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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  Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By uskiwi - February 11 - 10:00 am

  The Vibe is great to drive. When I dorve to Canada, I got 36 mph gallon which I thought was terrific.

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  vibe GT black - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By blujkts - February 11 - 10:00 am

  Fun, practicle and still a lil sexy for a semi-grocery wagon.

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  2009 pontiac vibe - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By kasjun - February 7 - 3:26 pm

  We like our new vibe because of its ease of getting around in traffic and parking. We like the mileage we are getting but feel it could do better with a 5-speed trans. But Pontiac chose not to offer it on awd model. We bought chrome wheels which turned out to be just plastic wrapped chrome that chips and peels. Pontiac does not stand behind these. The awd model gets a roof rack that is worthless. There is no option for leather or heated seats so we had these installed after market. Radio options are limited and no navigation system option. Pontiac needs to get off their rear and go to work with these option pkgs. Or people will just look elsewhere. I called Pontiac with chrome wheel problem an

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  Pocket Rocket - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Uncle John - February 7 - 10:00 am

  This car is the most fun to drive of any car Ive owned in the past 37 years. I have a five speed and get between 33.5-35.5 mpg. doing mostly highway driving around 65-70 mph. It hugs the road around corners, is very quiet on the highway (Goodyear Eagle GT tires) and runs circles around both my Honda CRVs. This is essentially a Toyota Matrix with a Pontiac Vibe nameplate.

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  Nice Car - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By John - January 28 - 7:40 pm

  I bought this car to replace my 1999 SC1 Saturn. I was looking at the Toyota Matrix but the Vibe is the same car and I got a better deal. The ride is real smooth and is very easy to park in tight places. The only real gripe is you can not turn off the headlights, even in park. Most cars come with a off switch for the automatic lights but this car does not have the capability.

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  Turns Heads - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By nucka - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is very appealing. People always stop me and ask "what type of car is that?" Some would like to call it a SUV station wagon but still think the body style of the car has something to say.

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  2009 Pontiac Vibe-GT - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Larry S. Pitts - January 15 - 9:26 am

  I only have about 600 miles on this car as it was purchased in late April-08. So far it has more than met my expectations. I traded in a large SUV that averaged about 14mpg. The 1st tank of gas I put in the Vibe averaged 26mpg and was all in town driving. I was very surprised that the 2.4-4 cyl engine had the pep that it does. Its a great car to drive.

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  A Toyota in a GM skin - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Frank - January 12 - 2:56 pm

  People contemplating getting a Toyota Matrix should buy the Vibe instead. It is assembled in California by union members (Matrix is non-union). Its a lovely car which sparks a lot of interest, is fun to drive, is very utilitarian, and has great gas mileage. Fit and finish are great. Standard stereo sound system is fine as well. Should retain its value, especially with gas at over $3/gal.

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  Eco-friendly & Reliable - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Nevadasurr - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Compares well to Forester, which has poor MPG and $3+k more. Matrix less visually appealing; Toyota misled on low-cost financing; couldnt get ABS & SAB combo; forced to take standard options. After 6k miles, Vibe runs well, gets exc. mileage, Moons & Tunes stereo is a pleasure, plenty of room for big dog, guitar and gear. Paid ~$16.2 with rebate before tax: 5 sp., M & T pkg., ABS, SAB, bumper cover & cargo mat ordered from factory to specs (Salsa Red, black/gray trim and dark interior). Car performs well in snow and summer heat, gets exc. mileage (35-39 hgwy.) and has met expectations. Hoping for Toyota reliability over the long haul.

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  What a Blast - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By revdobber - January 11 - 2:00 am

  This is the most fun Ive had driving a car in years. It amazes me the pick up this car has. You dont have to worry about getting on the interstate or passing another car. It handles like a expensive sports car and you cant beat the gas mileage. If you want to buy a great car youve found it.