Used 2005 Pontiac Vibe Wagon Consumer Reviews
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Most reliable vehicle in the world!
I am extremely happy to announce that my vibe just hit the 300,000 miles mark and still running. I have driving this car around the country all the way to New Mexico and back with barely little maintenance. If you can find this vehicle get it! I promise you will not regret getting this vehicle!
Wonderful car
Bought this car new based on research into cars that got good mileage. We are extremely happy with it. Current mileage is about 65000 and the car has been dead reliable. It has a five-speed and since teaching my daughter to drive stick I now have to fight her for the car when I need it. Great fun to drive, loads of room for cargo. The only negatives are esthetics. It's not terribly comfortable on long drives and the low profile tires are extremely noisy especially on freeway expansion joints. Now that Pontiac is gone, I would buy a Toyota Matrix without hesitation.
- Base WagonMSRP: $7,54514 mi away
- Base WagonMSRP: $2,990394 mi away
- Base WagonMSRP: $3,495577 mi away
Always there
I'm sad to say, that my Vibe AWD was totaled a few weeks ago when someone ran into me. The 2005 Vibe AWD was in my family since coming off the production line. We kept up with regular maintenance, and can only remember it being in the shop once for a rear output bearing leaking. The vehicle was great, and very very dependable(toyota powertrain). It lacked some pep when getting on the highway, but other than that handled great. I remember taking it through two foot of snow, and well... it made it without getting stuck. I'll miss the car. I most likely won't look to buy another one, because I felt the interior was put together a little cheaply.
So- So vibe
I have mixed feelings about my Vibe because there are a lot of good that go with owning a vibe...gas mileage, lots of storage, comfortable. But the things I don't like about my Vibe are....air cond./ heater are very weak, doesn't have a lot of power, Rear vision is poor. I would definitely take these things into consideration.
I just love my vibe
I am a private "eye" and I travel over a large portion of the Midwest. Since buying this car I have been continually surprised at the pep it has and the fuel economy. It just glides down the road like the other " Big Guys ". I have been impressed with it's comfort, roadability, and it's handling. I'm a big guy and I fit in it like a glove. My only "gripe" would be the fact that there is a lot of plastic in the interior and it makes it more noisy than I would like. Other than that I'm a really happy camper when it comes to the VIBE. !!!!
Room to Spare-Love it!
I love my Vibe. The drop down seat and cargo capacity is wonderful and leaves people asking "What kind of car it this?" It handled extremely well last year in the Denver snowstorms and never got stuck. The fuel economy is great - I am getting about 32 miles per gallon highway. The overdrive is also great and the car is comfortable.
Love both of them
Wife bought first one in 05 new. Liked it enough bought a second one, used, in 09. The used one cost as much as the new one. Hers now has 50K, mine is 73K. Only repairs to either was a warranty replacement of power brake booster at 2K, and a set of tires at 30K, debris from road construction. Have topped 36.5 mpg on I-77, and normally get 29-30 mpg in town. Only complaints are the location of the radio antenna and that it is hard to read the instruments during the day. I use the cruise a lot, because it likes to run fast. Had it up to 94 once to keep up with traffic, and still had plenty of pedal left. I think it could easily top 110. Very stable at all speeds.
BEST car I could have bought used!
I bought my 2005 Vibe used at around 95,000 miles. I have had it two years and now it is at around 150,000 miles. I drive frequently for my job and transport children so this car is perfect for me and has NEVER let me down. Besides regular maintenance, I've had one actual repair (plastic casing around a/c vent was rattling) and one optional upgrade (I decided to get a new radio installed because the factory model has no bluetooth/aux capability). Besides that it handles great, amazing MPG, and I am genuinely looking forward to driving this thing until the engine bottoms out at 400,000. And it was a fairly inexpensive used car at $8000!
