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 2006 5 speed manual - 286 000 km - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By vibe_06_5speed - February 22 - 10:01 am

  I bought this car when it had 170 000 km on it, since then (over 2 years ago) Ive put on many miles on it (now have 286 000 km). I am very satisfied with the car. I have not put ANY repairs since Ive had it other then repainting the top (little bit of rust started). I consistently get between 40 - 44 MPG (Canadian) doing mostly highway (that is about 33 - 36 US MPG). I drive conservative though, I keep it around 100 km/h on highway. I like the exterior of the vibe better then the matrix. The car has good cargo space and when you flip down the seats you get ridiculous amount of room back there, you dont know what your missing until youve had it trust me! Highly recommend!

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  I LOVE my Vibe - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Hez - February 15 - 4:53 pm

  The Vibe, by far, is the roomiest and best-riding car in its class and it is very fun to drive. Having previously driven a Suburban, surprisingly, I do NOT feel like my bottom is dragging on the ground. This car was purchased primarily for driving around town with kids in tow. There is plenty of room in the back for them being in car seats. My dog even enjoys riding in the "trunk"! For those of you who think the Vibe is comparable to the Dodge Caliber, youre thinking WRONG! I drove the Caliber and the Vibe in the same day and there is NO comparison. The fuel economy is also great. I just filled up my tank in the Vibe and calculated 26 mpg city driving in 3rd gear! (see improvements)

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  My Beautiful Lava Red Vibe - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By OmahaBob - February 5 - 4:06 pm

  Current miles = 3471. Highest MPG so far using ethanol blend = 32.6. Avg MPG so far = 28.0. I Like: • Price with rebates was good. • Good forward visibility. Easy to enter & exit. • Body is solid, not tinny. • The auto trans is geared well to accommodate small engine; Smooth shifting. • Great utility. • MPG is good, but not great. • I love the handling and easy, quick steering. Comfortable to drive. • I like the anchored front floormats Dislike: • With sunglasses on, can’t see whats on clock/radio screen. With the car in “park” it’s difficult to adjust A/C controls. These are minor. • With the A/C on at 75-80 MPH, it automatically downshifts on some hills and hits 4400 RPM.

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  Great Fun! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By aesmith - February 4 - 10:00 am

  This car is alot of fun to drive. It is quite a bit roomier than it looks from the outside. The fact that the entir rear of the car turns into one large cargo area is probably the best feature. As far as performance goes, it would be hard to find a car that performs better in a small, tight, and fun to drive package.

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  FUN CAR - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By MUSIK - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE HAD THE CAR 30 DAYS AND I LOVE IT. IT RIDES WELL, HAS GOOD ALL AROUND VISIBILITY. SOME OF THE FEATURES, LIKE THE COVERS INSIDE HATCH WHERE THE LIGHTS ARE COULD BE BETTER QUALITY AND THE STORAGE DRAWER IN FRONT IS TACKY. THE 115 VOLT PLUG IS A GOOD IDEA. IT WILL BE GREAT FOR HAULING LIGHT THINGS LIKE BICYCLES. THE FOLD DOWN SEATS ARE GREAT TOO. SUN ROOF TILTS OR OPENS! I THINK I PAID TOO MUCH THOUGH! WHO CARES YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE

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  200,000 without major repair - 2008 Pontiac Vibe
  By Ray - January 16 - 3:02 pm

  Acceleration is not great, but not bad. Road holding is great. Just turned 200,000 miles without major repairs, mostly brakes and 2 recalls.

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  Best of all worlds - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Carcully - January 14 - 10:13 am

  We recently sold our 2003 Honda Odyssey, and replaced it with a 2004 Vibe. Im thrilled with our choice. We have two young children, but really didnt want to drove a large van around any longer, partly because of rising gas prices, and also because the van became a holding ground for extra items we really didnt need to be using. The Vibe is perfect for us. It still has the ability to haul things if needed, has a decent-sized back seat for a small car, but has much improved gas mileage, ease of handling and parking, and is equally as comfortable. It is also a sharp looking car, and it sits you up nicely for a good view of the road. If something ever happened to mine, Id buy another!

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  What a great big little car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By sdr728 - January 12 - 10:00 am

  With my moving and all the little things involved with a new house, this car has bee great! On at least three different occasions I have had the seats down and the car loaded to the roof with stuff. Yet in my daily commute I get high thirties and even a 40MPG on occassion! This car is exactly what I was looking for!

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  What a Value! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By JGG - January 12 - 10:00 am

  I just love my Pontiac Vibe it is fun to drive, safe and versatile. The appearance is clean and the interior standard features allow the driver and passengers to travel in comfort. The fuel economy is great I am experiencing on average 30 plus miles per gallon combined city/highway and it improves when the ambient temperatures moderate. I live in Central Texas were the temperatures approach and exceed 100 degrees frequently. Great Car! I plan on buying one for my daughter when she begins to drive!

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  05 vibe - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Steve s - January 12 - 10:00 am

  I love this car it has great styling and drives like an expensive european auto. I traded a Acura for my vibe and the features you get vs. price cant be beat