2006 Pontiac Vibe Ratings
Getting firsthand information from an actual car owner is one sure way to get an idea of car performance once it leaves the lot. Autobytel features real consumer reviews that give the unbiased experience of a car.
-
2006 Pontiac Vibe - GT FWD
Pros: Upgraded stereo with woofer rocks!, utility of the back with seats folded down, four doors, attractive hubcaps without having to spring for sport wheels
Cons: Seat ergonomics, not as good in snow as I expected for front wheel drive, road noise
Advice: The fact that many aren't getting the advertised mileage causes me concern. It shouldn't be luck of the draw. Double check other sites for mileage reviews.
I've driven a 2005 5 spd, 125 hp engine, no AWD model for just over two years. For the money, I don't think there's a better option. Feels big, even though it's quite small, if you don't mind pushing the RPMs up to 5K or better, the little 4 banger is surprisingly peppy. Unlike others, I get the advertised 30 in the city and 36 on the highway. I've even hit 38 on one round trip to the Rocky Mountains and kept up easily with the flow of traffic with two passengers, luggage and bicycles. Suspension isn't high tech, the gear box is low end, seat ergonomics don't fit me well (I have to sit very straight to make arm and leg lengths reach steering wheel and pedals correctly). But for the money, it's a great value and the perfect in city commuter. -
2006 Pontiac Vibe - Base FWD
Pros: The great handling
Cons: The style of the break lights. I always wanted to buy different ones but they are not avaliable.
Advice: Make sure whatever car you buy you absolutly love it. Don't settle for less!
I only drove it for just a few miles before deciding to purchase it. I loved the way it handeled and the ablility to do a quick turnaround. Very quick for not being a V6. Bucket seats are so comfortable and there is so much room to store all the things you have in the car. Easy to convert the steats to fold down position. Loved it from the minute I steped in. -
2006 Pontiac Vibe - Base FWD
Pros: fold down seats
Cons: 24.5 mpg in town
Advice: dont think that it realy gets 30 mpg. in town
I like my vibe it has lots of power and also lots of room for a small car.but most of my driving is in town and I bought it for the 30 mpg.in town driving and I only get 24.5 mpg. in town. so for 24.5 in town I could be driving a much nicer luxury car. -
2006 Pontiac Vibe - Base FWD
Pros: Interior space
Cons: Dashboard looks 'inexpensive'
Advice: Test drive cars rated with the same mileage, the Vibe is better.
Crisp handling, an engine with power and good fuel ecomony. Car has a ton of cargo space. 5 speed transmission does take a little to get used to. Joint venture with Toyota...engine and transmission are Toyota. The car is a Matrix clad with Pontiac panels. Nicely done. -
2006 Pontiac Vibe - GT FWD
Pros: I love the spaciousness of both front and back seating.
Cons: The cheap feel of the gears as you shift.
Advice: Look at the Matrix as a good alternative...perhaps they have figured out the kinks.
I was amazed at the spaciousness of the car, four tall adults fit very comfortably. The additional features of a fold-down front seat, split seating in the back, cubby spaces, the 115v outlet and sliding visors are nice touches. Wish Pontiac would come up with a hard case cargo cover rather than the 'after-thought' they slapped on. Hate the hard plastic cargo space...would much prefer something with carpeting or rubberized matting. The tie-downs are problematic. Shifting on the GT is not intuitive and in fact, a bit onerous on the downshift...somewhat cheap feeling. Finally, would like to see the car add a few more refinements to really make it stand out among similar cars. -
2006 Pontiac Vibe - AWD
Pros: Love the power features and the overall look of the car... it is HOT!
Cons: Headrest is poorly positioned (forward angle is uncomfortable)
Advice: It's a great car in most ways - just get creative with seat cushioning for a more comfortable ride!
Bought the 2006 with high expectations, and it has met most. Love the look (Abyss sparkles!), the high driver's seat, the gas mileage on long trips (it LOVES to run... gotta watch the pedal!). Love the instument panel, and the temperature guage is such a convenience. I've got a 5-speed, and the shifting is usually smoothe and sure (occasionally sticking when downshifting from 5 to 4, but that could be driver error). Drove through intense rainstorm and felt totally secure, and it churned uphill on a still-snowy street even without AWD with confidence. So overall, inside and out, I'm pleased with my new Vibe.