Against 260 other 4-cyl cars rated 2007–2009, the Wave beats their 24.6 mpg average by 5.4 mpg, about $281 a year.
Every Pontiac Wave engine, compared
The Pontiac Wave was rated in a single specification, so its gas mileage does not vary by version — only by model year. Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 24 / 32.7 | 2005–2009 | $1,386 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2009) | $0.107 |
| Fuel per year | $1,280 |
| Fuel over five years | $6,400 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2007–2009 | −$281 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,267 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2009 Pontiac Wave gives up 7 mpg in town: 34 on the highway against 27 in the city, $293 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2009) | 27 mpg | $1,422 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 34 mpg | $1,129 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +7 mpg (26%) | Typical for its type |
How the Wave changed over the years
The Wave peaked in 2009 at 30 mpg (27 city, 34 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2006 at 26 — 4 mpg apart, or $197 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 27 / 34 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2006 | 22 / 32 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2005 | 23 / 32 | 1 | $1,422 |
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 Wave — 1 engine across 2005–2009. 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 $2,267. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2009 Pontiac Wave get?
30 mpg combined, 27 city and 34 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2005 the Wave has averaged 27.7 mpg.
Which Wave year has the best gas mileage?
The 2009, at 30 mpg combined (27 city, 34 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
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