2006 Pontiac Vibe Review
2006 Pontiac Vibe Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Comfortable ride, unique features, roomy backseat, versatile cargo area, good gas mileage, available stability control.
Cons
- All-wheel-drive version is sluggish, Toyota's version likely to have better resale value.
What’s new
Not much changes for the Pontiac Vibe in 2006. The optional DVD-based navigation system has been discontinued, while leather seating is a new item on the options list.
Edmunds says
The 2006 Pontiac Vibe blends performance, practicality and affordability into a tastefully styled, but still fun sport wagon package. Here's one Pontiac that hits its mark.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 Pontiac Vibe 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.31 per gallon for regular unleaded in Kentucky.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Kentucky
$142/mo for Vibe Base
Vibe Base
vs
$169/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
The Pontiac Vibe blends the handling of a small sedan with the practicality of a five-door hatchback. It's geared toward young buyers who want a stylish, practical vehicle but don't need or want a gas-guzzling SUV. Related to the Toyota Matrix, the Vibe is a jointly developed vehicle that shares most major components with its Japanese cousin.
At just 171 inches long, the Pontiac Vibe is slightly shorter than your typical compact sedan, but its body is taller and wider, which gives it a more spacious and functional interior. The rear seats fold completely flat to open up just over 54 cubic feet of cargo space, while the durable plastic load floor offers adjustable tie-down points via built-in floor tracks. The front-passenger seat also folds flat to function as an impromptu work table for the driver or to aid in loading longer items. Drivers sit higher in the Vibe than in most sedans but not so much as to make entry and exit a chore as in many SUVs.
Red backlit gauges with chrome-trim rings highlight a sharp-looking instrument panel, while the rest of the interior features straightforward climate controls, a well-placed stereo for easy access and even a 115-volt outlet for plugging in electronic devices. The Vibe's sporty looks are backed up by a well-sorted suspension that delivers a comfortable ride around town and responsive handling. Front-wheel drive is the standard layout, but all-wheel drive is available for negotiating the roads during inclement weather. The top-level GT version offers optional 17-inch wheels and tires for the performance-minded buyer in addition to its standard six-speed manual gearbox and peaky 170-hp, four-cylinder engine.
Lesser models make do with a detuned version of the GT's engine -- performance isn't as lively but most buyers will find the power band more user-friendly. Capable competitors like the PT Cruiser, Impreza, and Mazda 3 share many of the Vibe's attributes. The Vibe doesn't quite match any one of those vehicles in its specific areas of expertise, but it does offer a well-rounded package that delivers a little bit of everything without sacrificing practicality or fun. Add in the unique interior features and multiple drivetrain configurations, and the 2006 Pontiac Vibe certainly makes a strong case for itself as an attractive yet practical sport wagon that won't break the bank.
Performance & mpg
The Pontiac Vibe has two different engines available. Base models come with a 1.8-liter, 130-horsepower four-cylinder mated to either a standard five-speed manual or an optional four-speed automatic. All-wheel-drive versions come with the automatic only, and due to different exhaust routing, make just 122 hp. Top-of-the-line GT models get a 170-hp version of the same 1.8-liter four-cylinder and a standard six-speed manual transmission; an automatic is not available on the GT.
Safety
Seat-mounted side airbags for front occupants and full-length side curtain airbags are optional across the line. ABS brakes are standard on AWD and GT models, and optional on the base model. GT models also gain standard four-wheel disc brakes. For added security, stability control is offered on base models equipped with the automatic transmission. In governmental crash tests, the Pontiac Vibe earned a perfect five stars in frontal-impact testing, five stars for side impacts involving front occupants and four stars for side impacts involving rear occupants.
Driving
The Pontiac Vibe offers an elevated driving position that affords a great view of the road, but the ergonomics can be a bit awkward for some. The handling isn't particularly sporty but it is responsive, while the ride quality is smooth and comfortable on a day-to-day basis. Acceleration from the base motor is a bit sluggish, especially with the added weight of the all-wheel-drive system, but the GT is fast for a compact wagon, provided you're willing to take advantage of its higher-strung engine.
Interior
The Pontiac Vibe features an interior that is both stylish and functional. Chrome-ringed gauges and metallic dash trim spice things up in front, while in back, the 60/40-split bench seat provides roomy accommodations for adult passengers and folds completely flat to create 54.1 cubic feet of usable cargo space. Other useful features include a front-passenger seat that folds flat for carrying extra-long items, a 115-volt AC power outlet for plugging in household devices and a completely flat cargo floor with adjustable tie-down anchors.
