While it didn't receive top-tier safety ratings across the board in every year, it typically achieved acceptable to good scores in crash tests conducted by organizations like the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). Its relatively small size meant it wasn't as protective as larger SUVs or sedans in some crash scenarios.
Therefore, it's not accurate to simply say it was or wasn't "safe." To determine the safety of a *specific* Pontiac Vibe, you should check the NHTSA and IIHS websites and input the year and model. Look for crash test results and any safety recalls issued for that particular vehicle.