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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  Love to drive it - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By New Pontiac Lover - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I have always been a Honda lover, then I drove the Vibe! My husband convinced me to try and I was sold! Great gas mileage and good looks have peoples heads turning, Neptune Blue is a great color you dont see often. Moons and tunes pkg. ..GREAT.

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  Fun to Drive Great on Gas - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Fun Car - July 15 - 5:03 am

  The Vibe is a great little car its fun to drive has a smart sporty look, and is great on gas milage. The large wheel base gives is a great ride and good handling. Its a soild tight car.

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  interior durability - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By janice - June 11 - 10:40 am

  Very happy with my Vibe so far except that I notice the interior scratches easily. I dont have kids or dogs and I am not hard on my cars . I havent even gone camping yet and my interior is all scratched up. Anyone else have this problem?

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  Drives and survives (Not AWD, base automatic trans) - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By joshhasavibe - June 8 - 9:53 am

  As a delivery driver for a certain "freaky fast" sandwich shop, this car is perfect. Tons of room in the back with the seats down, oodles of gas mileage, its an all around great car for my job. Now, Im 20, so naturally Im gonna drive this car pretty hard. The car does kind of slug through first gear, but after that it takes off like a rocket. I often forget its just a little 1.8L. Ive had no major repairs at 104k, bought at 90k. Only really "major" things Ive HAD to do are transmission fluid/filter. Other than that, this cars a little champ. Has a nice engine noise for being a 4cyl, nice torque, good suspension and cornering. Definitely a head turner when folks see its just a Vibe.

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  2003 Vibe - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By l giuliano - June 2 - 2:36 am

  I have 120,000 miles on my Vibe. I have had zero problems. I am going to get another one next year and give my present Vibe to my kids.

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  Nice car but not for me - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By John - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought my wife a 2004 Vibe and have to say we are not very impressed. Gas mileage is great but performance is lacking. I realize I did not buy a fast sports car but this car cant get out of its own way. On the highway the car is all over the road the second a 5 mph. breeze blows. The car does not hold the road good at all and my wife and I feel very unsafe in it. The inside of the car is very stylish with nice gauges and switches but that just doesnt cut it.

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  fun car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By K Koepping - June 1 - 3:26 am

  We bought the Vibe as a company car. We needed a reliable vehicle with great gas mileage and lots of room to haul stuff. Its been great. When we got 39 mpg on the road last month driving between jobs we were thrilled down to the wallet. Its been a great car.

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  Rockin Red Wagon - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By cieglo - May 31 - 12:23 am

  Ive been looking at the vibe and its ever-more-numerous competitors (ZX5, Mazda3-5door, protoge5, PT Cruiser) and its Matrix twin, but all along I knew I wanted the Vibe. I drove a GT a year ago and loved it...but it took that long to find a used one all optioned-up and for a reasonable price. Now, a week later, I love it. Drives great, feels gret on the road, looks great inside and out. Even with 25,000miles on it when I bought it it looks and feels brand new. Did I mention it drives great? Everyone who sees it likes it. Ive loaded it up with gear, driven it like a race-car, hauled passengers, cranked the stereo and everything comes up smelling like roses...all good!

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  Have twins! - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By bought2nd - May 29 - 7:33 pm

  Bought a 1.8 liter in March for my wife. I liked it so much that when I found a used one on the internet, I went and bought it. Did not realize it was a 2.4 liter. Has more power that the 1.8, but fuel economy is still good (approx 27) city driving.

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  Loved it - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Martha Crawford - May 24 - 5:00 pm

  I loved my new Vibe! Great gas mileage, fun to drive, and a very versatile vehicle. Spacious interior. It would have been great for camping and biking this year. I walked away from a 40 mph front end collision with nothing more than a sore ankle (probably from jamming the breaks) and a slightly stiff neck the next day. Unfortunately, the battery leaked during the collision and the insurance adjustor totaled it out. On to find another Vibe... This car was great!