2010 Pontiac Vibe Review - A Match Made In Heaven

Merch & Blog: www.ZackPradel...
Contact me!
Email: [e-mail]
Instagram: @Shooting_Cars
BFB Test Pass/Fail Spreadsheet: docs.google.co...
Intro animation by: / initial_clip
Intro/outro music by: www.fiverr.com...
DISCLAIMER!
The thoughts, feelings, and opinions expressed in this video are the sole thoughts of Zack and no one else. The thoughts expressed in this video do not reflect the owner, dealership, or organization that owns the vehicle featured. The purpose of this video is to provide entertainment with the hope that you will take what you see and formulate your own opinions. DO NOT make a financial decision based off of this video.
#Pontiac #Vibe #PontiacVibe

[@damilolaakanni]

The Toyota Matrix wasn't built in NUMMI, it was built in Canada. Which was why Toyota kept making the Matrix until 2014.

[@vincentblouin5882]

I own a matrix and i can tell you this is the best vehicule ever. You can litteraly do anything with that. Sleep in it, carry people, carry big stuff, tow a bit, drive fast with the 5 speed manual. I love that platform!

[@karoltakisobie6638]

There is somewhere a long list of reasons why so many Matrix are still on the road. It was really good car. Toyota still makes equivalent of it today.

[@shambles3458]

​@@karoltakisobie6638gr corolla?

[@damilolaakanni]

Something that wasn't mentioned: you can't get the 1.8 engine with AWD. In fact, if you want AWD you're stuck with the 2.4 and a 4 speed automatic transmission.

[@zerocool5395]

That's what I got, but a Matrix S.

[@dimitriwaardenburg4631]

I have a 05 vibe bought 8years ago. It had 143.000km ( from Canada ) on it then i travelled around eastern Canada and all across U.S. slept in it, used it to put my kayak in etc now has 312.000km and still driving smooth. I know i might need another car soon but cant let go of my trusty red vibe with all those adventures and souvenirs

[@georgepaget5748]

I did the Canada USA in my 09 . Even with the price of fuel I still I'll be going on another road trip to Arizona. Being able to sleep in my car in any weather is such a bonus.its the ultimate freedom. So far I have had only $300.00 in repairs.its bullet proof.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Zack, I am glad you mentioned the OIL BURNING issues with the 2.4 2AZ-FE engine right at the outset. I have owned the base Vibe 1.8 (1ZZ-FE) since 2005 and there were many times I thought about 'upgrading' to a newer model with the 2.4. After 18 years, my 1.8 runs as well as new so it would have been heartbreaking to switch it for an engine with chronic issues. 🤞🤞

[@damilolaakanni]

We have a Camry with that 2AZ-FE. Apart from the oil burning issue, it has been very reliable.

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@damilolaakanni Yes, it is a good engine other than the excess oil consumption.

[@williamopperman7361]

My daughter has a 2009 Vibe with 2.4 and 158k miles. We change the oil every 5k miles with Mobil 1 and wix filter and have ZERO oil consumption.

[@draygen]

Good review, I love my 2009 Pontiac Vibe 2.4l fully loaded. It's one of the best cars I've ever owned out of at least 8 cars since 1998. I bought mine in 2015, it only had 24,000 miles on it for some reason. And here we are in 2023 and its still going strong. It's a FAST car. Probably the fastest car I've owned other than my 1986 Nissan Maxima v6 that I bought for $100 lol

[@willieswift9580]

I feel like the title should say "A Hatch Made in Heaven" lol

[@Just1American1966]

Good one. ;-)

[@ms_cartographer]

I wish Pontiac could have survived instead of Buick.

[@danmccarthy4700]

As much as I miss Pontiac, I don't think it'd make much sense in today's generic crossover-obsessed automotive climate. The only Pontiac that'd be in production today if they still existed would be the Torrent.

