DecodedCars2006 Pontiac GTO
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 6.0L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 18 combined · 15 city / 23 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Few owner complaints3 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 88 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 18 MPG combined, 19% below the 2006 compact car average of 22.2 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 Pontiac GTO is a compact car offered with a 6.0L 8-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (15 city / 23 highway), 19% worse than the 2006 compact car average of 22.2 MPG, for an estimated $4,550 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2006
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2005 GTO — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 GTO →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GTO | 6.0L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 23 / 18 | -19% | $4,550 | 494 |
| GTO | 6.0L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -28% | $5,150 | 555 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Pontiac GTO under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Pontiac GTO (this car) | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Volkswagen Jetta | 33 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Pontiac G6 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2006 Saab 9-3 | 23 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2006 Chrysler Sebring | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2006 Pontiac GTO.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2006 Pontiac GTO is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2006 Pontiac GTO buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Power Train — 2 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Power Train › Clutch Assembly › Pedal/Hand Lever(Motorcycle) — 1 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Power Train › Clutch Assembly — 1 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 33,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2006 Pontiac GTO. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other GTO years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 GTO | 18 | – | Not rated | 0 | 11 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Pontiac. How we calculate this →