2008 Pontiac Wave SE 1.6 from North America
Summary:
A pleasant, comfortable, nicely equipped city runabout
Faults:
The air conditioning system needs to be recharged. We had a late summer last year (2011), and did not need to use it until late August, and found it it no longer works. I have not bothered fixing it yet. I am hoping it will be a cheap fix or covered by the warranty, but I am sure it will not be.
General Comments:
This is a good car for what it is designed for; a city runabout. The hatchback design allows me to haul various items with ease.
I remember seeing a review of the car on Driving Television in 2009, and they told prospective purchasers to think carefully before buying a fully loaded model, and that maybe for a bit more money, getting a more basic model of the Pontiac Vibe. It was a valid point, and when I purchased my Wave, I did compare the two models. I decided I would rather have a smaller vehicle, that is easier to park, and fully loaded for a more pleasurable driving experience, than a basic, stripped down car.
Fuel economy is the only thing I am disappointed with. But, I guess coming from a Firefly (the 1.3L 4 cyl model) my expectations were a little high. I average around 350km per tank of gas, where on the Firefly it was around 500km per tank, same driving - stop and go city driving only. I know the Wave is a heavier vehicle with a slightly larger engine, but I was not expecting that much of a difference.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 26th March, 2012
10th Oct 2013, 12:17
If you're having problems with the A/C, there is a very simple thing to do. You must run the A/C all year round. Yes, in the Winter too, so that it will not seize up.
The air in my 2008 is SO good that I don't use my A/C!