2009 Pontiac Vibe Consumer Reviews

Great Car/Great Price

Written by: RobRWA123 on 09/22/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

We've had this car for about 2 weeks now and couldn't be happier. Replaced an 03 Vibe. Obviously, we liked its predecessor, but the 09 is safer, quieter, has slightly more power w/slightly improved fuel economy, and burns cleaner. Overall ride and handling are better as well. Although hard to find, get the 1.8 L engine w/the base model; you won't need the 2.4 L. If you can, go 1 step further & get the 5-Spd manual - better MPG, feel more power, and more fun to drive.

Favorite Features

Comfort, cargo capacity, looks, value of what you get for the price. XM & OnStar. 6 airbags, Stabilitrak, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes.

Suggested Improvements

Roof rack is now only standard on the AWD model. They should have the back window lift up separately from the hatch. Only 1 power adapter and 1 A/C plug in front = only 2 toys! But the built-in XM and OnStar compensate for this somewhat.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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No Complaints

Written by: spyglass on 09/21/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I have the 1.8L with the automatic option. Some professional reviewers knock it because it isn't "fun" like a BMW or a Porsche. Well for the money the car is great. Build quality is A-1. Seating is comfortable and it can take 4 passengers a long way before any of them start to feel cramped. Bought it for our son who is 6'2" and 215 lbs (football player). He loves it. Gets great mileage. We got in the neighborhood of 34-36 mpg on the highway with the cruise control set at 70 mph. The 4sp auto tranny shifts smooth and the 1.8 engine won't win any races, but it's ideal for a car this size. Would buy it again in a heartbeat.

Favorite Features

Gas mileage, general build quality.

Suggested Improvements

Any suggestions would be nit picking.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Vibe Runs Great & Great Deal!

Written by: RobRWA123 on 09/21/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

We've had this car for about 10 days now, and love driving it. Had to search hard for the 1.8 L/5MT, but worth the waiting. For the Base model, you won't need the 2.4L engine, unless you're going to be towing something. Compared to our 03 Vibe w/AT (we gave to our daughter), this car is quieter (engine noise especially reduced, road noise only noticeable at highway speeds), has more power, is much more comfortable, much safer (more [6] airbags, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and Stabilitrak), and more fun to drive. And gets better MPG (well over 400 miles on 1st tank, gets better after break-in period)! Highly recommended; the best deal out there for a "compact" car, doesn't feel like one.

Favorite Features

"Ginormous" cargo capacity, fun to drive, ride quality, OnStar & XM, seats, everything you get for the price!

Suggested Improvements

Would like more than 1 outlet for chargers, radar detectors, Garmin's, etc.; but it does have an actual electrical outlet in front as well, so you can have 2 "toys" plugged in... AND, wish the back window on the hatch opened separately to haul longer items. Roof rack is now only standard on the AWD

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Back for more

Written by: car-mine on 09/11/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

My wife has a 2005 Vibe. Very reliable. We use it to car-top two kayaks, and I can fit my bicycle in it, with the back seats folded. It has gotten good mileage--close to 30 MPG. When I decided to get a new car for myself, I checked out the restyled 2009 Vibe and was impressed. It is much sportier looking, and the interior has been refined. The seats are firmer and more supportive. The vinyl on the dashboard and upper door panels is cloth-like in texture, and somewhat upscale. Hard to find the 1.8 liter engine with automatic, but one came through my local dealer and I snapped it up-- didn't want mileage penalty for the 2.4. The 1.8 is quite good and quieter than in the 2005.

Favorite Features

Handles very well. Steering is not sloppy, and the engine is quiet and gives good acceleration. Basic model is well-equipped. Love the new styling. Clutchless shifting option included on the automatic!

Suggested Improvements

The new two level storage console has been shrunk too much. The lower part barely holds a CD wallet that fits easily in the older style console.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Good Vibes

Written by: Skychief on 09/09/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

Very nice little car. Wonderful and fun to drive around town. Handles well. Doors close nicely. Seems to have been built with quality with good attention to detail. I'm a big guy and I fit in it just fine. It's amazingly roomy inside.

Favorite Features

MPG has been just under 30 average. I cannot complain.

Suggested Improvements

I would like it if I could turn the headlights off manually (example: when approaching a guard booth at a military installation so as not to blind the guard).

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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best buy

Written by: fact finder on 09/07/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

Vibe is Toyota Matrix twin but COST LESS,has XM radio,floor mats,stability control,and onstar at no charge [these cost extra on Toyota]also has 5 year 100,000 mile warranty, gas mileage is 2 to 4 mpg better than promised 25city/31 highway, motor and automatic transmission are extremely smooth,easy to load and unload with rear seats down, comfortable smooth ride

Favorite Features

gas mileage, xm radio, Toyota build quality, easy loading and unloading

Suggested Improvements

Needs more than 1 color interior option. Blind spot mirrors from factory, speedometer needs to be 10,20,30, etc. Instead of 10,30,50 etc. A couple places for sun glasses would be nice. 16"wheel option like Toyota

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Impressed!

Written by: Rachel on 09/03/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I traded my Impala for the Vibe and it has been a good choice. The Vibe is compact, but can still fit everything that I need to haul. I like the fuel mileage, I'm getting a little over 30 mpg with 500 miles on the Vibe. I really like the exterior of the 09 Vibe compared to previous models. I am very pleased.

Favorite Features

Exterior, mileage, and warranty

Suggested Improvements

Needs just a bit more leg room all around.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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We Love It!

Written by: howard a. on 08/06/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

The 2009 Vibe GT has exceeded every expectation we had. we average 32 mpg, we love the way it looks, it drives and handles like a much more expensive sports car. The 2.4, 4 cylinder engine has an unbelievable amount of power. The ride is comfortable and we enjoy sliding the sunroof back as we motor down the highway listening to our favorite xm station on the built in xm radio.

Favorite Features

the look, the ride, the way it handles, the stereo with xm radio

Suggested Improvements

The only negative that i have found is the expense of replacing the tires on the gt when they wear out. they cost about $200 per tire because they are 18 in. sports tires with a high speed rating and usually only last about 40,000 miles. it's just maintenance but you might want to keep it in mind.

29 out 29 people found this review helpful

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Worth every penny

Written by: Rich on 08/04/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

Needed AWD due to living in Northern New England. Vibe was cheaper than Matrix with better warranty. Paid less than invoice. Needed versatility which Vibe had. People love the way it looks. Good value with Sun and Sound Package, AWD and Convenience package.

Favorite Features

Mystic blue color is pretty funky. Looks and feels good on the road Good MPG for what it does.

Suggested Improvements

Plastic wheel covers look cheap. Alloy wheels should be standard on AWD. Remote start and navigation should have been available.

10 out 10 people found this review helpful

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Just Bought it, check engine light on

Written by: traded in 2005 vibe on 07/26/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

Well, we just drove it off the lot today, they had to do a dealer trade to get the exact car i wanted, Carbon Gray GT. It had 297 miles on it from the trip down from Akron, Oh. We have put about 50 miles on it and the check engine light is on, there was a knocking sound in the engine and the Vehicle Stabilitrack "VST" lights are on. And it's Saturday, so no maintenance until Monday!

Favorite Features

Overall new sporty look. The satellite radio, on-star, love-love-love the wheels!

Suggested Improvements

Well, at this point it's getting the check engine light to go off!

3 out 7 people found this review helpful

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