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! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Birdman - April 25 - 9:50 pm

  I traded in an 05 Corvette Coupe for this car, due to relocation and change of jobs. (Yeah-huge task of competing with a Vette!) But seriously, this car has beat all my expectations. The gas mileage is great! I bought the electric blue color, and love it. I knew it would be an adjustment going from a vette, to a G6, but this car has made it pretty easy! Im very pleased with the way it drives and handles, and the leather seats (in my opinion) are better than the vettes were! Very Happy!! and i would recommend!!

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  Worth The Value! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Wild Cherry - April 25 - 2:40 pm

  This car is very well built. We drove the Nissan Altima also. The G6 drove better, was quieter, and quality of workmanship was much better. This car is well worth the money

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  Buy something else - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Brian - April 23 - 5:23 am

  I loved my new G6 the first couple months, then alot of problems happened. First the headlight gasket split leaving moisture in my light. Then I experienced shaking and a knocking noise when braking. Also my sunroof had a leak plus I have a really annoying squeaking noise somewhere around my dash which my dealership still has not fix. So buyer beware!!! I cant believe I traded in my Camaro for this car. UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!!!

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  2007 Pont g6 gtp - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By occupational_hazard - April 4 - 6:06 am

  Picked out the GTP on test drive. Nice handling car. Kinda cramped for a tall person. Im 64" and can drive in it somewhat comfortably. Headlights maybe need a little more power or maybe adjusted to cover more range. Moonroof and Monsoon radio were nice add-ons.

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  Pontiac Finally Challenges Competitors - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By AdRock011 - April 3 - 2:53 pm

  I have been a GM - particularly Pontiac loyalist for years now. I have owned two. In any event - I think in recent years - GM has made a strong push to make the Pontiac brand a big player that it was in the 80s (Firebird, GrandAm) - and it all starts with the G6. Sharp design, ergonomics, and smooth and crisp ride make this car an excellent overall value for its class. The once dominant Accords, Altimas, and the like - have a real competitor here. Price, fuel economy, and style were factors in my decsion to buy this vehicle - and Im not disappointed so far.

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  I do not like the G6 - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By BG - March 31 - 4:40 pm

  I traded in my 2003 Grand Am GT w/ ram air in for this car and Im very upset that I chose the G6. It does not have enough power, hesitates when the gas pedal is pushed, there are blind spots everywhere on the car and the car has a horrible turning radius. I got the G6 V6 for a reasonable lease price but I am definitely not happy with this car.

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  Great Car - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Kevin The Krazy 1 - March 30 - 6:16 am

  For all of you who have wrote bad reviews about the car, you must not know how to drive. Ive drove my 07 G6 115,000mi in two years. The only two problems I had were dirty fuel injectors and the cadilac convertor was replaced. Finally, after 115,000 the struts are starting to go bad but thats because of all the pot holes. The car runs great, looks great, handles great and im thinking about upgrading to an 09. If you have break problems with only 10,000mi maybe your slamming on the brakes too much and overheating the rotors...

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  Best car Ive owned - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Jerry Rigsby - March 24 - 9:30 pm

  This car has brought back fun to the driving experience. Love to drive it in the city as well on the highway

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  Love my G6! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Tiffany - March 20 - 7:30 pm

  I am very happy with my G6! I purchased the car in January and havent had a second thought about. This is the first car I have purchased on my own, and it was a very good experience. I would highly recommend the G6 to others. Just be careful, it drives very fast!!

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  Fun to Drive - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By bobandsherry - March 14 - 10:23 pm

  Wife wanted a convertible, moving from Infiniti G35 coupe. She wanted hard top so that really limited selection. No, the G6 isnt a G35, but it also costs about 30-35% less. That said, the G6 is still plenty car to get person from point A to point B with plenty of pick-up and go. In Midwest, being able to drive in snow is even more a necessity than dropping the top in summer, G6 handles GREAT in snow with stock tires. G6 is sporty, functional and fun to drive - cant wait for summer. No problems.