Segment:
Compact hatchback/wagon
Usp:
Practicality, fuel efficiency, Toyota mechanical underpinnings (shared platform with Toyota Matrix).
Competitors:
Honda Civic Hatchback, Mazda3 Hatchback, Subaru Impreza hatchback, Ford Focus hatchback.
Flexibility:
Versatile cargo space, folding rear seats, available AWD on some trims.
Reliability:
Benefited from Toyota's robust engineering and manufacturing expertise.
Primary Coverage:
2006 Pontiac Vibe
Secondary Coverage:
All trim levels (e.g., Base, GT)
Estimated Page Count:
Approx. 300-350 pages (typical for owner's manuals of this era)
Purpose:
Information on vehicle operation, maintenance, and safety features for the owner.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, fuel system, exhaust system basics.
Transmission:
Automatic and Manual transmission operation, fluid checks.
Chassis:
Braking system, steering system, suspension system overview.
Electrical:
Lighting, instrument panel, power accessories, fuses, basic warning lights.
Body And Interior:
Door locks, windows, seating adjustments, climate control, infotainment basics.
Safety Features:
Airbags, seat belts, child restraint systems, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
Driving Operations:
Starting and operating the vehicle, shifting gears, parking, driving in various conditions.
Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement guidance.
Troubleshooting:
Interpreting dashboard warning lights, basic troubleshooting for common issues (e.g., starting problems).
Emergency:
Use of hazard lights, spare tire and jack usage, jump starting procedures.
Depth:
Owner-level operation and basic maintenance. Does not include diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions typically found in service manuals.
Engine Type Base:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Engine Displacement Base:
1.8 Liters (1798 cc)
Engine Code Base:
1ZZ-FE (Toyota origin)
Horsepower Base:
126 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Base:
122 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (minimum)
Engine Type Gt:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, VVT-i, 16-valve
Engine Displacement Gt:
2.4 Liters (2362 cc)
Engine Code Gt:
2AZ-FE (Toyota origin)
Horsepower Gt:
170 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Gt:
170 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Transmission Type Base:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type Optional Base:
4-Speed Automatic
Transmission Type Gt:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type Optional Gt:
4-Speed Automatic
AWD Availability:
Available on 1.8L models with automatic transmission.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron VI (GM specification) or equivalent.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GM Synchromesh Friction Modified Fluid or equivalent manual transmission fluid (e.g., API GL-4, SAE 75W-85).
Length:
169.1 inches (4295 mm)
Width:
68.1 inches (1730 mm)
Height:
60.4 inches (1534 mm)
Wheelbase:
102.4 inches (2601 mm)
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:
21.2 cubic feet (599 L)
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Down:
53.9 cubic feet (1526 L)
Curb Weight Base Manual:
Approx. 2800 lbs (1270 kg)
Curb Weight Gt Manual:
Approx. 2900 lbs (1315 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4000-4100 lbs (1814-1860 kg) depending on configuration
NHTSA Front Driver Side:
5-Star (2006 model year)
NHTSA Front Passenger Side:
5-Star (2006 model year)
NHTSA Side Driver Impact:
5-Star (2006 model year)
NHTSA Side Rear Passenger Impact:
5-Star (2006 model year)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (2006 model year)
ABS:
Standard on all models.
Traction Control:
Optional on some models, standard on GT.
Electronic Stability Control:
Not commonly available or standard on this model year.
Airbags:
Dual front airbags, front side-impact airbags (optional/standard depending on trim).
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for front seats.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) in rear seating positions.
Tpms:
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (Standard on GT, optional on Base).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. (Check manual for specific conditions).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles; replace as needed, typically every 30,000 miles.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles; replace as needed, typically every 15,000-30,000 miles depending on usage.
Spark Plug Replacement 1.8L:
Iridium spark plugs: 100,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement 2.4L:
Iridium spark plugs: 100,000 miles.
Coolant Replacement:
Initial change at 100,000 miles; subsequent changes every 50,000 miles.
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30, API Service SM or newer.
Engine Oil Capacity 1.8L:
4.0 US quarts (3.8 L) with filter change.
Engine Oil Capacity 2.4L:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
GM P/N 12346152 (Orange) or equivalent Dex-Cool compatible antifreeze.
Windshield Washer Fluid:
Water or water/washer fluid mixture.
Catalytic Converter:
Some models may experience premature catalytic converter failure, particularly in earlier production years.
Oil Consumption 1.8L:
The 1ZZ-FE engine is known to consume oil. Regular oil level checks are crucial.
Door Lock Actuators:
Rear door lock actuators can fail, preventing doors from locking or unlocking electronically.
ABS Sensors:
ABS wheel speed sensors can fail, triggering ABS and/or traction control warning lights.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
The cast iron exhaust manifold on the 2.4L engine can develop cracks, leading to exhaust leaks and ticking noises.
Pontiac Legacy:
Pontiac was positioned as GM's performance and youthful brand. The Vibe offered a practical, European-inspired hatchback alternative within the Pontiac lineup.
First Generation Start:
2003
First Generation End:
2009
Platform Sharing:
The 2006 Vibe is part of the first generation and shares its platform and major mechanical components with the Toyota Matrix (E130 platform).
Manufacturing Location:
Fremont, California, USA (General Motors' NUMMI plant, a joint venture with Toyota).
Production Years Model:
2003-2009
