Used 2010 Pontiac Vibe Consumer Reviews
Vibe does it all very well!
I have the 1.8 L Base model. It was inexpensive. I average better then 33 mpg with mixed city/hgwy driving. It's also comfy and roomy. People comment on its good looks. Good stereo, AC, and cargo area. It also pulls my 1200 lb boat package. This vehicle suits all of my driving needs, and does it quite well. I have been thrilled and very happy with it.
Excellent
I was researching a 2005-2007 Vibe and one could not be found that did not have extremely high miles. That should have told me something. I purchased my Vibe on 05/03/08 and absolutely love it. It is very fun to drive and handles great.
- GT 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $8,995212 mi away
- Base 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $4,600238 mi away
- Base 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $4,500369 mi away
What a car
I bought the 2009 Vibe with 1.8 liter engine and 4-speed automatic transmission. The power is sufficient and the gas mileage is excellent. The engine does not feel strained and remains quiet even at speeds above 80 mph. On the exterior, the Vibe is somewhat better looking than its sister, the Toyota Matrix. The interior is ergonomic, comfortable and well designed.
Great Car but has a few flaws
Pros: Toyota Engine -Great gas mileage -Sporty look Cons: Noise every time you go from park to drive and start to move. It is the anti-lock breaks kicking in. Drove three others. Same thing. Dealer said it was not designed very well because you could hear it kicking in. - XM radio cuts song title information off. I had XM 5 years ago and my radio could display the entire song. Cuts it off even if you switch to non-flashing mode and have to push info button. Bad design! - Doors make a slight vibrating noise when closing them. Again tried 3 others and same thing. Body design flaw - Little noises coming from the dash area even when driving on a smooth highway or road
I love this car
I had an 05 Vibe that I loved, but had to trade-in after accident. The 09 Vibe has everything I loved about my 05 Vibe, and more! The Stereo is excellent, the handling and power is awesome; too awesome, I got a speeding ticket before I hit 1000 miles on the car. I like the standard roof rack; the new cup holders are perfect, and I like the fact that the cargo area has anti-slide strips. Also a nice addition is the recessed cargo hooks. It's a fantastic car for the price!
Nice cat
Rides a bit stiff. Mile per gallon highway only 27, possible maintenance needed? Spacious interior. Responsive handling
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Not just a city car
Purchased my Vibe one day and set out on a 2000 km journey the next and was very impressed with the ride and handling. Completing mostly highway driving the 2.4 L engine has lot of power and is able to cruise along comfortably at above average highway speeds. For a small car the gas mileage is not overly great and is better compared to a small SUV than a car of equal size. However, if the Vibe is going to be used for highway driving the bigger engine provides lot of power for passing and merging into traffic. One real benefit of this vehicle is that it is able to handle unpaved roads very well and the traction control is an added asset when coming upon loose gravel.
Back to the Vibe
I originally had a 2003 Vibe and got almost 5 good years out of it before trading it in for a G6. When searching for a second car this summer I tried to avoid looking at another Vibe, wanting to try something new, but I couldn't help it and realized that the 2009 Vibe is definitely that something new I was looking for. Once driving a GT I realized it had everything my 2003 lacked, especially power. Driving a lot of highway miles the difference in the upgrade to the 2.4L auto 5-speed is quite noticeable. I love the feel and comfort, along with the safety. I am definitely glad I invested in a Vibe once again.
2009 Vibe Versatile and Practical
Purchased car end of May and have driven about 260 miles. Good mileage about 28 mpg with 50% city and 50% highway. Should improve with break in. 5 speed automatic shifts smoothly and 2.4 engine has plenty of pep. Comfortable and smooth ride.Would recommend. Vibe seemed to run smoother than its twin the Toyota Matrix and was priced better.
1 yr, 26000 miles - Nice Car
I waited for the AWD to return in 2009, and am happy I did. Nice, tight steering, it has more pickup than my 6 cyl Stratus, & the AWD plows through snow like a champ. Lots of cargo space and super-versatile layout. I can fit almost anything that would have fit in my Blazer. CONS: I wish the Vibe offered more options. In this day and age, its crazy that you cant get power seats even if you want them! Like others, I noticed the chippy paint, but thought it was due to living on a rocky dirt road. Also, everyone is raving about the milage- its ok, but I think a car of this size could do better. Overall, I LOVE it! This is a great car for the money and I would happily buy another.
