2009 Pontiac Vibe Consumer Reviews

Can't believe I drive this over my 911

Written by: Eric on 11/07/2009

Vehicle

2009 Pontiac Vibe 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I needed a second car after buying a 2006 Porsche 911S. GM was giving these Vibes away and all I needed was a basic car with decent space, room for 5, and AWD for trips to Lake Tahoe in the winter. Since I bought the Vibe, I've put 3800 miles on it, and only 500 on my Porsche. I love this Vibe. It doesn't handle particularly well, it isn't that fast, it doesn't have any luxuries, and it isn't beautiful. But, I find myself drawn to its fun, comfortable, and easy to drive nature. My friends and family make fun of me for showing up in my Vibe while my Porsche sits in the garage, but I can't help from loving this stupid Vibe.

Favorite Features

Fun to drive. XM radio. Comfortable ride.

Suggested Improvements

A 5 speed automatic would help the mediocre gas mileage on the AWD version. But then I compare it to my old Outback, my S4, and the SUVs I was considering and it doesn't feel so bad. Heated seats Rear speakers were too boomy so I faded the audio forward to fix it. Better rear quarter visibility

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Good Vibes

Written by: Ang on 10/17/2009

Vehicle

2009 Pontiac Vibe 4dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Was skeptical at first as it looked really small from the outside. My husband said "get in and try it out". Once seated in drivers seat, I was hooked. There is a lot of room in this car. I was impressed. The car has a lot of zippiness and it fun to drive. Purchasing gas is also sweet. I can go 7 days on a tank of gas (back and forth to work (60 miles a day) and tooling around town). Very impressed with that aspect. Stereo has nice sound. I like the storage system in the back of the car for shopping. Backseat is roomy for a 6' person to sit comfortably. All in all I'm very happy we purchased this vehicle when we did.

Favorite Features

Storage area in back Stability control feature Anti Theft feature Gear shift area Drink holder expansion Air bag system (like knowing that curtains will drop and surround my family)

Suggested Improvements

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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2009 Pontiac Vibe GT - great!

Written by: LJ - california on 10/13/2009

Vehicle

2009 Pontiac Vibe GT 4dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Purchased used with only 12k miles. 2.4L (toyota camry) engine and 5 speed auto/manual a great combination. This is not offered on the Toyota Matrix. GT model rims/tires are nice, but noisy on rough roads and you feel the bumps. Versatility and appearance are better than average. Handling is excellent because of full independent suspension, wide/low profile tires and sport tuned suspension. I did my research and compared to Matrix, Versa, Mazda-3 and Fit - Vibe GT model won out for best combination fuel economy, performance and SUV type features in a compact hatchback. GM warranty a plus (100K powertrain). Mileage should be around 30+ on highway.

Favorite Features

Performance with 2.4L Toyotoa engine and 5 speed auto/toggle shift - fold flat rear seats - Monsoon sound system with XM radio - Interior comfort and room - body style - handling

Suggested Improvements

Road noise on GT model - some loose parts rattle or vibrate on interior -

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Practicle

Written by: Sam H on 10/10/2009

Vehicle

2009 Pontiac Vibe 4dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This car does a little bit of every thing. I can haul a trailer, put the seats down, seat 4 adults 6 ft or taller and get good mileage. This car does it all. Pluses include room, ceiling height, get up and go, mileage and style. The biggest negative is road noise, just turn up the XM radio. 17,000 miles after a year and 2 months of ownership, just change the oil and rotate tires. MPG is 28-30 with mixed driving with quiet engine. The seats are comfortable and fit taller people well I'am 6.1 and can wear a hat.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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1.8L Auto (STYLE CHOICE NOT AVAIL ABOVE)

Written by: Bob S. on 09/30/2009

Vehicle

2009 Pontiac Vibe 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Drives much better than the Cobalt I traded in for it. Some have mentioned blind spot but I think it's much easier to see out of than the Cobalt.

