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2009 Pontiac Vibe consumer reviews

$16,100–$20,475 MSRP range
side view of 2009 Vibe Pontiac
(82 reviews)
91% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.3
  • Interior 4.2
  • Performance 4.3
  • Value 4.7
  • Exterior 4.5
  • Reliability 4.6
Explore the 2009 Pontiac Vibe
Shop the 2009 Pontiac Vibe

So far, so good!

I've had the car for 2 weeks. I've been told I drive like I belong on a go-kart track, so keep that in mind. I love the zippiness of this little thing, it's very responsive and maneuvering through the gears is a breeze. The storage space is incredible, it came in handy right away when my best friend's movers bailed and we needed to help. We were able to fit a surprising amount of boxes and furniture in the back, with the seats folded down. So far, I have no reasonable complaints about the car itself other than the comfort. The seats are very stiff, and the way they're curved and shaped isn't conducive to a relaxing ride if you're a passenger.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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A Wonderful Car

I bought this car in May 2008, and have never had to do any repairs other than routine maintenance. It is completely reliable -- I just returned from a road trip from Detroit to Williamsburg, VA, via the Blue Ridge Parkway. I had no qualms at all about taking my 10-year-old Vibe. I got almost 30 MPG on that trip. The car still looks almost new, and I intend to continue driving it for at least the next two years. The transmission is a 5-speed manual, and it has great pickup. The only negative I can think of is that rear visibility when backing up is not the best.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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Not a good buy

Not dependable, the car started making not so funny sounds two days after I got it home , I'm not inprest,I was told there was nothing wrong with this car

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 2.0
  • Performance 2.0
  • Value 1.0
  • Exterior 2.0
  • Reliability 1.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
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Cute little thing.

I was looking for something smaller than an SUV - a little sedan with great gas mileage that still could handle bad weather and that I could haul things in if needed. And most people said I needed to choose - that this was an either/or request. Then I found out the Vibe was built in the Toyota Carolla factory and one of it's options was AWD. Exactly what I was looking for. Very excited to get it.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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Value for money

Bought this car out necessity (my manual 07 v6 Mazda 6 hatchback broke down and needed a reliable car that could endure long commutes comfortably and without issues) I needed the cheapest car without sacrificing quality with cargo room / hatchback.(was not planning to buy another car for 3-4yrs) I ended choosing the Vibe for these main reasons. It's the Toyota Matrix twin mechanically and interior, the plastic and flat folding rear seats, roof rack (I have kayaks and a canoe), size ( top 3 was the Toyota Yaris 2010 with winter tires and 2011 matrix no winters), came with winter tires on rims, the insurance was the lowest ( savings of @ least $20/MTH), lowest km at 78km and fuel economy was appealing. I've owned this car for approximately 6mths and the things I feel would make me feel more WOW about my Vibe is if had the same pep that I felt in the Yaris and my Mazda ( but that was a fully loaded V6 and the Vibe is acceleration is decent), fuel economy feels meh ( get about 300ish in winter 400ish so far in warmer weather or hwy driving. I didn't like how it handled in snow (maybe if I had 4WD or better winter tires?) With that said I will be changing brands of winter tires next winter to see if it improves handling. Overall, this car was the least expensive overall in all the categories including kms. I got a Toyota Matrix for the GM price. Drives well and will get lots use out of it utility. My hairdresser thought it was it crossover due to its height and roof rack. Was able to fit two toilets, and shower kit with rear seats down drove back with ease. My aunt has a 03 matrix and didn't take car of it and it's still going in the 300kms in 2018!!! So aiming to drive it to the ground or give it to my son if I come across similar value for money with a lil more pep..

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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My 3rd vibe

I totally love it, this is my 3rd one. Only car I have driven since 2005. I have had a 2005 1.8l, 2009 2.4l and now 2006 1.8l The 2.4l is not very economical. This is a transportation and work car, not a race car. I highly recommend this car. It is a Toyota matrix with Pontiac logos and nose.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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should have kept making

great,reliable, right-sized station wagon... yes, i said it:"station wagon" member? owned an '06 1.8 great car... happier with 09 gt would buy again if they still made them.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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Great gas mileage and fun to drive

This vehicle is sporty, quick, and fun to drive. It gets great gas mileage for a 2009, and has not had any major issues in the years I have owned it.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Most reliable car I have ever known.

Love it. Best car I have ever owned. I will drive it until it dies. Then I will buy another one with low miles.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Very versatile utility vehicle and reliable

Great car. Very versatile & reliable. Great for families with children or for just commuting. Hatchback opening & fold down rear seats allow for hauling bogger items .

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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