A Versatile Fun Car
I've only had this car for 2 weeks. It's so much fun to drive, and handles like a much more expensive vehicle. The ride is quiet and smooth, and the 2.4 engine provides more than enough power. The interior seems spacious and all the controls are in easy access. The interior uses alot of plastic, however it does not look or appear cheap. The seats are very comfortable in the front and rear, and the cargo space is incredible when the rear seats are folded down. The A/C blows nice and cold which is a plus, since I live in Florida. I wanted the upgraded radio, but mine has the base radio, however it sounds great. I've driven in some very heavy rain, and this car was terrific! GREAT CAR!!!
2009 Pontiac Vibe
I have just purchased a new 2009 Vibe with optional auto/manual shift package, 17 chrome rims/rear spoiler, and other little misc. options as well. The car is definitely worth its weight in gold, I traded in my 2003 Grand Am, and am very impressed that Pontiac has stuck with the great responsive, sport like steering. The car overall has great body lines, interior is comfortable, and the fold down rear seats including the passenger are a great feature. The overall pick-up response of the car is very impressive, especially in manual mode where you can get the few extra RPM's when wanting to get that "race feel." Overall, you can feel the great quality everytime you get behind the wheel.
Love that engine!
My previous vehicle was a 2005 Pontiac Vibe and did not have any problems with it whatsoever, however due to the new safety features, new look, and the excellent 2.4 L engine, I traded it in for a new 2009 Vibe GT. Drove the vehicle to and from North Carolina two days after purchasing it and averaged 30 miles to the gallon. I love the pep of the engine and it's just a fun car to drive!
Bye Bye SUV
After looking for a replacement for my wife's SUV. I chose the 2009 AWD Vibe over the Subaru Impreza. The sunroof was not available in the Subaru which we desired. We also liked the plastic flat floor when the seats were down. Since the drive train is Toyota in the Vibe we new reliability should not be an issue. Add the XM radio and OnStar into the mix and the value seemed to be much better. So far my wife loves the car. We can't wait to see how the AWD does this winter.
Last of the breed
We purchased the 1.8L with optional Auto tranny. We went with the Vibe over a Scion XD for many reasons. Better looks, better interior, way more comfortable, seats go up/down, tilt/telescope wheel, more room, larger cargo area, similar mpg, still a Toyota basically so equally reliable, and the GM warranty beats the Toyota/Scion one. 1.8L Auto has plenty of juice for us, we're not aggressive drivers but it has get up and go when needed. We like the tight suspension and steering which takes bumps surprisingly well. Not many 1.8L's left around, lots of 2.4L's and AWD's though. We Didn't want to trade mpg for the extra power.
09 Vibe 5m
I'm delighted with the car. Smooth ride. Easy, light operation of clutch and shifter. Geared so I can get into 5th at 40 or 45, which is economical for my city driving but may explain why EPA highway is only 32. IP attractive and easy to read but I wish speedometer numbers were by 10s not 20s. Pleased to find the 1.8 engine quite adequate.
2009 pontiac vibe
We like our new vibe because of it's ease of getting around in traffic and parking. We like the mileage we are getting but feel it could do better with a 5-speed trans. But Pontiac chose not to offer it on awd model. We bought chrome wheels which turned out to be just plastic wrapped chrome that chips and peels. Pontiac does not stand behind these. The awd model gets a roof rack that is worthless. There is no option for leather or heated seats so we had these installed after market. Radio options are limited and no navigation system option. Pontiac needs to get off their rear and go to work with these option pkgs. Or people will just look elsewhere. I called Pontiac with chrome wheel problem an
Vibe
I traded in my beloved Jeep Wrangler for the Vibe. Aside from the fact that I can no longer take the top down on a nice day I really like this car. I am a big guy and I do not feel the least bit cramped, nor is there an issue of getting in and out of the car. It is fun to drive and really very quite. If you get one, pay for the power package. I did not do this and now wish I would have.
More fun than I hoped
This is actually the 5 sp Auto. Just turned 3000 miles and I still love to get in this car and drive. With fairly aggressive driving, I consistently get 25 mpg combined urban/freeway driving and over 29 on the freeway. Very comfortable with a great sound system. You can take circular freeway on-ramps at high rate of speed and it stays firmly planted in your lane and with very little body roll. The "torquey" engine is always ready to scoot when you want to. My two previous cars were a Mustang SVO and a Taurus SHO and I really don't miss them.
