Overview & Reviews

Until Pontiac bit the dust in the wake of GM's 2009 bankruptcy fiasco, the Pontiac G6 was the company's go-to midsize car. In a constant battle to steal sales from the class favorites, the G6 offered unusually tactful styling by Pontiac standards, solid performance from its V6 engines and the availability of a four-seat retractable-hardtop convertible body style. Volume-selling models were the five-passenger sedan and four-passenger coupe.

Unlike the Grand Am that it replaced, the Pontiac G6 had considerably more flavor than a generic rental car. Still, the traditional class favorites topped the G6 in the areas of engine refinement, driving dynamics and cabin materials. The G6 may still hold appeal for used-car shoppers, especially given its likely cut-rate pricing. GM has pledged to continue supporting Pontiac products in its service departments, so a used G6 isn't necessarily a bad idea.

Most Recent Pontiac G6

Based on General Motors' lengthened "Epsilon" platform, the Pontiac G6 was produced from 2005-'09 as a sedan, coupe and retractable-hardtop convertible. For '05, only the sedan was offered; the coupe and convertible debuted a year later. Three main trim levels were offered on the sedan: base, GT and GTP (which became the GXP in '08). Coupes were either GTs or GTP/GXPs, convertibles GT only. Plenty of standard features, such as air-conditioning, full power accessories and CD audio, came on the base model. The GT added niceties such as an upgraded Monsoon audio system. The GXP topped the range with items like sporty exterior styling tweaks and automatic climate control.

At the time of Pontiac's demise, the G6's engine lineup included a base 2.4-liter four (164 horsepower), a 3.5-liter V6 (219 hp), a 3.9-liter V6 available on the convertible only (222 hp) and the GXP's 3.6-liter V6 (252 hp). Four-speed automatics were standard with all except the GXP's V6, which got a six-speed; however, the four-cylinder got an optional six-speed for 2009 that raised highway fuel economy to a laudable 33 mpg. Some power ratings were a bit lower in previous years, notably the 3.5-liter V6, and a manual transmission was available on a limited basis until '08.

In reviews we found that the Pontiac G6 offered generous room for those riding in back, no matter the body style. And we noted that after years of enduring criticism about its overstyled exteriors and gimmicky interior designs, Pontiac stepped up its efforts with the G6. Outside, the G6 had a crisp and sleek look; inside, there was a restrained and attractive layout with none of the traditional dull gray plastic switches. Even so, the G6 still had a few too many cheap plastic surfaces for our tastes.

On the road, we appreciated the low and midrange torque of the 3.5-liter V6, and the ride was smooth. The convertible's optional 3.9-liter V6 should be avoided if possible, though -- it was barely more powerful than the 3.5-liter V6 and got worse fuel economy. Handling was respectable, but we disliked the electric power steering, which was too light and offered virtually no feedback. GT models from 2007 and up had an improved hydraulic steering setup, which we preferred. Along with the enhanced feature content of the later models, we'd recommend focusing your used Pontiac G6 search on the '07 or newer models.

User Reviews:

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  Its a decent, reliable car, very roomy! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By KK - October 1 - 11:16 am

  I have owned my 07 for about a year and a half. I have had minor issues that I have taken it into the dealership, but nothing major thus far. I agree with other people about the interior plastic type pieces being cheap. Other than the cheap plastic pieces its an overall good car. The trunk space is amazing!!!!!

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  08 G6 Convertible - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Couger - September 29 - 1:50 am

  Overall, a great car. In the handling departement, it competes well with Japanese models. It doesnt compete with the German cars, but its a lot less expensive, and sportier looking to boot. Anyone looking for a convertable would do well to consider the G-6. The seats are comforable and well designed. The lack of a power recline feature on the power seats can be overlooked. The height of the arm rests are perfect. So far, we havnt had any probles with this car. This car looks and feels great. Some one else mentioned last year that college girls love this car. Its true. Just trust me on this. If youre a single 20 or 30 something guy and can afford it, buy this car.

