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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  Review 2008 Vibe - 2008 Pontiac Vibe
  By dross - March 10 - 1:03 pm

  I was attracted to this car for its potential for versatility and gas mileage. I have owned it for a little over a month, and have been very happy with it so far. It has a fair amount of pep, but will never be mistaken for a six cylinder. To me this is a fair trade-off for the great gas mileage. My average mileage has been 26 MPG with heavy city driving. The steering is responsive on dry pavement and the car is very predictable driving in the snow. This car is a great car to run around town with your kids or take a trip

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  Great Car - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Scott - March 9 - 3:16 pm

  Great car for the money. Fun to drive, great on gas, and a sharp looking little car. I was out the door for just over $18K, with the navigation system and 6 disc CD player.

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  Gets the job done! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By th3fr4nchi5e - March 3 - 4:31 am

  Bought my Vibe for $200 as a Winter beater about 2 years ago from a gentleman who definitely did not car for the car. A $50 flywheel, $300 in winter tires and alot of TLC and it was back in action. Car has ran great since and is a blast to drive. Not fast by any means but the little 4 banger screams up top and handles pretty well. Its excellent in the snow on fresh winter tires and so easy to play around in without losing control. Got the car with 91k miles, now is nearing 110k. Just the initial stuff and regular maintenance and not other expenses yet! (knock on wood) Gets around 30 mpg on the highway and low-mid 20s in the city. If you need a fun point A to point B car, buy a Vibe!

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  2005 Vibe - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By lauraandval - March 1 - 7:03 pm

  Bought this a year ago for gas mileage. I am a mom with two small children and a husband that stands 64", and we go everywhere together in this. Very roomy. Husband can get in and out easily. Child seats fit. And I can fit $500 worth of groceries in cargo area. I drove a big SUV and loved it, but hated gas mileage. Now I save the SUV for vacations, and make my car payment with the money I save. I am a stay at home mom who is never at home. I put 30,000 miles on my Vibe last year, and I dont know how I would have been able to afford the gas if I was driving the SUV. We love this car.

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  Reliable, a pleasure to drive - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By theswedish - February 28 - 1:43 pm

  The drive feels tight and controlled. The handling is superb, it loves a twisty road. The power is smooth and good on demand. It is a very easy car to drive. Radio a lot better than my new Civics.

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  A *great* car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By themrfreeze - February 25 - 4:23 pm

  I loved my 04 Vibe. Rock solid reliable, versatile and roomy interior, enjoyable to drive on long trips. I could haul loads of 8-foot lumber or big bulky items in the back. Car was easy to work on as well, though all I ever needed to do it was rotate tires and change the oil. Got wrecked in 09, and I still miss it.

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  lovin it - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By blittle - February 23 - 2:00 am

  i love my vibe. sometimes the gas mileage is better sometimes its not. i just figure the cold weather makes the gas mileage lower. i wish i had a vibe for every day of the week!!

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  Satellite - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Jamesp2000 - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Great car lots of head room and very versitile. I have 13,800 miles on mine. autotrans. Made clunk noise at first but went away after 3,000 miles. Gas mileage increases after break in. Everything works no warranty work!

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  That darn engine light - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Sherri - February 20 - 5:00 pm

  I have had my Vibe for three years now and about twice a year it is in the shop for the engine light coming on. So far the most of the time I have been told it is the fuel emissions. Well its back on again and my warranty just ran out... So what to do? I dont recommend the 2003 Vibe at all. I mean I like the way it rides, its style, but too many trips to the shop.

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  Good vibes from my Vibe. - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By kathisma - February 19 - 10:20 am

  Ive only owned Hondas but this is certainly the BEST car Pontiac ever made. It has youthful looks, a well engineered Toyota engine, handles well, and is made with good quality materials. However, its not perfect. NUMMI assembly quality doesnt appear to be as good as for the Matrix - Pontiac take note! Our quality related issues include a broken off door handle (from regular use), some fit and finish inconsistencies, passenger door window mechanism problem, barely-there A/C and heating, and low quality, prematurely wearing tires. Dealer servicing is not the greatest and the receipts are confusing. But, overall, the car looks good, is comfortable and mechanically reliable. Id buy another.