[@vvRADOvv]

should have been gmc, it doesnt serve any purpose that couldnt be fulfilled by a higher trim level on chevy trucks and suvs. the most badge engineered brand in the stable. that was just an excuse from gm though, bc all they do is badge engineer. it was all a numbers game. the least profitable brands got cut. end of story

[@donhebel1011]

Definitely 100%

[@paulm6481]

I had a first gen Vibe, it was such honest good vehicle. Worked 100,000 miles and then gave to my nephew who had it for another 50,000 miles until he totaled it.

[@celsovera91]

The good thing about this car is back when it was brand new you can get it a lot cheaper than its Toyota counterpart and still get Toyota reliability. Ironically back to the 90s, the Geo Prizm was actually more reliable than the Chevy cavalier due to its Toyota underpinnings

[@wigletron2846]

The prizm was a rebadged Corolla

[@boeing747-8]

I have a cheap, previously poorly maintained 2007 1.8 model, no options(not even power windows), 189k on the odometer, and had sat for two years before I got it. To this day it still drives without complaint and it hasn't failed me yet.

[@bobchan1666]

I own a 2010 matrix. The interior is absolutely identical, except the logo on the steering wheel of course.

[@zerocool5395]

Yup, except the area where the cubby hole is in the dash, the Matrix has a clock and a dead switch. I made mine into a voltmeter/USB charger.

[@jish8681]

My friend has one of these cars and I get to drive it a lot. This is a very good daily driver. It’s cheap, reliable, gets good mileage, has a comfortable ride, and has a decent amount of interior space for how small it is. It’s also incredibly easy to drive and has great visibility, so it’s a great first car if you’re still learning. This is probably one of the better cars you can have in high school or college.

[@somegreenguy]

i drive an 09 matrix and i absolutely love it, its a simple vehicle but it does everything it needs to and nothing it doesn't while the 2.4L does have issues with burning oil, its a really fun and responsive engine, it really brings a lot of fun to this small hatchback one thing interesting to note is that the awd and xrs/gt models of this gen got independent rear suspension (as opposed to the torsion beam rear), and while ive never driven a base model, my awd is really fun around curvy roads (also as a little side note, you could get carpet mats for the back trunk)

[@zerocool5395]

My Matrix came with a carpet for the rear as well.

[@gravelydon7072]

@@zerocool5395 My 2009 Vibe AWD did not have carpet in the rear. But it has more hiding places for things than the 2010 version had. The rear section has a section that can open up above the tire for holding groceries.

[@fernandoavila1410]

We’ve owned five of these in my family. 2 of them were first generations and 3 second generations. Mine has 357k, and has the infamous 2.4L. These things are work horses and reliable. They get decent mpg in the bigger 2.4l, not the best but it’s reliable.

[@milin620]

Was oil consumption that bad

[@shambles3458]

​@@milin620mine goes through a quart every 1500 miles

[@gravelydon7072]

@@shambles3458 Mine goes oil change to oil change without needing any. Even though it has a slight weep from the valve cover gasket.

[@anarsamedi7358]

Hi Zack, would be nice to hear more in your reviews about how well the cars you’re reviewing - put up with test of time. Common rust issues, reliability, and repair costs etc - that would go well with your review format. I get that every car is different, but those points could be helpful for someone researching the car that you’re reviewing.

[@ssackbboy]

I 2nd dis

[@michelmenard67]

On my 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT (2.4L), I've only had two breakdowns since I've had it. 1- The windshield wiper motor that I had changed. 2- The alternator that I had refurbished. Everything else is normal maintenance. It's an excellent car, in a very practical format. ❤🚗

[@mxss115]

My mom drives a 2010 vibe, same color. Lots of memories in this car, my younger brother is probably going to get it as his first car, since my mom is finally thinking of getting a new car.

[@anarsamedi7358]

My girlfriend got a 09 Vibe with 1.8, really good motor compared to 2.4, counting 320,000kms without any issues. Also, the back seats fold perfectly flat - so you can car camp!

