2003 Pontiac Vibe consumer reviews

Way back in 2003 I had a disagreement with a salesman at my local Toyota dealer while trying to finalize a deal on a new Matrix, so I walked out in a huff and went to the Pontiac dealer the very next morning... I am so very thankful that I did this! I have put over 78K miles on this car so far and am on my 3rd set of tires. The first set (Continentals) cupped at under 25k miles which made me very nervous, but I replaced them with some Goodyear touring tires (got 45K out of them) then 6 months ago I splurged on some Bridgestone Potenza G019 Grid's and I am in love with my sporty little car all over again! The steering is responsive, the styling is pure Pontiac and yet underneath it all is a Toyota drivetrain that is shared with the Corolla, one of the most reliable vehicles on the road for the past 20+ years! I have used this car for everything - hauling mulch and topsoil (in bags of course!) moving a 50" flat-panel TV, an entire set of wicker patio furniture... as well as many long road trips and it has handled everything that I've thrown at (into?) it so far. Visibility to the front and sides is excellent although there's 2 major blind spots (rear corners) that took some getting used to. I love that the back hatch glass opens independently of the hatch door - something that was sadly not included on the latest incarnation of the Vibe. I would be hard-pressed to find another vehicle on today's market that I would enjoy as much as this one!

I have had this car since it was new and it now has about 40,000 miles on it. No repairs except for a side window bolt that had to be tightened. The original Continental tires cupped badly after only 20,000 miles. Michlien replacements have been fine. Gas mileage has averaged about 30 mpg in mixed driving. It could use a little more power, but the engine is always eager to go. My main complaint is noise. Engine noise and road noise. I wish they had put more sound insulation into it. Also, the steering wheel needs more adjustment for a comfortable driving position. I'm about six-two and it is a long reach. Overall, I am very pleased with it except for the noise.

I've had my 2003 Vibe for just over a year, and it's impressed me with how much cargo it can hold, how comfortable it is, how much I can see from the raised sitting position, and basically how much value I get for the money. I have the moons and toons package, meaning powerful sound system and sunroof, which makes driving in the city pleasurable. The gas mileage is also strong, and although pickup isn't what it would be in a car with more horsepower, it does fine for my sometimes aggressive driving. One of the best things about it is how easy it is to park in tight spaces. My last car was a Honda Prelude, and the Vibe is much easier to maneuver into position. The doors open wide, the hatch is useful, and it's all around a comfortable car that just feels right and makes sense for daily living.

I have had her for 3 years now and the mileage hasn't dropped off even though I am over 80,000km. She handles well on dry flat pavement, gravel, ruts and snow/slush are a challenge. I haven't been able to get any tires that improved her traction. There is a little torque pull, but it is manageable if you use your head. As always I recommend if you buy a 4 cyliner get the stick (manual) so you aren't underpowered to pass or navigat hills. Lots of fun to drive, not a sports car so don't get high expectations. Very quick off the start w/ the gearing but top end is limited.

This is my most favorite car I have ever owned! It is roomy and versatile. I can haul just about anything I want. It transports up to 5 people comfortably and with the back seat folded down I brought my brand new washing machine (fullsize in the box) home. It gets app. 30 miles a gallon and is fun to drive. With regular maintenance I have had no major mechanical problems. My only complaints are that initially the clutch took some getting used to, it seems that it is geared high. I also don't care much for the upholstery. It seems that it holds dirt, even though it is black. Overall, I love my Vibe and would only consider getting rid of it for a newer model. I usally get the urge to trade about two years in, but not this one!

Being a pretty much a "Toyota" under GM badge, this car has a very good value and the reliability. The GT version I've driven has the 6-spd with 170+hp (SAE?) which share the same spec with the Toyota Celica GTS. It does not handle as well as the sporty and feather-weighted Celica, but it still handles better than SUVs since it weighs only about 2,700 lb.. With high performance tires, the engine and tranny combination is too fun! It has tons of room! It seats all 5 adults comfortably AND plenty of cargo space since it's a hatchback! The built-in roofrack was very handy when I took 4 other friends and 5 snowboards (4 on top and 1 in cabin) to Tahoe from San Francisco! That's a 4-hr drive! When I first drove the car, the distance of the stick shift was tad bit far for me (5' 9") and the clutch felt a bit too close, but once I got used to driving it, I didn't feel any discomfort even during long drives to LA. In conclusion, it is a great all-around car because of both the fun and the utility factor. On top of that, the 4 cylinder makes it a pretty darned good commuter car saving you $. Expert Review says, "...the Vibe was engineered by Toyota...." =)

Love This Car!! Does it perform like my CTS?.. obviously not. However, I have put more than 110K miles on it & it runs like a top w/approx 30mpg.. It hauls as much as my former Grand Cherokee with many cooler features (love the back hatch which also opens at just the window part. Great comfort, visibility & fun factor. With normal care and maintainance, I've had virtually no problems. It has plenty of zip w/small engine.. great head & foot room. It's like a mini sport SUV. Toyota quality with Pontiac styling--YEAH!!!