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:

• 

  (3.9L 6cyl 6M) - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By no its a secret - January 10 - 9:06 pm

  I love the looks and power. The 3.9 has power at all rpm. The clutch shifts smooth. Mine has the sun and sound pkg, premium pkg, Performance pkg (3.9 HO 6 speed manual) Crimson red and Taupe leather

• 

  05 G6 , good move - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By lee bates - January 10 - 5:36 pm

  I love the style , and comfort of my "G6". It is well equipped with leather etc. Im 64 and around 250 lbs. and find the car very very comfortable to drive on semi long trips.

• 

  Caution - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Steve - January 2 - 2:53 pm

  Purchased 4/07. Wheel bearing replaced at 12,000 miles. Now at 20,000 back in the shop for "clunking" in the steering. Car will not stay aligned, constantly fighting the steering wheel (aligned 4 times). On the positive side, looks good, 3.5 engine runs well. I bought the sports package, maybe that is the problem. Will still buy American, probably not GM.

• 

  Panoramic Woes - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By elt2jv - December 30 - 8:26 am

  After years of fueling the SUV monster, the wife and I decided to get her a regular sedan. We liked the look of the G6 and we both were taken by the Panoramic Roof feature. Well... the thing rattles. The entire rack assembly inside the headliner never got installed properly and we have been dealing with an annoying poping noise from right above the drivers head. As of this writing the car is at the dealership for the SIXTH time since April 05 to get this corrected. All I can say is thank god we purchased the extended warranty as the rental cars would have bankrupt us. Hopefully the dealer and GM can figure this out as we are ready to lemon law this beast.

• 

  2008 Pontiac G6 4cyl - Sun and Sound Pkg - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By BAPerformance - December 23 - 8:20 am

  We bought this car to replace my girlfriends ailing 2004 Pontiac Grand Am V6 SE. She took a drive in a demo vehicle and loved it immediately. My dad bought an 06 new and has loved it so I thought it would be a good vehicle to try. We compared it online with all the other comparable cars in its class and enjoyed this one the most. She wanted a sunroof and 4cylinder for fuel economy so this fit the bill. The telescopic steering wheel, cockpit feel, good looks, and smooth handling sold it for her.

• 

  3 yrs and I hate the car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By notso - December 20 - 12:23 am

  I have had this car for 3 yrs now and have had the rotors front and back replaced twice each, and my brakes replaced 10 times.A leak in the sunroof, motor blower replaced, turn signal bulb burnt out, and the drivers mirror cover broke. I have had Chevys and Fords in the past and never had problems like this.

• 

  A reason to buy elsewhere - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Ken Davis - December 17 - 12:46 pm

  The Pontiac G6 convertable is not a well made car. Since driving off the lot the roof has rattled,trim has come loose, paint quality is poor,and the muffler has developed leaks twice. However the engine and transmission have been trouble free.The 1st year of ownership resulted in at least six weeks in the dealer for the mentioned quality issues. Complaints through customer service resulted in a waste of time as no one really cared. Having owned many GM products in the past it comes as no suprise that the companys lack of quality and customer service resulted in the demise of the Pontiac brand. No one wants the cars and I have, as we all do the ability to buy elsewhere that is not GM.

• 

  No Cash 4 This Clunker - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By NoCash4ThisClunker - December 14 - 9:36 pm

  I bought my 2006 Pontiac G6 brand new with only 7 miles. After a few months and some rain I got in my car to go to work one morning and noticed my seat belt was soaking wet (due to leaky sunroof). A couple of months after that I had a terrible vibration when turning left and come to find out my steering column was almost about to snap into! Hows that 4 safety? Also having some starter issues that no one seems be able to figure out. All in all Ive had the leaks fixed 5 times, brand new steering column 2 times, and I guess one day Ill get in it and it wont start from the starter issues Im having. All of my problems started from the get go and dont look like its getting any better.BAD CAR

• 

  Fun to drive, not too shabby too look at - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Celine - December 14 - 8:06 pm

  Car runs beautifully, bought it fully loaded, with more features than I could imagine. Great handling and acceleration. Gas mileage could be better, but I do get at least 300 miles before I need to refuel. Really fun to drive, yet big enough to fit more than one adult comfortably. Easy functions as a "mom" car, without sacrificing style!

• 

  Wifes loves her car - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Bigchief - December 13 - 2:26 am

  With a family of 4, this is the only choice for a convertible. Excellent all around performance. A lot of rattling after 1000 miles, the dealer greased the door latches and no more problems. The brakes started to squeak at 3000, the dealer installed ceramic pads (under warranty) problem solved. The fun factor is 100% as well as her satisfaction.