Best economy car, hatchback 2011 Honda Fit *Est. $15100
Best economy car, sedan 2011 Hyundai Elantra *Est. $14830
Best sporty compact car 2011 Volkswagen GTI *Est. $23695
Best nonhybrid fuel economy 2011 Volkswagen Golf TDI *Est. $23225
Best cheap compact car 2011 Nissan Versa *Est. $9990

See All Economy Cars

2008 Pontiac Vibe

(*est. $16,760 and up)

Pros

Excellent fuel economy
Versatile interior
Low cost of ownership
Durable

Cons

Many safety features are added-cost options
Engine is poky and noisy
Out-of-date styling
Resale values lower than for sister model Toyota Matrix

Our Analysis

Since the sportier GT and all-wheel drive versions of the Pontiac Vibe were dropped in the 2007 model year, some critics have theorized that the Vibe's days are numbered. However, good coverage of the 2008 Pontiac Vibe can still be found from sources like Consumer Reports magazine, where editors discuss road-test results and predicted reliability. Experts at ConsumerGuide.com also publish and interpret the results of their own evaluations. Reviews of the Pontiac Vibe at CarCritic.com, Edmunds.com, and Cars.com are up-to-date and informative, but they're not as detailed or directly comparative. TopSpeed.com features an article that outlines recent recalls affecting the Vibe.

The compact wagon/hatchback segment has exploded since the Pontiac Vibe's 2003 model-year debut: Today, the 2008 Vibe struggles to compete with newer, better-reviewed economy cars such as the Honda Fit (*est. $13,950 to $16,070) and Nissan Versa (*est. $12,880 to $15,980). Even the Vibe's near-twin, the Toyota Matrix (*est. $15,510 to $17,820), fares better. Most reviews say the 2008 Pontiac Vibe is roomy and offers plenty of flexibility, thanks to fold-flat rear seats and a fold-down front passenger seat. Historical reliability has been a highlight for the Vibe, though recent recalls may cast uncertainty on its future dependability. Reviews note that many safety features – including side air bags, ABS and stability control – are not standard on the Vibe. Basics such as power windows and locks are also added-cost options.

Where To Buy

Get Free Price Quotes for
2008 Pontiac Vibe

Bid on
2008 Pontiac Vibe

Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

Consumer Reports' auto reviews include ratings for predicted long-term reliability, derived from data collected through large-scale owner surveys. Editors also cover road-test results for the Pontiac Vibe, and they assign it ratings in many performance areas.

Review: 2008 Pontiac Vibe, Editors of Consumer Reports

2. ConsumerGuide.com

Editors test the 2008 Pontiac Vibe and assign it ratings on 11 performance measures. Comparing those scores with others in the class indicates that the Vibe is average in most respects.

Review: 2008 Pontiac Vibe, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, Sept. 9, 2008

3. Edmunds.com

Editors here say the Vibe is an aging model that doesn't offer the same behind-the-wheel thrills as compact hatchbacks like the Mazda3 or Volkswagen GTI, but they add that its performance and design are solid and satisfying nonetheless.

Review: 2008 Pontiac Vibe Review, Editors of Edmunds.com

4. CarCritic.comDetails/Subscribe

CarCritic.com focuses on issues such as long-term predicted reliability and expected depreciation. Vorderman describes the 2008 Pontiac Vibe as a solid, reliable compact wagon, and he calls the Vibe an excellent choice in its class.

Review: 2008 Pontiac Vibe, Don Vorderman

5. Cars.com

This short article is an overview, and no performance tests are explicitly cited. Editors at Cars.com include a short pro/con analysis of the 2008 Pontiac Vibe. Reliability is a plus and cabin noise a minus.

Review: 2008 Pontiac Vibe, Editors of Cars.com

6. TopSpeed.com

This article concerns 2008 recalls affecting the Pontiac Vibe and its near-twin, the Toyota Matrix. Reports of cracking or shattering power windows have called long-term dependability into question.

Review: Toyota – The Recall Class Act?, Ralph Kalal, Apr. 10, 2008

2011 Ford Fiesta Base MSRP: $13,320 to $17,120

8 picks including: Car and Driver, Cars.com…

2011 Volkswagen Golf Base MSRP: $17,995 to $19,755

8 picks including: FuelEconomy.gov, Edmunds.com…

2011 Honda Civic Base MSRP: $15,605 to $25,490

5 picks including: FuelEconomy.gov, Edmunds.com…

2011 Mini Cooper Base MSRP: $19,400 to $31,300

5 picks including: FuelEconomy.gov, Edmunds.com…

2011 Mazda3 Base MSRP: $15,800 to $23,010

5 picks including: FuelEconomy.gov, Edmunds.com…

2011 Volkswagen Jetta Base MSRP: $14,995 to $22,995