12th Apr 2006, 14:02

I have owned my wave since November 2005. I loved my car... until after we got in a serious accident. Surprisingly, the fact that we were in this smaller car probably saved our lives-since the car spun after impact, versus rolling as we probably would have had we been driving a more top-heavy vehicle. (We had a driver side impact from a driver who ran a stop sign, and we were travelling at full highway speed).

Since the accident, though, we have had a myriad of problems. Bent wheels, problems with the frame and shock mounts, noises from the rear body of the car, and problems with the A/C and heating unit (probably related to impact and shifting of elements). This probably would have occurred with any vehicle hit in this manner, but unfortunately has resulted in a diminished opinion of this car.

16th Apr 2006, 18:29

I am also the owner of a Wave Uplevel 5sp with no air. It is an excellent vehcicle for the money, much better value than an Echo or Civic. The car was only $14,000! Try that in ANY Toyota or Honda. It drives well, handles great, has excellent fit and finish and zero rattles and squeaks! Get one while they are around, next year is a new and untried body style.

25th Apr 2006, 01:18

I recently purchased a Pontiac Wave and am generally pleased with it- except for the fuel economy. I would appreciate hearing the experiences of other Wave owners who purchased theirs new.

The dealer I bought it from has run tests, but claims everything is working right. I am not satisfied with their explanation that the car- particularly the exhaust system- has to break in. They tell me a higher figure for break-in distance each time I go there. The car is rated at 30MPG in town, 46 MPG on the highway (Canadian figures). I have yet to get over 31 on the highway, 25 in town.

I have 5400 KMs on the car, now. Anyone else have this problem?

25th Apr 2006, 10:58

Unless Canada has another way of measuring fuel economy compared to the States, you're not going to achieve 46 mpg on the highway in the Wave. It's counterpart, the Aveo, gets about 27 mpg in the city and 35 on the highway in optimal conditions.

25th Apr 2006, 15:14

Well, you know those fuel economy figures have a lot to do with your driving habits. Speeding, quick take-offs at lights, going fast until the last minute to jam on the brakes... These are things that all waste gas, and could well be responsible for your getting lower than the stated estimate. They always used to say "Drive like there is an egg between your foot and the throttle." If you have lots of hills to climb where you live, that will also knock down the fuel economy because the engine is always working harder than it's supposed to.

25th Apr 2006, 16:55

He stated Canadian units because they probably use Imperial Gallons in Canada, which is different from U.S. Gallons. So if Imperial Gallons hold more than U.S. Gallons, you can go more miles per "gallon".

26th Apr 2006, 12:31

Yeah, I kinda figured that out myself after visiting GM Canada's website. Thanks for the info.

26th Apr 2006, 20:58

Yes, I was referring to Imperial Gallons, which is what is quoted on the cars' window stickers of all new vehicles on the lot. These are Government of Canada estimates, and carry a disclaimer about "Driving conditions" and "driving habits".

I have driven for over 40 years, so I can assure all, I am very familiar with my driving habits, etc. Prior to this car, my daily driver was a Chevette with over 210,000 KMs on it. Even in its run-down condition and with a 4.10:1 rear axle, it gave me 35 MPG average. 25 MPG for a new car, driven under identical conditions, is not acceptable.

Not Happy Yet.

30th Apr 2006, 23:46

I am having no trouble getting 35mpg (Imperial) with my manual Wave in urban driving, but fuel economy is directly related to how you drive the car. Accelerate smoothly and keep the revs low and you will see a huge increase increase in economy. The motor produces excellent torque at 2000 rpm. Try to drive there. Don't gun it at every light, drive smoothly and try to use the brakes as little as possible and you will see at 20% or better improvement in economy.

2nd May 2006, 10:49

Hello.

I would also like to hear more opinions on the fuel economy of the Pontiac Wave. I just recently bought a 2006 Wave 5 door. I will begin with saying I love it inside and out. I am still overwhelmed by the space in such a small vehicle.

But, I am currently not very impressed with its fuel economy so far. My latest tank of gas gave me about 375km (234 miles) for about 39 litres (10 gallons) of gas.

Correct me if I am wrong (my math might not be up to par) but that seems to work out to 10.41L/100KM (23.35MPG). Approximately 180KM of that tank were highway driven.

I do realise I have a relatively new vehicle. Only about 1000KM on it so far. Isn't that mileage ridiculously low for a vehicle that lists its mileage at 40+MPG on the highway and 30+City?

I did try to keep my driving habits within guidelines for fuel conservation. Yet I was still left with an unimpressed feeling towards my "fuel efficient" wave. Anyone else with that feeling?

Also a question... what does it mean to break-in the car. What changes in a new car to make it reach it theoretical peaks?

Thanks.

Jake.

8th May 2006, 02:50

To comment on the fuel economy of a new car...

Try taking a day trip somewhere in your car. I drove up to my friend's house, which is in a city about 3 hours away from my home. After that trip with my new Cobalt, I had a noticeable increase in economy. I was getting 23 MPG, and after a week or so I was getting 30+ MPG. I did this once the car had about 500km on it. In that first 500K, there are a lot of different recommendations also, but basically just normal driving will work. It is important though to make sure you really give it some gas in the very beginning when you first get your car. This will ensure the seals are nice and tight from the combustion pressure in the cylinders.