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Best value car ever
I purchased my vibe used with 100,000 miles due to the Toyota drive train. I now have 361,000 miles and still drive it 100-200 miles a day for work. Good gas mileage, I average 32 mpg no matter how I drive it. It has required very little repair. Mostly routine maintenance, oil, tires, brakes, etc. Did replace front wheel bearings and the alternator, but parts are cheap and it is reasonably easy to work on. It does leak a little oil, a few drops overnight, but who cares it has over 361,000 miles.The car is very versatile, back seats fold flat for a large cargo area. Its extremely practical, and economical. Most reliable car I have ever owned
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Solid, Reliable, Affordable
We've had our Vibe for 5 years, and my wife drives it primarily around to & from work. The AWD is marvelous in the winter on packed snow & ice; much better than simply a front wheel drive vehicle. Mechanically, it's solid. Interior is adequate for 4 adults, or 2 adults & 3 kids. I'm 6'2" and I have plenty of headroom and leg room. The 4 cylinder engine has to work going up hills when in cruise, but the transmission shifts down and maintains speed. Still, I can't complain when we still get 25-28 mpg on the road with an AWD. It's a great package for the price, especially if you do winter driving.
160,000 and Counting!
I bought my Vibe as a mgr special. It had 3k miles on it. The car is great (I did research on Edmunds.com before finalizing my decision) and so versatile! One time we had to drive over 1200 late at night to go "rescue" my mom and dad, and since I had just worked all day- my husband put a blow up mattress in the back and I slept the whole way! The only problems I have had with it is the interior lighting system inside is not totally working correctly. The drivers seat is not the most comfortable for going long distances (I've gone some long distances in this car!), but overall...it's been a great car for me!
Zippy Vibe
I found the standard Vibe with automatic transmission to be very zippy around town as well as the freeway. City fuel milage varies from 24 to 29mpg depending on traffic and stop lights. I like the wide wheelbase and the way it hugs the road and the curves reminisant of the 60's, a Pontiac trait. Ilove this Vibe as it passes the gas stations, not like other vehicles that outweigh it and waste's fuel. The Vibe is an all around zippy fun vehicle; its the answer to todays gas prices. I look forward to driving the Vibe to Monterey, and up to Oregon, and Washington, i know it will get looks and stares, it always does.
I Think I'm in Love
It is awesome!! It is so fun and cute! At first I wasn't too crazy about the looks of it. But, we test drove and looked at everything. This was just more practical! I love furniture and this car is just as roomy as a little truck when it comes to hauling stuff home. I am 5'3 and it fits me to a tee, my hubby is 6'1 and he Loves it! Gas mileage is great now that is is $4 a gallon. It is fun to drive and roomy, the back seat can comfortably seat 2 adults. I love this car, I call it my little go-cart, the motor is a little loud and the steering wheel gives it the sporty feel, it is so fun!
Thoughts after a year of ownership
I admit I was a little uneasy at first downsizing from our large sedan to a compact auto but rising fuel costs and poor reliability of the sedan forced our hand. Well any misgivings have vanished. WE LOVE THIS MACHINE! Great handling (love the AWD in our snowy NY winters), good gas mileage for a AWD (average of 31 with the top mileage @ 36 on the open road, around 26-28 intown) and most of all flawless reliability of this sistership to the Toyota Matrix. Although the ride is a little bumpy compared to the pillowy ride of our sedan it is amazing how we can drive this car 14 hours to the Myrtle beach without tiring. The car is sufficiently peppy in power although don't challenge any Hemi's!
My opinions after 9 months of ownership
Style-AWD wagon Overall a very nice car that fits our needs perfectly. The cargo area is very useful for hauling 50# bags of horse feed, camping and fishing gear,groceries,etc.AWD really comes in handy in the winter. we live in the mountains of PA.and the roads are not very level or straight around here. During our 1st snow storm this past winter, I just had to take it out to see how well it run in the snow. No problem! Roads were snow covered, but never spun a wheel going uphill or from a stop. Handled very well on curves and going downhill. It just wouldn't slide with the anti-lock brakes. Very good gas mileage. Many useful interior features. Don't like buzzy engine noise.
The Vibe
I purchased my Vibe with 24000 miles about nine years ago. I now have about 129000 miles and its still going strong. It still averages around 24-27 in city and 30-33 miles mpg on the highway.
