Great Towing Capacity

With the new Pontiac Vibe trailer hitch, the towing capacity of the model has been increased to great extent. The fuel economy achieved by the Pontiac model is quiet satisfactory. It can achieve 25-26 miles per gallon in the city premises and 31 miles per gallon on the highway roads. The exterior dimensions of the model are totally unchanged. Similar to the previous version, it has the length of 171.1 inches, width of 69.5 inches, height of 61.0 inches, and wheelbase of 102.4 inches.

In a Nutshell

As a whole, the towing capability of the model has been increased and the model is ideal for both off-road and on-road conditions. 2009 Pontiac Vibe is offered in two engine models, a 1.8 liter 4-cylinder version and a 2.4 liter version. These engines can generate power up to 132 hp and 158 hp and torque of 128 lb ft and 162 lb ft respectively. The standard transmission options to the engines include 5-speed manual, while it is also offered in 5-speed automatic transmission optionally.

Usage of Low Quality Plastic

Coming to the weaknesses of the Pontiac Vibe, its cabin is losing its image with its shabby appearance. Usage of low quality plastic trim used in stereo has been reported to be cause of a number of Pontiac Vibe problems.

Noisy Operation

The cargo area is covered by a cheap cargo mat in the Pontiac Vibe, and the engine produces a considerable amount of noise while driving the car. Other prominent Pontiac Vibe problems are disturbances are noise produced by the wing at high speeds, and disturbance by serpentine belt idler.

Poor Battery

Moreover, a low intensity engine light has been incorporated in Pontiac Vibe vehicles resulting is several problems in the longer run. Furthermore, defective battery has also been known to create start-up problems, and on many occasions, Pontiac Vibe battery needs to be replaced much sooner than the expected time frame, which is yet another Pontiac Vibe problem that has troubled thousand of Pontiac Vibe owners.

The mechanical features of the model is similar to its sister model, Toyota Matrix, but the exterior design is unique to the Pontiac brand. Same as that of the Matrix model, the new Pontiac Vibe also offers optional all wheel drive system.

The redesigned Pontiac Vibe offers a choice for the customers to select their engines from a 1.8 liter 4-cylinder version and 2.4 liter model. These engines can produce power up to 132 hp and 158 hp respectively. With the powerful engine and new 5-speed manual transmission, the Vibe model can achieve fuel economy of 21 miles per gallon in the city premises and 26 miles per gallon on the highway roads.

Though the interiors and exterior styles are redesigned totally, the exterior dimensions remain same. It has the length of 171.1 inches, wheel base of 102.4 inches, width of 69.5 inches and 61.0 inches. When compared with the other competitors, the cost of the model is reasonable.

Alloy Wheels

There are alloy wheels that have good shape and look with excellent grip with road and increase handling capability. Taking a look at custom 5 Spoke OEM cheap alloy wheels designed for 2003-2007 Pontiac Vibe models, they had dimensions of 16″ x 6.5″ inches, with 100mm Bolt configuration, and 5 lugs. These are priced $150 each, but they don’t have the center cap.

Custom Wheels for 2004-2007 Pontiac Vibes

Another alloy wheel designed for 2004-2007 Pontiac Vibe was available in the dimensions of 17″ x 7″ inches, 100mm bolt pattern configuration and 5 lugs.

Coated in silver color, these cheap wheels for 2004 Pontiac Vibe (available with and without center cap) offered attractive looks at decent price. They were price around $180

Choice of Alloy & Steel Wheels

For 2004 Pontiac Vibe, not only alloy wheels, but also steel wheels are also available. Steel wheels number available in dimensions of 16″ x 6.5″ inches were also pretty popular in the market.

Weathertech Cargo Liner

This cargo liner for 2003-2008 period Pontiac Vibe models is was coated in black color and is made with Flexible Thermopolyolefin, custom blended, resistive material. It keeps the hatchback from shifting and designed with a raised lip that continuous spills, grease and keeps dirt off the interiors of the vehicle. The efforts required to install this accessory are minimal, and it comes with a life time warranty, at a reasonable cost of about $125.99.

Weathertech Thermopolyolefin Cargo Liner

This cargo liner is fabricated from custom blended, resistive, flexible Thermopolyolefin. It also featured with keeping the cargo from shifting and designed with a raised lip that continuous spills, grease and dirt off from the interior of the vehicle. Coated in grey color, the Weathertech Thermopolyolefin Cargo Liner costs about $117.95, and comes with lifetime warranty.

Weathertech Cargo Liner

This cargo liner is manufactured exclusively for 2009 Pontiac Vibe models. It features that keeping the cargo from shifting and designed with a raised lip that continuous spills, grease and dirt off from the interior of the vehicle. It is coated in black color, and marketed at $117.95.

2007 Pontiac Vibe: A Cool Crossover

Like many other small crossover models, Vibe is combined with some features featured in a sports car, SUV and a sport wagon. That makes one feel that the car has a lot of sportiness. The car has a short overhangs and sleek wedge profile. Pontiac Vibe has basic styling cues, which indicates SUV. Vibe is substantially less radical though it has a slight resemblance with the infamous Aztek, while its dwindling side windows are evocative of the Ford Focus Wagon design. The typical roofline fixed to the car has an integrated roof rack. The 2007 Pontiac Vibe had 62.2 inches high, 171.9 inches long, and a wheelbase of 102.4 inches.

Design Architecture

It shares the basic design architecture of Toyota and power train with 4 cylinder engine. The base models of 2006 Pontiac Vibe were produced with all wheel drive and front wheel drive. It was also manufactured in a GT model equipped with sporty front drive mechanism.


The base model with front-wheel drive was produced with an output of 126hp and was also offered in an optional 4 speed automatic, and 5-speed manual transmission. The GT version produced the power levels of 164hp, and only manufactured with a 6 speed manual transmission.

Standard Features

Anti braking system is optional for the base model of front drive and standard on the other models of the vehicle. GT version in 2006 Pontiac Vibe had rear disc brakes in the place of drums. Optional equipment for all the models will combine the curtain side airbags and front side airbags.

Leather upholstery and onstar assistance were also available in the 2006 Pontiac Vibe, along with power windows, sunroof, appearance add-ons and many other features, which were provided in different packages. Available through the dealers is supercharger package, which boosts the output of base model with front drive to 175hp.

Hot Looks

2003 Pontiac Vibe GT was fixed with the usual aluminum wheels of 16 inches size, and also equipped with 205/55R16 tire. These looked good but the 17 inch wheels, which were optional, and special tires available on the top end trim made the car look even better. Filling out the wheel well, they gave the impression of a hot shot wagon.

There weren’t any uneven panel gaps on Pontiac Vibe and in general, it was felt that the build quality was comparable to that of Toyota Matrix. There is no surprise that both Matrix and Vibe were manufactured at the same plant in Fremont of California, where Toyota Corollas were also manufactured during the year 2003.

Awesome Interiors

The interior of the vehicle is also well setup with none of the crummy looking controls. The cockpit of 2003 Pontiac Vibe GT was arranged thoughtfully, with the easily accessible controls that were also sturdy. A very good example of this is the climate control, which used the simple three knobs design.