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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  Not just a city car - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By PontiVibe - June 28 - 12:03 pm

  Purchased my Vibe one day and set out on a 2000 km journey the next and was very impressed with the ride and handling. Completing mostly highway driving the 2.4 L engine has lot of power and is able to cruise along comfortably at above average highway speeds. For a small car the gas mileage is not overly great and is better compared to a small SUV than a car of equal size. However, if the Vibe is going to be used for highway driving the bigger engine provides lot of power for passing and merging into traffic. One real benefit of this vehicle is that it is able to handle unpaved roads very well and the traction control is an added asset when coming upon loose gravel.

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  Fantastic Salesman Car! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Richard Todd - June 27 - 1:13 pm

  This car is perfect for salesmen. The seats fold down so you have plenty of room to load things if you need it. Fuel economy at 65 MPH is 31 MPG. Also best of both worlds, Toyota drive train and engine, GM exterior and interior.

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  vibe is a good choice - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By macho105 - June 19 - 10:00 am

  hi, I purchased a vibe 2004, so far the car has been working great and it is very fuel economic, the matrix from toyota is pretty similar in stile, however the vibe desing looks a lot better, also the service I have received from Pontiac dealer has been great, I love the vibe, I would strongly recomend it as a great purchase, if you buy it, you will love it!! Carlos

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  Fun,Economical,andFunctional - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By jdlas - June 19 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle lacks design of its counterpart the "Matrix" but obviously the interior is identical besides the logo on the steering wheel (Pontiac symbol on Pontiac, Toyota on the Toyota) This car is fun to drive and very economical as well as functional.What other car gives you a household outlet in it? I am very pleased with it all around but like I said, Toyota put the extra "Pizzazz" on the exterior of its counterpart. Radio is hard to read in daylight,as if should have been on angle,the sunlight makes it almost impossible to read.

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  Wonderful car - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By shamgar - June 16 - 7:03 pm

  Bought this car new based on research into cars that got good mileage. We are extremely happy with it. Current mileage is about 65000 and the car has been dead reliable. It has a five-speed and since teaching my daughter to drive stick I now have to fight her for the car when I need it. Great fun to drive, loads of room for cargo. The only negatives are esthetics. Its not terribly comfortable on long drives and the low profile tires are extremely noisy especially on freeway expansion joints. Now that Pontiac is gone, I would buy a Toyota Matrix without hesitation.

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  Economical, Versatile, Reliable - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By bb006 - June 14 - 10:00 am

  Best car Ive ever had. Bar none.

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  Little things got annoying over time... - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By andrear - June 13 - 5:03 pm

  I really liked this car at first, but over the last two years little things have started to annoy me. First of all the gas millage is awful, and always has been. I was led on to believe that this car was so great on gas and that was never the case. Also the blind spot on this car is boarder line dangerous. You cant see the dash lights in the sun because they are red and set back to far. Also the center compartment thing comes open over every bump. I ignored these things for a while, but now they are getting hard to live with. The car is not that fun to drive and handles awful in the snow.

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  New 2009 Vibe - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Vibe Owner - June 11 - 10:23 am

  I love my 2006 Vibe and purchased it due to the reliability in northern snow, gas mileage & the height of the seating, head room and the ability of additional load capacity when the back seats are down. I also love the side covers that protect the bottom of the doors and around the tires where road rocks put pings on most autos and hurt the paint. Your new 2009 Vibe has changed most of the good features by lowering the height of the auto, making it less apt to maneuver in deep snow. Lowered the angle of the windshield at a loss of head room and removed the protective side panels so the new 2009 would look sportier.

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  Mikes road-horse - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By michael - June 7 - 11:06 pm

  Ive owned two of these now. The manual 5 speed has the best fuel economy. The automatic tran needs to be refined for quicker shift response and less fuel pedle. (You have to floor-board it to get response)

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  We love it! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Barryh - May 31 - 10:00 am

  We love our Vibe. Its fun to drive, great fuel economy, we are gald we got the "moon and tunes" package. I put on after market tires and wheels to enhance the appearance. Its everyones favorite to drive in our family. We highly recommend it or the Toyota Matrix.