the Vibe to be more practical than the Mazda and nearly as fun to drive. It handles with confidence, and the 2.4L engine has ample power and a somewhat sporty sound. The appearance and build quality of the interior are nothing special, but the controls are well laid out and there are some useful features, such as the bag hook in the passenger footwell and the rear cargo organizer. Despite some quality control issues, I would recommend the Vibe to anyone looking for a small car that is highly practical, but also offers some driving enjoyment.

• 

  Good Car for the Money - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Paul Adams - April 22 - 9:16 am

  I bought the GT for the purpose of having a car with adequate power and relatively good gas mileage. I got what I was looking for with 6-speed model; however, Im not thrilled with shifting from 1st gear. I have routinely checked my gas mileage and Im averaging 28.5 which includes some city driving, and I like to move on so that is a great feature. Once you shift from 1st gear the car is fun to drive and it handles well. Keep in mind it is recommended to use premium fuel but sometimes I have used the 89 grade and I didnt notice any running problems. The space is nice in the cargo area, and if you need to haul you will be surprised (in a good way) of the availabe space.

• 

  excellent - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By shewolf - April 18 - 11:13 am

  This vehicle is highly recommended. I love my new car rides smooth handles great and plenty of room for the kids and I on our shopping adventures . Great on gas mileage. Im getting 35mpg. Inexpensive also. Everyone looking to buy a new vechile should definitely test drive this car.