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2006 Pontiac Wave

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.

Class: Subcompact 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): 26 combined · 22 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 26 MPG combined — 23% better than the average 2006 subcompact car (21.2 MPG).
Few owner complaints0 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 28 for similar models.
No recalls so far

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2006 Pontiac Wave is a subcompact 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 26 MPG combined (22 city / 32 highway), 23% better than the 2006 subcompact car average of 21.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.

There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.

What changed for 2006

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2005 Wave — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 Wave →

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 5	1.6L 4-cyl	Manual 5-spd	Front-Wheel Drive	22 / 32 / 26	+23%	$2,600	342
Wave 5	1.6L 4-cyl	Automatic 4-spd	Front-Wheel Drive	21 / 31 / 25	+18%	$2,700	355

Spend $1,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car

21.2 MPG2006 Subcompact Cars average

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 Wave under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2006 subcompact cars

Model	Best MPG / range	NHTSA overall	Recalls
2006 Pontiac Wave (this car)	26 MPG	Not rated	0
2006 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport	22 MPG	Not rated	0
2006 Scion tC	23 MPG	Not rated	2
2006 Chevrolet Aveo	26 MPG	Not rated	1
2006 Scion xA	30 MPG	Not rated	2
2006 Suzuki Swift	26 MPG	Not rated	0

Recalls (0)

No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2006 Pontiac Wave.

Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2006 Pontiac Wave is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

No owner complaints for the 2006 Pontiac Wave in NHTSA's database since 2015.

Used 2006 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 2006 Pontiac Wave. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Wave years

Compare all years →

Year	MPG (best)	Length	Overall	Recalls	Complaints
2005 Wave	27	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 →