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 little car - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Cbrown - July 31 - 6:23 am

  Im very pleased with my Vibe. Its the AWD model. It handles well and is pretty zippy with the 2.4L engine. Upgraded factory sound system with Sirius/XM is great. Mileage has consistently been around 26-27 mpg. The car is great in the snow with or without snow tires. With the back seat down it has an amazing amount of cargo space. The back seat has a lot of leg room for a small car. Too bad they discontinued this car, Id buy another one!

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  A great versatile economical fun car - 2008 Pontiac Vibe
  By Jay Larson - July 31 - 12:10 am

  This is proof that you can get great fuel economy without buying a hybrid. drives like a sports car, handles well carries our big Bernese mtn. dogs lots of cargo space even for 8 ft. lumber. the vibe is in my opinion much better, and sportier looking than than the Toyota Matrix version. I get consistently 34 to 36 mpg. which gives me around a 400 mile range I average 37 mpg with non-ethanol gas. It handles well in the snow with the front wheel drive and my manual transmission (which I had to search for) I traded a gas guzzling trailblazer for it and the vibe is just as much fun to drive. I love this car and would definitely considering buying another at trade in time.

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  My First non-Honda Car! - 2008 Pontiac Vibe
  By trashfish - July 17 - 9:26 am

  Paid $17,400 out the door..auto & power locks, keyless, etc. no sunroof. I needed a car that could haul a lot if needed AND pull a small boat. This car has so far been great! Had a U-Haul hitch put on and it pulled my boat with ease. I threw a beach cruiser bike in the back with no trouble, plenty of room, didnt even put the front seat down! Had an antenna ipod adapter installed so I can play my iPOD...yay! ONLY thing I am not thrilled about is that I did not get white! This color (a blue-green) shows every speck of dust! And the Black-Charcoal interior is just dumb...draws heat and shows every hair, dirt , etc. I got cream seat covers and has made a difference.

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  Excellent Car - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Sheriff - July 16 - 2:46 pm

  Ive been driving Corollas for the last 5 years and 2 months ago I replaced by 2000 Corolla with a 2005 Vibe, I have to say Im very happy with this car, its small from the outside yet roomy on the inside, Im 6-5" and have no issues setting in this car, traction is very good, fuel economy is very good too. I highly recommend this car to anybody, its a proof that GM can build good cars if they want to!!!

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  2009 Vibe GT - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By DaveA - July 15 - 9:46 pm

  The car is fun to drive. It used very little fuel. We have been getting 25.5 mpg in town and 31 mpg on the road. I was not sure about the car when we bought it but it has turned out to be an excellent car. The only con I have about it is the road noise from the tires.

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  Great Car but has a few flaws - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By andunn - July 9 - 1:53 pm

  Pros: Toyota Engine -Great gas mileage -Sporty look Cons: Noise every time you go from park to drive and start to move. It is the anti-lock breaks kicking in. Drove three others. Same thing. Dealer said it was not designed very well because you could hear it kicking in. - XM radio cuts song title information off. I had XM 5 years ago and my radio could display the entire song. Cuts it off even if you switch to non-flashing mode and have to push info button. Bad design! - Doors make a slight vibrating noise when closing them. Again tried 3 others and same thing. Body design flaw - Little noises coming from the dash area even when driving on a smooth highway or road

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  FUN (LITTLE) CAR - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By james c - July 6 - 10:06 am

  Accelerates / Handles nicely - only beef - wish it rode a little bit more quietly. Has more styling / options available than the Toyota Matrix ... even though they are considered sister vehicles.

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  Everyone should drive this fun car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Joan - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I love my Vibe it has great gas mileage. Its sporty but affordable. I got the fusion color and I love it. The dash is great at night. Very roomy inside. I went from a Suburban to the Vibe and didnt know if I would like being small but I havent noticed it at all Its so much fun to drive.

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  Best Car for Your Bucks - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Stacy Volin - July 2 - 5:16 pm

  If you want a car that can store a lot, look nice and feel comfortable even on long car rides, buy this one. Price is reasonable for everyone. It rides like a Lexus without the price tag. I almost bought a 330X Lexus. Saved myself lots of bucks and gave myself OnStar which is quite an advantage.

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  Vibe even better now that it is paid for - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By HBarkley - June 29 - 2:20 am

  Bought my 04 Vibe in July 04 when the new 05s were coming out & got a good deal. Right away had a bad feeling when the car wouldnt start the day I had to pick it up.The dealer had left the dome light on overnight and drained the battery but after a jump start and a night on the battery charger no problems occurred. Gets great gas mileage:avg 33mpgs. The center console under the shifter constantly pops open, just recently had this addressed by the service dept.and now seems to be fine. Been to FL,IA, & CA from TX and the cars performed admirably.Great car for small family (1 or 2 small kids).Great interior capacity for trips.