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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  What the heck" - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Myra - September 6 - 1:53 pm

  I brought my 07 G6 Pontiac going on two years ago. My car been in the shop more than 12 times for different issues. Steering gear went out 3 months of me having the car. Three months later it happens again. Back lights went out. Air bags need service light comes on but never been in an accident. Brakes replaced. The computer system reset had to get a jump for it to get reset. Wheel bearing needs to be replaced. So many issues with this car not a good car to buy. They need to have a recall on these cars or give us our money back!

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  Dont Make Our Mistake - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By ddd017 - September 2 - 4:10 am

  Ugh. We wanted to buy American but the G6 2-door convertible is a mistake we will not make again. We have not even finished paying off the 3-year loan and cant wait to get rid of it! Just had the entire exhaust system replaced ($1200!), weve had 3 flat tires (driver side back tire) and numerous trips for the rattles. Horrible in snow, no tractionIt takes FOREVER to retract the hardtop & you lose the trunk if the top is down. The lower dash/glove compartment areas shows every little mark if you brush up against it. Horrible trying to get into the back seats. "Terrable, terrable, terrable" as Charles Barkley would say. DONT make our mistake - RUN, RUN as fast as you can AWAY from this car.

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  2005 Pontiac G6 - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By yen - September 1 - 8:36 pm

  This is a GREAT car. Its got style and performance! I was pleasantly surprised at the smooth ride and the roomy feel

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  Awesome to/from car! - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By sunaku89 - August 29 - 3:46 pm

  My dad purchased the car for my sister and I for school and EMS duties. Fun car to drive, great on gas mileage but some problems with the design and interior. Example, To get the headlight out to replace the light, you have to pull apart your flimsy (Extremely flimsy) bumper and the grill will pop out if you arent careful. Mine now has a small crack now from me trying to replace the light bulb.There are also electrical issues that have melted my wires. The back locks are faulty and very often will not lock when you lock the car or unlock when you hit unlock. The seats are comfortable but you have to be careful about reaching behind the seat because you can pop the plastic out of place too.

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  Great Car! - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Avenger - August 24 - 12:53 am

  This car is light years ahead of the Grand Prix we had. Handling, acceleration and great looks make this car very fun to drive. American cars have come a long way. The editors from this website dont give this car its due. The dash could have a bit less plastic, but the design is very good. We dont have the hood scoop and the big spoiler (dont like the spoiler). But the front grill looks great. This car is a head turner and it doesnt look like the million Nissans, Hondas and Toyotas I see everyday.

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  Great value - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By jim - August 23 - 5:33 am

  I bought this car two weeks ago and love it. It looks modern and sporty. With rebates I bought it for $14,500 plus tax and liscense. The experts grumble about the susspension and steering, but I find both good and the car fun to drive. Take one for a test drive instead of just reading the experts. This car has mor space, more power, and looks better than a Civic, and it costs less.

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  Very Pleasant Surprise! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By MikeG - August 23 - 5:16 am

  I paid $15,700 for this car with employee discount and crazy rebates. All in all, a great new car for a price range in which I was only finding 40-60,000 mile 3.5L Altimas. Engine powerful, but needs a little more oomph against competition. "Touring" suspension in base models make car feel bigger than it is, only reason to pay more for GT. Overall the ride is very good. "Value leader" automatic brings back memories of my Olds Intrigue, not really a sporty feel. Back seat looks huge. Body styling looks import inspired, slightly generic but very sharp. Fit and finish seem great, especially for the price range. Something a little different from GM, and Ive had a lot of GM cars.

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  My G6 - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Jenny - August 22 - 8:26 am

  The car is great there are only 2 negatives. The first is that i should have gotten the spoiler on the back, not for visual reasons but for function. The trunk doesnt have a spot to grab onto when you open it so if you have an armfull of anything it can be inconvenient. The other dislike is the front end comes to a very low point. You have to be very careful not to pull into a space too far or you may hit the curb or another car and damage the front end. Other than that it is an awesome car and i love it. It is very quiet and beautiful to look at!

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  A few dissapointments..but overall happy - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By pr0gr4m - August 21 - 3:20 am

  I really dont like the monsoon sound system, its too boomy. I dont know if thats just mine or if all the monsoon systems sound like that. As Gib mentioned there is a leak problem but its the sunroof, not the windows. The sunroofs drainage hose pops loose. Once reconnected, all is well. I love driving the car but wish it got better mileage. My old V6 (Dodge Avenger) would get 300+ miles per tank full. This one just gets 240-280, unless I take a long highway trip, then the mileage jumps. I like automatic but wish it were a 5 speed, or 4 spd w/overdrive. Theres always gonna be problems, but these arent deal breakers for me. I really do enjoy this car and recommend it. Its FUN!

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  I like the retractable hard top - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By ugh lee - August 11 - 8:13 am

  As the owner of an older Ford Mustang convertible, it is so nice to not be worried about having to replace the top every 5-7 years. The interior is amazingly roomy nad safe . We have three kids and the back seat will comfortable seat tehm as they get older (the 11 yr old boys are not much shorter than my average height wife) and the front seat is real safe with the dual stage air bag (one heck of an improvement over two pint seat belt and no air bags in the older car). Its also quiet and comfortable with the top down! Heated seats are a great way to increase top-down time in the Fall.