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600perweek
Only have had reg maintence and two two calls(1 was PCM). Not single other problem and now have 240 K on it. Starting to show suspension weakness after putting 500lbs of brick in the back. Should have no problem getting 300K,knock on wood Hit 300K+ . Started leaking oil 2 qts per 3000miles at about 290K, havent found leak yet. Check engine light stays on with trans code but trans acts fine. Shangrila soon.
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Love my vibe!!
130,000 miles and still going strong!!!! I bought this car with 32,000 miles on it and have never had any big issues except A/C quit getting cold to which I took it in and no one could find a leak but after having a/c charged 3x and a/c only lasting a couple days there must be a leak somewhere but Ive chosen to live without it at this point. I've used this car for sooooo many things, hauling just about anything I could fit in it (cake deliveries, landscaping materials, home improvement materials, furniture ect...). Hoping to see 200,000 miles or more on this baby, still looks in great shape!! Oh i usually get 33mph highway :)
Great Car!!!!!
I use this website alot when purchasing used cars, so I thought I should contriburte. We purchased our 05 Vibe in July of 09 with 100,000 miles and have absolutely loved it! Unfortunately we got in an accident and the car was totaled. Definitely looking for another. The transmission was auto.
feel the vibe
The interior of this car has a rugged type design. It is fun to drive.
awsome car!
I was looking at the 06' vibe and found that I could get more for my money by getting an 05' even if it was used. This car drives wonderfully for me, although my only thing aganst it is that part of the roof rack was stolen off my car and it was way to easy for the person to take it (all they needed was a flat head screw driver) and now I can't find the part to replace it and the dealership said that we can "talk" about it.
The only one for me!
I purchased my Vibe just over 4 years ago and it has never let me down. I live in North Central Nebraska so we get harsh winters and The Vibe has always got me to my work which is 25 miles down the highway. It currently has 249,500 miles on it and I've only had the oil changed, new brakes and tires and I have had to replace the headlights but that is it and it shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. I wish these cars were still in production. I am getting ready to buy a 2010 model and I hope it is just as reliable. Update: I now have 258,000 miles on my Vibe I hady to put in a new blower motor and have the heater core flushed. It cost me just under $500 other than that she's still going strong.
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Still Going!
Though this car is only an '05, it has many hard miles on it. It just hit 145k. Never had it to the dealership, never a problem! Just normal things you have to maintain. Still has original battery. Had brakes replaced last summer. Hit a deer and help up VERY well, hardly could notice any damage. I love this car. It's unreal what you can pack into this thing! Nice storage areas inside, lots of space and very roomy & comfy! The fold down flat seats make it nice for putting just about anything in it. I think it's a very sharp looking car. Had it over a year before I actually realized it was a station wagon. Mine is a 5spd and gets great gas mileage. 145k & still going strong!
I'll buy six more given the chance
I cannot say enough good things about my 05 vibe, as a mechanic I'm dumbfounded at the lack of work I've had to do given the amount of miles put on this vehicle, during ownership at every 5,000 km it has received a full Lucas synthetic oil change with Napa Gold filters, an inspection done by myself every oil change, a set of plugs every 15,000 km, air and cabin filters changed as needed. I bought my Vibe in 2014 (Now Jan 2023) under a rebuilt title for $1,200 Canadian at the time it had approximately 115,000km on it. The car now sits at I figure 378,000km (probably a little bit short the odometer is on these vehicles get stuck at 299,999), in the time I've owned it I have done all the work myself and it's as follows in order of work, 1 battery a blue top Optima same day I bought the vehicle and a trans flush, 2016 all new calipers, rotors and pads, 2016 I gave the car to my wife as she had been in a not at fault accident and it wrote hers off I purchased a new vehicle, also received a transmission flush, 2019 hit a deer at high speed and replace the hood, driver side fender, bumper cover and driver's headlight, 2019 it got a new thermostat (the thermostat did not fail the radiator cap did and a piece of the cap went through the coolant system and got lodged in the thermostat holding it open), 2020 hit yet another deer was able to straighten the hood required driver side fender and another light, received a transmission flush, 2021 almost hit a deer but ended up hitting a concrete divider