Driving the Pontiac Vibe
This Pontiac Vibe is one of many Pontiacs that I have owned. Having AWD on this car is awesome I was driving on packed snow and ice and it just kept on going and driving through deep snow didn't stop it and I passed vehicles on my street that had fwd and were stuck. The acceleration is very good and the gas mileage is acceptable. This is a great car and my wife loves it. We just drove from Grand Rapids Mich. to Pensacola Fl with a lot of baggage and it had lots of room for all of it.
carol
I have driven it 6500 miles in six weeks. Absolutely no complaints of any kind. Mileage is fabulous.The last 820 miles was 31.8 mpg at average 73 mph. For the entire 6500 miles average is 30 mpg. Space for storage is great.
Have twins!
Bought a 1.8 liter in March for my wife. I liked it so much that when I found a used one on the internet, I went and bought it. Did not realize it was a 2.4 liter. Has more power that the 1.8, but fuel economy is still good (approx 27) city driving.
I like it
We just purchased the 1.8L Vibe (09) this past weekend, with some upgrades like AC, cruise control, and power doors and locks. It's been handling extremely well in the Michigan winter, and I'm already getting great gas mileage on my little jaunts around town. Love the way it looks, it feels solid yet zippy. I wish the base model had some radio controls on the steering wheel, but the car comes with XM radio which is great where I live. So far, so good. Having some issues figuring out the proper tire pressure though!
A winner
We purchased the Vibe after much research, to replace our 2000 Impala. The Vibe has great interior room. Functional and fun to drive. The 2.4 motor has enough pickup when merging into traffic. It looks good too!
Nice ride
Overall build quality is great. After 10000 hwy miles averaging 31 MPG (2.4L, 5 Auto). Ride is comfortable and quiet. Performance and handling are good. Very quick and responsive.
A Vibe for a Vibe
I bought a 2004 Vibe in 2004 and loved it from day one. The fuel economy and versatility was just what my family needed. Never had a minutes trouble with the car. I recently traded the 04 in for an 09. Once again, I loved it from day one. This time I upgraded to the GT model and was not disappointed. It handles great, drives smooth and quiet, and has a little more get up and go than the base model. I highly recommend it to families who need a good, reliable car that gets good gas mileage and has lots of room.
I still miss my 2005 Vibe!
This is the 4th AWD drive Vibe I have owned. I had to purchase it sight unseen since my '05 lease was ending. I was delighted to hear that Pontiac was bring the AWD back, since it is such a fun, easy, efficient car to do errands around town. I only have 200 miles on it so I suppose I need a little time to adjust. It is attractive outside and I love the bright red. Inside, as a 5 foot tall women, I am still bothered by the lowering of the rear view mirror to accommodate the Onstar system, and the repositioning of the front right roof columns, along with the larger side mirrors. These 3 things seem to change my sight lines-they are different than my others models.
Great "big" little car.
This car feels bigger than it is. The ride is exceptional for something so small and while we are not huge people, there is room enough for even a large person. The back seat is very comfortable for two. Three might be pushing it. Fun to drive and handles nicely on our twisty turny up and down roads we encounter daily. Gas mileage, 27 to 33, has been above expectations and will only improve as it breaks in. I would recommend this car to even good friends.
'09 Vibe base first impressions
Purchased a base model with automatic. Compared to previous generation model, improvements in interior ergonomics and performance were immediately evident. I especially appreciate that the car comes standard with side air bags/StabiliTrak/ OnStar, even in the least expensive model. Standard sound system is wonderful and includes XM radio. Overall, I'm extremely happy to be a new Vibe owner!
C'mon! Interior coming apart after 3 months
We purchased this vehicle four months ago. First rims had bubbles in them, then the lever to release seat came apart and now after 4 months the window console panel is popping up. Very cheaply made and what's the deal with the stupid storage racks! couldn't come up with something better? I could go on and on about things that we found wrong with this Jewel from GM. Way to go boys! Won't get another purchase from me again!
Vibe Runs Great & Great Deal!
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.
