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In the auto world, there have always been cars that are very reliable and economical to operate. And then some cars are known for their dizzying gas mileage and plush interior. And if you ask any Pontiac Vibe users, they will vote it for the former. But is Pontiac Vibe a good car?
Pontiac Vibe is a compact car that brings you fuel-efficient performance. There are various reasons why you should opt for this car from GM. It has a lot of potentials and would definitely play a significant role as a commuter vehicle.
Below, we have made an exhaustive collection of all the information about Pontiac Vibe and why it will be a good fit for you. This will help you better understand what you need to know when or before purchase.
Is Pontiac Vibe A Good Car?
The Pontiac Vibe is a great car. It’s a smart and practical choice for drivers who want a fun, stylish ride that can also get them where they need to go with ease.
The Vibe is easy to park and maneuver on the road, and it’s comfortable enough to make long drives in without feeling like you’re going to fall asleep at the wheel. It has good fuel efficiency, so you’ll save money on gas while driving this car.
It’s got some nice features that make it stand out from other cars in its class:
There’s a backup camera included as standard equipment, which helps prevent accidents when you’re backing up. The interior has plenty of places for storage space—and enough room for passengers if you need them!
If you’re looking for a reliable vehicle that looks good but isn’t too expensive, then look no further than the Pontiac Vibe.
How Long Does A Pontiac Vibe Last?
Pontiac Vibes are built with quality materials that help ensure long-term durability. This means you can expect your Pontiac Vibe to last many years before needing major repairs or replacement parts.
However, some factors can affect how long your vehicle will last. These factors include your driving habits, The type of road you drive on, the age of your Pontiac Vibe, and many more.
But generally, you can drive an average mileage of 125,455 miles without expecting any problems soon.
And that is decent reliability. Remember that the engine design was based on the Toyota Corolla, which is a gesture it can also offer good reliability.
Is Pontiacs Hard To Maintain?
Pontiac’s engines and transmissions are of high quality. However, these cars were manufactured in 1907, so they need to be updated compared to today’s vehicles.
As a result, you can expect your Pontiac to require slightly less maintenance than other cars.
While a car’s brand is one factor that influences how often it breaks down, regular maintenance is the most important way to keep your vehicle in good shape.
7 Most Common Pontiac Vibe Problems
Pontiac Vibes are known for their dependability, performance, and styling. But it can be a little temperamental.
They are also known for their problems. And here are some common Pontiac Vibe Problems:
1. Pulsating Brake Pedal
A pulsating and squeaky brake pedal has been a known issue in some 2003-2010 Pontiac Vibes. And owners of the affected models have complained about these issues even after replacing the faulty parts multiple times.
Some also experienced their vehicles vibrating excessively upon applying the brakes. A replacement brake disc and pad kit can cost anywhere between $80 and $350, plus labor costs.
Some owners of the 2003-2010 Pontiac Vibe have reported an issue with the brake pedal of their vehicle pulsating and squeaking.
Remember that making sudden stops, riding the brakes, and using worn-out brake pads can wear out the rotors unevenly. So avoid these practices to prolong the service life of your vehicle’s brake rotors.
2. Loose Gas Cap
You’re not alone if you have a Pontiac Vibe with a loose gas cap. The problem is an extremely common issue across the 2003 to 2010 models and can be caused by various factors.
A light may indicate this if the gas cap is not properly fastened. But if left unaddressed, such problems in the emissions system can create harmful vapor and pollute our environment.
It can also cause your car’s engine to operate less efficiently, causing you to spend more on fuel in the long run.
3. Loose Wheel Center Caps
If you own a Pontiac Vibe, you will likely experience wheel cent caps loss. This is because the center cap can loosen over time and become detached from the wheel.
It is made of a soft rubber and will wear down over time.
However, the 2009 Pontiac Vibe model has been linked with this problem over the years.
There has been a consistent repost that the caps on this model year fall off repeatedly, despite having them replaced.
And that is very upsetting because replacing this part can cost you anywhere between $20 and $30 plus labor costs.
4. Transmission Failure
Transmission failure is a common problem in the 2003 Vibe redesign.
