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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  Great Car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By BillF - March 14 - 10:00 am

  This is a very nice car if your most important criteria is great gas mileage, comfort and style. The back is very flexable for people or cargo. I am 64" and this is one of the few cars that I fit in with a sun roof.

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  the best little car ever - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By airgun25 - March 8 - 1:36 am

  This car has been the best economy car i have ever owned. It has the power the comfort and the looks. It is well built car and good on gas I have been getting almost 40miles to the gallon, great car for students and adults a like. If you are looking for a nice fuel economy car that has the power, comfort and looks this is the one I would choose.

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  Great Little car - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Herb - March 5 - 3:43 am

  Got 30 mpg on the first tank and looking for better as I break it in. Fun to drive and handles great on the Highway. Engine performs very well ( Heck.... its a Toyota ) Not a complaint yet. Love passing up gas stations.

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  one year 30,000 miles - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Scott - February 27 - 4:10 am

  I have owned this little gem for a year and have just turned 30,000 miles on it yesterday. This car is very fun to drive and is dependable. The only trouble I have had is that the center caps on rims came off. GM will only pay for them once, then you are on your own. (16.50 a piece) Also some sensor that controls the electronics went out. That means that I did not have any ABS, Traction Control, stabili-Trac. Covered under warranty. All in all this car has been great. I consistently get 30 MPG.

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  Practicality - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Chris (Go Wings!) - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle! Perfectly suits my needs. Recently started a family and commute 190 miles each day. Gas mileage has improved as the miles rack up and the functionality of this vehicle is great! Extremely comfortable, plenty of head and leg room, and lots of cargo space when needed. I purchased a 2 wheel drive with the 5 speed standard. It is fun to drive a stick again and I average about 35.5 mpg. Highly recommended. No problems to date with 24,000 miles. I would opt for slighty more power if it was available

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  Most practical car Ive owned - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By PolarBear - February 15 - 5:10 am

  I love this car because of its reliability and versatility. I frequently lay the seats down to haul loads. My lifetime mpg over 50,000 miles is 34.1 combined. Ive owned a number of Hondas, and they have all used less fuel and had more power. Whoever designed the cruise control was on drugs. Drop below 25 mph and it loses its memory and has to be reset. I dont like the daytime running lights. The oem Continental tires only lasted 15k miles without hard driving. The Michelin Hydroedge replacements really make the car handle better. If GM built all their cars with this kind of quality and practicality, they wouldnt be in financial trouble. Like an suv without the disadvantages.

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  This car is stylin!! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Kyle Brautigan - January 31 - 10:00 am

  This is a cool compact car! It has both good looks on outside and inside. It has a roomy and versatile interior. It handles very well and has a good confident feeling when driving plus the fuel economy is awesome. On the negative the ride is fairly harsh and the engine though economical is loud and underpowered. It is quiet at highway speeds though. The sad thin is this is one of the best quality vehicles GM makes which is sad because it cost around 20,000 dollars. The reason for this is because it is mainly done by Toyota. No surprize!!

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  Very good buy! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By michaelc720 - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Probably the most reliable car Ive ever owned.

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  My 2005 Pontiac Vibe - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Sondra Coble - January 29 - 2:10 am

  I love my 2005 Pontiac Vibe. It has lots of get up and go when I need it like coming from a exit ramp onto a highway. It handles really well and I just love driving it. I have 8 grandchildren and it is especially nice when I have small grandkids in the back. It has the child safety locks as well as window locks. I have piece of mind knowing they can not open a window or door while Im driving down the road. It is also very spacious and roomy in the back seat. I was amazed when I finally rode back there. Im 53 years old and its one of the best investments I have ever made.

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  my vibe - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By doublell1 - January 26 - 5:33 am

  The vibe is a good car for intercity driving. I like how small it is and how easy it is too use, the gas mileage is not the best but the joy of diving and versatility that the car provides overshadows its downfalls.