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:
Showing 801 through 810 of 1,097.00-
Vibe_olisous - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
By tlm - November 24 - 10:00 amGreat Car. Fun to drive. Nice pickup. Lots of extras in the car. Lots of room. -- Car isnt too small or too Big -- just right.
-
pontiac vibe - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
By robin - November 24 - 10:00 amI love the car but the seats and dashboard get dirty quick. It is hard to keep clean. The trunk doesnt come with a rug and your stuff slides all over the back.
-
No fun in mountains, MPG false - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
By Denver Driver - November 23 - 5:36 amWe got the AWD Vibe to take to the mountains but it is way underpowered and the AWD version doesnt come in manual transmission to help. Transmission actually feels like it slips when going up long hill, feels like someone has rear ended the car. Also we get about 22 MPG, Hwy or city. Other than that, the car is fine, roomy, I really like the air vents as they fully close.
-
Once in a while - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
By Patrick - November 18 - 6:33 amBackground: This purchase was a new 2003 Vibe in 2002. This is a long term veiw of the car. Do you know the feeling when you buy I knew car? When you love your new car? I did. I loved this car, and still do, as much as the day I drove it off the lot. It held speed at 80 across the western US on a recent 4000 mile round trip and got 34 MPG while doing it. This was with automatic Tranny too. The power train is from the Corolla, tranny also, but the interior space is like a large sedan. You never feel cramped. The test drive will show how it feels and that is the way it will feel 3 years later. I liked the Vibe so much, I bought one for my wife last December. See Favorite Feature below.
-
Cool Little Car - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
By Harold Wainwright - November 8 - 10:33 pmThe biggest temptation to buy was the price and the fuel mileage. All the other features were a bonus. My Vibe goes out of his way to do for me what I ask, and more.
-
160,000 and Counting! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
By herbitsky - November 8 - 3:52 amI bought my Vibe as a mgr special. It had 3k miles on it. The car is great (I did research on Edmunds.com before finalizing my decision) and so versatile! One time we had to drive over 1200 late at night to go "rescue" my mom and dad, and since I had just worked all day- my husband put a blow up mattress in the back and I slept the whole way! The only problems I have had with it is the interior lighting system inside is not totally working correctly. The drivers seat is not the most comfortable for going long distances (Ive gone some long distances in this car!), but overall...its been a great car for me!
-
I am absolutley happy - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
By Aime Nitsch - November 4 - 8:23 pmI love my Vibe. Lots of Pros....love the seats. Comfort! The arm rest is way to low though. I get no use out of it and I am only 55". The moons and tunes package is a must. Makes it more sporty. I absolutley HATE the beeping that goes on for 2 minutes when I put the car into drive without having my seatbelt on. I understand the safety of it though. And make sure you get a mat for the back end. The "durable" plastic gets scratched very easy. I love everything else about it. The vents cool design. All the seats fold down. The current temp. I also wish that Audio controls were offered on the steering wheel. But its a GREAT bye!
-
Awesome Car! - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
By Natalie Farone - October 31 - 3:46 pmWe picked up our Frosty White 2005 Vibe this week..and LOVE IT! It is such a sporty looking, fun-to-drive vehicle! We traded in our 2005 Equinox due to its uncomfortable leather seats and horrible gas mileage....wow! Did we hit big with our 2005 Vibe! The seats are so comfortable, the gas mileage is great! It is a pleasure to drive. It has responsive steering. The visibility when driving is great, no blind spots. The back seat is roomy, even for a taller person. We are so glad we bought this car! We could travel cross country in it, the seats are so comfortable, you feel like you are sitting in a cloud! Overall, you cant find a better ride for the value than this Vibe! ;-)
-
KIMS NEW TOY - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
By KBARNO - October 31 - 10:00 amWE JUST BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE ABOUT TEN DAYS AGO. SO FAR WE LIKE IT. THE ONLY THING I DONT LIKE IS THE TRUNK, IT HAD NO CARPETING , SO EVERYTHING SLIDES AROUND ALL OVER THE PLACE. WE QUICKLY REMEMDIED THAT BY PUTTIN CARPETING IN THE BACK. ITS A GOOD IDEA FOR PEOPLE WHO HAUL STUFF, BUT I THINK IT SHOULD COME WITH THE CARPET. BUT, BE REMOVABLE. THE ONLY OTHER THING, IS THAT I SUGGEST YOU DONT TAKE IT TO A CAR WASH WITH THE BLOW DRYERS. IT BLEW THE TRIM PIECE TO MY ROOF RACK RIGHT OFF THE CAR. OTHER THAN THAT i THINK ITS A GREAT CAR.
-
What a great!!!!! Little car - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
By jerry - October 28 - 5:50 pmwhat a great little car. I love the seats that sit up like your riding in an SUV, very comfortable on the back. The acceleration is surprising for the size of the engine. Lots of great standard features. I like the low tire warning indicator, the external temperature indicator, the built-in- dash AC jack, rear window wiper, defroster, and great gas mileage. Also, it has great head room, and great leg room in the back seat. One of my main reason for buying is that it has a toyota motor, and toyota transmission as well as being built at the toyota assembly plant. Wow..Wow..Wow...if you are looking for great gas mileage, and a fun to drive, peppy, and comfortable care. This care has it!