Favorite Features

MPG

Suggested Improvements

At times can't see radio display...needs sun shield over it. Needs a "lock" in "DRIVE" position...don't know how many times I've knocked shifter into neutral. Would prefer another interior color option.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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1 month - 7500 miles later

Written by: Nat on 09/16/2009

Vehicle

2009 Pontiac Vibe 4dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Took my Vibe (a rebadged Toyota Matrix) in its first month of ownership on a road trip across the country after taking advantage of the Clunkers program. No major issues or squeaks and rattles have arisen yet. Have only changed the oil/filter and added fuel injector cleaner so far. Was getting a fairly consistent 30 mpg of mostly highway driving with a fully loaded car, bike hitch rack, and a codriver who doesn't know how to smoothly modulate a gas pedal. Vibe has decent midrange punch with the 2.4 to pass and get up the hills. Glad I opted for the bigger engine Overall pretty happy with my purchase as the car has been both reliable and practical. For the money this car is hard to beat

Favorite Features

- Great value - 2.4l with 5 speed auto is a good match for this car - Decent handling and comfort at this econo car price point. - Ergonomics are well thought out with telescoping steering wheel, lots of cup holders (6ish?) and usable storage areas. ie glove box can swallow an SLR camera and GPS

Suggested Improvements

- Goodyear RSA's - Why can't Pilots be an option instead? - Blind spots - small car, big blind spots. Need to get a spot mirror. - 5th door - wish the rear window lifted too as my Yakima hitch rack gets in the way. Please also add an inside door handle so I can bungee chord the lift gate down

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Great car with 1.8L Auto

Written by: toomuchcar on 09/05/2009

Vehicle

2009 Pontiac Vibe 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Bought this car for my Daughter's first car. Looked at all the competitors, and this 1.8L auto is a great balance of utility, safety, fuel efficiency and handling for the money ($1500 rebate at the time). This toyota based car has reliability and same solid drive train I enjoyed with the Toyota Corolla that traded in.

Favorite Features

Great seats, power/performance/handling/gas mileage. XM and On-star are nice.

Suggested Improvements

Needs another interior color option other than the one charcoal color.

2 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Best yet

Written by: Emil on 08/28/2009

Vehicle

2009 Pontiac Vibe 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

We drove mini-vans for years& didn't need 3rd.seat anymore.We looked at many small wagons & found the vibe superior for room for the price.Have averaged 33.4 MPG for 4200 miles- city&highway.Very quiet-no wind or road noise.Shifts smooth with plenty pep-cruises at 70 MPH with ease.Have not been back to dealer for any problems.Too bad GM is quitting one of the best cars they have had.

Favorite Features

Mileage,quick steering,design,quietness,quality

Suggested Improvements

would like to see more lumbar support

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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surprising!

Written by: soccermom09 on 08/22/2009

Vehicle

2009 Pontiac Vibe 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I bought this car 5 months ago to replace an SUV so was not sure about sitting lower to the road. I was pleasantly surprised by this Vibe. The drivers seat raises, giving me some of the height I used to enjoy. This car is just fun to drive! Pick up is great, handles well. My 17 year old loves to drive it too. I have not had a chance to try out the AWD yet, but if my current satisfaction is any measure I know I will not be slowed by any snow!

Favorite Features

Sunroof, gear shifter on console

Suggested Improvements

A bit of a blind spot that you need to be careful of. Also the back interior is not carpeted. It's easy to clean if you haul something that leaks but if you haul something like a bike or chair it is easily scratched.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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09 Go

Written by: Al on 08/05/2009

Vehicle

2009 Pontiac Vibe GT 4dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I have had this car for over a year now and have enjoy great performance at 25 MPG. Looks small but is large inside. love the self shift feature and the Monsson sound system is great. Stock tires are great in snow and rain. I have had no problems thus far- this car is basically a Toyota Matrix as it is built in same assembly plant.

Favorite Features

Performance and handling

Suggested Improvements

Maybe a power seat.

7 out 9 people found this review helpful

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