DecodedCars2005 Pontiac Wave
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Hatch FWD /Base/Uplevel, 4dr Sedan FWD /Base/Uplevel
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 27 combined · 23 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- 152.8–166.9 in
- Curb weight
- 2,436–2,458 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 27 MPG combined — 16% better than the average 2005 compact car (23.3 MPG).
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 10 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Pontiac Wave is a compact car offered with a 1.6L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 153 inches long and 66 inches wide on a 98-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,436 lb (4dr Hatch FWD /Base/Uplevel).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (23 city / 32 highway), 16% better than the 2005 compact car average of 23.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,500 a year in fuel.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Hatch FWD /Base/Uplevel | 152.8 in | 65.7 in | 59.1 in | 97.6 in | 57.1 / 55.5 in | 2,436 lb | 63/37 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD /Base/Uplevel | 166.9 in | 65.7 in | 59.1 in | 97.6 in | 56.7 / 55.5 in | 2,458 lb | 63/37 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wave | 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 32 / 27 | +16% | $2,500 | 329 |
| Wave 5 | 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 32 / 27 | +16% | $2,500 | 329 |
| Wave | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | +12% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Wave 5 | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | +12% | $2,600 | 342 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Pontiac Wave under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Pontiac Wave (this car) | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Mazda 3 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 35 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Suzuki Forenza | 22 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2005 Chevrolet Aveo | 27 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2005 Dodge Stratus | 24 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2005 Dodge Neon/SRT-4/SX 2.0 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Pontiac Wave.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2005 Pontiac Wave is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2005 Pontiac Wave in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2005 Pontiac Wave buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Pontiac Wave. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Wave years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Wave | 26 | 152.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Pontiac. How we calculate this →