Against 335 other V8 cars rated 2004–2006, the GTO beats their 15.6 mpg average by 2.4 mpg, about $329 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2004, the 5.7L 8-cyl (2004), does 19 mpg and the thirstiest, the 6L 8-cyl (2005–2006), 18: $112 a year apart.
Every Pontiac GTO engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 16 / 26 | 2004–2004 | $2,021 | |
| 6L 8-cyl | 15 / 23 | 2005–2006 | $2,133 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota Corolla gets 31 mpg, the Lexus IS 22 mpg and the BMW 330i 21 mpg, next to 18 mpg for the 2006 GTO. The GTO costs the most of them to run: $894 a year more than the Toyota Corolla.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2006) | $0.178 |
| Fuel per year | $2,133 |
| Fuel over five years | $10,665 |
| Against other V8 cars, 2004–2006 | −$329 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $4,217 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2006 Pontiac GTO gives up 8 mpg in town: 23 on the highway against 15 in the city, $890 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2006) | 15 mpg | $2,560 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 23 mpg | $1,670 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +8 mpg (53%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the GTO changed over the years
The GTO peaked in 2004 at 19 mpg (16 city, 26 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2006 at 18 — 1 mpg apart, or $112 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2006 car does 18.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2005 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2004 | 16 / 26 | 1 | $2,021 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 3 EPA ratings of the Pontiac GTO — 2 engines across 2004–2006. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $4,217. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2006 Pontiac GTO get?
18 mpg combined, 15 city and 23 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2004 the GTO has averaged 18.3 mpg.
Is the 2006 GTO more efficient than the 2005?
About the same: 18 against 18 mpg combined.
Which GTO year has the best gas mileage?
The 2004, at 19 mpg combined (16 city, 26 highway).
Does the GTO get better gas mileage than the Toyota Corolla?
No: 18 mpg for the 2006 GTO against 31 for the 2007 Toyota Corolla, about $894 a year more to run.
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