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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  Happy with my Pontiac - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By tad0729 - July 10 - 5:46 pm

  I have had my Pontiac for almost two years now and have had no issues with the car. It runs well, has power, and is fun to drive. My average gas mileage is about 22 miles per gallon which is decent considering that fact that this is a 3.5 liter 6 cylinder engine. With almost 95K miles on my car, stills runs perfectly.

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  sporty yes, quality **NO** - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By mattyvp - July 8 - 4:25 pm

  i dont know how to feel about my g6. (im more of an import person) i have an 07 GT with the 3.9 V6 (240 hp) it gives me many reasons to hate it but i cant! its got an extremely cheap dash and poor quality, but that engine and awesome styling makes me forget. i only have about 22,600 miles on mine and only 3,000 of those miles are from me, so nothing has gone wrong YET, but the g6s track record isnt promising! the car rattles to hell, and ive come to get used to it, but its semi rough ride enhances all the rattles. also when i pull into reverse the suspension squeaks and the car shakes, this is normal now but scary at first. it sounds like the maybe the tie-rods? they constantly go on these

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  Good performing sedan - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By tim - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car because I needed a four door car due to my expanding family. Didnt want a plain Jane car. I really love the styling of this car. It has everything I need. Power is great, plenty of room, decent gas mileage, when I keep my foot out of it. Had some steering noises in which the dealership fixed under warranty. This car proves driving to the grocery store doesnt have to be boring.

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  Low Fuel Eonomy in town. - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By krazzyh27 - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this car used from a rental dealership. I love the car except that I am getting terrible gas mileage in town! Only 13-15mpg. (I have an occasional lead foot.) On the highway, this car is superior, getting between 25-35mpg. I do 90% town driving though, so this is a little frustrating for me. I owned two older Ford Taurus before and this car handles much better but it is getting about the same game mileage as the dinosaurs I traded in on it. My husband and I are 58" and 59" and we have decent room in the front seat and my daughter is 510" and has just enough in the back seat. Not much room for extras. Car seats 4 comfortable, a 5th smaller person "touching arms".

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  Good affordable car. - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By kyyankee7 - July 3 - 10:56 am

  We chose this car after driving the Accord and Corolla. This replaced my wifes old Sentra. While this car certainly did not have the bells and whistles that the other cars did, and this was a very basic model besides, there was still quite a bit to like about it. It is comfortable and roomy inside and has all the amenities for the daily commute. Bottom line is that it has been a very good car for thousands less than its competitors.

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  More than I expected - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Gregg - July 1 - 1:23 am

  Very roomy especially in the back seat. Nice standard features. I am averaging 27 mpg on a 35-40 mph loop. Very responsive power with 4 adults in car. Very little wind noise even at higher speeds. The cars gets a lot of comments and looks from people. I looked at over 30 different cars in this class and found the G6 the best car for the money. Hopefully it will hold up over the long term. Dealer has been honest and very helpful through the whole purchase process. I highly recommend this vehicle for the price.

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  Fun car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By candy - June 24 - 9:00 am

  This car is the most fun car to drive. Handles beautifully in all weather conditions, hugs the road. Quiet with the top up. Comfortable. Just cant wait to get in it every day.

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  Hate this car! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Hate this car!! - June 20 - 7:26 pm

  I bought this car brand new in 07. I LOVED it until winter came. This car does not hold to the road in snow or rain. It is DANGEROUS! I drive 88 miles each day and dread winter because I know my life will be spent in the car driving 20 miles/hour so that I do not wreck. At 72,000 miles today, I have had to replace the brakes, rotors, and now I have a leak somewhere between the sunroof and floor board. (Car flooded overnight during rainstorm- what a nightmare to wake up to!) Interior is cheap, cheap, cheap! Take my advice- choose a different car!

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  What a fun car! - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By First Pontiac - June 19 - 10:30 pm

  I got the Pontiac G6 Convertible for a Sweetest Day gift! I absolutely love this vehicle! I always feel safe and secure! The car barely feels like it is turned on when you start it! It has a great ride and great look! I love turning heads in my car! I even had a police man stop me just to talk to me about my car! If you are looking for a safe and reliable car that not only has a great drive, but also makes people turn their heads, this car is for you!!

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  If only I had known. - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Jaybaby727 - June 16 - 9:56 am

  I am so disappointed to see that I have all of the exact same problems that the folks here have had with their G6 4dr Sedan. I thought I was getting a really awesome car when I bought it over a year ago. NOT SO. Steering wheel pops& is hard to control (wobbles) brakes (front AND back) have been replaced, rotors, tie rod ends. YOU NAME IT, its gone bad! Im unable to trade it in because of the loss of value and I am sickened to think that I am stuck with this for at least another year. Its at the dealership NOW being evaluated - probably for naught, because I thought (stupidly) that after having all this work done at my local tire shop, THEY were the wrong ones. Now I see its GM!