Against 282 other 4-cyl cars rated 2008–2010, the Vibe beats their 25.1 mpg average by 2.9 mpg, about $159 a year.
Every Pontiac Vibe engine, compared
The Pontiac Vibe was rated in a single specification, so its gas mileage does not vary by version — only by model year. Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 25.8 / 32.5 | 2003–2010 | $1,347 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Nissan Juke gets 29 mpg, the Nissan Cube 28.7 mpg and the Dodge Caliber 26.7 mpg, next to 28 mpg for the 2010 Vibe.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2010) | $0.114 |
| Fuel per year | $1,371 |
| Fuel over five years | $6,855 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2008–2010 | −$159 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,175 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2010 Pontiac Vibe gives up 5 mpg in town: 31 on the highway against 26 in the city, $238 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2010) | 26 mpg | $1,477 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 31 mpg | $1,239 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +5 mpg (19%) | Typical for its type |
How the Vibe changed over the years
The Vibe peaked in 2008 at 29 mpg (26 city, 33 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2010 at 28 — 1 mpg apart, or $47 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2010 car does 28.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 26 / 31 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2009 | 26 / 31 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2008 | 26 / 33 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2007 | 26 / 33 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2006 | 26 / 33 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2005 | 26 / 33 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2004 | 25 / 33 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2003 | 25 / 33 | 1 | $1,371 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 8 EPA ratings of the Pontiac Vibe — 1 engine across 2003–2010. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,175. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2010 Pontiac Vibe get?
28 mpg combined, 26 city and 31 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2003 the Vibe has averaged 28.5 mpg.
Is the 2010 Vibe more efficient than the 2009?
About the same: 28 against 28 mpg combined.
Which Vibe year has the best gas mileage?
The 2008, at 29 mpg combined (26 city, 33 highway).
Does the Vibe get better gas mileage than the Nissan Juke?
No: 28 mpg for the 2010 Vibe against 29 for the 2011 Nissan Juke, about $47 a year more to run.
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