Fun to Drive and Practical
Bought only used 2009 Vibe GT I could find within 300 miles of Chgo. Got a good deal $18,800 less trade etc. Had 3400 miles on it. Have had it for a month now. One long trip to Nashville, 1000 Mi. Fun to drive, handles great, performance w/5 sp auto very good. Very useful cargo capacity. Interior nice upscale, except it could use a little more foot & leg room. Exterior styling more appealing than previous model Vibes. Looks good in Hot Red Metallic. Gas mileage could be better about 23-25 in city, on trip avgd. 27.5 mpg driving 75-85mph plus some city driving, AC on whole trip. Trade off for 2.4 perf., I guess. Wife's car mostly. Quality seems very good & so far very reliable.
OK for the Price
We test drove a number of other small sedans/hatchbacks before deciding to purchase a Vibe. The ride quality and offered features seemed to be a cut above the rest of the pack. However, so far we are not too impressed with the build quality (center wheel caps fell off, sunroof leaks, rear view mirror vibrates, paint easily scratched; instrument panel rattles/squeaks in cold weather). Also, the gas mileage is only OK (averaging 24 mpg in mixed driving). Traction in the snow seems to be reasonably good.
No Complaints
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.
Deception
Purchased to replace an old Audi Quattro, it is the worse car I ever drive and a huge disappointment: uncomfortable with those checky shock and hard seats, bad gas mileage (around 21-22), boring to drive and unefficient AWD. It is the first time I was stock on my driveway and this unsecured feeling on wet/snow roads. We though that was because on the tires, But tire Plus told us it has the best tires for the car.
Best Pontiac Ever
I've had my Pontiac for a little over a month and I love it. It's the best Pontiac ever. It's great on gas, which is a great thing when gas prices are so high. The salesman that sold it to me told me that the engine is a Toyota engine and I did my research and he wasn't lying. The car has the durability of Toyota on a great American design!
New 2009 Vibe
I love my 2006 Vibe and purchased it due to the reliability in northern snow, gas mileage & the height of the seating, head room and the ability of additional load capacity when the back seats are down. I also love the side covers that protect the bottom of the doors and around the tires where road rocks put pings on most autos and hurt the paint. Your new 2009 Vibe has changed most of the good features by lowering the height of the auto, making it less apt to maneuver in deep snow. Lowered the angle of the windshield at a loss of head room and removed the protective side panels so the new 2009 would look sportier.
2009 pontiac Vibe GT
We have owned our black GT for 2 months and love it. We have put 3600 miles on it so far. We drove the base 1.8 auto and did not like it at all. First gear was very short and then when hit second it bogged the motor down. I felt as if I would have to floor it every where I went. Then drove a 2.4 manual and was impressed. Found that the base models seats were too soft and the head rest bothered my wife. Lastly I drove the GT and just loved it. Seats are extremely better and the handling is superior to base. It is a little more bumpier than base probably because of the tire size. I did not drive the AWD. If the AWD is not needed, for the extra bucks go for the GT. Average 30 MPG. 80% highway
Great Car/Great Price
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.
GM builds a solid car
I had been researching new models (Honda Fit, Yaris, and Versa) when the 09 came out. Was pretty much set on a Nissan Versa. The Vibe was only about $2000 more than the Versa comparably equipped. With the added features not available on the Versa (ABS, disc brakes all around, stability control, traction control, XM radio, On Star, and hands free phone) it made the Vibe a very nice upgrade. I now have 1300 miles on it, and have averaged 32.6 mpg 50-50 hwy/cty. The 5-speed is very smooth and nicely placed high on the floor. Ride is great; performance is more than adequate while delivering excellent gas mileage. Really a nice car.
Practical, economical and lots of fun
A very nice way to put 14 minivan years behind me. Like minivans, my Vibe is practical and versatile. Unlike minivans, the Vibe is economical and fun to drive. But the Vibe GT is a few details short of perfect. I exchanged the 18-inch wheels standard on the GT for the 17-inch wheels optional on other models. I lost some tight cornering ability but gained a whole lot more in noise reduction and comfort. Blind spots force me to trust the mirrors more than Id like. I had back-up sensors installed to allay fears that I would back into something or, worse, someone, such as the grandchildren who live with us. I would have also appreciated an in-dash compass. Still a great ride and purchase.
