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Pontiac Vibe - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Pontiac Vibe ranks 20 out of 29 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 25 published reviews and test drives of the Pontiac Vibe, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Vibe has cargo space to rival larger crossovers, but its unexciting drive doesn't compare well to newer hatchbacks.

Reviewers use words like practical, competent and sensible to describe the Pontiac Vibe. But as cars get funkier dimensions and punchier engines, the Vibe's relevancy has slipped. General Motors has been in a precarious position for the last few months, and though it had announced plans to continue selling some Pontiacs, it has now announced that Pontiac will be phased out by the end of 2010. In fact, the Vibe is the only 2010 Pontiac that will be available.

If you're looking to buy a new car soon, you could also check out the Toyota Matrix. The Matrix shares a platform with the Vibe and has many of the same features. Wearing the Toyota badge has helped to boost the Matrix's perceived reliability as well.

But don't discount the Vibe so quickly. Reviewers do appreciate the car's gas-miserly habits, comfy interior and massive cargo area. The discontinuation of the brand could make an affordable MSRP even more attractive in the coming months. Plus, you can rest assured that your warranty will be honored at the remaining GM dealerships.

The Vibe is available in four trims, including the on-demand all-wheel drive trim and the sport-tuned Vibe GT.

• "It's a logical, flexible compact that should appeal to everyone from high-schoolers to empty nesters." -- New Car Test Drive

• "The 2010 Pontiac Vibe is one of the most practical compact hatchbacks on the market, though Pontiac's possible demise won't help resale values." -- Edmunds
• "A reasonable price tag and good fuel economy, combined with a versatile interior layout, make the Vibe a good bet for any motorist on a tight budget." -- Dallas Morning News
• "It's cost-cut crude in places and less fun to drive than it looks, but Vibe is a versatile, practical compact." -- Consumer Guide

Vibe Performance - 7.1 (Good)

Reviewers don't describe the 2010 Vibe's performance as exciting, especially when pitted against sporty small cars like the Mazda3 or Honda Civic. But the majority agrees that the hatchback is a solid alternative to some of the class' top cars, especially the GT trim. Read More

Vibe Exterior - 7.8 (Good)

Although it still bears a strong resemblance to the Toyota Matrix, many writers say they prefer the Vibe's design overall. Edmunds says, "Compared to its sibling, the Vibe sets itself apart with unique exterior styling, including Pontiac's trademark dual-grille design. Its sheet metal is far more stylish than the typical economy car's." Compared to the previous generation Vibe, the newest iteration sits two inches lower to the ground. Read More

Vibe Interior - 7.5 (Good)

The Vibe's interior is one of its strong points. Reviewers praise the car's capacious seating and cargo hold, and generally say the cabin quality holds up well with competitors. Kelley Blue Book says, "The Pontiac Vibe has more interior room, cargo volume and a lower price tag than both the MAZDA3 and Chevy HHR." Read More

Vibe Safety - 9.6 (Excellent)

The 2010 Pontiac Vibe scores well in federal government crash tests, and the highly similar 2009 model gets high scores in insurance industry crash tests. Read More

Vibe Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)

The 2010 Pontiac Vibe reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). All Pontiacs will cease production by October 2010, but the Vibe's three-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty will still be honored. The 2010 Vibe also has a five-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and corrosion protection for the first six years or 100,000 miles. Read More