2006 Pontiac Vibe Trims and Specs

The 2006 Pontiac Vibe Base is a front-wheel drive sport wagon, with fold-flat rear seats and a fold-flat front passenger seat that expands the versatile cargo space to 54 cubic feet. A 1.8-liter, 126-hp I4 engine powers the 2006 Vibe Base, and it comes standard with a 5-speed manual transmission or optional 4-speed automatic. There are few standard features, however, in order to keep the weight and price low. Air conditioning is standard, but power windows and locks, ABS brakes, and stability control are all extra.

Other equipment includes dual front airbags, a security system, tachometer and temperature display, a roof rack, fog lights, daytime running lights, dusk-sensing headlights, intermittent front and rear wipers, and a CD player. Some new options for the 2006 Vibe Base include a CD changer with MP3 playback (in the Sport Package) leather seats and steering wheel (Premium Package), and OnStar and a tire monitor (Security Package). Satellite radio, splash guards, keyless entry, a sunroof, and cargo units for the trunk are other add-ons. Owners like the room, affordability, cargo flexibility, and great gas mileage (30/35 mpg). But the ride can be both rough and noisy.

The 2006 Pontiac Vibe AWD differs features all-wheel drive power. This extra weight takes off some of the horsepower of the 1.8-liter I4 engine, hitting only 118-hp. A 4-speed automatic is the only available transmission with the 2006 Vibe AWD. Other differences from the front-wheel drive Vibe include a limited slip differential and standard ABS brakes. Dual front airbags and a tire monitor are also standard. Side curtain and head airbags are optional.

Rear seats split-fold 60/40 in the 2006 Vibe AWD. They fold flat, as does the front passenger seat to accommodate oversized cargo. Other standard equipment includes air conditioning, intermittent front and rear wipers, various storage compartments, a CD player, fog lights, daytime running lights, and a roof rack. There are a lot of options, including the new options of leather seats and a CD-changer with MP3 playback. Other extras are OnStar, power features, a sunroof, rear spoiler, cruise control, and satellite radio. Not surprisingly, one complaint of 2006 Vibe AWD owners is the lack of standard features. They also want more horsepower. But they agree it is a comfortable wagon with great hauling versatility and easy handling.

With a tweaked 1.8-liter I4 engine that hits 164-hp and a 6-speed manual transmission, the 2006 Pontiac Vibe GT is the sportier version of the popular compact sport wagon crossover. But features are still kept to a minimum to maximize performance and affordability. The front-wheel drive wagon does come with ABS brakes, a tire monitor, fog lights, daytime running lights, and dual front airbags, as well as alloy versions of the 16-inch wheels. Front-side and side impact airbags are optional. Air conditioning, a CD/MP3 player, tachometer and temperature display, and intermittent front and rear wipers are standard. The 2006 Vibe GT does have leather trim on the shifter and steering wheel.

Rear seats and the passenger front seat fold flat, and there is also a roof rack and cargo cover. The cargo area has up to 54 cubic feet of space. A new Premium Package adds leather seats to the 2006 Vibe GT. Other packages add power features, keyless entry, cruise control, a sunroof, OnStar, satellite radio, 17-inch wheels, a security system, a rear spoiler, and upgraded audio. Owners like the easy handling, the space and configurability of the interior, and the fuel economy (26/32 mpg). They report some problems with the 6-speed and slight road noise.