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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  Worth It! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By kgannon - November 13 - 10:00 am

  Our family of 4 downsized from a caravan to the vibe. We LOVE it; there is plenty of room for all of us, our dog and whatever else we decide to take along. The car gets great gas mileage and handles well.

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  well put together - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By danr - November 13 - 10:00 am

  the vibe has a high quality feel and look to it. the drivetrain is peppy, the auto transmission is very smooth shifting. handling is tight and the ride smooth and controlled. fuel economy is excellent. i expect reliability to be good considering its toyota heritage. lots of positive comments on its styling.

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  Love my Vibe - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By anitalazr - November 12 - 8:36 am

  Vibe fit the bill of low cost and good gas mileage. I love my little red pontiac. It is great for around town, easy to park, hauls 4 adults very comfortable, and the hatchback is great for shopping/storage. Drove it from L.A. to S.F. in Calif, along Highway 1 (the beautiful coast) .. my Vibe did great, handled well.

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  Economically Fit - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By Craig - November 10 - 3:43 pm

  This is a great car for anyone at the age of 24 to the age of 55. I can get 28 miles per gallon driving on the highway/around town, which is good for a crossover car. I am more impressed by the space inside. The other day I went surfing, and I fit my 96" surfboard all the way in the Vibe with the back hatch shut. It is also very stylish. One negative comment would be road noise while driving on the freeway. It can get quite loud compared to my old Infiniti I used to drive. Other than that, this car packs a big punch for the price tag and I feel Pontiac will keep making the vibe for many more years to come.

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  I am happy with my Vibe! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Crisco - November 7 - 11:43 am

  I really am enjoying my vibe. Even though I just got it,I love it already. I like its style and the quality of a Pontiac. Thanks for making such a great automobile. Thanks, Wendy Thompson

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  My Second Vibe - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Ron - November 4 - 1:00 am

  This is my second Vibe---my first is an 03 with 103K miles which my teenage son will inherit. The 03 has been flawlessly reliable! I purchased the 09 last week at an incredible deal--$4300 off in GM/Drivers Edge card rebates, $3000 in additional rebates for paying cash, and at a price that was well below invoice!! I was a little concerned that Pontiac parts might not be available in the long haul but GM insures me that Vibe owners will be supported for years to come. Since the power train is Toyota I am not concerned. If you are shopping for a reliable vehicle that gets great mpg--Vibe is the way to go.

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  Love it - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By scott - October 24 - 4:03 pm

  I have put 21,000 miles on my car and consistently get around 30 MPG. 80 highway 20 city. I have read the reviews and all the people complaining about radio, seats and engine performance, and other stuff. Let me tell them and you, do not go cheap, get the GT loaded up. The only option I did not get is the automatic. I did not want it. This little car handles just fine in the snow too. Traction control is very helpful. I have had no trouble with it so far. (8 months) If you are thinking of buying one, do not hesitate. Just go buy one.

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  Driving the Pontiac Vibe - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Lou Welke - October 19 - 8:33 am

  This Pontiac Vibe is one of many Pontiacs that I have owned. Having AWD on this car is awesome I was driving on packed snow and ice and it just kept on going and driving through deep snow didnt stop it and I passed vehicles on my street that had fwd and were stuck. The acceleration is very good and the gas mileage is acceptable. This is a great car and my wife loves it. We just drove from Grand Rapids Mich. to Pensacola Fl with a lot of baggage and it had lots of room for all of it.

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  Best car ever - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By gotmyVibe - October 12 - 2:00 am

  This is, by far, the most fun car I have ever driven. Its extremely peppy and handles really smoothly. The AWD version goes off road really nicely, going through places where my friends heavy truck gets stuck.

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  Vibe Rant - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By The Hawk - October 12 - 2:00 am

  With a monotone black body (the car - not me), moon roof, and power package, this car can turn heads! I love the retro look of the interior (i.e., love the circular vents and chrome display). What a fun car to drive! The interior is also surprisingly practical and spacious. You also cannot go wrong at 33mpg on the highway. This car also won a 5 Star Rating in its weight class during front end collision tests.