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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  Small car gas mileage with an SUV feel - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Sherry - August 28 - 2:43 am

  My family was outgrowing our small Chevy Cavalier, but I didnt want to give up the 34 MPG I was getting on the drive to work. I researched about 10 different vehicles, and the Vibe just cannot be beat for both price and fuel economy. Not to mention the rear cargo area that my sons can toss their football gear into! And the car is great looking---kind of like a cross between a station wagon & SUV. I also noticed that it rides "too well" at higher speeds. I have to keep my eye on the speedometer while on the interstate because twice I found myself driving way too fast without even knowing it! I recommend using your cruise control until youre used to how well the vehicle drives.

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  VERY NICE DRIVE - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By MARC CLAPP - August 25 - 10:00 am

  HIGHWAY RIDE IN VERY NICE. CRUISES AT 80+ VERY COMFORTABLY. AERODYNMAMICS MAKE IT EXCEPTIONALLY STABLE IN STRONG CROSSWINDS FOR A LIGHTWEIGHT CAR. HANDLES NICELY....FLAT IN TURNS. SOMETIMES YOU WISH ACCELERATION FROM 40 TO 60 MPH WAS STRONGER, BUT 30+ MPG IN SUBURB DRIVING IS WELCOME WITH HIGH GAS$$. LOVE SPLIT FOLD-DOWN REAR SEAT AND HARD FLOORING. HANDLES 5 BODIES AMAZINGLY WELL WITH REARSEAT UP. HEADROOM IS GOOD, ESPECIALLY IN REARSEATS!

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  What a blast to drive - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By John - August 21 - 2:40 am

  Bought our new Vibe GT about 3 weeks ago. So far, my wife and I like it better every time we drive it. Solid built, corners great. We are both in our 50s and just love the 6-speed stick and high reving 4 cylinder engine. Taking a trip next weekend. Cant wait.

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  Mediocre Car - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By JaCarpenter - August 13 - 5:00 am

  The car is competent. Nothing more, nothing less. It handles well but not great, fits a good but not great amount of stuff, and gets decent but not great gas mileage. The engine is a real weak point. It is very loud but furnishes little power with the autobox. I live up in the Four Corners area so am often above 6000 or 7000 feet. It has a lot of trouble gaining speed on even moderate inclines at altitude. With the AC on or full up with people sometimes it has trouble keeping the same speed. I think the dash design is poor. It looks nice enough but the chrome gauges reflect on the windshield in any sunlight. Its very visible and very annoying. The interior materials are adequate though.

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  Nice Family Car! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By DRB007 - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Comfortable car for two adults and two car seats. Went on a 1,200 mile trip, almost completely satisfied. Had a TV and cell phone plugged in for the Whole trip with barney on the CD. Highway road noise was a little much. Needed more power driving through the Smokeys.

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  Problematic car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By justin-vh - August 6 - 9:43 am

  Unfortunately, this car has been very problematic for me. Water leaks, Air Conditioner problems (noise and smell), many different rattles and squeaks in the car, damaged roof rack, missing some finishing details from the factory, like door stops. Car wouldnt start the other day. Ive only had the car for 6 months and bought it brand new. What made my problems worse were the poor GM service reps. One rep damaged the roof rack and interior when attempting to fix my problems. Other dealers simply were not interested in trying to fix my cars problems, even when the problems could be reproduced in front of the service reps eyes. Wishing I didnt buy this car....

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  Dont even think about getting one! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By JAKE - August 5 - 12:16 pm

  The car is just plain poorly made. Great at the dealership and first 1,000 miles. After that, its all a sad story. The car changed and the interior started to fall apart. There is a leak that wont go away and the seat now feels like a bag of potatos! I am VERY disappointed in this GM offering and now see why the car was so cheap. Any manufacturer that offers "employee pricing" is in deep trouble. I dislike this car so much, I took it back and paid a small fortune to get out of it and into another car. Do yourself a favor, dont even bother with this vehicle.

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  just got it - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By evan - July 30 - 10:00 am

  its cool from the outside but the inside is a little tacky it doesnt have much horse power but it will get you were you want to go

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  a+ - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By kgar44 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I love my Vibe,its been a pleasure.It runs great,its sporty, and it gets good gas milage.Like having a mini truck/luxury car.

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  Great all around car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Berreth - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Just an all around fun and safe car to drive. Wonderful pick up for a small engine.