[@gravelydon7072]

I think it depends on the day the motor was built. After 15 years mine has a weeping valve cover gasket but it does not burn oil. Problem with mine is paint and weatherstripping as if has spent a lot of time in the Florida sun which destroys both.

[@Jordi7174]

I used to want one of these so bad. I didn't care for the Matrix styling but I found the Vibe to be so cute.

[@vicp8772]

Gm with vvt-i Engine. How many Pontiac guys esp in Detroit I told said this is really a toyota. Probably one of the best gm cars

[@mshadow9280]

Pleasure to have you film my VIBRATOR!

[@crouchb15]

😮

[@st_cyndaquil]

Proud owner of a 2010 vibe w/210,000 miles. Still driving well, biggest fix to date was having to change the alternator last month.

[@olivershannon9104]

My parents bought one with the 5 speed manual in 2004 and it lived most of its life on dirt backroads and long highway driving and it only died in late 2013 long after the odometer maxed out

[@dachanist]

If you like the challenge of a 2 second shift lag, the gambling thrill of a near 100% DCT failure and the handling feel of riding a mattress on top of a skateboard, with a sunroof and heated seats… then the 2011 Ford Fiesta might be the surprisingly practical car of choice for the man who has decided to never own another rx7.

[@airedale2041]

Absolutely love my 2009 vibe 🤍

[@gravelydon7072]

Same here. It has seen some rough weather in its 15 years but it went on ice where a 4wd snowplow equipped pickup couldn't. That morning it had 2 foot of snow on its roof.

[@dkmorris713]

The first generation vibe was so much better.

[@fakejeepman06]

Why is the first gen better in your opinion? I think so as well but I just want to hear your opinion.

[@dkmorris713]

@fakejeepman06 Much better styling (I hate the rectangular rear window pasted onto the 2nd gen), better seats, and the optional Monsoon sound system I had in mine was pretty impressive for the day.

[@ponyotaa]

@@dkmorris713 Having sat in both, I think the seats in the second gen feel much better ergonomically. You can also fold the front seats flat if you optioned the 2.4 motor, or if you just pull them from one out of a salvage yard.

[@zerocool5395]

I've owned a G1 and G2 Matrix, I like the G2 better. The XRS with the 18' wheels and spoiler looks great.

[@doug6191]

What I find most interesting about the NUMMI arrangement is GM's inability to apply lessons learned to any of its other vehicles. The whole time they were collaborating with Toyota (25 years?), they introduced the woefully bad interiors like the Impala, Cobalt, Ion, GMT800s, etc., etc., etc. GM learned nothing from this. The Cruze was the first decent car from GM, and that was thanks to Daewoo. 🤦‍♂️ GM may have been "too big to fail", but that company certainly deserved it.

[@ivermec-tin666]

GM learned nothing from Saturn, from NUMMI, or from their EV1 electric vehicle which was at least 10 years ahead of the competition. GM never had a shortage of great engineers. What dogged GM was a complete lack of strategic vision in upper management. The firm is absolutely dominated by marketeers and MBA's.

[@hakeemsd70m]

The GMT800's has great interiors, especially the Cadillac Escalade. Some of the most comfortable seats ever, on par with a La Z Boy.

[@doug6191]

@hakeemsd70m Nope. Comfy seats isn't the point. Everything else sucked.

[@ivermec-tin666]

@@doug6191 If you want comfy seats, get an old Peugeot. But, if you want a reliable automobile then you will not even consider GM. Cadillac's are fine if you can live like a Billionaire and just drive a brand new vehicle every 6 months. Steve Jobs did this with his corporate vehicle in CA so that he would never have identifiable license plates.

[@Salmon_guy]

5:51 thats what i love about the pontiac vibe. im 6'1" and i still have loads of headroom compared to driving a car like the toyota rav4 2009 sport.

