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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  Awesome Car!!! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Diana - March 11 - 5:50 pm

  I truly love this car. From being from NJ it was fun to be one of the only G6 Coupe from my area. Everywhere I go I always get compliments! I simply love this car!

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  Happy with my purchase - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Brian R - March 11 - 12:20 pm

  The car is good looking, fun to drive, and gets really good gas mileage. Cant speak for the reliability (because Ive only owned it for a month) but Im optimistic. The cupholders are inconvenient. Overall, the car is roomy, comfortable, fast, fun, and a good buy!

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  new 06 - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Theresa - March 10 - 6:53 am

  I have only had my 2006 pontiac G6 for a month so still working out some things but its very comfortable and fun to drive rides well have not taken a trip yet. but around here getting 25.6 miles to gal which is nice. there are blind spots but really like back windows that go all the way down.

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  high tech - 4 dr rocket ship - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By s nemeth jr - March 6 - 3:40 am

  have about 5k miles on it now.no squeaks,rattles or faults.try to find that in a new car today !.if you start to compare -you will see that the g-6 has things to share with the new 05 cadillac sts ! no power steering pump drive by wire throttle .high tech bladeless wiper sytem. remote start,thought would not use it but i do every day ,great way to col down inside car in this hot sarasota ,fl days one of the best cars i have owned better than my 01 olds aurora priced at $34,500. this car was $21.530 .

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  Has anyone had this problem? - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By John - March 1 - 9:03 pm

  Love the car, but...there is a rattle noise in the right rear quarter. Very annoying. Rear back seat rattles also. Sounds like Im driving a popcorn machine. Rattles occur whether or not top is down. Makes no difference. If youve had this problem and it was fixed, let me know what was fixed. First dealership I took it to had no clue. I now have it at another dealership. Another issue is torque steer. When I get on it, hard to control the steering wheel. Anyone else experience this. Remedy, or than not getting on it? LOL.

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  Cmon Pontiac - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Blair - February 28 - 2:36 pm

  Ive my car for about 10 months and have had many problems with it. A month after having it my car started dying even thought a month earlier a new battery was put in. I ended having to buy a new battery for it. Then in 11/08 the car started making noises. Every time I would accelerate or turn my car to the left. It sounded as if the suspension was about to come apart as still does it today. 5 days ago when I was driving the engine light was lit up and the engine pow reduced light also came up. My MPG reduced from 40 to 15 and my car eventually stalled. I took it into the shop and had it fixed. I drove it home and did it again and is now sitting in my drive way while I figure out what to do

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  Now that its gone, I miss it! - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Nate - February 20 - 7:53 am

  I am updating my review for my G6 GT sedan. I bought it with 18k miles and it was a rental before. It had about 49k miles on it when i recently got in an accident, and it is now totaled. I had my entire family, wife, 2 kids under 18 months and a dog in the car when the accident occurred. No one was injured and air bags did not go off due to the fact that i wasnt going fast enough i think. MPG in city was around 22, and highway was around 30. I never had any big problems with it, was never in the shop for repairs, except when i hit a deer. other than that, very reliable and when friends drove it, they were impressed with it. I would get another one, but we decided on an SUV with 2 kids.

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  Lovin my G6 Hardtop convertible - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By GiGi - February 13 - 3:13 am

  Picked up my car on 5/01/06 had been awaiting its arrival since February 2006. I can truly say,"Im loving It". We took it to the mountains in Pennsylvania and to the shore on Long Island. It drives nice, has good Pick up, handles well and drives smooth. The top pops up or down in app 30 seconds and its beautiful to look at!!!!!! Pontiac did a very good job. I almost broght a toyota but I am SO...Happy that I waited until pontiac perfected the G6! It was definitely worth the wait!!!!!!!!!!!

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  g6 is reason for gm failing - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By steve - February 11 - 7:06 pm

  Purchased this 08 g6 for my wife and it was a nightmare from the time we purchased it almost 2 years ago till we traded it in a few weeks ago. Premature brake failure on rotors and pads at 6000 miles, Pontiac says it was due to wifes poor driving habits and would not cover under warranty. Then the iceing on the cake was when the steering went out at 9,000 miles and I had had enough. If I had done my research on this car I would have seen that brake problems and steering failures are a common problem with the g6 and gm refuses to do anything about it.

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  Very Shaky - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Robin - February 5 - 1:36 pm

  I bought my car used and had a 60 day warranty with it. When I first bought it the power steering was a little rough so they fixed that. Then I had to take it in 3 times after that because it would shake real bad on the highway. On the third time they told me my tires were wearing unevenly. I bought new ones. Ive had to replace them and later had to replace them again. Now Im on my second year and it still is shaking real bad. It is to the point I am scared of driving it. It makes a loud clunking noise in the front when Im going around 55. I cant wait until I can afford to get rid of it. I used to love Pontiac but Im kinda glad they dont make them anymore. Im disappointed.