Owners of this model have repeatedly complained about problems shifting gears, even with fewer than 100,000 miles on their clocks.
Transmissions can fail suddenly and for no apparent reason.
Common causes of transmission failure include low transmission fluid, a bad torque converter or clutch, and failed solenoids —these are all internal gears that help shift the vehicle into different gears at certain times during driving.
Aside from that, Transmission failure can cause your vehicle to display various symptoms, including an engine that has quit and shifting problems.
That is why it is advisable to take your car to the mechanic if you see an illuminated check engine light, hear humming or whining noises, feel grinding and shaking—or any of those other symptoms associated with poor performance.
5. Excessive Oil Consumption
Another common problem with the Pontiac Vibe is frequent oil changes.
This means you need to check your oil level regularly so that you don’t run into problems like an underfilled oil tank or an overfilled one (which can damage your engine).
Although the problem with excessive oil consumption is very common amongst 2009 Pontiac Vibe owners.
Drivers complain bitterly that they had to add engine oil more often than usual.
And the majority of them are saying it is even more complicated addressing this issue due to the partnership between Toyota and General Motors in manufacturing the drivetrain.
However, some of the leading causes of excessive oil consumption may also include poor oil quality, high oil pressure, worn piston rings, old engine age, or even worn seals or gaskets.
All of these also have a say in how your engine drinks old.
And if left unaddressed, excessive oil consumption eventually leads to carbon buildup in the engine, which can cause serious damage.
It starts by reducing the amount of air flowing into the engine, resulting in decreased power and poor performance.
6. Loose Window Regulator Mounting Bolts
Also, if you’re using a Pontiac Vibe, you’re likely to suffer from losing the window regulator mount.
It’s a common disease for Pontiac Vibe. Although, this isn’t much of a headache.
But this problem is most predominant with the 2003 to 2007 models.
Many drivers have complained that the windows are loose and don’t roll up or down smoothly because of loose bolts attaching them to the car.
Meanwhile, others had dealt with a detached window clamp and damaged regulator’s arm. In some cases, the windows shattered completely or made unusual clicking noises.
And in 2008, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a recall for certain 2003 and 2004 Pontiac Vibes due to these issues.
According to the official report, if the bolts that hold a car window in place are not tight enough, they may come loose and cause part of the door glass to break from its frame.
Thus, once noticed, endeavor to address this issue ASAP else you risk shattering the door glass.
7. Bearing Noise
The Vibe has received many positive reviews from critics, but it has also received some negative feedback.
And one thing that many people have complained about is the noise from the engine when driving down the road.
Bearing noise is one of the most common problems with this vehicle class, and it can be a major issue for quiet drivers trying to enjoy long drives in their cars.
But the problem is mostly associated with the 2003 Vibe models.
There have been thousands of complaints about tapping and clicking noises that eventually get louder in the long run whenever the tap on the clutch.
However, transmission bearings only produce strange noises if they are poorly manufactured, inadequately lubricated, or contaminated.
As you can see, even a dependable vehicle like the Pontiac Vibe can suffer from wear and tear, causing critical problems for drivers.
Hence, to prevent small problems from turning into expensive repairs, you should be keeping track of your daily driver’s maintenance schedule.
Does A Pontiac Vibe Have A Toyota Engine?
YES! The Pontiac Vibe is equipped with a Toyota engine.
The powertrains available for this car are a Toyota-built 1.8 L straight-4 16-valve engine that churns out either 126 hp (turbo) or 164 hp (supercharged) or a version with VVTL-i producing 164 hp (122 kW) for the GT or one making 122 kW (164 horsepower).
Why Are Used Pontiacs So Cheap?
First, When a brand leaves the market, its used cars depreciate rapidly.
Moreover, Pontiacs were only somewhat reliable. So while you opt for the used model, prepare your mind for costly repairs.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the Pontiac Vibe is a decent car that offers affordable performance and style to buyers looking for something different from typical American sedans.
Though the car might not be as popular as it once was, it’s still a great option for drivers who want something unique and exciting to add to their collection of vehicles.
With a slightly boxy design, it’s well-tailored for families or urban drivers.
However, most of its model comes with a curse, as we have mentioned above. So have that at the back of your mind.
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