[@ericdouglas7039]

The Pontiac Vibe was the best GM car Toyota ever made

[@Just1American1966]

Or was it the best Toyota car GM ever sold? ;-)

[@Normalhowaboutyou]

I’ve got the 09 Vibe GT. Quick (not hemi fast lol) and gets decent MPG’s. 241,000 miles. Have had to put some $ into it however she runs strong. And yes- the 2.4L burns oil

[@gravelydon7072]

I think the engine problem was hit and miss. Some burn oil while others don't. Mine doesn't.

[@Normalhowaboutyou]

@@gravelydon7072 yep. Some were rebuilt by Toyota / GM as well for free. Not mine lol. For now i’ll just try out things like Restore or a Ber. Piston soak. Or just keep adding oil from Walmart😂

[@brianbartlett9263]

Thanks zake for finally reviewing a vibe😊

[@gravelydon7072]

I own a 2009 Pontiac Vibe AWD with the 2.4L. You can't beat it for when you have to drive on ice. But even though it is a Matrix at heart, there are a few gotchas. I had mine in for service at the local Florida Toyota dealership as it is now 15 years old and needed some tune up items. They also found that the front axle seals were leaking. And there lies the problem. Toyota used a different seal than what Pontiac used and could not find any locally. Front axles for both sides but no seals. That resulted in me getting another truck for the trip north. Local Ohio Chevy dealer checked and also found that the seals had been discontinued. But knew of a company that bought up GM's discontinued parts. 25 of the left side seal on-hand. And no right side seals. But in checking thru the dealership parts app, found that there was 1 right side one in IL. Phone call to confirm and the parts manager there went and checked to make sure. Yep, he had one so overnighted it to make sure I got it. Now when I get back to Florida I can have the front end redone. And no, the FWD 2.4s do not use the same seals. It seems that GM only used them in the AWD versions and only for the 2 years that they were built. The 2.4 on the highway can get 30 MPG so it isn't a gas hog. Mine does not burn oil but it does need the valve cover gasket replaced as there is where the oil leaks out of.

[@robertomulero514]

The FWD 2.4 Vibes were a 5 speed auto. The 2.4 AWD has a 4 speed transmission similar to the 1.8 sec gen. So I'm guessing if you would have looked for an axle seal that was for the 1.8 4 speed transmission from a same year 1.8 matrix or 1.8 Corolla, I bet that would have been the right sized seals you needed.

[@gravelydon7072]

@@robertomulero514 When I get home I will check that out. It would have seemed that Toyota would have known that as parts for the Vibe often are packaged as Matrix/Vibe. The axles are the same as used on the 2.4 FWD versions so it must be the outside diameter is what is different.

[@allisonb9072]

I test drove a first generation 2004 Pontiac vibe when I was car shopping back in 2013. I ended up finding a 2004 Toyota matrix which I like a lot better and it had far fewer miles on it and I still have it to this day has never given me any problems.

[@richardnottelmann58]

I find it very interesting that a base model 2010 Vibe has painted mirror caps. But on my old 2010 Cobalt, you had to get an LT or SS.

[@zerocool5395]

I own an 09' Matrix XRS (Refreshed 2.4) it's not quick, but you can carry crap and with the 18' wheels and apoilers, its a great looking car imo.

[@sandstorm3232]

I have a 2008 Vibe. At 190k, with only a few issues due to mileage, (AC stopped working), still runs and starts every time. Has been the most reliable car I've ever owned. How many cars made today will keep running at 200k and beyond?

[@bwofficial1776]

Thanks to Toyota, this is a good hatchback that doesn't try to be anything more. It's not a bad-looking car. Typical GM, once they get something good going they kill it. NUMMI was interesting. GM definitely got the good end of that with all of the Toyota platforms. Toyota got... a Cavalier.

[@zzoinks]

I mean GM had some pretty cool cars. May not have been the most reliable or high quality though. Such as the Oldsmobile Aurora and Pontiac Aztek.

[@gravelydon7072]

@@zzoinks Aztek, don't make me gag. One of the worst looking cars ever built. The Vibes look much better.

