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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  Great Car For The Price - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Jeff - January 6 - 11:10 pm

  I purchased this car due to its american styling and toyota engineering a great combination, along with 30+mpg. I found that a the heart of the vibe is the toyota corolla engine/transmission as well as some other carry overs from toyota and is better looking than the matrix. So far ive been very pleased with the handling/ride quality and how quiet it is on the freeway and lots of pep at freeway speeds. The dash is laid out nice and the styling circular designs are a plus. Plenty of backseat space for my 3 year old and really like how the middle and passenger seats fold flat and have protective covering on the backside. Very pleased and i like this alliance of GM/Toyota Toyota at a GM price.

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  This is great car to get around L.A. - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By 790riford - January 5 - 2:00 am

  My vibe is 2 years old now,I have had no problems at all. I see all $30K +SUVs eat gas a $2.20 a gallon Im getting 30+ miles per gallon. Easy way give your Vibe some passing power add a K&N air filter.

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  Excellent - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Carrie - January 2 - 4:56 pm

  I was researching a 2005-2007 Vibe and one could not be found that did not have extremely high miles. That should have told me something. I purchased my Vibe on 05/03/08 and absolutely love it. It is very fun to drive and handles great.

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  Great Car - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By bb - January 2 - 12:50 pm

  I have had mine almost 4 years, bought with 40K, now 90k.. Amazing, only thing replaced was brakes. I live in Colorado, drive up mtn passes all the time.. plenty of power and great in the snow (not sure what the other person was saying down below).. typically get 30 mpg in mixed driving, close to 40 on the hwy only. Its so much bigger than it looks, can put my mtn bike inside without taking off the front wheel. I like the clearance as well, helps in the snow and offroad

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  Zoom Zoom aint just for Mazda... - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Dbear44 - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Roomy, versatile, good looks, & a real kick to drive... What more could you ask...

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  good choice - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Darl - December 31 - 2:26 am

  We were looking for a good mileage vehicle to replace our 1990 Dodge Caravan. Bought this new. Have 3000 miles on it now. We have gotten as much as 30 MPG. Always in high 20s. With the ice and snow we get here in Indiana the AWD has been a definate plus. We find ourselves creeping up over the speed limit with out even realizing it it is that smooth. The only dislike we have about it is the drippling rear windshield washer. No spray just dribbles dealer states that is the way it was made!!

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  My Vibe Experience - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By John G. - December 24 - 7:23 pm

  I am a real fan of this car after 3 years of driving. I have always traded my new cars after 3 years, but Ill probably hang on to this one! Im 64" and Im more comfortable in my Vibe than in most cars that retail for twice as much. The only disappointment was the original equipment TIRES were JUNK. (But most car makers mistakenly try to save on tires on their lower priced vehicles). Vibe is a winner!

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  Love that engine! - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By ray the german - December 21 - 9:10 am

  My previous vehicle was a 2005 Pontiac Vibe and did not have any problems with it whatsoever, however due to the new safety features, new look, and the excellent 2.4 L engine, I traded it in for a new 2009 Vibe GT. Drove the vehicle to and from North Carolina two days after purchasing it and averaged 30 miles to the gallon. I love the pep of the engine and its just a fun car to drive!

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  2006 Pontiac Vibe - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Roland Charriez - December 19 - 5:10 am

  Its been a great car. Great gas mileage for an AWD. Cargo space is amazing. Low maintenance and still fun to drive and wonderful in the snow.

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  My first Pontiac - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By rbrazil - December 17 - 6:00 am

  I do a lot of stop and go driving and this car keeps me happy zipping from place to place. One annoying thing is the button below the steering column, I bump my knee on it (Im a short legged gal and I like the steering wheel up close). Also, its a long reach back to turn the overhead light on and off. Great space in the back, like the way the window will open separately from the hatch. No OnStar, which would have been nice. The hood prop broke almost immediately. Otherwise its a fun car, great looks, great gas mileage, love the sunroof!