Used 2003 Pontiac Vibe Consumer Reviews
Meets All Requirements
When looking to purchase a vehicle to replace a full size truck, I was interested in a smaller car w/ AWD, fuel economy, dependability, and satisfactory crash test results. The Pontiac Vibe satisfied all the requirements. My '93 AWD Vibe gets over 30 mi/gal. The 123HP of the 1.8 liter engine in the AWD model is a bit underpowered but, being a joint venture w/ Toyota (see Toyota Matrix), I expect the powertrain to be dependable. The crash results were better than any other car of it's size. The comfortable and spacious interior and stylish exterior finalized my decision.
How To Get Toyota Performance in A GM Product, Better Styling & All on a Solid Frame
I bought this for my 6'3" husband to commute from MD to D.C., brand new in 2003 - Trying to figure out how to please a guy, who drove a Camaro for years, but, who only believes in paying for GTO (Gas, Tires & Oil) & is a bad owner (I take care of scheduling all reg. maintenance on our cars), I knew that this would be a perfect choice. Lowest Cost of Ownership, ever! A $1K Ox Sensor, Cat Converter & Exhaust was needed by 150K Miles & just dropped her off for her first Clutch & Full Assembly & 2nd-Ever Tune-up with an Odometer Reading of 241K Miles, which will be $1500-$1600. My Mechanic stated that it has a Supra Engine & I have to tell you, it handles like an Dream Fast, Fun, Smooth & Solid
- Base WagonMSRP: $4,99583 mi away
- Base WagonMSRP: $3,995285 mi away
- Base WagonMSRP: $4,995410 mi away
No fun in mountains, MPG false
We got the AWD Vibe to take to the mountains but it is way underpowered and the AWD version doesn't come in manual transmission to help. Transmission actually feels like it slips when going up long hill, feels like someone has rear ended the car. Also we get about 22 MPG, Hwy or city. Other than that, the car is fine, roomy, I really like the air vents as they fully close.
True Long-Distance Driving
I worked for a firm that leased a couple of different vehicles one of which was the VIBE. I was due a new vehicle and chose to try the Vibe since it seemed to be a mini SUV wagon. The vehicle was the best vehicle I ever was issued. No breakdowns, always reliable sturdy, and "quick" dispite the under- powered engine (should be larger 4 cyl or 6 cyl) Only issue was starting from the line, no pep and you need some distance to enter a busy fast highway. However, using it on the streets of NYC I never had a problem. The only issue I had was the interior design, window opener locations, lack of rear seat heading, Air conditioning ports seemd sloppily designed. I recommend it for all.
Good Car - 163,000 miles
I bought my Vibe new in January '03, and it has been very reliable. I was horrified at first, when I leaned against the front fender, and it caved in like a paper bag, but the drivetrain is pure Toyota. I had a sensor replaced at around 100K for around $100, but that's it. I changed the hoses and serpentine belt, and flushed the radiator at around 80K, but that's it. My check engine light and airbag light are on, but it still runs great. It doesn't heat up until highway speed, so I think the thermostat is sticking. I am 6'3 and 275#, but I fit fine. My family of 4, and our luggage got 33mpg @ 80mph when the car was new!