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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Fun car...quality build - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
By joe mc - May 20 - 10:00 amOnly 500 miles, but already I love it. Easy to get in and out of. Moonroof and tunes package is great. Corners well, and ABS brakes. Trunk area is easy to access with no lip to lift over. Day time running lights and automatic headlights. All of this with a Toyota engine and transmission.
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Outstanding Value, a Few Minor Issues - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
By bill - May 11 - 11:33 pmIve owned my very fun-to-drive Vibe GT for ~2 weeks and so far I love it, although I agree with others that there are a few things that it could use improvements which keep it from being a 10. I love the styling compared to its competitors (much cooler looks compared to Versa, Matrix, Fit, 10 Mazda3[what did they do to this cars front end?]). I love the value; it has everything you need a few great extras, and you can get a loaded GT for ~$19K if you shop around (again better than the competition). Nice standard extras are Monsoon w/ XM radio, OnStar, steering wheel controls, leather accents, ABS, traction, 18" alloys. Also love the cargo versatility of the hatchback.
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A Dream to drive! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
By Beth - May 6 - 10:00 amThis is a great car. I keep finding things that I love about it. Moonroof, hidden power supply, 115-volt outlet. The elevated seats make visibility great, and there is lots of room for backseat passengers. Though one must make frequent trips for gasoline due to the 12 gallon tank, it is a dream to drive, and makes you look forward to your next trip. Very comfortable and versatile with tons of room for everything youll take with you (including roof rack if you cant fit everything inside!).
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Great Value - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
By Opnun - April 30 - 6:20 amThis car has been a great buy! Purchased new. After one year of ownership, absolutely no problems (especially related to the accelerator recall). Have performed all regular maintenance, taken several long trips (1000+ miles) and the car has performed flawlessly. I am 62" and have plenty of room and dont feel beat up after a long trip. Love the extras that I couldnt find on a comparative Honda Fit, including Onstar, XM radio, traction control, AC Power plug, and spacious interior for a compact wagon. 2.4 liter engine is great for quick acceleration. Have gotten up to 35 mpg on highway at 70 mph. Deals were so good at the time, I wish I had bought two!
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21 yr. old gal loves her vibe! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
By 21&LoveMyVibe - April 28 - 6:36 pmThe lease on my 2001 Nissan Sentra SE was up and I wanted a car that was fun to drive, look at, and also reliable. I wanted an SUV but I felt as though I was driving a truck in most of them. I then saw how many types of these "mini SUV/wagon" things were out. I narrowed my choices down to the Toyota Matrix (not enough pep, and too noisy, looks kinda cheap next to my vibe) & mazda 3 5 dr. (not really a good lease deal). I was about to give up on finding a car I loved when I decided to pull into Pontiac. I saw the VIBE in the show room, test drove it, and bought it that same day! Everyone at the college I attend has given me compliments. The vibe is so fun to drive and look at, perfect car!
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Luv my Vibe! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
By SusanDL - April 24 - 2:00 amI generally dont like smaller vehicles and have owned larger trucks and SUVs for years. Decided I dont need all that room and gas going out the tailpipe, so looked into smaller SUVs. Many are so-so on gas mileage, so started researching these "crossover" vehicles and discovered the Vibe. Went right out, test drove it, loved it and bought one on the spot!!
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Very good car - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
By snoey - April 20 - 8:03 pmI went from a Grand Prix to the Vibe. I wanted better gas mileage (which I got) but plenty of storage room. Overall I love the vehicle. Im averaging 30 miles to the gallon and think it could get better. There are 3 things that I miss from the Grand Prix that I think Pontiac should make standard: stereo controls on the steering wheel, power drivers-side seats, and the radio that stays on even after you shut the car off (until you open the door). I am surprised at how much I miss those features.
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Fun! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
By H888 - April 19 - 10:00 amThis car makes running errands fun! Just bought it and the next day took a 400 mile trip. Great on gas, handled well.
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Lots of car for the money - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
By GotVibe - April 13 - 10:00 amJust got the last 2004 off the local lot and am very impressed based on the first 1000 miles. Great looks, good handling, lots of room, nice options packages, and great gas mileage (avg 33 ist. A true bargain with incentives on the remaining 2004s if you can still find them.
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Feel the Vibe! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
By jacksmom - April 8 - 10:00 amLove my Vibe. I was a little unsure at first and it wasnt really my first choice, but once I took it for a test drive I loved it. It just fit. Runs and drives smooth. Excellent for a 4 cylinder. Really has LOTS of room for hauling. I managed to fit (all in boxes) 2 desks, 2 filing cabinets and 2 office chairs in the back with the seats down.