instead required bumper cover replacement, 2022 before a big trip we got a full inspection and passed with flying colors, sent in for an alignment required none even after the crashes, during the trip the driver's side caliper seized I replaced it in the Walmart parking lot, 2022 new radiator, radiator cap and both hoses. The car over the course of the years has developed a tick from the lifters during cold starts in the winter but goes away very quickly, still doesn't leak or burn a single drop of oil, fuel mileage continues to be phenomenal despite fuel prices, the interior is cloth has held up to extensive abuse and always cleans up surprisingly well, I don't know if mine was magical or not but it is hands down out of the dozens of vehicles I've owned been the cheapest to drive and maintain of all of them, it has never once broken down or failed to start, my wife is what I call an aggressive driver and the car takes all of it on the chin and doesn't flinch, I do believe my airbags to be faulty or not hooked up after the rebuild because they have not gone off despite several crashes although the crashes did not result in sudden stops or damage to the crumple zones so it's possible that they just haven't received enough force to deploy. If you're looking at these reviews and thinking about buying one of these if it is under 200,000 km I would say do it as long as you know it's been taken care of, my only tip is transmission flushes are important because the transmission dying in one of these is kind of an end-all if I had the choice I'd buy another one with a five-speed in a second. Also if you didn't know this is actually a Toyota Matrix it's been rebadged under Pontiac which explains a lot I guess!
Excellent Car
I've been driving Corolla's for the last 5 years and 2 months ago I replaced by 2000 Corolla with a 2005 Vibe, I have to say I'm very happy with this car, it's small from the outside yet roomy on the inside, I'm 6'-5" and have no issues setting in this car, traction is very good, fuel economy is very good too. I highly recommend this car to anybody, it's a proof that GM can build good cars if they want to!!!
210,000
Other than tires, regular engine & transmission oil changes, brakes, shocks/struts, a couple of batteries, & replacing the catalytic converter (which I did myself for $ 350 for a stainless steel system), I've never had any mechanical issues...no water pump, alternator, A/C, transmission, etc. The LEDs on the stereo started fading around 140,000 miles, but I got used to it and haven't replaced the dash unit 'cause it still plays great. One dang dependable, economical, multi-use versatile vehicle.
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It Doesn't Get Better with Age
I purchased this car new and put about 8500 miles a year on it. It isn't a bad car with lots a major mechanical problems but it just isn't a great car. The radio face shows up in red and can't be seen very well during the daylight hours. Also had LED light go out on radio. GM wanted $350 to replace so went to Best Buys and got by cheaper. I also use a pillow on the console armrest as it is too low for arm to fit comfortably without leaning to the right.
Great Car
I have had mine almost 4 years, bought with 40K, now 90k.. Amazing, only thing replaced was brakes. I live in Colorado, drive up mtn passes all the time.. plenty of power and great in the snow (not sure what the other person was saying down below).. typically get 30 mpg in mixed driving, close to 40 on the hwy only. Its so much bigger than it looks, can put my mtn bike inside without taking off the front wheel. I like the clearance as well, helps in the snow and offroad
Great Family Car
We have had this car for 3 1/2 years. We have kept pretty good care of it with oil changes every 3000 miles. Transmission fluid tends to run dark, not sure if this is a common problem with Vibes. No major repairs. We did have a computer replaced recently (at 82,000) after the check engine light came on. That cost us $600. Glad it wasn't a transmission problem because they can run about $3000 in this car. The car has lots of room for our family of four and being that it is a 4 cylinder it gets great gas mileage (32 mpg freeway) for a car its size.
PCM
I had the Power control Module replaced in May 2010 and when I questioned the recall that just came out, I was advised that I should not have paid for the PCM since it was under a warranty put in place by the government and I received a full refund. Check into it if you have also had the PCM replaced and your Vibe is not over 8 years old
Good car - Good value
Our '05 Vibe is a nice little car. Gas mileage, so far, has been good (about 30 mpg in town). No mechancial or body problems after 3500 miles. The interior is nice and seats are comfortable, but many of the interior surfaces are hard and cheap feeling. The hard arm rests are not too comfortable. Ride and handling is good in the city and on the highway/expressway. Overall, it is a good car for the money spent.