[@LandoStoleMyCar]

You should really check out the 1st gen matrix. I have one if you would like to drive it over on the west coast.

[@mark_u]

Always thought that the second gen Vibe and Matrix were huge letdowns in styling, compared with their predecessors.

[@TheAirSofterblaster200]

My vibes great, good mpg reliable, was cheap The cup holders are adjustable 4:53

[@lpcamaroboi]

Regarding the bottle test…You do realize that those dividers in the cup holder console are adjustable, right? I know there was a problem with the width of the console, but still. Both the middle and rear divisions lift out to adjust for cup sizes. Plus, there are larger bottle holders integrated into the driver and passenger door panels.

[@christophert6690]

my guy i have a suggestion!? can you put in the description the name & hp & transmission and stuff of that sort just like a highlight !

[@jonathankrimer]

U can adjust the cup holders. Just pull up on the plastic

[@Banom7a]

still wouldn't fit width wise lol

[@IamMaiC]

Had a 2004 vibe. Lasted me for 17 years. I would like to get another.

[@Theonestrongbusleader]

This is the only Pontiac car to afford Zack.

[@bwofficial1776]

The G8 is good and the GTO, while a generic blob, is an underrated muscle car.

[@sorepdmm3307]

I call my 1.8L vibe 09, Minerva gets on my nerves at times hehe. That being said the body of the car will probably rust out way faster than the miles I can put on her currently @ 91600 miles / 147400 klms. Still a way better reliable car than any computer on wheels these days. That will be $5000 to re place. Sir!

[@sophiarodriguez1861]

Thanks for the info! ❤️

[@Crispychicken4u]

The only vibe I get is the first gen with the 2zz mated with a 6 speed . Fun car when you hit lift

[@MattKurkowski]

That 4 speed won't get you up the Rocky Mountains past 55 mph. It's embarrassing. Ask me how I know.

[@gravelydon7072]

Depends on the engine. The 2.4 has no problems with climbing hills at 65MPH.

[@MattKurkowski]

@@gravelydon70722.4 only has engine failure problems. On second engine

[@rt_goblin_hours]

Lift it a little and you'd have a great crossover, and could've been a replacement for the aztek

[@LamoidZombieDog]

Didn't Know that they did something with a Toyota engine, i know they also did one with the Honda J35 V6

[@mshadow9280]

Saturn vue!

[@LamoidZombieDog]

@@mshadow9280 Yep

[@shambles3458]

I crashed my 09 gt two times, and it's still going strong at 200k miles

[@bazilwreckerloughead]

I always thought these were cool looking little rigs.

[@bitemyshinnymetalass1569]

I just want to say for all the complaints I sometimes point out at Elon. When it comes to the Nummi plant. I have to give the man his props. Cause the factory would have most likely closed down and thousands of plant workers would have lost their jobs if it wasn't for Elon for that I say thank you Elon. If I had to choose between the Vibe and the Matrix. I would first choose the Vibe GT. Then if not available I would get a Matrix XRS. With AWD

[@kathylewis7543]

What about the sports 2.4 pontiac vibe how is that I'm in the market right now a senior I need a little power and carry my bike in the back with bike rack! I'm a camper I need one now got taken a rotted sub frame I need to vehicle to keep working. Thanks@

[@AlphaMatt1000]

Big Bottle test doesn't count, because that bottle is ridiculously big and impractical

[@dave11686]

My sister had one

[@juantapia-y6e]

Hello, please I need to know if this 1.8L engine has belt or chain for timing and how much often should it be serviced? Thank you!

[@Brainbaskit]

Chain. Lasts lifetime. Tensioner might not

[@sylvesterchukwukairuh6547]

Do a 2010 Pontiac Vibe GT review Thanks

[@joshsamuel6300]

Is it true that a 2010 Pontiac Vibe only had 97 2010 models made according to Goggle? Is this true becuase it is very rare for this model year if so.

