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 little car - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By alma - December 13 - 9:30 am

  i have 3400 miles on my vibe no trouble at all for the money i couldnt beat it over 30 mpg every tank

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By chemman - December 12 - 10:00 am

  Have had it for about 2 months. AC blower motor replaced under warranty. the car is fun to drive, gets respectable gas mileage, and is very roomy. Happy with our purchase so far...

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  The right Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Steve LaCasse - December 8 - 3:20 pm

  Pontiac has his the right Vibe with this sports wagon. The Vibe interior is very comfortable around town or on long trips, there is plenty of interior room for all 4 passengers. Great fuel economy and a very peppy, yet loud engine that hopefully will be refined by the time I buy my next Vibe. The folding back seats allow for great cargo storage. This vehicle is a little of everything one needs in a small SUV/Sports wagon, its so fun to own and drive everyday, great job Pontiac.

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  Love our Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By ertel5175 - December 1 - 6:43 pm

  We put a lot of miles on our Vibe and it has been great. It seems to be very reliable and has a lot of cargo space especially with the seats folded down. Outstanding gas mileage is real nice with escalating gas prices. Highly recommend!

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  Love My Vibes - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Jack - November 22 - 11:20 am

  Recently took a 4000 mile trip from FL to AZ and return; my Vibe was flawless and performed superbly on the flat land as well as the mountain portions of the trip. My prior car was a Grand marquis and I can honestly say that the Vibe was a more comfortable car on this potentially arduous trip.

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  At least I can still find a Matrix - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By mecjac - November 21 - 10:10 pm

  Almost at 100k miles and I have only had to replace the breaks and the oil filter housing (cheap part). I love my Vibe, bought it with 50k on it and have put 50k on it in the last 2 years. Its comfortable enough for the average commuter and very reliable. Great for hauling stuff around, and although no sports car its fun to drive. Good fuel economy, easily get 31-32 mpg. Only a few gripes, rear visibility is so-so, paint chips/scratches easy, speakers could be better.

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  I love/hate my car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By My Vibe - November 14 - 11:06 pm

  I love my vibe, love everything about it but recently my car was making noises and when I took it in for its regular maintenance I was informed that the whole motor needed to be replaced, I maintenance this car every 3 months. The valves, timing belt tensioner, and the rod and barrings all needed to be replaced (so the whole motor). Everyone wants $4500.00 up to $6000.00 to replace this Toyota motor. I am highly upset with Pontiac about my car. Because I love everything about my car and now I have these problems, the car has now 92k miles and I till owe $6k on the car. So I am out of a car and have to pay back $6k to the bank! I have 2 kids that I travel wi

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  More than satisfied - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By medic337 - November 13 - 10:00 am

  4 adults with luggage for 2 wks took our Vibe to Maine, a 2500 mile trip. Performance was beyond expectations. Average mileage 38 miles/gal. Comfortable ride. Plenty of leg room for all, even my 62" grandson. Great handling. I love this car. Would recommend one to anyone.

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  Fantastic Crossover Vehicle - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By joecocker - November 13 - 10:00 am

  We liked this vehicle so much we bought two(his and hers). The warranty, dealership and auto are a remarkable trio. As you can tell our family is very pleased with the Vibe

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  Practical with a flair - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By JimmyM - November 13 - 10:00 am

  After 28,000 miles its still a tight machine. No problems with engine or drive train. With flat bed in back can carry lots of stuff, yet with seats up is comfortable. Im hard on brakes but havent had to replace them yet. Good styling for a small vehicle.