2005 Pontiac Vibe consumer reviews

I bought this car in the spring because my old car was in bad shape. I absolutely loved the styling of this car and I was very comfortable in it. It was fun to drive and very quick on its feet so to speak. I had base model vibe with a sunroof and loved it. I had the car for about three and a half weeks whenever I was rear ended at a red-light and the car was declared totaled. I am definitely disappointed but I would buy another one in a heartbeat.

Wife bought first one new in March 2005. Now has 0ver 50k. Has logged as high as 36 mpg at 70 mph through N and SC. Only repairs were a warranty brake booster replacement at 15K and thanks to road debris, a set of tires at 42 K. Replaced the original battery in Jan. 2010 at 49 K. Bought second one in June 2009, used. Price was almost the same as the first. Only cost to date, at 71k, is the regular oil change and tire rotation (basically, just like the first). Also have changed engine and cabin air filters on both. Both have the standard engine with the overdrive equipped automatic. As someone who has almost 40 years in the automotive industry, as mechanic, assembly line, engineering, Class A CDL with tank, tandem, and Hazmat certs, and nearly 2 decades of test driving, I am very happy with the package(s). Dependibility, heater in Northern Winters, AC in Southern Summers, room for myself, wife, son, daughter-in-law, and grandaughter. Fully adequate highway speed (regularly over 85 mph in traffic in a couple locations, never been over 94), good acceleration for passing and merging, even in the W VA hills, and handling and manueverability in traffic and for parking. Rear and side mirrors give great coverage, minimizing blind spots. Neither Vibe has ever tried diving for the berm or ditches when passing or being passed by heavy trucks on highways like some Imports I've driven. One of the most stable cars I've ever owned in heavy crosswinds. Very comfortable in a 600+ mile each way trip I take several times per year. With the back seat folded down, carrying capacity is up with some station wagons I've had. Love being able to fold down the passenger seat as well for carrying up to 8' boards. Some day I might look into getting the tow hitch installed to try the 1500 lb tow rating. I know neither Vibe seemed to notice up to 600 lb loads of topsoil and fertilizer in the back. Only (admittedly minor) irritations are that the red on black instruments a bit hard to read in daylight for me, and the location of the radio antenna, centered between the roof rack brackets, makes using the roof rack a bit awkward. I think I'll keep them both, for a long time.

I bought my vibe used at 24k miles and have kept up with maintenance regularly. The Conti tires that come on the car are junk and wear unevenly and cause major road noise even though the wheels are aligned and balanced. I got new tires on it and it made SUCH a big difference. There are now 50k miles on my vibe and my mechanic found a leak in the head gasket during an oil change! I have ran cars (Toyota AND GM) over 200k miles and NEVER needed a head gasket! I thought I was buying Toyota quality but I was wrong... It seems far to early to need a $1500 repair on a 5 year old car.

I love this little car! Its got a Toyota engine and transmission so its reliable, but it costs much less! The mpg is good at 26/30 mpg highway. You can pack almost anything in this car. I moved an entire bedroom full of stuff, minus the bed, in one trip. With the seats that fold down its ideal for pet owners as well. I would recommend this car to anyone.

I bought the Vibe in 06 after doing considerable research. It is fuel efficient topping 42mpg Hiway at 60-65mph. Steering is crisp. Cargo compartment is generous. Accessing the driving compartment is easy. I must say that this is the best vehicle I have ever owned. I liked it so much I bought another one just like it in 09.

I must say I loved my car from the first moment I seen her, and still love her now that she's totaled. I had a 2005, Black Pontiac GT standard transmission, alloy wheels, CD player, just really enjoyed every moment. The car drove excellent, smooth, had comfortable seats in front and back, great car for hauling many types of items. Overall I plan on getting another one. This car handled very well in a roll over that rolled 3 times and slide, spun and landed on the driver's side(this happened on a dirt/ sandy road) No injuries, incurred. The car was pretty crumpled around the body and the frame stayed intact, only came down a few inches. Was still able to open all doors, buckled the roof of the car, front windshield smashed but intact. This accident was in the 40mph range, so I can't completely vouge for over that speed.

Bought this car new over 60k only had 1 problem that was with the drivers door window.replace beake @ 60k and tires all had even wear gets 28+mpg in town and 34+ over the road. Road trip to fla 5 adults did real well and had room for all. This is a great vehicle getting ready for daughter to go to school and will let her have this car. Very dependable.

We own a 2005, have 27K on it, and love it. The crash test scores are better than indicated when side/curtain air bags are present. We also did ABS, and Stabilitrak. At 27K we've only changed oil and rotated tires- no problems to date. Good ingress/egress all around, and we have hauled some big loads with the back seat down. W/automatic mpg is 28-29 with a/c on and 30ish wo a/c in mostly city driving. Handles well and looks great. Cabin noise diminishes with better tires per son who also owns and loves one. In short, this car offers safety, reliability, economy, comfort and utility in a nicely priced package. We think it is a great value.

I have had this vehicle for just over one year now and I am still loving it. The way the seats lay flat (including the front passenger seat allows me to sit all types of gear in it. It handles great and the standard transmission is alot of fun to drive. The only complaint I have with the vibe is that they do not offer the AWD version paired with a manual transmission, that aside the vibe is a great car. It gets incredibly good mpg and it an excellent vehicle for long road trips. I did an 1,100 -1,200 mile roadtrip in just under 48 hours and I got out of this vehicle without a bit of soreness or stiffness.

i owned a number of vehicles and as long as pontiac countiues to make the vibe that is what i will own