Pontiac Vibe

Pontiac Vibe at a glance

The Vibe was created to combine the practicality of a small MPV with the size and running costs of a compact car. It was the last car built on the GM–Toyota S-body, and its Toyota engineering gave it a reputation for reliability. Pontiac's story is told in the history of Pontiac, and other Pontiacs, from the Pontiac Firebird to the Pontiac GTO, are in the Pontiac catalogue.

First generation (2003–2008 model years)

The Vibe was unveiled in November 2001 and shown at the Detroit Auto Show in 2002, and production started in January 2002. It was sold in three main versions: the base model with a manual or automatic gearbox, the AWD model with an automatic only, and the sporty GT with a six-speed manual. The GT used Toyota's high-revving 2ZZ-GE engine with variable valve lift. Engines were paired with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, while the GT had a six-speed manual. Later SAE testing standards lowered the ratings slightly. The GT and AWD versions were dropped for 2007.

The cabin was practical: the rear seats fold flat without removing the cushions, the front passenger seat folds forward to carry long items, there are many hooks and shelves, and storage under the cargo floor holds a first-aid kit and other equipment. A 115-volt household power outlet was offered for electrical devices.

Second generation (2009–2010 model years)

The second Vibe debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show in December 2007 and went on sale in early 2008. It had a more dynamic body with sharper lines, Pontiac's split grille and optional 17- and 18-inch wheels. Inside, the redesigned dashboard had sporty instruments with red illumination, polished aluminium trim and soft-touch plastics, and the GT added leather for the seats, steering wheel and gear lever. Active front head restraints were fitted.

The engines use a timing chain designed to last well beyond 100,000 km. Standard equipment included air conditioning, cruise control, power windows and mirrors, ABS and traction control.

Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix

The Vibe and Matrix share their platform, engines and most of their structure, but they were styled and built separately. The Vibe was assembled at NUMMI in California with Pontiac's own front end, grille and lights, while the Matrix was built in Canada with Toyota styling. Equipment and trim names also differed. The Japanese-market Toyota Voltz showed how close the two were: it combined the Vibe's exterior with the Matrix's interior. After the Vibe ended in 2009, the Matrix stayed in production for several more years, so many mechanical parts remain easy to find.

Dimensions and cargo

Sales and the end of the Vibe

US sales reached 56,922 in 2003 and peaked at 64,271 in 2005, when another 11,363 were sold in Canada. In Japan, Toyota sold the car as the right-hand-drive Toyota Voltz from July 2002 to March 2004, with Vibe styling and Matrix interior, but sales totalled only just over 10,000. In April 2009 General Motors announced the end of the Vibe as part of winding down the Pontiac brand, and the last car left the NUMMI line on 17 August 2009, when the plant closed. US sales in 2009 were still 33,842. The Canadian-built Toyota Matrix continued for several more years.

Rivals: how the Vibe compares

The Vibe competed with compact hatchbacks and small MPVs such as the Toyota Matrix, Mazda3 and Ford Focus. Its strengths are a practical and flexible interior, Toyota reliability and running gear, decent handling and the option of all-wheel drive; owners criticised noise insulation, the loud engine at high revs, modest low-speed torque and a firm ride. For larger SUVs of the period, see the Hyundai Santa Fe.