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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Economic Fun - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
By DerekS1287 - August 30 - 10:00 amThe Pontiac Vibe is a great cross between a SUV and an economic sport sedan. The four cylinder engine has plenty of power for passing/getting into traffic. Attractive styling and great fit and finish.
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No Problem - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
By hmiwb - August 24 - 10:00 amIm very pleased with my Vibe and have had absolutely no problems with it so far (6500 miles). The fuel economy has been excellent, consistently in the low to mid 30s and the comfort and drivability (5 speed) have been great, no squeeks, rattles or things falling off at all. I owned a Toyota/GM mix before as a Geo Prism and had excellent service from it. I believe I will enjoy this car even more and expect that the reliability will be there as well due to the Toyota influence.
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Great Car!!!!! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
By tracylm - August 18 - 2:00 amThey thought of so many things for this car. It is very comfortable, lots of space.
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Nice Compact Car - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
By Jason - August 15 - 1:16 amComing from a 2004 Malibu V6, the fuel economy on this car is a welcome change. For the engine size, this thing puts out a lot of power. Occasionally, I am left wanting during passing maneuvers, but for the most part, no complaints. The engine does get a little loud when the RPMs get up there, but it is never unwelcome. Interior-wise, the car is very comfortable and all the controls are well placed. Gauges are bright and easy to read and the car handles superbly. I would not hesitate to buy another one of these great little cars.
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What a car - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
By vksandsek - August 14 - 5:03 pmI bought the 2009 Vibe with 1.8 liter engine and 4-speed automatic transmission. The power is sufficient and the gas mileage is excellent. The engine does not feel strained and remains quiet even at speeds above 80 mph. On the exterior, the Vibe is somewhat better looking than its sister, the Toyota Matrix. The interior is ergonomic, comfortable and well designed.
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Great, fun car to drive. - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
By Texmac - August 8 - 2:03 pmThis is a great car to buy, I drive 60 miles a day to work. I just love the way it handles the road & hills.
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My opinion - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
By MyMy - August 7 - 10:00 amI bought this cause my wife wanted it. It is a nice car but with two young kids it could use a little more room. Im not happy with the engine power but Im use to hopped up street/strip cars. The fuel mileage is nice and ride is about average. You feel the bumps but not too bad.
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2004 VIBE GT - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
By ray - August 7 - 10:00 amLOVE TO DRIVE GOOD POWER GOOD HANDLING, AND GOOD LOOKS.Interior fits good for large or small people. good leg room front and back seats.Only draw back I can see is its a little short wheel based for long ranged driving, say more than 100 miles.But I think it was engineered for everyday commuting.
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The Vibe gives good Vibes - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
By Pontiac man - August 7 - 10:00 amWe love our Pontiac Vibe. The only problem we have had is the a/c not getting cold enough unless it is winter time. Other than that it is fun to drive, maintenance free and a great value
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I love my vibe! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
By Little Country Girl - August 7 - 10:00 amI have been extremely happy with my Vibe. I have never had ANY problems with it. I do the routine maintenence, like oil changes and everything works wonderfully!
