Pontiac Vibe

Name: 2006 Pontiac Vibe
Brand: Pontiac

RECALL ALERT: There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The Pontiac Vibe's compact dimensions, versatile interior, and good fuel economy make it a handy, nimble, economical runabout. However, a flawed driving position and a boomy engine detract.

2006 Wagons Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Pontiac Vibe

vs. Similar Cars

Mazda 3

Scion xB

Toyota Matrix

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Crash and Rollover Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Crash and Rollover Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Owner Reports

Worse Better

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

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2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

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2015

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2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

View all Owner Satisfaction

Crash and Rollover Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

2006 Compact cars Ratings

2006 Pontiac Vibe

$5,025 - $5,550

CR MPG:

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$4,125 - $4,800

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$4,975 - $5,125

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$4,700 - $13,350

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Seating

2 front, 3 rear

Drive Wheels

AWD, Front

Warranty

Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

wagon

5-speed Manual
4-speed Automatic
6-speed Manual

1.8-liter 4 (118 hp)
1.8-liter 4 (164 hp)
1.8-liter 4 (126 hp)

Model History

2009-

Current Generation

Offering many of the attributes of a crossover SUV in a smaller, more easily managed package, this version of the Vibe -- like its predecessor -- was a good idea that was mildly under executed. We appreciate the raised driving position, unfettered interior access and all-wheel drive option. However, the cheap interior treatment, less than optimal driving position and noisy engine are detriments. The Vibe was dropped after 2010, with the rest of Pontiac.

2003-2008

2003 Redesign Year

The Vibe's 1.8-liter four-cylinder drones loudly and performs modestly. GT models use a stronger version of this engine and come only with a six-speed manual. Handling is fairly nimble and the ride is compliant -- if a little jittery. Access is very easy, the rear seat is quite roomy, but the driving position is only so-so. The optional AWD system works well, but hurts acceleration and fuel economy. Folding the rear seats creates a large, flat load floor. Overall, this is a sensible alternative to a small SUV. Stability control became available in 2005, but may be difficult to find.