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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  Great car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By trav8600 - December 5 - 9:03 am

  Bought my 06 g6 gtp sedan 3 yrs ago with 49,000 miles. I now have 80,000 miles. My breaks needed changed after awhile and I put the best ceramic pads on and cheaper rotors. Had loud squeky brakes til I put acid wheel cleaner on the rotors to get the glaze off. Wheel bearing hub assembly went out around 60k on front passenger was $120 to fix myself wasnt hard. Thats the only thing thats gone wrong. Get your transmission fluid and filter change at 50k and every 30k after. Its only $80. Changed spark plugs today cost $44.88 dealer reccomends changing at 100,000 miles but mine were definitly due at 75,000. Use the oem ac delco plugs "iridium". Replace all parts with acdelco or you will have prob

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  Nice vehicle - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Skipper - December 3 - 4:46 pm

  Ive had the vehicle about 3 months and am very satisfied with it. This car has a phenomenal stereo system and I love having steering controls for the radio. The ride is smooth, a little bumpy at times, steering is tight and comfort is nice. Overall I would recommend the vehicle. Gas mileage is my main concern on this vehicle, as I expected it to do better. Getting around 22 in city and anywhere from 23-30 on highway. I think if the tank were larger I wouldnt feel like I was always stopping for gas.

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  Sweet On My G6 - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Margie - November 26 - 2:13 am

  I couldnt have asked to purchase a better car! After owning a GrandAm...this new G6 is just awesome! Theres lots of room, the car drives like a gem and the overall appearance is just sweet!

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  My love with the G6 - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Unknown Jackass - November 16 - 6:43 am

  I was recently in a car accident that wrecked my car but i got it fixed for my son as a first car i had a Ford (fix or repair daily) Taurus (that was garbage) so I went on a look for a new car and i bought a one year old at the time 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix GT and fell in love with GM so when i other car was being fixed I got a rental that was never driven before and it was a 2008 Pontiac G6 almost loaded and i bought one 2 months ago because it was the greatest car i have driven (and my son need his car)

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  Good car for a good price - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Skywave - November 12 - 2:46 am

  This is a very attractive car. It feels comfortable and sporty and with some exceptions has very nice interior. I think many of the issues with the earlier years have been sorted out. Too early to tell about reliability. My example has several interior rattles. The engine feels very powerful and the car handles well but it falls short of really being a "sports" coupe. I have the sport package on mine which includes the 3.5L LZ4 and hydraulic PS which probably resolved previous handling complaints. I probably cant complain about the mileage (28 MPG in commuter service) but I still will. Stiff suspension transmits considerable road noise to the cabin, ride is OK though.

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  Less than I expected - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By veritas57 - November 10 - 2:13 am

  Quality that is. Purchased this car from a dealer with only 18,000 miles. Could have chosen a model with the V6, but chose the 2.4 Eco. MISTAKE! This car cant get out of its own way, especially with the AC on. Had the car 2 months now, and its been a big disapoinment. Been in for a steering rod replacement, twice. Other issues include a rattling sun roof shade, annoying vibration and hum at 2400 rpm, low quality dash, poor ergonomics with the armrests being too low. Dont get the 2.4 if youre use to a V6. Youll be disapointed. And the gas mileage averages 25 mpg for combination 70/30 hwy/city driving. I got the same with a Buick LeSabre with a 3.8 V6. Finally, lots of engine noice insid

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  love this car - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By NBKEN - November 7 - 7:00 pm

  Had this car fora month, a blast to drive so far so good

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  Great car! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Angela - November 1 - 10:43 am

  Ive had this car for about a year and a half now and I have absolutely no complaints! I bought it with 32,000 miles as it was a rental car, but it looks great, runs perfectly, and the 3.5l V6 is perfect. Such a fun, sporty car to drive. I love it! I dont know what everyone else is complaining about.

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  Great car, horrible sunroof - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By joane - October 27 - 9:10 pm

  I love the G6, its a beautiful well running car. The wind noise in the panoramic sunroof is so bad that i would not buy it again. It sounds as though the window is cracked. There is no beauty or no amount of performance that makes up for the noise and water leaks in this sunroof. Beware if you buy it, my experience is showing that General Motors doesnt want to work with the consumer on this problem.

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  Pontiac GT6 what a car ! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Bruce Wylie - October 23 - 1:13 pm

  We are relatively new owners but my wife and I find the design both inside and out to be of a quality found in few vehicles. The mileage is also great! The trunk space is not large but more than adequate for this couple in there 60s. We highly recomend this vehicle!