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  2005 G6 GT - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By sms1 - September 4 - 1:00 am

  This was the first brand new car Ive ever purchased and overall Ive had nothing but headaches with it. The first thing to go was the stereo wiring within the first year, which was fixed under warranty. Then at 62,000 miles the timing chain in my engine broke. Thankfully a call placed to the GM customer center got my engine replaced for free even though the original warranty had expired. Last year I received a safety recall on it for brake light & cruise control issues, had that fixed and now a year later, Im experiencing the same issues again with the brake lights. The only reason Ive kept it this long is that the engine now is pretty new and its almost paid for.

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  This Car Saved My Husbands Life - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Denise - August 23 - 10:36 pm

  I have read numerous bad reviews on the G-6, but I have to say I truly believe this car is the reason my husband is still alive. He was almost run off the road by another vehicle trying to move into his lane on the interstate causing him to lose control, hit a guardrail and flip one and half times. The car is a complete loss of course, but my husband walked away with one stitch in his elbow and an abrasion on his hand. The interior cabin (except for the airbag and the windshield busting out) was completely untouched. Everyone including the employee at the junk yard could not believe my husband walked away. I will miss my pretty blue car but I will forever be grateful it saved his life.

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  Great car for the Buck - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By John - July 19 - 3:26 pm

  I purchased the G6 after owning Toyotas only for the last 18 years. The incentives were the first thing that caught my eye, and after a test drive in both the V6 and 4 cylinder models, I decided to give the Pontiac a shot. I have put just over 10,000 miles on the car, and can say the performance, ride and handling are great. What makes this a somewhat negative experience for me is the advertised Hwy mileage, compared to actual mileage. I commute 50 miles one way to work, so the 28 city and 34 hwy miles was what actually sold me. About 95% of my drive is highway, and I have not achieved more than 29 mpg. Its a great car, but GM should put more realistic mileage estimates on the sticker.

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  Good value - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By maa - July 17 - 3:03 am

  I got a good price on this and needed a commuter car. It is peppy for a 4 cylinder and roomier than others in its class. The seats are comfortable and it is easy to see out of. This thing flies when I get it on the open highway. I am getting keyless entry put in aftermarket - cant believe it did not come with this

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  Crap on four wheels - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By angelajoe - July 3 - 12:58 pm

  We bought this car used only had a few thousand km on it. Since then we have found that the rims and tires are hard to get. The car is to low in winter this causes damage. Now cylinder 5 has a missfire and the plug broke off in the engine just completly siezed in the engine. Also the front brakes are wearing out prematurly would get rid of it but owe to much on it to trade it in but in a year i will be going ford this car is a total dissapointment. Way to much plastic and the interior feels and looks cheap but the outside looks okay.

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  Power, but needs other things - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By BIG B - June 29 - 1:40 am

  I have owned this car for almost 2 years. Overall the car seems good. Real good power from the 3.5 V-6. I get 24.5 MPG. The inside seems a little cheep. I need the visors replaced, the door switch, for the widows replaced, and the black is pealing off the radio. Oh ,and dont even think about a U-Turn in this car.

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  The Nice Pontiac - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Jake - June 27 - 6:00 pm

  Well, my mom had to go to Chattanooga. So, we had to rent a car. So, it was a choice to rent a brand new Kia Optima or a Pontiac G6. So, I chose the Pontiac G6. But, when we drove off onto the freeway I saw my mom was going 100 mph! But, the car was in kph! We did not live in London or anything related to that. So, we had to drive like this the whole way to Chattanooga. It was too late now because we were already on the way to Chattanooga. But, we managed to get to Chattanooga safely.

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  Great "Sporty" Car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By G6-GT-Owner - June 27 - 11:13 am

  Ive owned this car for 3 months, and I am very pleased with this car. I personally spent alot of time researching and test driving different cars and this is what I settled on. A foreign alternative to this car would cost me an additional $6,000, and none of them would have pleased me like the G6 Coupe. The performance is great for its class. Passing cars is a breeze compared to my 00 Taurus. The front seat is very comfortable and has plenty of head/leg room for my 60" frame. The remote start and heated seats are a MUST HAVE for this car. Granted this is not a sports car, even in the GT/GTP packages, but they definitely make for sporty, comfortable, and classy daily driver.