2009 Pontiac Vibe Review
2009 Pontiac Vibe Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Roomy backseat, comfortable ride, versatile cargo area, peppy performance, generous standard safety features, reliable Toyota powertrain.
Cons
- Lackluster acceleration in base model with automatic, Toyota's version is likely to have better resale value.
What’s new
The 2009 Pontiac Vibe receives a complete makeover. The result is a more stylish, better-performing compact sport wagon.
Edmunds says
The 2009 Pontiac Vibe remains a smart choice for an affordable, practical and sporty compact wagon.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2009 Pontiac Vibe 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$146/mo for Vibe Base
Vibe Base
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
In the past, small wagons were practical and affordable and not much more. If you wanted driving excitement, you were pretty much out of luck. The Pontiac Vibe, however, was one of the first entries in a new class of tall, compact sport wagons to change all that. Sure, it had the practical parts covered via an elevated driving position, remarkable passenger room, a versatile cargo area and impressive fuel economy. But it also had sporty styling, respectable performance and a cool-looking interior.
Once again a semi-identical twin to the Toyota Matrix, the redesigned-for-2009 Pontiac Vibe shares the Toyota's interior and mechanical components -- a genealogy that promises long-term reliability and durability. Unlike the identical cabins (furnished by Toyota), the exterior styling is unique to each model, with the Pontiac retaining its trademark dual grille theme. Pontiac says the steering and suspension were also specifically tuned for the Vibe.
In addition to the new styling, the '09 Vibe (available in base, AWD and GT trims) brings a new engine for all but the base trim. Replacing the high-revving but ill-suited 1.8-liter engine in previous GTs is a torquey 2.4-liter four-cylinder. It's the same one that's used in the Toyota Camry and Scion xB and is perfect in the real world for cut-and-thrust city traffic and freeway merging. The previous base-level 1.8-liter inline-4 carries over, though it's been heavily updated to provide a bit more power. All-wheel drive is available again, as well.
Other changes this year include a full complement of standard safety features and a newly standard telescoping steering wheel. Combined with increased front seat track travel, the new Vibe promises a more comfortable driving position for a greater range of body types. The interior retrains its driver-oriented layout and design, though now updated with easier-to-use controls, better materials and improved fit and finish.
If you're shopping for a small wagon or hatchback, there are more choices than ever, including the Chevrolet HHR, Mazda 3, Subaru Impreza and Scion xB. They share many of the Vibe's attributes, most notably an impressive amount of passenger/cargo space within a small footprint. The Chevy boasts cool retro styling and an available high-performance SS variant, the Mazda is known for its sporty handling and the boxy Scion has edgy youth appeal and the most interior space. If you don't dig the Vibe's styling vibe but appreciate its other attributes, Toyota's near-identical Matrix may fit your fancy. But the 2009 Pontiac Vibe makes no apologies here. With its peppy performance, solid handling, low price and high level of practicality, the Vibe is a smart choice.
Performance & mpg
The base 2009 Pontiac Vibe is powered by a 1.8-liter 132-horsepower four-cylinder engine. All other trims feature a 2.4-liter four with 158 hp. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on all but the AWD, which comes with a four-speed automatic. The latter is optional on the base Vibe, while the 1SB and the GT offer an available five-speed automatic.
With the smaller engine coupled to the manual gearbox, acceleration is respectable as long as you don't mind winding the engine up past 4,000 rpm. The new 2.4-liter delivers solid, useful throttle response off idle and through the midrange, and the engine revs smoothly and quietly. With the 2.4, the run to 60 mph is estimated at around 8 seconds, about average in its class.
Safety
The Vibe comes with antilock disc brakes, OnStar, stability control and a full complement of airbags (front-seat side and full-length side curtain).
Driving
Through the turns, the 2009 Pontiac Vibe (especially in AWD and GT form with their sport suspensions) is responsive and composed, if not quite as entertaining as the decidedly sporty Mazda 3. Body roll is minimal, steering is nicely weighted and turn-in is fairly crisp. A supple ride makes the Vibe a good companion whether handling commuting duty or road tripping, and freeway cruising is unstrained at higher speeds.
Interior
All displays and controls are simple and intuitive, including those for the often-used climate control and audio systems. Build quality is also very good, with most of the interior bits and pieces sourced from Toyota. Thanks to the Vibe's tall architecture, there's plenty of room for passengers. The rear seat is split 60/40 and all but the base trim feature a flat-folding front passenger seat to allow long items to be carried inside. Max cargo capacity is 49.4 cubic feet, which is about mid-pack in the segment. All trims but the base also feature a rear cargo organizer that's handy for holding grocery bags upright and secure.
