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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  Maiden Voyage - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By blogan - October 21 - 12:46 pm

  First major trip, NY to FL to MO and back. What a hoot. Loaded down with golf clubs and luggage for two people, two climates. Wife managed to get her first speeding ticket in 20 years! Seats are incredibly comfortable, even on the first day, a 17 hour marathon! Were not youngsters anymore but no aches and pains from the ride. If it had another 12 inches in the luggage area, Id trade my Park Avenue for another one! Driving it like a sports car and still well over 30 mpg! Only other car weve ever owned that was more fun to drive was the original Toyota Celica GT we had in the 70s.

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  Won over - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By G Mundy - October 20 - 11:00 am

  This Was the first American car i have purchased in 15 years. After owning this car for several years I am happy to see that American manufacturers are getting it right again. The Vibe has been trouble free and a joy to drive. I am ready to trade this one in for a newer model and will be getting another Vibe here shortly.

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  Great gas mileage - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Noahs Ark - October 18 - 9:23 am

  I have had this car for almost 4 years now. We bought it before we had children, and two children and two dogs later, we have almost outgrown this car. It handles well and has held up well being rear-ended once (no scratches even!) Gas mileage is wonderful. The sound system is great. The drivers area adjusts well between my husband and me without a lot of moving things around. Its a little slow in the acceleration, but manageable. Overall, not a bad car, but a little small for family trips.

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  The VIBE-What a Car, what a Buy - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Margaret Hall - October 18 - 3:06 am

  Oh how I love my Vibe!!! Good looks (mine is stealth Black) Great MPG (28- 30 in the winter with AWD and lots of warm up idle time) Incredibly comfortable seats, Best Visibility EVER, Handles like a charm in snow, Fun to drive, can haul an amazing amount of stuff, Practical, Fun and Affordable. A BIG little car. If you havent driven one of these yet-go for it. Youll be pleasantly surprised. Every one tha has seen it, sat in it or driven it loves it!

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  Great Family Car - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Joeytdietz - October 10 - 1:23 pm

  We have had this car for 3 1/2 years. We have kept pretty good care of it with oil changes every 3000 miles. Transmission fluid tends to run dark, not sure if this is a common problem with Vibes. No major repairs. We did have a computer replaced recently (at 82,000) after the check engine light came on. That cost us $600. Glad it wasnt a transmission problem because they can run about $3000 in this car. The car has lots of room for our family of four and being that it is a 4 cylinder it gets great gas mileage (32 mpg freeway) for a car its size.

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  Pontiac Vibe - Great little car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By markwiz - October 5 - 4:16 pm

  Basically it is a Toyota Matrix which is really a Carolla Wagon. Greate car. Holds lots of stuff. Looks great with a surfboard on the roof rack. More standard features than the Matrix. The only negative is the rattle around the radio and highway wind noise. I have 36,000 mi. The only repair was the front end alignment when I first bought it.

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  Love my Vibe! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Mike - September 20 - 9:53 am

  I got my Vibe in June of 2005. Since I bought it, I have loved driving it since day 1. I usually get bored with a car 6-12 months after owning it. Everyday I cant wait to drive it because it is just fun to drive. Its a peppy 4-cylinder with good pickup and a smooth ride. There is a little bit of road noise but that is because of the design...which I love. It has a great look and the interior is great. I travel a lot and the interior space is great, more than meets the eye.

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  Totally sweet, I love it. - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Greg Pin - September 8 - 3:23 am

  I only have one complaint with this car, the dead pedal in the car (the foot pad on the left for your left foot). I find it makes my knee sore after driving a couple hours. I have to constantly adjust my left leg. Maybe it is the angle the dead pedal puts your foot and leg in. Not sure but I do know it gives my left knee discomfort. I am working on creating a solution. Other that that the seating is very comfortable and room is very good. I feel safe in this car and that is a key feature for all buyers out their. Safety first, if you feel safe it must be good.

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  147 K to go! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By THEPEST - August 30 - 10:00 am

  The Vibe is all it is cracked uo to be. Anticipate getting at least 150 K out of it. Regular routine maintenace is probably the most important factor; you take care of it & it will serve you well.

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  I cant believe I bought a Pontiac - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By furrydogs - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Never thought Id own an American car, if you can call it that. Bought it in December and I have almost 13000 miles on it. Very happy so far. In the short time that I have had it I have taken quite a few road trips with it and have been quite comfortable. I think it is a great riding car that gets awesome mileage. One small gripe is my front fender panel is loose so I will have to take that in to get fixed. Also, the A/C isnt very cold. The options I have are: Moonroof, 200 Watt CD Stereo, Rims, and power package. My MPG with a 5-speed manual averages 33 on the hiway and about 30 in the city. I almost forgot, the cargo room is exceptional.