[@zerocool5395]

Could be true because GM killed Pontiac in 09-

[@gravelydon7072]

@@zerocool5395 We wanted a 2010 but there were none available with AWD. And the dealer had to take a 2009 from another dealer to get the AWD in S. Florida.

[@97warlock]

lookina the same color 05 model, I hate the color so Im passing on it, for me its either silver or white or light blue.

[@kathylewis7543]

What about. 2006 do you think they are worth it?

[@zythr9999]

Yes

[@losingmyfavoritegame8752]

I like your haircut. 😀

[@autumnwinfrey780]

you didn't lift the grocery slot in the back!

[@gravelydon7072]

2010 didn't have it on the one he drove. It is on my 2009 AWD Vibe.

[@danotchere941]

Please what does criz control mean

[@BlackNAVYAmericanVET]

Clear tail lights ………classic 00’s retro

[@yodaflyz]

I'm currently looking at an 09 & uncertain about it.

[@josephblanchard943]

I have an 09 with 130k and I love it so far...amazing gas mileage , handling on curvy roads is awesome, not fast but peppy, cargo area better than some SUVs. Hope this helps with your decision 😊

[@yodaflyz]

@@josephblanchard943 Nothing against the car model itself as I loved that but I ended up passing on that specific car as I think something was wrong with it given it was way below cost. They seemed way to egar to get rid of it. I ended up getting a Honda Civic & It's been good to me since last fall.

[@JustinVernon-i7n]

You can hit a tree at 60mph in this car and somehow survive. I miss my vibe 😭

[@97warlock]

You cant just Buy one now. word has leaked & everyone that has one sells a 200k miles Vibe for 4000.00 OR SO .Which is insanity to me, I dont want ANY car that has over 150k miles. Why? Because every car Ive ever had once it hits 110-130 miles, mechanical issues can happen at any givin time ,bringing stress.

[@MustangsTrainsMowers]

One of the best vehicles sold by GM of course was designed by Toyota.

[@lyimoej7198]

Toyota voltz in asian and african market

[@ronferber5794]

great cars , first gen were better looking ..

[@jamesstuart3346]

8:58 "Chevy" never owned Pontiac

[@zythr9999]

;lol To be honest, several models were shared between Chevy and Pontiac

[@davinp]

The Pontiac Vibe is simply the Toyota Corolla Matrix with a Pontiac badge as the car was made by Toyota for GM

[@gyneve]

As someone who drove both a corolla and a vibe, the vibe/matrix was a much better built car.

[@doug6191]

You have enlightened EVERYONE to that fact. Nobody anywhere knew that. Toyota wasn't even mentioned in the video. Crazy how this was kept quiet so long. You some kind of insider, spilling corporate secrets? 😮

[@doug6191]

And the car was not "simply" a Matrix with a Pontiac badge. If you don't believe that, try taking the bumper off the Matrix and getting it to line up with the body panels on the Vibe. They won't work because much more than the badge was changed.

[@gravelydon7072]

@@doug6191 And take a look at the rear sail panel. Vibe has a different window. Also if you have an AWD 2009 Vibe, the axle seals are not the same as on a 2.4L FWD or even an AWD Matrix. Ask me how I know that. Axles are the same but not the seals. If you go to a Toyota dealer and get parts, many of them say Matrix/Vibe. But not all. Front axle seal for the right side is almost made of unobtainium.

[@stevenkreiss2113]

Actually a Toyota which is a good thing...

[@PaulMyers-q1m]

Looked at a2010 vibe had no power window but all wheel drive auto .was a bargain by today's price

[@makaipaulson676]

i submitted our car, but i have a fear of my mom killing me im 13 btw i cannot give you our location it is forbidden

[@davinp]

Of course 2010 was the last model year for Pontiac. GM killed Pontiac when they bankruptcy

[@gorgeous6031]

Car is a ripoff! Just bought the same exact car for $2600

[@boeing747-8]

I bought an unmaintained '07 for just $500 with 180k on the odometer. Started and drove all the way back home.