2010 Pontiac Vibe Consumer Reviews
Most Helpful Reviews
Positive Review
I bought this car because of overall value, fuel economy, cargo space, reliability, and styling. The Vibe is the same car as the Matrix, just with a different badge. Under the hood it's all Toyota but at thousands less after negotiating with the dealer. MSRP was $18,900 (base model) and I was able to buy this car at $2,500 below invoice due to a GM $500 incentive and a weekend sale at the dealer. It came with $2,800 worth of options like A/C, Auto Trans, updraded stereo with XM and MP3, and the Preferred Pkg of power locks, power windows, cruise control, and keyless entry. The same Matrix at Toyota, with less standard options, was selling for $500 over invoice at the best deal I could negotiate. Why pay almost $3,500 more for the same exact vehicle just to get the Toyota name? Depreciation is minimally different I found when I first went shopping for used Vibes and they were only slightly less than any comparable used Matrix. This Vibe has got to be the best value anywhere for the amount of car you get. Standard features include stainless steel exhaust, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, remote controlled outside mirrors, OnStar, vertical adjustment on driver's seat, outside temperature monitor, A/C and heating duct to rear passenger seat, 5 year 100,000 powertrain warranty, 16 inch wheels, and get this - 4 wheel disc brakes with ABS. Unbelievable for this price. The ride was comfortable and the car handled turns and bumps very well for a smaller, lighter car. The power on this 1.8L engine was sufficient, but don't expect a roadburner of a car. Enough for accelerating onto a freeway and for passing, but little power to spare. Still, I never have any issues with needing much more. Also, the 4 speed automatic transmission is smooth shifting and responsive. I can’t yet comment on reliability because I’ve only had the car a few weeks, but it’s all Toyota so that should speak for itself. There are only two concerns I have, albeit minor concerns. One is the visibility out of the right rear window is limited due to its narrowness so there is a blind spot there. Takes some getting used to. The second concern is the power steering on this car does not give you good road feel, almost like it's too slippery of a feel. Both these concerns are far outweighed by all the other great advantages this sport wagon does have. Economy is as good or better than it's rated at of 26/31. Styling is great, cargo space is huge for such a small sport wagon, styling is as good as it gets, and value is unsurpassed. I wholeheartedly recommend this car if you are looking for value, economy, utility, and styling in a small package.
VS
Critical Review
wind noise over 40 mph, stiff ride feel every tiny bump, transmission jerks
2010 Vibe Reviews
Showing 8 of 126 reviews.
Very good car for basic transportation needs as long as you keep schedule maintenance. When alternator begins to go bad power steering will begin to give problems due to electrical power steering. It's a Toyota engine with a Pontiac body in a nutshell. Excellent used car for student just buy with lower mileage, initially inspected by a mechanic and major accident free.
Sporty and easy drive
Engine is subpar
I got this car in 2015. Used, 68000 miles. I had it till 2024 when someone rear ended me. Was not hurt severely despite the car going fast and being bigger than me. Safety was good. Drove across the country twice. Despite looking little the back space is great because the back seats fold down. The only reason I wouldn't give it five stars is it's not the best Toyota motor. It burns oil so oil changes recommended more regularly than normal. Evac system was throwing fits before the collision too. When I finally had to "put er down" I had about 154000 miles on it though. Great car. Shame Pontiac is outta business.
Great gas mileage and speed, comfortable on trips
Only one-It died without any pre-warning signs
I absolutely loved this vehicle. Purchased new in 2008 with 98 miles. I made numerous trips monthly to the beach for about a year, a few trips to the mountains and Florida from SC. With the upgraded 2.4 engine and 158 HP, this car has speed. The few people who drove it were shocked. They’d go to pass someone and hit the accelerator harder then normal, and I got the same response every time “whoa, this has power). Unfortunately, after owning it for 8 years (2016), I developed some disabilities and didn’t drive it much. Due to that the paint on the roof and eventually the hood just flacked up with pings, and the roof showed signs of rust. I never had any major mechanical issues until recently. On June 15, 2023 I got 3 warning lights, the Check Engine light, the traction light and a VSC is off warning. I did research and knew what that meant. Just to confirm I took it immediately to Firestone for a diagnostic, unfortunately with 91,245 miles he said my transmission had died and the car wasn’t worth fixing. I was devastated, then mad as I had no other warnings like transmission slipping, grinding and etc., just boom. It is still drivable, but the VSC makes it act like it wants to cut off, so I don’t. At 68 years old, my intentions were to get it painted, professionally detailed and hoped with the already new tires, that it would last me until I couldn’t drive anymore. If they still made them today, I’d go straight to the dealership without hesitation and buy another! It’s been through a lot with me I will miss her terribly.
It's a Toyota
Over-Plastic inside.
It's Pontiac Pricing with Toyota build / engine / Transmission. Owned our 2009 for almost 5 years, only repair is brakes and a wheel bearing. Currently at 137k with same struts. 2.4 Engine.
fun to drive
tires are a half their tread ware
Just had it detailed and it looks great. Runs like a new car and is sporty being the GT model. Made by Toyota has been very reliable.
Ride, handling, steering, seat comfort, quality
Excellent road handling. Easy to park, Great quality similar to Lexus/Toyota vehicles - no quality issues. Pirelli tires really improve sporty handling.
Mechanically perfect
Comfort of driving not the greatest
Bought this car brand new in August of 2009. I have had it almost 11 years and it has been the best car. I have never had any issues with it, minor repairs such as brakes and tires but nothing major mechanically. I am giving this to my soon to be 16 year old and am confident that it will last him throughout the rest of his high school years and hopefully some college. If you are looking in to this car to purchase, I would definitely recommend it!
Quality and sportiness
Quality is excellent. 36 mpg highway and around 29-30 city. Very peppy. New Pirelli Scorpion tires greatly improves ride and handling. Purchased vehicle 10 years ago brand new from dealer for $11,800 plus tax during the 2009 auto sales crash and still worth $7,000 to 7,600 on market. Incredibly low depreciation. It's too bad the joint venture with Toyota didn't work out. Excellent vehicle.
