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 Wagon, Toyota Quality, Best Buy - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By NewPontiacOwner - December 13 - 6:26 am

  Fun to drive. Great build quality. Stylish. One great GM/Toyota joint project. I prefer the look of the Pontiac Vibe better than the Toyota Matrix. I like the newly design antenna just like those in BMW. It produces great power, handles very well. Keep up the good work Pontiac!

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  Great Vehicle!!! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Ron - December 12 - 11:23 am

  I inherited my 2003 Vibe from elderly parents who no longer drive. I am extremely happy with this vehicle and would buy another in a heartbeat. Fuel economy is consistently in the low 30s which is remarkable since I regularly drive it 75-80 mph on the Illinois Tollway. I recently had a near collision with a deer and was extemely impressed with the braking and stability in my avoidance maneuver! The basic Vibe seems to handle well in the snow considering I do not have the AWD version. Since the wagon is essentially a Toyota in a GM skin the reliability is supreme. As gas prices head skyward the Vibe is a outstanding option to purchasing an expensive hybrid. Buy one!!!!

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  Vibe is great - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Brock Bell - December 8 - 9:00 pm

  I knew I wanted a Toyota, but didnt like the style of the Matrix. The car has style, comfort, ease of use, dependability, and great gas mileage. I have averaged 27 mpg with mostly city driving on 89 octane 10 pct ethanol unleaded fuel and 31-33 on highway trips over 300 miles. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone and to purchase without the XM satellite radio option would be foolish. I certainly hope that Pontiac considers keeping this vehicle in their arsenal as well as keeping up the great work on this vehicle with Toyota. I look forward to, and hope, that the planned Toyota redesign of this car (in 2007) continues through to the Pontiac as well. Good luck with you VIBE.

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  Pontiac Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Sharon Roush - December 7 - 10:00 am

  This car handles extremely well and is very fun to drive. The interior is laid out appropriately and the back can fit my 160lb. Great Dane with no problems!

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  Vibe - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By ChillenRUDude - December 7 - 10:00 am

  When I bought this car I lived in VA an moved to CO. It was roomie inside an made for a great drive across country. I had to stop 3 times to get gas an was relaxed the whole way.

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  Love this car - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Borzoi Lady - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I love my Vibe. It is sooooo versitile. For me it is an all around usefull vehicle. I take my dogs to shows in it. I have hauled livestock feed in it. One time I even brought a new screen door home from the building supply company in it. And it still is a nice, comfortable five passenger car.

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  Great buy right now - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Q - December 7 - 9:43 am

  I just purchased the 2.4 2009 vibe with manual trans. I offered $200 less than the TMV and they accepted my first offer to my surprise. Great car and if you want to buy one, offer a ridiculously low amount to start with. They are practically giving these away with all the incentives. I wanted the 1.8L, but couldnt find one. The 2.4 is more than enough power, but I still get over 30 MPG with 50/50 driving, so Im very happy. Manual is fun to drive and very comfortable. Cargo space is great, as I can fit my bike in the back without taking any wheels off. Sound system is great. I switched from a huge suburban to this and I dont regret it. Cash for clunkers program is a great deal.

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  Its a toyota with GM pricing - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By weatherman3 - November 29 - 3:10 am

  this car works because its a toyota, the design is all japanese and thats a great thing. luckily, pontiac actually improved over the matrix styling and mines really hot. I have the base auto salsa with the sports package and 17 inch alloys. the extra spoilers on the back are unique and really add to the body kit. i also have the moon and tunes pkg with abs and black interior. the vehicle is really sporty looking and handles well with the big wheels. the best part of this deal was the gm employee pricing plus i haggled an additional 1300 off that, which deducted about 5000 off msrp. got great financing too.

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  I have 2 Vibes - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Old Sarge - November 27 - 12:56 am

  Fun and easy to drive. It’s real easy to get excited about this car. It gets great rating all around. Some times I take for granted how good a car it is until I have to drive something else. I don’t know why some “experts” say it’s underpowered. With 4 passengers and luggage it may have a little trouble getting uphill, but other than that its 130 or so horses has plenty of giddyup. The experts also say the steering wheel is too far to reach. I have short arms, it’s not a problem.

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  Sporty And Functional. - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By James - November 25 - 3:03 pm

  I have owned this car for about 4 months now and I commute 500KMS every 4 days. The Fuel Milage is awsome even at speeds of 120KPH. There is plenty of pep for a little motor. The seats are very comfortable, the interior is very well designed and very functional. I have used this to Haul T.Vs welders windshields, dogs. and much more. It is just so versitile.