Pontiac Vibe Review

2009 Pontiac Vibe Station Wagon

Of all the compact cars that have worn Pontiac badges over the last couple decades, the Pontiac Vibe is likely the best of the bunch. Smart packaging is what makes this small wagon desirable, as the Vibe combines clean styling, a roomy interior and exceptional utility under one roof with an affordable price tag. A peppy powertrain is another welcome feature. The fact that the Vibe also gets above-average fuel economy and has a solid reputation for quality only adds to its appeal among budget-minded consumers.

There have been two generations of the Pontiac Vibe. Both are distinct in appearance without looking overdone and resemble a sporty four-door hatchback rather than a frumpy station wagon. In terms of function, the Vibe's backseat can comfortably accommodate children in bulky car seats or even adults. Behind the backseat, there's a spacious cargo hold, and if you have more gear than passengers, the rear seats fold down to provide a useful loading area.

However you configure it, the Pontiac Vibe offers a lot of functionality for not a lot of money and is, for most buyers, an attractive alternative to SUV ownership.

Current Pontiac Vibe

The second-generation Pontiac Vibe debuted for the 2009 model year. A corporate twin of the Toyota Matrix, the Pontiac Vibe is built at the NUMMI plant, a joint GM-Toyota facility in Fremont, California. What this means to buyers is that the Vibe has reliable Toyota genes and will likely provide years of dependable service. The Vibe is treated to unique exterior styling, however, as well as a different set of trim levels and options.

Pontiac sells this compact wagon in base, AWD and GT trim levels. Base Vibe models are front-wheel-drive only and have a 1.8-liter 132-horsepower four-cylinder engine and a torsion-beam rear suspension. AWD models have -- you guessed it -- all-wheel drive, as well as an independent rear suspension and an upgraded 2.4-liter four that's good for 158 hp. The sporty, front-wheel-drive GT has the more powerful 2.4-liter engine along with the independent rear suspension.

All models come standard with a five-speed manual transmission except for the AWD model, which can only be equipped with a four-speed automatic. A five-speed automatic is optional on the GT, while the four-speed automatic can be added to base models. Base Vibes can also be equipped with the 2.4-liter engine at extra cost, in which case the five-speed automatic replaces the four-speed on the options list.

Acceleration is sluggish in the base Vibe but peppy otherwise, especially in the GT, which isn't 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 is a bit anachronistic for a new model, though the five-speed automatic is a satisfactory unit. Handling is capable in all trims and even somewhat entertaining in GT models.

Inside, the Pontiac Vibe features simple and intuitive gauges and controls. Build quality is good, with most of the interior bits and pieces sourced from Toyota. Thanks to the Vibe's elevated roof line, there's plenty of room for passengers. In the safety department, the Vibe comes standard with antilock disc brakes, OnStar, stability control and a full complement of airbags.

Overall, our editors are fans of this joint effort from Pontiac and Toyota. With its combination of utility, efficiency, American aesthetics and Japanese quality, the Vibe should appeal to a wide range of efficiency-minded consumers who want to be able to haul both passengers and cargo in style without breaking the bank in the process.

Past 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 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.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.