Good Vibe-Ratings!

Author's Rating:

Pros: Affordable, Comfortable, Efficient & Fun!

Cons: Acceleration Stutter, Daylight Gauge Reading, Un-cold A/C

The Bottom Line: 
Pontiac Vibe offers a sporty, affordable, functional vehicle that's easy on the eyes and the environment. Turn on engine, turn up the tunes, open the roof...OFF YOU GO!!!

Author's Review
2006 UPDATE: I still love my Vibe. I have had zero problems with it and I continue to be thankful for the 30+ MPG on the highway. The best features continue to be gas mileage, still handles solid like new, and other than oil changes and tire rotations it is low maintenence. All gadgets work great, and I am happy with the durability of the upholstery. The only drawbacks have been that I have had to change my windshield wipers about 4 times, I think it might be something about the HUGE windshield. My CD player did break which was fine because I put one of those IPod compatible systems in. I am also dissappointed that they saved the subwoofer for the 2006 models. I *thought* I had a great sound system... When I look at buying again in about 5 years, I will seriously consider buying another Vibe!

Do you spend half your week at the gas pump? Do you feel inexplicable pangs of guilt when figuring your miles per gallon? Do you yearn for functionality, without sacrificing the FUN? I did too.

Then, like an oasis, the Pontiac Vibe (and the Toyota Matrix) appeared.

First, let me explain why I mention the Matrix. Pontiac and Toyota teamed up to create one engine and chassis with their own exterior styling. Essentially they are the same vehicle, and even priced similarly especially when you consider base model and optional features. I test drove both, they drive the same, the inside offers the same degree of comfort and design, and ultimately it comes down to three "little things" that led me to my decision to purchase the Vibe over the Matrix.

1. Friendlier sales representative at the Pontiac dealer.
2. MOON AND TUNES
3. Personal preference for Pontiac design.

Two things that may have won me over if not for the rude salesman at Toyota would have included the 5 year warranty over Pontiac's 3, and also the tradition of Toyota's trade-in reputation. But what a difference a cooperative, friendly sales person will make.

OK, now about this fantastic little Pontiac Vibe.

If you are looking for a vehicle to get you to work & back, or maybe to take a trip or two in, the base model engine will get you by. Vibe's base automatic engine accelerates fine, although a pinch more power might draw in a bigger buying market. There is also a GT model which features an 180hp manual transmission, and an All Wheel Drive model that offers 123 HP. To summarize, the base Vibe is fully capable of highway speeds and quick moves in the city. Driving 80mph is no great challenge, and you won't notice the Vibe rattling because it can't handle the speed. However, if you have the need to drag race with Firebirds on the cruising strip, the Vibe may not be for you.

Since I'm coming off a big downer of a ride in the Chevy Blazer, my comments on the Vibe may be construed as giddy enlightenment. Until driving my Vibe, I always felt bogged down with my Blazer's inability to handle curves, to stop quickly, and to absorb the shock of the smallest pothole. The Pontiac Vibe is truly designed to handle all of these normal tasks efficiently & effectively. Somehow, the Vibe sucks up the G-force when driving, even accelerating on tightly-curved highway entrance ramps. With the Vibe, I can respond quickly to avoid running over squirrels without physically feeling a ton of inertia flow through my right braking foot. (With ABS breaks optional, I feel extra safe even in slick conditions) And best of all, the Vibe does not force you as a person to manually participate in shock absorption by morphing, leaning and hanging on to whatever you can grab to avoid tipping over. A Vibe driver will never have to warn passengers of turbulence.

A Vibe owner will also never have to remind passengers to fasten their seatbelts. Pontiac thought of everything when they even included a flashing reminder, conveniently, on the passenger side! (Who'd a thunk it?) From now on, it’s the passenger's responsibility to fasten her own seatbelt for safety.

Although that seatbelt reminder might seem trivial to some, its just one example of how the interior of the Pontiac Vibe was truly designed with complete empathy for those who drive and ride along. The Vibe is one of few vehicles that recognizes the hassle of carrying a variety of power adapters, so has included a standard two prong power outlet for you to plug in your cell, laptop, or hairdryer. (Remember not to use any of those appliances until you are in a stopped position!!!)

