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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Pontiac Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
By forestpilot - April 8 - 10:00 amI drive numerous cars as rental cars while traveling for work. After driving a Vibe, I was impressed with its ergonomics and performance for an automobile its size. When I later discovered its gas mileage, I was sold. I am getting 33mpg with a combination of city/highway driving, and this with an automatic transmission! With the current trend in gas prices, this is no small factor. The price is another big selling point, few cars that I researched can offer the same level of features and utility for anywhere near this price.
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Gerat Car! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
By Iheartmyvibe - April 5 - 12:00 amI purchased the car second hand, and Ive only had it for a few months so far. Ive only had to replace a sensor for the heater (inexpensive). It drives well, great gas mileage and it is fun to drive. It seems like a very reliable car.
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Overall OK, but a few Kinks - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
By Ginger Leigh - March 25 - 1:10 pmThough Ive owned over fifteen used cars in my life, this was the first new car I bought. I bought it because it was half-Toyota, yet it had an all- American name. Overall, Im satisfied with it. Many people have commented on stylin it is. I like the interior features (the electric outlet, the many small storage compartments) and the old-school Pontiac style dashboard, lighted red at night. However, I dont care for the style of the rear-end, and Ive had minor electrical problems (battery, sunroof, the interior map light). Also, the pick-up is kind of slow. Interested? Get the GT, all possible options, and definately get the extended warranty -- GMs warranty STINKS!
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not too bad - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
By iag1 - March 20 - 3:10 pmMy first car was a Lexus , so i am basically downgrading my ride to a more economical car that is a hatchback with a GM brand but with better safety features. The ride is actually pretty smooth but i sure miss the powerful engine. The cabin is pretty quiet and roomy. It doesnt feel like a small car at all.But the rear view needs work.It has blind spots.it needs bigger side mirror like the Scion. I had a bad experience after the sale was done, the dealer is not cooperative in canceling the extras I signed for.
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Good MPG - Piece of Garbage - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
By Hank Smith - March 18 - 8:33 pmI should have run far far away. The day I bought my base model 2006 Vibe we drive it off the lot and within 10 miles the engine overheats and spills coolant all over the place..needless to say we took it back to the dealer and they graciously exchanged it for another. So for about 20,000 it has been a good little car and then today it dies on me and I have to have it towed to the dealer. I am not real happy. 18 months and this little piece of crap leaves me stranded on the highway. I thought I was buying Toyota quality but its just another California bulit pile of garbage. Depending on what is wrong with this car I am going to buy a Honda. I hate this car.
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Love it!! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
By moneypenny - March 15 - 6:20 pmI love this car. It was love at first sight. I did not even drive it before I signed the papers. I drove a plain silver one but had to have the orange one.
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Best car ever! - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
By babyteach58 - March 7 - 1:26 pmI love this car! I read reviews before I bought it and was very impressed. I bought my 06 Vibe to replace my 03 Dodge Neon. I was shocked at how much better the gas milage is! It has everything I want in a car. It is bigger inside than it looks. I love the room in the back seat and the seats are very comfortable. Cargo room is better than expected. The only problem I had mechanically is the torque converter needed replacing last year but it was still under warranty. I drive it daily 45 minutes each way to work and back and am excited to take it on my first long trip in 2 weeks (680 miles one way) Too bad it has been discontinued. I will buy them until they cant be found anymore!
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Great toyota motor - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
By Sonny - March 4 - 11:50 pmGreat car for several reasons fuel, all weather driving and just fun to drive
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surprising! - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
By soccermom09 - March 2 - 12:03 amI bought this car 5 months ago to replace an SUV so was not sure about sitting lower to the road. I was pleasantly surprised by this Vibe. The drivers seat raises, giving me some of the height I used to enjoy. This car is just fun to drive! Pick up is great, handles well. My 17 year old loves to drive it too. I have not had a chance to try out the AWD yet, but if my current satisfaction is any measure I know I will not be slowed by any snow!
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NICE CAR - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
By VHAPPY - March 1 - 10:00 amI HAVE 11,000 MILES OF ENJOYABLE NO PROBLEM MILES. THE GAS MILEAGE IS GREAT AND COMFORT IS EXCELENT. HORSEPOWER IS O.K. MORE HORSEPOWER LESS MILEAGE. ILL TAKE LESS HORSEPOWER. I LOVE THE AGGRESIVE STYLING. LOVE THE CAR.
