Used Pontiac Vibe Ratings
Getting firsthand information from an actual car owner is one sure way to get an idea of car performance once it leaves the lot. Autobytel features real consumer reviews that give the unbiased experience of a car.
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2005 Pontiac Vibe - Base FWD
Pros: gas mpg, and roomy front and rear seating.
Cons: can't think of any
Advice: get automatic transmission and monotone paint
i was surprised with the smooth ride and handling. the height adjustment of driver seat was a winner with my short wife. she can sit up higher and still reach the pedals with much comfort without the steering wheel in her chest. very little outside wind noise. takes curves with awesome response. after purchasing one for new years 2003, my wife took it over after one day of driving and told me to go get my own vibe. so i did. we had purchased two vibes 5 days apart and don't regret it one bit. the storage capability is absolutely fantastic. my 14 year old son wants one for his first car. i don't worry about a parking space, i just zip in and zip out just about anywhere. i love my sunroof and 200w stereo system. i have the shadow grey, my wife has the salsa red. -
2005 Pontiac Vibe - Base FWD
Pros: Manual shift! And daytime running lights.
Cons: Cheesy plastic in the cargo area
Advice: Get one!
I've been a VW man for years, but recently dropped the timing chain on my used '98 Passat (90K mi., $9500 damage). Meanwhile I was fighting emission issues on my increasingly unreliable backup, a '96 Jetta (190K mi.). Looked at new VW's. They have priced themselves out of my league. I had researched the Vibe and drove a GT a few months ago. The GT engine required too many RPMs and I found it jumpy, but otherwise liked the car. With car rental fees now draining my wallet, I set out to find a 5-Speed Vibe. I have a friend who works at GM, so I was eligible for the “Friends & Family In The Driveway” program. This allows you to start your purchase at the published dealer invoice price, yet still be eligible for rebates ($1500) and programs like the “Conquest” program, which gives $1000 off if you are not currently a GM owner. I chose a Pontiac dealer, explained my situation, and had them search for the car I wanted. What I ended up with was the base Vibe, 5-Speed, Power Package, monocolor, and, because it was already on the car, the smoking package. (You get a cigarette lighter instead of the power outlet cap, and a cup-like ashtray in the drink holder.) Price was around 15, 800. The saleslady was great and the whole thing was done with very little hassle. So far, I love the car. The red and white dashboard is very legible, and it matches the Salsa red metallic color. The manual shift is very smooth, and the engine has plenty of power and not a lot of noise. The car is a little noisy in the back like all wagons. A cargo mat will dampen this some. The car handles very well, like the Jetta did when it was new…a little stiff for some tastes, but I like to feel the road. To me, the car looks great. The doors have a solid feel, unlike the tin can feel of the Focus or Corrolla. A few minor items. I tried to get the mudflaps for it, but was told that due to the redesign of the front end, the ones they sell no longer fit on the front wheel wells. You would think the would have worked that out by now and offer ones that do. The dealer did not seem to be aware of a cargo mat option. Apparently there is one in Canada, at least. There are 3rd party ones available. Some of the interior is a little chintzy, but maybe not any more than other cars in this price range. Since I drive at least 70 miles a day for work, I need a car that is comfortable and reliable. I am hoping the Vibe will fit the bill. -
2004 Pontiac Vibe - AWD
Pros: The Moon and Tunes package-the 6 cd changer is awesome and the AWD is great in the snow!
Cons: Cupholders-one is too small for oversized drinks or drink bottles also if you think you want to race someone from a stoplight.....forget it.
Advice: If you are looking for an affordable, great looking and performing car....this is the one for you
I purchased a 2004 Vibe AWD model with the Moon and Tunes package. The comfort level of this vehicle is phenomenal. The seats just hug your body and it is comfortable for long trips. I was surprised that the people riding in the back seat did not complain of too little of legroom-they all rode comfortably. The stereo system is spectacular! And all the storage is a necessity for someone on the go all the time! -
2003 Pontiac Vibe - Base FWD
Pros: Power outlets for rechargers
Cons: Interior noise (not much-but present)
Advice: Get ABS & 17' tires
Has some pep; Nice steady ride; Decent room; Good on gas: COOL CAR!!! -
2004 Pontiac Vibe - AWD
Pros: Keyless entrry and the moons and toon package
Cons: The cupholders on the console.
Advice: Get the rear cargo mat and nets!
I looked at the 2004 Subaru Forester, 2004 Honda CRV, and the 2004 Vibe AWD. After comparing all the features and prices, I settled on the Vibe AWD with all three option packages. For the price, the fully loaded Vibe looked the best value for my money. I was a little leary of its 123 HP rating. However, it has much more pep then you are led to believe from the articles You read. When I picked it up from the dealer, I had to drive it 26 miles back to New York City. I was pleasently surprised by its handeling and performance in rush hour traffic. This is a very roomy and versitle vehicle. The only thing I would improve is the layout and size of the cup holders on the center console. They should be bigger and layed out side by side instead of front to back. A power adjustable driver seat would also be nice -
2003 Pontiac Vibe - Base FWD
Pros: I gotta say it would be the moon roof. open that on a hot day and it cools down real fast
Cons: the automatic daytime running lights. the sensor is in the most inappropriate place.
Advice: for a 4 cylinder this car is pretty gutsy. NEVER had aproblem in snow. It even handled better then my old suv which was a 4x4. this car is front wheel drive.
I loved it I was at the dealership looking at 2 used cars, they asked if I wanted to take the Vibe for a test drive so I figured what could it hurt. I loved it as soon as I pulled away. I signed the papers as soon as thetest drive was over and took the car home with me that day. -
2003 Pontiac Vibe - Base FWD
Pros: Household power outlet.
Cons: In dash turn signal light too bright.
Advice: AWD version underpowered. Base vehicle best value.
Supberb on gas. Good roadholding on corners and very stable on highway. Fold down passenger seatback gives great flexibility. Passenger seatbelt reminder light most annoying especially at night (when something is placed on seat). Removing cross bars on roof rack reduces wind noise.