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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  i love my g6 - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By letty - October 21 - 2:33 am

  I have had my g6 for 2 months and i absolutely love it. i just came back from summer vacation and drove from corpus christi tx to orlando florida and back.my car did wonderful, i wouldnt want to have anything else.

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  Good buy - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By LD - October 12 - 9:40 pm

  Purchased it with cash for clunkers plus the GM incentives $4500. great ride so far. Great value per dollar.

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  I will miss this car. - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By rnu - October 4 - 12:10 pm

  I cant believe all the bad reviews of the G6 GT. I bought my car with 11k miles and am selling it with 61k. I have had no major problems whatsoever. I have loved this car. I am only getting rid of it because I need something bigger to haul twin babies. The G6 has been reliable, consistent, fun, and a car I have been proud to own. The gas mileage is incredible. I averaged well over 30 mpg on the highway. I only wish I could convince my husband to sell his truck so I could keep my car.

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  My mistake - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By scott - October 3 - 8:13 am

  My mistake for buying a Pontiac G6. Clunking noise in front, had to replace front and back brakes and rotors. Leaking sun roof. After reading other reviews I think this will be my last Pontiac. And to think they used to be good. Bye bye Pontiac.

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  HOPE FOR GM - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By BGW - September 28 - 3:36 am

  I just got this car and only had it for one day. Everything seems to be put together well. I always go with GM because my wife works for GMAC MORTGAGE and we can get a car at a great price without haggling. I opted for the regular sunroof because I heard too much negativity about the panaramic roof. Car rides beautifully. I am hoping it holds up with no typical GM dashboard rattles. Only time will tell. I am hoping for the best. So far I am very happy!

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  No complaints, lovely car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By ibejeph - September 21 - 3:53 pm

  Ive had my G6 four months now and I feel I can be objective. The engine is powerful at 240 HP and can really move. It is docile enough to cruise all day though. The leather seats are comfortable and firm. Plenty of leg room but Im 58 and sometimes I hit my head on the ceiling, messing up my spiky hair. The ride is sporty but not bumpy. The fuel economy isnt great but my lead foot might have something to do with that. The sunroof, horsepower and 8 speaker stereo make it a fun car to drive. My girlfriend telling me to slow down, not so much. The body style is a love child between a 300Z and Solara. The grille is Pontiac but thankfully, no ugly body panels!

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  Love my G6! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By NJ G6 - September 15 - 11:10 am

  Very nice car! Ive had my G6 for almost a year now and theres not a thing about it I dont like. The car handles beautifully, is very comfortable and fun to drive.

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  Sunroof Leaks - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By CJ - September 11 - 10:00 pm

  The car has been back to the dealer several times for Sunroof Leaks. They claim the drain hose comes off and the water runs down the drivers side wall and soaks the seat belt retractor. Have had two dealers attempt to fix it several times each. Contacted Pontiac. Still fighting the battle.

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  Good Daily Commuter - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Kurt - September 10 - 1:46 am

  I traded in the SUV and bought this car for a high mileage commute. I could not fit comfortably in the sub compact models available at the time and ended up purchasing a used G6. I have put 70,000 miles on my G6 since July of 07. I bought the vehicle with the driver package (XM, 6 way seat, fog lights, power pedals). I drive mainly open interstate and get about 29 MPG average which I think is pretty good based on the size and power of the vehicle. I have had the car in the shop for warranty fixes on the XM radio and the electric power steering (69 k almost missed factory warranty extension for this known problem). I currently have 96k miles on the vehicle and have had no other problems.

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  Great Car/Great Value - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By John - September 8 - 12:26 pm

  The G6 is a fun car to drive. The 3.5L V6 is powerful for this midsize car but still gets good gas mileage (avg 24 city 29 hwy). The interior is nice and comfortable. There is plenty of front and rear seat leg room which adds to the comfort of the car. The exterior has a sporty appeal for a 4- door sedan. This is a top of the line automobile with a reasonable price. If you are driving a foreign brand automobile take a look at this quality built American Car.