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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  Good Vibes - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Skychief - April 2 - 11:53 am

  Very nice little car. Wonderful and fun to drive around town. Handles well. Doors close nicely. Seems to have been built with quality with good attention to detail. Im a big guy and I fit in it just fine. Its amazingly roomy inside.

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  toms vibe - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By tom - March 29 - 11:43 am

  have a vibe just turned 100,000 miles. never had any repairs other than oil every 3,000 miles. couple sets of brakes, and few sets of tire. and couple of head lights. best mechanical car i ever owned.

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  So good I bought it twice! - 2008 Pontiac Vibe
  By Breeze - March 25 - 3:03 am

  I bought my 1st Vibe in 2003. I loved it. I am a park ranger but grew up in the city, this car was the best of both! It has nice style for the city yet it was perfect when I moved to Yellowstone. The back has ample space to fit all sorts of gear and the roof rack adds extra space. Front pass. seat flips down so when I bought 10 foot 2X4s they fit perfectly. Even if they had been longer I would not worry cause back window pops open! While traveling X country I recharged by AA batt. using the 2 prong outlet in dashboard. After hiking I throw my dirty boots in the trunk & never worry about a mess cause it is durable plastic. Never had a prob. In June I got 2008, gave 2003 to mom- she loves it

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  20004 VIBE - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By patricia scharf - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I am a single senior citizen who drives this back and forth from Michigan to Florida. I pack it sooooo full there is hardly room to breath. Get great gas mileage. Comfortable seating. No way would I ever consider hauling anything behind it but find that I can be up to 85 mph without even knowing it. Thank goodness for my cruise control. Not exactly thrilled with the pontiac dealerships for maintenance. Have had a small problem for a year and unless it will act up for them to see (which only acts up when I turn the key on) they wont fix it. Even though I was only about 3 miles away one time, they wouldnt send someone out to check on it. I guess the car is worth accepting it.

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  FUN - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Chub - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I am a bigggg man ...6 300lbs. I fit in this car and comfortably at that. After driving big trucks for many years and paying the high prices for gas, i decided it was time to buy something more economical. I saw the Vibe and really liked the styling and cargo room. I researched them and was impressed with what I found. I got a great deal and not the usual hassles with the dealership that you usually go through. In the 6 months I have had it I have dreiven all over california. Big cities, dersert, moutnains. this car holds its own.

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  Awesome Car!! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Bevnnes - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Super gas mileage and good performance for a 4 cylinder.

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  After 2 years, still lovin it. - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By sailordad - March 19 - 3:56 pm

  Wanted a vehicle with good mileage, space for kids, utility, and fun to drive. Im a product designer, an intelligent, stlish product is important. I also care about good value, long term cost, and enviromental impact. The Vibe has been a great little car, fun to drive, easy and cheap to own. After 2 years of pretty hard driving (40k miles - I used to have a BMW 530i), It still feels tight. My kids call it the zippy car, compared to the Explorer we had.

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  Love It - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By Linda - March 14 - 3:36 am

  I love this car. Very versatile and practical, but still cute and fun. Just returned from a road trip and it felt solid and controlled on the interstate. Very maneuverable around town.

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  Car is bulletproof - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By ikeinpgh - March 12 - 6:50 pm

  Bought the car over 3 years ago new. Dont drive it as much as I would like, because I have too other cars. This car is so pratical, its not even funny. I use it mostly in the summer to haul my two kayaks around. I can get one kayak inside with the front seat folded down and still close the hatch. Amazing. I bought the GM crossbars and have two kayak holders for the top most of the time. Gas mileage is around 30 all the time. Havent got much more than 33. I think its because of the cross bars and the fact that I dont have many miles on it. Looking forward to many more trouble free miles. Only complaints are the plastic body cladding is coming off around the back wheel wells.

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  nice - 2010 Pontiac Vibe
  By Preston Oles - March 12 - 7:43 am

  Fun car I can get all my stuff in it or on the roof it does everything I need it to do and then some. Radio is great, head lights are super bright everyone loves the rims (18s on the gt) oh and fun to drive too. Good car for the price. To bad its gone for good. I got one of the last cars with the Pontiac badge and a cool color (orange) I feel lucky!