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:

• 

  A very nice ride - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Scott - March 6 - 4:30 am

  This is my second Vibe. I upgraded to the GT because I wanted more power and versatility with 6 speeds. I was not disappointed. I am getting 35+ mpg hwy, and about 30 in the city, which greatly exceeds my expectations (and EPA ratings). What a great car, and fun to drive!

• 

  Lovin my Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Russ McDonough - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my 2003 Vibe since July of this year. I have had nothing but kudos for this automobile. Its comfortable (I have back problems 7 disc surgeries) the seating fits me exceptionally well I am 6 ft tall, 224 lbs with a large build. My wife and i took the Vibe to New Hampshire this year and we got 31.5 mpg on the highway and 29 mpg around North Conway. The car is a dream to drive, it handles well, and most of all its an absolute BLAST to drive. Cant say enough good things about it.

• 

  Best inexpensive car ever owned - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By JOHN HAWKINS - March 1 - 12:03 pm

  I have driven this car for over 30,000 miles with not one problem...And it keeps going...I use only synthetic oil and change it every 7,000 miles...

• 

  Utilitarian yet sporty - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Phillip Fox - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the Vibe specifically for its versatility, but I also wanted to have a little fun driving it, so I went with the GT build. Ive yet to come across a home improvement project or purchase that I havent been able to haul home in the Vibe. Ive tiled my kitchen (6X4 sheets of backer board fit perfectly), relandscaped the yard, hauled home a dinette set (the rack on the top came in handy there) and a headboard. Then theres the sporty side - the car handles like a dream. It sits high enough to see over the other compact cars, yet theres almost no sway. The steering is extremely tight and the acceleration is just awesome.

• 

  A Huggable Little Car - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Jack McCormick - February 19 - 5:50 am

  A cute little car thats lots of fun to drive. Just the right size and the engine performance is better than what youve been told. It feels and looks like you got more quality than you paid for.

• 

  All around great - 2008 Pontiac Vibe
  By Rocketman - February 16 - 6:46 pm

  Only problem Ive had was the auto trans not shifting into the next gear at the end of a 550 mile trip, but that could have been the terrain. The seats are nice and hug you so that if you drive sporty you wont slide off on sharp turns. Tons of space if you need it. I got a loaded sun and sound, auto, preferred, monotone 08 Vibe for 18K out the door because they redesigned them for 2009 and pushing the 2008s out. Get a 2008 if you can! The MPG is great, really worth it because you get a nice zip without ruining your wallet.

• 

  Awsome New Ride, I Love It!!! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Rachepi - February 16 - 10:00 am

  I had my doubts at first, but once I got behind that wheel for the first time, I knew it was meant to be! I fell in love with this car on site, fully loaded with all the extras that I wanted and then some. I converted rather quickly as I was set on the Matrix, but was treated much better at the Pontiac dealership, glad I changed my mind!

• 

  i looove the vibe - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By kapekitas - February 16 - 10:00 am

  it greeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat!!!!!!!!!! and i love it!!!!!!!!!!

• 

  Love My Vibe! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Nittany - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Best way to describe it is it is Fun and on the practical side, it gets great gas mileage...and it can haul around practically anything. I really do love my Vibe...

• 

  05 vibe - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Nick Davis - January 18 - 5:30 pm

  always seems to run and drive well, never any reliability concerns, I do have a rattle in the dash at less than 1 year old, and seems a little small at times. But I otherwise cant think of a more practical starter car for the small family.