Outstanding Value, a Few Minor Issues
I've owned my very fun-to-drive Vibe GT for ~2 weeks and so far I love it, although I agree with others that there are a few things that it could use improvements which keep it from being a 10. I love the styling compared to its competitors (much cooler looks compared to Versa, Matrix, Fit, '10 Mazda3[what did they do to this car's front end?]). I love the value; it has everything you need a few great extras, and you can get a loaded GT for ~$19K if you shop around (again better than the competition). Nice standard extras are Monsoon w/ XM radio, OnStar, steering wheel controls, leather accents, ABS, traction, 18" alloys. Also love the cargo versatility of the hatchback.
2009 Pontiac Vibe-GT
I only have about 600 miles on this car as it was purchased in late April-08. So far it has more than met my expectations. I traded in a large SUV that averaged about 14mpg. The 1st tank of gas I put in the Vibe averaged 26mpg and was all in town driving. I was very surprised that the 2.4-4 cyl engine had the pep that it does. It's a great car to drive.
Exciting New Ride!
After test driving the Highlander, the Equinox, and the Vue, we test drove the new 2.4L FWD 2009 Vibe and drove it home. We have only owned it a week (purchased 05/09/08) but have found it to be a practical but fun family ride. Gas mileage is as promised and should get better when the car is broken in. Great value for the money.
Performance, Utility, Economy and Cool!
Traded in my SUV for the more efficient Vibe (sounds like a trend, doesn't it? Luckily, I only ended upside down by about $900 on the deal). I was never a big fan of the older vibe. It just looked like a grocery getter, bland, wagon-like and just something moms and old ladies would drive. But the 2009 Vibe caught my eye, particularly the GT trim. It's sleek, sexy and with the economical yet punchy 2.4 L option, I was sold. This is the 5 speed automatic version (there's no option for this, hello Edmunds!). Small but roomy, powerful but economic (29 MPG on average!), great interior (the seats are SO comfortable), and this car is hot! Getting a lot of stares! I would recommend this car!
2009 Pontiac Vibe GT
Car is great looking and is great on fuel as well. The lights go on automatically when it gets dark and with the sun roof the Gt 2009 Pontiac Vibe is an eye catcher. So many people stop and look at the Vibe. Has so many neat items that all work very well. AC works great, heater is great, wiper at the rear window is great, heater in the back window is helpful on a cold day to see things with the rear view mirror. Has a great radio and a jack to enter ones own music. Well all I got to say it is a great or nice car for almost anyone.
Good car
I had a 2005 that I bequeathed to my graduating college senior. I knew I wanted another Vibe but was a little too late to get the last of the 2008s with the sweet rebates. 2009 Vibe is basically the same though the car's cosmetics have changed. There's no longer plastic cladding and bump strip nor the nearly useless roof rack standard. The change is supposed to be better looking but it looks more like a Prius or Versa now. Maybe not quite as young looking. The interior cosmetic changes are mostly an improvement but I really had no problems with the way it was before. Maybe the car is quieter now. Standard features in the 2009 make the slightly higher base price still a great value.
Nice Car
Have had for 3 months. Has been good car except for two(2) tires they had to replace. Would not balance. Also has problem with speedometer. Speedometer on GT is 7% off because of the tires. There is not fix at this time and they say that it is within acceptable variance.
not too bad
My first car was a Lexus , so i am basically downgrading my ride to a more economical car that is a hatchback with a GM brand but with better safety features. The ride is actually pretty smooth but i sure miss the powerful engine. The cabin is pretty quiet and roomy. It doesn't feel like a small car at all.But the rear view needs work.It has blind spots.it needs bigger side mirror like the Scion. I had a bad experience after the sale was done, the dealer is not cooperative in canceling the extras I signed for.
fun to drive, but I'm disappointed
2.4 l automatic with sunroof and sound package. It's fun to drive, but I think the sunroof sucks up about 2 mpg. I have never gotten over 30 mpg in the 5,000 miles I've driven it. I drive about 80% highway and 20 small town (no traffic jams) and get 27-28 mpg with conservative driving. I'm disappointed b/c I hoped I'd get what others reported during the months before I purchased. The ride is really rough, too. If I knew I'd get this mpg, I'd probably have stuck with another Sebring with a cushy ride. Also, in order to get the roof rack, I had to pay for custom wheels, so the option was really about another $1,000. I will probably trade it in the spring for a different American vehicle.