2003 Pontiac Vibe Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Ah, youth. How carmakers covet your attention. As GM's youth-oriented brand, Pontiac has been trying to reinvigorate its lineup by calling...
Ah, youth. How carmakers covet your attention. As GM's youth-oriented brand, Pontiac has been trying to reinvigorate its lineup by calling on its heritage of performance cars. The 2003 Vibe is a compact SUV aimed at young and active drivers who don't have a lot to spend. After the disastrous Aztek, the 2003 Vibe hits the ground with a sportier, more traditional SUV-look.
The sport wagon comes in three trims -- base, AWD, and performance GT. The front-wheel drive base and AWD come with a 130-hp, 1.8-liter I4 with a standard 5-speed manual. A 4-speed auto tran is offered on the base model as well. Due to the weight of the part-time AWD, it only hits 123 hp. The fastest of the bunch is the GT, with the 1.8-liter I4 engine from the Celica GTS, which hits 180 hp matched to a 6-speed manual transmission. All Vibes come with split-folding rear seats and a folding front passenger seat. The cargo area expands to 58 cubic feet and features tie-downs and a rear window which opens separately from the liftgate. A roof rack is also standard, with bike and ski rack attachments optional. The 2003 Vibe comes standard with dual front airbags and daytime running lights, but ABS brakes are only offered on the AWD and GT. Side impact bags are optional.
Power features, cruise control, a sunroof, and navigation system are all optional on every trim level, though the GT does come with a sporty leather-wrapped steering wheel. A household power outlet accompanies two standard car outlets. Keeping the features light helps keep the pricetag down, and the 2003 Vibe's seating and storage configurations are definitely utilitarian rather than luxurious. Drivers love its excellent fuel economy, that easily surpasses regular SUVs, and despite its compact size, the cargo area and headroom is spacious. The style is hip enough to be appealing, and handling is crisp and easy. Poor rear visibility, inadequate tires, a noisy ride, and an underpowered engine in the base model are some drawbacks.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2003 Pontiac Vibe appreciate its reliability, cargo space, and fuel economy. Many mentioned that it’s an excellent family car that offers versatility for daily use and trips. However, some owners faced issues with the manual transmission and mentioned it could be underpowered. Despite some mechanical problems, many drivers report a long lifespan and low maintenance costs, making it a popular choice among buyers."
I love my car it has 270,000 miles n still trucking 6 speed n I love it
March 8, 2025I paid cash for the car a little over a year ago and I have had nothing but good luck with it. I bought the car with a little over 130,000 miles on it and it know has 160,000. Short of putting 2 sets of tires on it and a set of brakes, and wheel bearing, this car has been a ground pounder. It starts every time, its been to arkansas 5 times in the last year and even did a run to Destin, Florida. Even with the motors I have no problems jumping in it and going where ever with it. The reason for this is the bullet proof toyota motor transmission thats in it. What a great car....I would buy another one.
December 14, 2008I have 70,000 miles on my 2003 vibe and until now it has been a great little car and has driven me across the country several times. However the transmission is going out. There are bearings going and I am replacing the transmission. A manual transmission failing at 70,000 miles is unacceptable. So as long as this holds up I am planning to drive this little car for a long time. The car now has 130,000 miles and no problems. I change the oil and drive. Since changing the transmission which was a major repair the car has been great. I use this car for everything, it has carried a few hundred pounds of wood on the roof and filled the back with bags of mulch. It just keeps starting in the morning.
January 20, 2008What owners say
I love my car it has 270,000 miles n still trucking 6 speed n I love it
March 8, 2025I paid cash for the car a little over a year ago and I have had nothing but good luck with it. I bought the car with a little over 130,000 miles on it and it know has 160,000. Short of putting 2 sets of tires on it and a set of brakes, and wheel bearing, this car has been a ground pounder. It starts every time, its been to arkansas 5 times in the last year and even did a run to Destin, Florida. Even with the motors I have no problems jumping in it and going where ever with it. The reason for this is the bullet proof toyota motor transmission thats in it. What a great car....I would buy another one.
December 14, 2008I have 70,000 miles on my 2003 vibe and until now it has been a great little car and has driven me across the country several times. However the transmission is going out. There are bearings going and I am replacing the transmission. A manual transmission failing at 70,000 miles is unacceptable. So as long as this holds up I am planning to drive this little car for a long time. The car now has 130,000 miles and no problems. I change the oil and drive. Since changing the transmission which was a major repair the car has been great. I use this car for everything, it has carried a few hundred pounds of wood on the roof and filled the back with bags of mulch. It just keeps starting in the morning.
January 20, 2008I love my Vibe. Really a nice family, multi purpose car, simple, reliable, cute. Great Cargo space, with both back seats you can bring down, then you geta nice big and flat space , for example furniture, guitar amps and drums. Low on Gas. But its not a sports car. Though there is this button you can press when you feel a little more "wild". Forgot the name. Sort of like a "Turbo" feel to it. LOL. Over Charge I think. Neat. I'd buy another one exactly the same. Serious. I wonder why they stopped Production. Same as the Toyota Matrix. I guess that's why. And the Economy Crash we experienced.
October 5, 2012Great car. Reliable, solid standard features like automatic headlights.
January 23, 2008I love the peppiness of the GT. 180 HP out of a 1.8L that's impressive! Hugs the corners and it's very responsive. Braking is incredible and you can put alot of miles on them. Gas mileage is in the high 30's if you baby it.
November 2, 2010Performance is great I drove it like a typical US car until I read that the power curve Starts at 6000 rpm+ red lines at 8200. WOW what a difference. the car is light and sporty. 28-40 mpg is the range I have gotten from my GT. I run full sythetic oil in the engine and transmission, trans axle, K&N Filter,You can put an AMAZING amount of stuff in this car. 110volt inside plug in, passenger seat folds forward to supply you with a table. it's a bit light in the wind and on snow But I live in SD where we have high wind & cold & Snow.
December 9, 2009Sporty, can haul 5 people, cargo space to move large items, and fun to drive. Can't ask for anything better. The Vibe GT is really practical vehicle. Epecially when you have to move stuff. It also has a "wild" side when you get into the higher RPM levels. Handles well and it's fun to use the six speed manual transmission on the twisty roads. I lowered my Vibe GT, added the TRD cold air intake, and a Magnaflow cat-back exhaust. It runs like a champ! It's also the only car where you can plug in a blender and make margaritas as well. hehehe Overall, Pontiac did a good job teaming up Toyota in making this vehicle.
April 25, 2008Awesome investment. there has not been anything I could not get into this car. We love it. No problems at all with this ride. We will drive this till the wheels fall off.
July 13, 2008I love my car, but it dies in the middle of the night because the lights come on when the temperature drops. It is great on gas and sits very well.It has enough room for me, my husband and our two children with room to spare. I would be completely satisfied if not for this one problem....but it is an annoying problem.
January 25, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $16,760 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.8L 126 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 19.3 cu ft |
Combined MPG 29 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $20,875 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 158 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 19.3 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $19,990 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.8L 118 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 19.3 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain AWD |
