- Newest year: 2006
- Gas
- Small cars
2005-2006 Pontiac Wave MPG & Fuel Cost
2 model years · 25–27 MPG combined
15,000 mi/yr · regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026)
Cheaper to fuel than 9 of 10 small car configurations, MY2006. Ranked against all rated configurations, not sales-weighted.
2005-2006 Pontiac Wave at a glance
The 2005-2006 Pontiac Wave covers 2 model years in the EPA database (6 configurations in all), rated 25–27 MPG combined. The newest model year, 2006, costs about $2,510 a year to fuel for its most efficient version, the 5 1.6L 4-cyl FWD (26 MPG), at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). EPA changed the ratings in 2006. The best combined rating in the generation, 27 MPG, was reached in 2005.
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
2005-2006 Pontiac Wave by model year
What the 2006 5 1.6L 4-cyl FWD costs to drive
Per month
$209
$2,510 a year ÷ 12
Per 25 miles
$4.18
Per 100 miles
$16.73
Five years
$12,550
5 × the yearly cost, prices held at today's level
vs the small car median
$1,140less a year
Class median $3,650 a year, MY2006
Based on 15,000 miles a year and regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2006 Pontiac Wave MPG
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Versus 2005: The most efficient configuration moves from 27 to 26 MPG, down 1. Its annual cost goes from $2,420 to $2,510, $90 more.
Gas configurations (2)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 1.6L 4-cyl FWD Manual 5-spd (Most efficient) | 1.6L 4-cyl | FWD | 22 | 32 | 26 | $2,510 |
| 5 1.6L 4-cyl FWD Automatic 4-spd | 1.6L 4-cyl | FWD | 21 | 31 | 25 | $2,610 |
2005 Pontiac Wave MPG
26–27 MPG · $2,420–$2,510/yr
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Gas configurations (4)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wave 1.6L 4-cyl FWD Manual 5-spd (Most efficient) | 1.6L 4-cyl | FWD | 23 | 32 | 27 | $2,420 |
| 5 1.6L 4-cyl FWD Manual 5-spd | 1.6L 4-cyl | FWD | 23 | 32 | 27 | $2,420 |
| Wave 1.6L 4-cyl FWD Automatic 4-spd | 1.6L 4-cyl | FWD | 23 | 31 | 26 | $2,510 |
| 5 1.6L 4-cyl FWD Automatic 4-spd | 1.6L 4-cyl | FWD | 23 | 31 | 26 | $2,510 |
Fuel cost by state
Yearly cost of the 5 1.6L 4-cyl FWD: $3,420 in California and $2,190 in Texas, a $1,230 difference.
- California $3,420
- Washington $3,170
- New York $2,510
- Florida $2,370
- Texas $2,190
Similar cars
Closest combined MPG among MY2006 small car models.
Generations
- 2005-2006
Frequently asked questions
What gas mileage does the 2005-2006 Pontiac Wave get?
EPA rates the 2005-2006 Pontiac Wave at 25–27 MPG combined across 6 configurations and 2 model years. The most efficient version, the 2005 Wave 1.6L 4-cyl FWD, is rated 27 MPG (23 city, 32 highway).
Which years had the best MPG in the 2005-2006 Pontiac Wave?
The Wave 1.6L 4-cyl FWD reached the generation's best combined rating, 27 MPG, in 2005. The lowest top rating, 26 MPG, was in 2006.
Did EPA ratings change during the 2005-2006 Pontiac Wave?
Yes. Ratings changed in 2006.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2006 Pontiac Wave per year?
Driving 15,000 miles a year at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), the 5 1.6L 4-cyl FWD costs about $2,510 a year. Across all 2 configurations the cost runs $2,510–$2,610 a year. That is a $100 difference between the cheapest and the costliest configuration.
How much does it cost to drive a 2006 Pontiac Wave 100 miles?
About $16.73 per 100 miles for the 5 1.6L 4-cyl FWD at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), and between $16.73 and $17.40 across all configurations. That is the annual cost over 15,000 miles divided by 150.
Is the 2006 Pontiac Wave more efficient in the city or on the highway?
The 5 1.6L 4-cyl FWD is rated 22 city and 32 highway MPG, so it is more efficient on the highway, by 10 MPG.
How does the 2006 Pontiac Wave compare with other small car configurations?
The 5 1.6L 4-cyl FWD costs about $2,510 a year to fuel, $1,140 less than the class median of $3,650, and less than 9 of 10 small car configurations. The comparison covers all 286 rated small car configurations for MY2006, not weighted by sales.
Is the 2006 Pontiac Wave different from the 2005 model?
The most efficient configuration moves from 27 to 26 MPG, down 1. Its annual cost goes from $2,420 to $2,510, $90 more. EPA lists 2 configurations for 2006 against 4 configurations for 2005. See the 2005 Pontiac Wave for that year.