2006 Pontiac Vibe models
The four-door, five-passenger Pontiac Vibe comes in three levels of trim: base, AWD and GT. Without any options added, all three are pretty frugal in terms of standard features. Every Vibe comes with air conditioning, CD audio, tilt steering and 16-inch wheels (alloys on the GT). Potential buyers should seriously consider getting the Preferred package as it adds power windows, locks and mirrors; cruise control; and keyless entry. There's also a Sun and Sound package with a power sunroof and an upgraded audio system. Order both, and Pontiac will throw in OnStar. For 2006, Pontiac has also made leather seating available as part of a new Premium package. Other Vibe option choices include satellite radio, an exterior-enhancing Sport package and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 Pontiac Vibe.
5 star(78%)
4 star(19%)
3 star(1%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(0%)
114 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
241,000 plus Miles
123me, 11/20/2022
2006 Pontiac Vibe 4dr Wagon AWD (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
So here I am again, reviewing my little engine that can! My 2006 Pontiac Vibe is still (knock on wood) running fine. I use her daily and she still gets 30mpg sometimes 32mpg after an oil change and perfectly inflated tires. My one repair since my last review a couple of years ago was a new radiator fan was installed. The parts are plastic and the housing that holds the electric motor … cracked or broke, something that made a loud racket and prompted me to stop driving and get it repaired pronto. The whole repair was $240, thanks to the mechanic gods.
A couple of months ago I read a review of another Vibe with equally high milage and the owner determined to hold on to his beloved hatchback.
So it's not just me blessed with a well made vehicle. I still see the Vibe and it's sister car the Toyota Matrix on the road, a testament to it's excellent design, and well manufacturing. I live by The Monterey Bay in California. Sea air does a number on metal and the body definitely is showing it with bits of rust appearing around the windshield. The other sign of age is the plastic cover on the headlights has become very cloudy. I can now drive with my high beams on and no one seems to notice. Other than that it's still a very comfortable ride, without issues and going strong. I will note for anyone reading this and deciding whether a used Vibe is a good purchase, I've done all the regular maintenance on the car, oil change, new belts, etc. in a timely fashion, and that has certainly helped with it's longevity. (And I have 17 years of receipts.)
Happy driving and I hope to report back in a couple more years of worry free transportation.
4.75 out of 5 stars
A Great Car ... Through The Years!
k_texas, 05/16/2012
2006 Pontiac Vibe 4dr Wagon AWD (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
I bought my Vibe new back in early '07 ... here it is five years later and I still love it.
She (yes, it's a girl -- with her own name) just turned the corner and has safely and efficiently taken me over 100,000 miles.
Can't rave enough about fuel economy.
Last road trip was just a few weeks ago (about 900 miles r/t) ... she did me proud with 30-35 mpg!!
Really??
YES!
I noticed a past … reviewer commented on very poor handling in Midwest winter snows.
I'd like to chime in on that and say mine was quite the Opposite.
She handled herself very respectably in a South Dakota winter -- with FOUR blizzards back-to-back.
3.75 out of 5 stars
Keep the Recall in Mind
bike_canoe2, 05/10/2011
2006 Pontiac Vibe 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
I agree with Edumonds it is sluggish, but 32 mpg city is a definate advantage.
The seating is comfortable, road noise is average.
It is fun to drive but it's not a sports car.
NOW ABOUT THE RECALL - the PCM (performance control module) has issues, it will leave you stranded on the side of the road when it fails.
The recall covers specific years, and specific engines so check yours at … NHTSA.GOV and have it replaced if yours is recalled!
The recall will cover replacing the PCM, labor, and towing to a GM dealer, but it does not cover a loaner vehicle.
The dealer is very confident about the reliablity of this vehicle, this is the only issue they have with this vehicle.
5 out of 5 stars
Best Car We've ever owned!
Scott, 03/31/2016
2006 Pontiac Vibe 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
This is by far the best car we've ever owned. 220k and still great. Only repairs have been brakes, battery, serpentine belt, wiper blades and tires. Regular maintenance important, done with tranny fluid at each 50k, plugs at each 100k, same with coolant. Oil and filter every 5k. Still have original alternator, a/c unit (no recharge needed on freon), muffler system, hoses. Stock radio w/ … 5 cd changer blew after 3 years-replaced with after market. Almost 10 years and this car is still going. Hope to get 230k then it's time to retire the Vibe....with tears in my eyes then I am sure.
2006 Vibe Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $16,430 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 29 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $142/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 19.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Vibe include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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