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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  Take you $26K and buy something else! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By jen16 - January 4 - 12:43 am

  Very disappointed in this car. I had high hopes but theyve been dashed. Car is plagued with leaks, poor fit and finish, and inferior materials. Auto transmission leaves much to be desired; has trouble finding gears and when it does it is anything but smooth. The only thing GM got right is the exterior styling.

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  Return to American - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Jon Meine - December 30 - 4:50 am

  After more than 12 years in Japanese Sports Touring upscale cars I have returned to domestic and am astounded at the degree of technical sophistication and build excellence that have been incorporated at a very reasonable price point. Viva American!

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  Must be just me...problems..problems - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By rob - December 27 - 1:30 am

  Ok we will start with the 6,000 mile warped rotors that they dealership told me was typical after they tried to accuse me of being to hard on the brakes??? at 9,500 miles the rack and pinion went bad..gm knows there is a problem so they put a bulliten out to grease them.well after 500 miles the grease worked its way out and then they had to replace the whole rack.squeks I can not figure out where they are coming from and neither can the dealer.just two days ago my wife handed me her key fob and told me the battery needed to be replaced..so i opened it up and surprise,surprise the soldier joints have broke??who has actually broke a key fob,Now I guess I will just have to see what breaks next

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  Pontiac builds excitement - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By Oldfield - December 26 - 7:10 am

  Only owned the car for six weeks but it has been great so far. The relatively long wheelbase, for a car in this class, provides excellent ride. Owing to the fat 225/50-17 tires, taunt but compliant suspension and good steering response I, admittedly not a street racer, havent found the limits of this car, yet. From what Ive experienced, however, I expect the G6 to perform well in an emergency evasive maneuver. Im 62" and found the back seat headroom to be adequate and the legroom quite impressive. Originally attracted by the clean, smooth styling and rake of the roofline. Really like the taupe leather interior, heated seats and security of OnStar. 31 mpg so far on a couple trips.

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  love my car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By j - December 23 - 5:03 pm

  I love the performance and the look of my car, it really turns heads. I have had strangers come up to me and ask about the car. They have all been impressed, no one else in my little town has one yet.

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  G6 GT - cheap fun - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By David - December 16 - 2:20 pm

  For what I paid its a very nice car. Not as fast as my Monte Carlo but is very nice. I love the seats and sun roof. Nice little car. XM Radio is the best feature in the car and I hope you get it.

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  Great Car - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Laz Profit - December 14 - 11:33 pm

  I purchased this car as a used rental, and after a quick trip to the dealership to get the warranty items fixed, the G6 purrs. I love this car. There were 2 necessities, when I made the purchase. Performance and leg room for a big guy at 62". This Sedan was the perfect choice. I had no intention on walking in and buying this car, but after the test drive I knew I had to have it. Im tired of Hondas (Buy American), and I used a Camry for a rental, wishing the whole time I had my G6. Best part, I can now add my own features.. Sun roof, turbo and low pro tires to keep the look of this car stylish. I dont plan on trading this one in - very dependable..

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  Great car! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Teresa - December 13 - 11:13 am

  Purchased this car for value and the fact that it was a hard-top convertible. It has been awesome! The car drives great and is well designed both on the interior and exterior. It is fun to drive and I always get attention!

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  Loving it - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By jen - December 10 - 10:53 pm

  I did my shopping around and the G6 is the best overall buy I could find. I test drove a lot of cars out there. The G6 won. I got a great price, haggled and got leather for free. Totally loving the XM! I only wish that it had radio options on the steering wheel.

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  A Peppy Little Car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Greg Bower - December 10 - 8:23 pm

  Our new Pontiac G6 is a lot better car than we had hoped for. We like the way it drives and handles on the highway, and we certainly like the way strangers walk up to us at a gas station when we fill up the tank and ask us what kind of car is that. They seem to be impressed by the sporty look of the vehicle. The inside is a lot roomier than it first appears. I only wish that there was a little more storage space to hide belongings. The car definitely has a little pep to it!