Still running
I bought my car about 8 years agago. It was used and had about 65000 miles. Now its about to hit 250,000 miles and still runs fantastic. Doesnt have the tech upgrades of recent cars but thats it. Best car ive owned and its saved me alot of cash.
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A good choice
I just got my new Vibe after selling my Prizm. It is great! At this time with gas over $2, this was the only one that give reasonable mileage and the nice SUV feel. The Toyota engineering makes it an easy pick and this has the better styling than Matrix.Of course I got tons of incentives too, making it a bang for the buck. Lots of cool features. I love the cluster gauges and lighting. Really nice looking and practical interior. I can't really complain about the power because my prizm was about the same range. This seems to have good handling. Only concern I have at this time is - the suspension seems to be rigid. My Prizm handled bumps much much better. Overall, it makes you a proud owner!
2005 VIBE
Fun car and economical. I traded a full size Dodge club cab to save on gas. The vibe gets over three times the milage of my old truck. It has plenty of power for everyday driving and some fun too. The shifter is a little stiff and it goes into 2nd and 3rd gear somewhat hard. Quick shifts occasionally end up in gear grinding. The vibe will save you money over the matrix with dealer incentives that toyota does not offer. Plus its styling is better that the matrix's.
My fav car
I purchased the vibe a few months ago. I totally loved the toyota matrix and then I realized the vibe is very similar and much more affordable.
Best car I've owned
We bought our '05 brand new in Dec. '04 and owned it until '16. We put 320,000km on it in that time (~200,000 miles?). It was the most reliable car ever. I did the brake pads once, and chanced the fluids on schedule according to the owner's manual. New tires when needed. Once we had to spend $150 on a bit of an exhaust issue (needed a piece of exhaust pipe replaced. That's it. Sure, you aren't going to win races with one, but who cares? Good gas mileage and reliability. Good enough for me! In 2016 we sold it (and I still see it on the road from time to time) and bought a 2010 with 20,000km on it. It's been just as good for us. In 2019/20 we took it on a 10000 mile camping trip through the US and Mexico towing a 13' camping trailer. It performed admirably. Update 2022: still driving the 2010 Vibe regularly with no issues.
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Two Bales of alfalfa
The Vibe has a lot of storage space. I like the fact that it can fit five people, and the fact that I can put down the back seats and fit two bales of alfafa in the back. The hard plastic in the back makes it easy to sweep. The only thing I do not like is the five speed manual transmission has some weakness at aroung 200.,000, but maybe my expectations are two high. I get more than 40 mpg if I drive 55 mph, and 33 combined if I drive faster.
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Vibbin'
I just got my new 2005 Pontiac Vibe today and I have fallen in love! The size is perfect for a first car and I have done much research on this car and it seems to be fairly cheap on gas and to maintain! Plus for me since I am only 19! I absolutely love the look of this car! The only this I would change about the interior is get a new radio whit an aux cord, since I like to listen to music through my phone. But other then that, the inside of the car is in mint condition, even being 10 years old! There is a lot of run and it runs great! Buying my Pontiac at 182,000 it's defiantly still running great! The only complaint I have is that once I hit 60 mph on the highway, the steering wheel was shaking. Could this just be a tire issue? Does anyone have or had this problem? Getting this checked out today and will update post once problem is fixed!
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Daily Driver's - Own 2004 and 2005 AWD's
Traded an Audi Allroad for the 2004, had it since 2010, 200000+ miles, other than regular maintenance, routine lubricant/oil changes and minor parts replacement i.e. serpentine belt, intake gasket, pads/rotors, tires, rear bearing, etc.... still running like new in Michigan snow. Bought 2005 used in 2011, I have no Idea how many miles on it, but like the 2004, just do routine maintenance based on months, not on milage, runs great. Both paid for, and insurance is relatively inexpensive, so it's a win-win. Sure interior is a little cheaply made, more road and engine noise than desirable, stock radio is garbage, annoying high revving when engine is cold...overall, never lets us down. And since I take care of these, I know who worked on them and what was done to them so I can sleep at night. If you can find one in good shape, it's worth the value.
