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 Baby Vibe! - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Nate - September 24 - 12:00 pm

  This car has mojo It has both fit and function. Best of all, Im getting no less than 29 mpg highway with a full load and AC running out of a 2.4 L 5 speed automatic. I give it a 10 for the price.

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  A winner - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Bill - September 23 - 2:20 pm

  We purchased the Vibe after much research, to replace our 2000 Impala. The Vibe has great interior room. Functional and fun to drive. The 2.4 motor has enough pickup when merging into traffic. It looks good too!

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  Great gas mileage! - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By mbc - September 21 - 6:36 am

  The Vibe provides a great ride and gets super gas mileage. Yeah, the road noise on rough surface roads is a little noisy, so turn up the radio a little, get over it. Enjoy all the other positves about the Vibe. Cruise, great radio sounds, daytime running lights, fog lights, rear opening glass, plastic on the back of the back of the back seats when the seats are folder down for hauling. Storage pockets everywhere, in the doors, center console, left side of dash, glove box, and another storage box under the gear selector. Give it a look, you wont be disappointed.

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  good - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By roggatz - September 17 - 10:33 am

  wife loves it. easy to drive, could use a little more room in the rear cargo area

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  Love this car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Janet Adams - September 11 - 3:03 pm

  I purchased my Vibe when I was searching for an economical car with lots of cargo space. The Vibe is perfect. It is a great 4-5 passenger car that converts to a practical station wagon. My vibe has gone thousands of miles carrying show dogs to competitions. It has transported cargo as large as a screen door for my house, furniture and bales of hay. After nearly 38,000 miles of in town and highway driving I still have never had a single problem with my Vibe. My best MPG was 37, but normally I get around 32-33 MPG on the highway. Cant say enough good things about this car. I just love it. It is so well thought out. Thanks Pontiac!

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  super car - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By joeklag - September 11 - 2:16 am

  performance for a little 4 cylinder engine is great, get the 5 speed, its worth the shifting to have fun when you want to. interior configuration is fabulous, if you cant find a way to get big stuff into THIS little car you need a truck!

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  Good car for a Republican. - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By 6thmeridian - September 8 - 8:03 am

  Id rather have a dozen root canals than buy a new car, but after returning from serving in the Peace Corps we needed dependable transportation. I researched new vehicles a lot, with economy, price, and dependability as goals. The Vibe seemed to have a lot of room and promised good mileage. We got a 2004 demo with 4,500 miles and have put 16,000 more on it in a year. Drives easy, solidly built, plenty of room, no problems at all. Its really my wifes car, but I drive on trips. We got the auto trans, I would have liked the six speed manual but of course GM wont let you have it without the turbo engine. Its been a good choice, I recommend the Vibe without reservation. Im 57 years old.

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  Love It! - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By vibe owner - September 6 - 7:20 pm

  My husband and I just got our 2009 Vibe GT and this car is so fun to drive! We have had the car for 6 days and I have put on 450 miles!

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  Great Car for the Price - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By Linda Goodrich - September 4 - 8:10 pm

  Ive wanted a Vibe ever since driving one through a rental agency a few years back. I am so pleased with this car. Its fun to drive and gets good gas mileage. Ive been driving it for nearly a year and couldnt be happier.

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  Excellent in all respects - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Pontiacowner - August 30 - 2:00 am

  The Vibe handles well, gets great gas mileage, is sporty yet has enough passenger and cargo space to move pretty much anything you want. Its comfortable and has lots of storage compartments.