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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  Overpriced Econobox - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By spark - January 23 - 4:43 am

  Once the novelty of the car wears off you start to notice the harsh ride poor cornering and all the squeaks and rattles. The car is difficult if not impossible to get like trans fluid ($12 a quart, filter not available)filters etc. Poor fuel economy for its size about 29 mpg highway and has poor acceleration. The car is about $4500 overpriced. Tires are are extremely expensive due to being high performance (why????) as the only ones that fit and wear very fast.

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  Poor interior design and quality - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By Ed S/C - January 13 - 4:03 pm

  I bought this car because Consumer Report recommeded it. I cancelled my subscription. The location of the air and heater controls is a nightmae with an automatic. I have large hands. :-( Also get a scratch on the cheap plastic interior, it will never come out. I have never owed such a cheaply made car. Other than that, the paint came off, the brakes squeal, the front seat is a nightmare for comfort, Bottom line is that car really SUCKS and G/M should be ashamed to sell it.

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  Fun, economical ride - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By John L - January 12 - 3:06 pm

  A fun car to drive, very good gas mileage, 30 mpg in combination city/highway driving. 55,000 miles with no problems only routine maintenance. Interior is comfortable, lots of small storage compartments. One of which suffered a broken latch the first week and has remained broken- lots of plastic. A lot of interior storage space for carrying things, also the roof rack is handy.

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  70k miles, no issues - 2008 Pontiac Vibe
  By JMWDC - January 10 - 4:01 pm

  This car is outstanding. We also own a 4 years newer, $10,000 more expensive Subaru and the Vibe blows that car out of the water in nearly every area. Two things that Id like to see better on the Vibe would be: better snow/ice handling. If you dont have the ABS option and live in a snowy/icy climate its a little bit of a lightweight car. The second would be acceleration, as the Vibe seems a bit underpowered. When I put the gas to the floor for a quick highway onramp, for example, its a veryyyy slowwww acceleration. But otherwise its a fantastic car. The reliability is absurd, especially for what you might hear about Pontiac, Ive never had to do any non-routine repairs. I attribute that to the joint-venture with Toyota (all of the guts of this car are Toyota with the superior trimmings/finishing touches of American manufacturers - really the best of both worlds). They redid this car for the 2009 model year and the newer Vibe I found displeasing. The sightlines of my 2008 are outstanding but they shrunk the rear window and some others are harder to see out of in the newer ones. All in all I have no complaints, I could see this being a 150,000+ mile car at the rate its going.

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  Enjoying the fuel mileage - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Pontiac Man - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I tried Matrix and Vibe. Vibe seems to be a better value to me. We have the moon and tunes package. Radio sounds good, could care less about the moon roof. Getting 10 more miles to the gallon than the SUV I traded. Enjoying the extra pocket money.

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  Manual Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By simon mcinnes - January 2 - 4:00 pm

  I have the 4 speed manual. I used to have a Durango, but always rented manual when in Europe and enjoyed them so much that I was happy to ditch the Durango for the Vibe. Plus, the fuel economy is excellent, especially the way I drive often in neutral to coast into stops and lights, or on downhills. I also appreciate all the bells and whistles it has (sun roof, cargo straps, roof rack,etc).

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  an offer I couldnt refuse - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By massbio - January 2 - 8:00 am

  We have an automatic 1.8L. Good basic transportation and safety features. An upgrade to ABS and traction control for us. Engine is peppy. Lots of things could be better: paint chips easily. Spoiler chips paint on hatch (check out those you see in parking lots). Big blind spot! Wind noise from somewhere. Tire pressure warning is incorrect. Interior could be roomier without making the car bigger. Design was superior in 2008. Still, we expect it will last a long time for us.

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  Meets All Requirements - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By z2im - December 30 - 10:00 am

  When looking to purchase a vehicle to replace a full size truck, I was interested in a smaller car w/ AWD, fuel economy, dependability, and satisfactory crash test results. The Pontiac Vibe satisfied all the requirements. My 93 AWD Vibe gets over 30 mi/gal. The 123HP of the 1.8 liter engine in the AWD model is a bit underpowered but, being a joint venture w/ Toyota (see Toyota Matrix), I expect the powertrain to be dependable. The crash results were better than any other car of its size. The comfortable and spacious interior and stylish exterior finalized my decision.

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  love it - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By jaypf - December 30 - 10:00 am

  I love it, fun to drive, great on gas,what else to say, for the money I am happy, and I love to drive my new car.

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  Room to Spare-Love it! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Laura Ogren - December 28 - 7:16 pm

  I love my Vibe. The drop down seat and cargo capacity is wonderful and leaves people asking "What kind of car it this?" It handled extremely well last year in the Denver snowstorms and never got stuck. The fuel economy is great - I am getting about 32 miles per gallon highway. The overdrive is also great and the car is comfortable.