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:

• 

  2009 Base 2.4 w/5sp auto, 80K Miles so far - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By abramsgunner - April 14 - 10:48 pm

  Bought new in July of 09. Base model with 2.4L/5sp-auto, PS,PL,cruise, keyless. Now pushing 80K miles with few issues. On my second set of tires and brakes. My steering column rattles (very common), cold starts sometime produce a timing cam rattle (common) and the paint chips and scratches easily (common). Fully loaded with family of 4 + gear on trip to Tenn. got me just shy of 32mpg. Even with my heavy foot, I still avg. 28mpg in daily mixed driving. Great fun to drive. Does everything I need. Was cheap to buy and maintain. Sharp little car. I have truly enjoyed it. I just added a K&N CAI and she sounds great, any mpg increase will be a bonus.

• 

  Great little car - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Vibe Ride - April 2 - 11:03 am

  I now have over 171000 miles on my Vibe. I have done my own oil changes sense I bought it. I replaced the front rotors and brake pads at 120000 miles. The only issue ever has been the check engine light is on and it is a possible of 4 issues but it still runs excellent. Front drives seat had a spring break and now there is a tear in the fabric. Out side of these items this has been a great car. 3 out of 4 of my family cars are Pontiac. We also have an 05 Sunfire and a 98 Grand Am GT. This Vibe handles well. Decent pick up for a small 4 cylinder. Plenty of head room for a 62" tall driver. Nice fuel economy on it. I still get about 28 MPG with it.

• 

  Best Pontiac Ever - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Joe Ozone - April 1 - 2:56 pm

  Ive had my Pontiac for a little over a month and I love it. Its the best Pontiac ever. Its great on gas, which is a great thing when gas prices are so high. The salesman that sold it to me told me that the engine is a Toyota engine and I did my research and he wasnt lying. The car has the durability of Toyota on a great American design!

• 

  First Time Owner - 2008 Pontiac Vibe
  By Jerry - Bloomington - March 30 - 6:30 pm

  The visibility, fuel economy and cargo space for us is outstanding. GM is missing the boat by not promoting it more on TV. The joint venture between Toyota and GM is evident regarding the motor and drivetrain quality. Our experience in wind, rain and snow has been good. Vehicle has good heater and air conditioning. Cant afford a convertible so the sunroof gives us our fresh air fix. We have driven it on 500 mile trips and at 2600 rpm it is just whispering down the road. Sitting comfort for 2-3 hours at a time was excellent. The car is only half of our joy. The other half is the dealer who takes care of it for us. Most of our driving is in the city but I would recommend it to anyone.

• 

  A great car - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Gaspode - March 26 - 10:30 am

  This is a great car for "grown ups" who dont have children but haul a lot of various things around.

• 

  Love both of them - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Tony O - March 23 - 4:20 pm

  Wife bought first one in 05 new. Liked it enough bought a second one, used, in 09. The used one cost as much as the new one. Hers now has 50K, mine is 73K. Only repairs to either was a warranty replacement of power brake booster at 2K, and a set of tires at 30K, debris from road construction. Have topped 36.5 mpg on I-77, and normally get 29-30 mpg in town. Only complaints are the location of the radio antenna and that it is hard to read the instruments during the day. I use the cruise a lot, because it likes to run fast. Had it up to 94 once to keep up with traffic, and still had plenty of pedal left. I think it could easily top 110. Very stable at all speeds.

• 

  2004 Pontiac Vibe - A Versatile Vehicle - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By CLS - March 19 - 2:00 am

  If youre looking for a luxury car, the Vibe is not for you. However, if youre looking for a vehicle that offers excellent performance with versatile interior design, above-average cargo capacity, great turning radius, plenty of get-out-of-the-way power from a small engine, as well as good gas mileage at a great price.... then the Vibe is for you. Great joint venture Pontiac / Toyota!

• 

  my vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By IansJezebel - March 19 - 2:00 am

  i have the regular front whell drive model, my only complaint is the car is horrible in the snow..sled with a motor.

• 

  My opinions after 9 months of ownership - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Trudy Case - March 16 - 5:30 am

  Style-AWD wagon Overall a very nice car that fits our needs perfectly. The cargo area is very useful for hauling 50# bags of horse feed, camping and fishing gear,groceries,etc.AWD really comes in handy in the winter. we live in the mountains of PA.and the roads are not very level or straight around here. During our 1st snow storm this past winter, I just had to take it out to see how well it run in the snow. No problem! Roads were snow covered, but never spun a wheel going uphill or from a stop. Handled very well on curves and going downhill. It just wouldnt slide with the anti-lock brakes. Very good gas mileage. Many useful interior features. Dont like buzzy engine noise.

• 

  Great Concept-Great Value-Great Car!! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Joshua Thorison - March 14 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the Vibe after owning a problematic Saturn SL2 for 3yrs. Drove the Vue and decided that I didnt want anymore plastic cars with high repair bills. I have had absolutely no problems with the Vibe. Toyota/GM always do a great job when they put their heads together (owned a Prizm for 3 yrs.). I constantly get asked what it is that I drive by people of all ages. A must-drive if in the market for a small sport hatch!