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Oil Leaker
Could be a nice economical vehicle. Reliability & depentability awful. Purchased in 12/2004 in shop four times for the same OIL LEAK. We only have 1350 miles on vehicle. Dealrship can not guarantee vehicle is repaired. GM will not honor Lemon Law. Being given the run around as dealer will write up the same repair different ways. Forced to contact product liability attorneys. As a loyal GM customer to sum this up in one word Disappointing. Will no longer purchase GM vehicles.
Best value car you can have
After test drive 05 Vibe and impressed by the handling and the roomy wagon space, I sold my 2003 Toyota Camry and applied my $3000 GM rebate to purchase Vibe without hesitation. Vibe helps me complete lots of small home improvement projects. Also serves as a commute car for my two little daughters. Ave mpg I got is ~29 from city drive. Using 89 grade gas constantly provide 5 to 10% of gas mileage improvement.
Best car in the nation
Gas mileage is unbelievable. 11 gallon tank. The car is very roomy can carry a small sized couch.
Family Safe Car
This the first car I am actually comfortable driving my children around in. My children are my most valuable treasure and we found a reliable and economical family car.
What a nice lil car...
In a nutshell, the Vibe has performed as well as I expected it to. Two years, 90K miles and no mechanical issues yet; however, the original Continental tires didn't make it pass 20K and the original paint job is the worst I've ever experienced. But, the lil car is averaging about 34/35 mpg on the highway. The ride is not so bad, perhaps a lil loud and a lil slow on the initial pickup or for passing, but enough. Seats are firm and comfortable. And, I'm sure I could mention lots of other things. Overall, I am pleased with it for what I bought it for: a comfortable, affordable, practical and easy on the gas lil commuting vehicle (I commute 150 a day)...
A very nice ride
This is my second Vibe. I upgraded to the GT because I wanted more power and versatility with 6 speeds. I was not disappointed. I am getting 35+ mpg hwy, and about 30 in the city, which greatly exceeds my expectations (and EPA ratings). What a great car, and fun to drive!
2005 Vibe
Bought this a year ago for gas mileage. I am a mom with two small children and a husband that stands 6'4", and we go everywhere together in this. Very roomy. Husband can get in and out easily. Child seats fit. And I can fit $500 worth of groceries in cargo area. I drove a big SUV and loved it, but hated gas mileage. Now I save the SUV for vacations, and make my car payment with the money I save. I am a stay at home mom who is never at home. I put 30,000 miles on my Vibe last year, and I don't know how I would have been able to afford the gas if I was driving the SUV. We love this car.
Loving The Vibe!
I've had my Vibe for about six months now, and loved every minute of it! I have three dogs, and love to hike and camp, and the Vibe is perfect! Lots of space, easy to clean up, and fun to drive! Great gas mileage from the car makes the 30 minute commute to and from work less stressful, and the interior design makes any trip a joy. I'm not worried about my family growing, either, seeing as how every part of the vehicle is easily accesible and easy to clean. I might make my next vehicle a Vibe (with a manual transmission this time
I was Wowwed!
By looking at the car from afar, I was not impressed. But when I got in it and drove it, I was Wowwed! I love it, its alot of fun, great mileage, easy to handle, and a great looking small car.
a great car
Ii traded in my suv for the vibe. It's fun to drive with plenty of pep without sacrificing gas mileage. We travel with big dogs and camp often. There is plenty of room for everthing including 2 extra adult passengers. The best mileage I have recorded was 39 miles to the gallon! Normally I get at least 36 on the road. I have absolutely no complaints with this car. It is perfect.
Vibe
My Vibe has to be the best investment I have ever made in a vehicle. I cannot say enough about this car. I have not had to take it to the dealership for any repairs or adjustments. It just performs beautifully.