All power controls are easily accessible. Lifelong GM owners will need some time for adjustment to lock and window controls, as in my opinion they are more Toyota-like than Pontiac. The windshield wiper/washer level may also require a bit of a learning period. One lever controls both the front wipers/washer and a back wiper/washer, and the desired interval speed for both. The cruise control lever is also a new design for GM, and a new experience for me. Be sure you study the function of that lever before you want to use it.

The Pontiac Vibe is filled with features, gadgets, and conveniences. Starting with the cockpit, the driver enjoys access to a variety of conveniently placed storage compartments. There is middle compartment that splits into two levels, the lower, deeper level is ideal for CD storage, while the separate opening, upper level is great for storing your pack of chewing gum. There is a nice little storage space to the left of the steering wheel, and plenty of space in the glove compartment. One kind of odd storage space exists below the shifter, and is not incredibly accessible especially when you have drinks in the holders. But I figure an awkward use of space is better than not using it at all.

The back seat of the Pontiac Vibe also has access to a pull-out cup holder. Even tall folks in the back seat can enjoy full leg and head room and a little room to stretch out side to side. When the seats are up, there is plenty of cargo space in the rear area and Pontiac includes a cargo cover so you can still hide holiday presents from loved ones.

If you need to haul things rather than people, then the back seats (and the front passenger seat) can be lowered with little effort. (To offer you 54.1 cubic feet of space.) The seats are split 60/40 rather than 50/50 like many vehicles, so if you need to haul people AND things, the option is there. I have read many mixed reviews about the hard plastic cover on the backs of the seats and the rear cargo space. On the one hand, it’s great to not worry much about your dog drooling or tracking mud on the interior. On the other hand, your dog will slide around a lot because of the slippery surface. It would be great if Pontiac could invent some kind of transformable feature where you could enjoy the best of both worlds.

Overall interior comfort in the Vibe is excellent. Although it seems to contradict, the seats are firm, yet cushy. The seats in my Vibe are not power controlled, but they do allow me to adjust for legroom, recline, and height. One of my favorite features, (again, one of the "little things) is a panel-like foot rest that gives your left foot a place to rest that is symmetrical with your right foot when on the accelerator. I am willing to even suggest that some of my back pain has decreased since driving with this particular feature.

Although taste in vehicles is subjective, I love the look of the interior and Exterior of the Pontiac Vibe. My one complaint is that the red gauges on the dash are difficult to see during times of intense sunshine. However, the interior is ultimately filled with fresh, current nuances like chrome accents, metallic control panel, and in my Vibe, a charcoal gray upholstery that I anticipate will wear well. (You can also get a lighter gray, which also seems neutral enough to last a while.) The upholstery is also made of a seemingly durable material, comparable to tightly woven, mesh back-pack material. It’s not plushy, but it’s soft enough to the touch.

The outside of the Vibe comes in two different styles. For a more rugged look, you can get the two tone appearance that sports a gray plastic lower trim that for me, reeks of the Pontiac Aztec. Since I prefer a more refined, sleek look to a vehicle, I opted for the $300 monotone appearance package. Pontiac offers several attractive color options, mine being Salsa, and other favorites including Neptune & Abyss. Gray, Silver, and what I call "Slime Green" is also available.

Plenty of options and add-ons are also available in the Vibe. You can get a variety of cargo storage compartments, a laptop desk, seat back storage...the list goes on. The option that was a must for me was the "Moon & Tunes" package. A good sound system is essential for me, so the 200 Watt CD/FM Stereo system was a must. Pontiac automatically packages the sound with a moon roof, and appears to offer you a small discount for the assumption that you want this feature. A moon roof was not important to me when purchasing, but now that I have it, I find it fun, easy to work, and am not sure how I survived without it!

Finally, one of the most inviting features for me, especially after driving a Blazer, was gas mileage and environmental friendliness. I don't profess to know much about emissions, other than the Vibe is rated very well. I do know about gas mileage, since it translates into dollars out of my pocketbook. So far, I typically get 28 miles to the gallon. During times when gas averages about $1.50, my monthly savings has been outstanding. Not to mention the fact that I just feel better about not burning so much fuel!

Driving the Vibe is just plain fun. If you're looking for a vehicle with functionality, possibility, and affordability, go out and test drive a Pontiac Vibe and see what you think. I know I've selected the right car when I wake up in the morning and look forward to driving to work. Turn on engine, turn up tunes, open the roof...OFF I GO!!!