2009 Pontiac Vibe models
The 2009 Pontiac Vibe is a compact four-door hatchback/wagon that essentially comes in two trim levels: base and GT, though the base can also be had with all-wheel drive (AWD).
The base Vibe features include 16-inch wheels, a four-speaker audio system (with satellite radio, a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack) and a tilt/telescoping steering column. Most buyers will probably want the base with the 1SB package, which adds a more powerful engine, a rear cargo organizer and a fold-flat front passenger seat. The AWD version adds all-wheel drive, sport suspension (with independent rear setup), a luggage rack and air-conditioning. The GT is outfitted like the AWD minus the all-wheel drive and adds a rear spoiler, 18-inch alloy wheels, an upgraded 320-watt audio system with MP3 playback, full power accessories, cruise control, keyless entry, leather/cloth sport seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel (with audio controls) and shift knob.
For all but the GT there is the available Preferred Package, which provides full power accessories, cruise control and keyless entry. A Sun and Sound package is available for the two middle trims and includes a sunroof, the GT's audio system and the leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. À la carte options for the lower trims include air-conditioning, the rear cargo organizer and an anti-theft system.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2009 Pontiac Vibe.
5 star(77%)
4 star(19%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
161 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
2009 Vibe 1.8 automatic
brisan, 11/20/2014
2009 Pontiac Vibe 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
I bought this car with 8000 miles on it and put on an additional 60,000 miles before it was totalled out in a crash with a 4 wheel drive pickup truck. We were driving almost 50 mph when the truck turned into us from the turn lane. We hit drivers side bumpers and came to an instant stop. My wife and I were banged up and bruised but able to walk away. We found out it had 4 and 5 stars in … crash tests. We loved this car and got between 32 and 36 mpg depending on driving habits and time of the year. We never had a single problem with it and are now in the process of finding another one to purchase.
4 out of 5 stars
Great little car
George Dossett, 11/09/2015
2009 Pontiac Vibe GT 4dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Very reliable. Found many good condition cars with 200k miles.
4 out of 5 stars
This car does everything well (almost)
Daniel C, 07/11/2018
2009 Pontiac Vibe 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
This car is a real looker. It's what the Kia Soul should have looked like, if the Soul were a hatchback as in a normal, not boxy car. The engine is great, starter is quiet for an economy car. This model was equipped with GM's auto-crank technology (flick the key to start and release, the starter will keep cranking until the engine catches.) It's the Toyota 1.8 from the Corolla and it's … excellent in this car. Great match to the automatic 4 speed transmission. Easier to get into and out of than lower slung cars. XM radio and stability control are nice touches, although I've tried to provoke the VSC and it seems to kick in a little late (this could be due to Pontiac's marketing of a "sporting" demeanor.) They put an actual 115 volt household outlet in the car too, although there is a cutoff point to how many watts the plugged in object can be. The outlet will shut down if the limit is exceeded. A good driving position for tall people still leaves your feet a little closer to the pedals than you'll really be comfortable with, but, minor issue. Handling is stable but not sport worthy. The ride can best be described as firm but not punishing, well controlled. Climate controls are Toyota and very easy to figure out. Lots of cupholders and storage space. There's even (flimsy) cup holders in the back and storage space under the trunk floor (it's not much space though). Cargo space is good and expandable to one back seat down, both and even the front passenger seat folds if needed. Overall a great driving car for what it is. 4 speed automatic transmission shifts VERY smoothly. if it doesn't something's wrong. Keep up on the maintenance and repairs and this car will run forever. I did the normal maintenance (update 1-15-21), and have not done any unexpected repairs, replaced shocks and brakes (normal wear/tear), and the car has been very good to me. Road and engine noise are not the best, but hey it's an economy car. The VSC computer has a feature, where if it senses you are rolling downhill and if you apply more than a certain amount of pressure on the brakes, the transmission will actually downshift to keep your speed in check. Nice feature.
5 out of 5 stars
MyVibeGT
Greg, 07/01/2018
2009 Pontiac Vibe GT 4dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Just about the best car I have ever owned! Best things: Super reliable, Toyota sibling but with Pontiac styling. At 170,000 still going strong. Peppy acceleration, great handling, awesome sound system, 30+MPG Hwy. Worst things: Ride is stiff, seats somewhat uncomfortable for long trips. Engine vibration, I think I need new motor mounts. Wish they still made them, I'd but another one … today!
2009 Vibe Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $16,100 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 28 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $146/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 20.1 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Vibe include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintAcceptable
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