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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  Good value for your dollar - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Greg - December 3 - 11:43 am

  Purchased for $12,000 (Thanks, GM Card dollars!). At that price nothing really competes. I was able to get the dealer to add cruise, and for those that really want remote locks that can be added as well. Note the gas mileage will be less if the car has the 3.91 axle ratio, but will have more pep. So if you are shooting for 30 MPG be aware of the "optional" axle ratio issue. Easy to drive, but a little hard to get in and out of as doors are narrow top to bottom. I do 90% highway cruising, and this is quite and very smooth for its size. I understand wiper blades are expensive, so try and get covered under bumper-to- bumper warranty. Also, no key hole on passenger door, seems odd.

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  Check Engine Light - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Karen - November 29 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Pontiac for a year and a half. I love it. I do not love the problems. My check engine light goes on and off and the engine machines says it is fuses. We have had all those changed check eng light still on and still says fuses. Also my wipers stopped working and we do not know why. I have always bought a GM but now I am not so sure. My seat has already broke the water pump went what problems I am having. Should have bought a 1000 car instead of a 12000 car

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  I love it! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By jenny - November 21 - 2:06 am

  Sporty and comfortable! I searched for such a car for 5 years. When the G6 came out, I was smitten. Love the energy and sunroof. It;s great to have a stylish American car!

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  Dont Buy This Car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Azby - November 16 - 9:46 am

  Bought this car brand new. Smelled gasoline first day - cracked fuel injector. Visor mirrors have broken repeatedly. Fixed 3 times under warranty - now just broke. At 13,000 miles, groaning in the steering column. Left outer tie rod & steering gear replaced. Now, at 20,000 miles, knocking in the steering column. Dealer response: Sorry, warranty ran out at 3 years (even though there is a Technical Service Bulletin about this problem). The starter also hesitates frequently. I dont trust the car anymore and feel unsafe driving it. A recall should have been issued when the NHTSA investigated steering issues in the G6, instead of sticking owners with the cost. I wont buy another Pontiac.

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  G6 GT much fun to drive! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By beerdude - November 11 - 11:50 am

  Excellent handling. Very peppy engine regardless of what the others say of the lack of 240hp. 200hp is plenty for 99% of the population. The panoramic roof is way too cool and actually works quite well. Tall folks may hit their head in the back. The monsoon sound system is pretty decent for factory rig. Absolutely love the exterior styling and wheels. Love the car so far ... after having an Accord and Mazda 6 and Mazda 626.

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  06 GTP is piece of crap!!!! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By chuck203 - November 9 - 4:17 am

  the 1st yrs i had this car is what great, but then the flood waters opened, at 49.000miles major oil leak, had that repaired, i have replaced brakes and rotors 3 times in 2 yrs, had 2 replace tire rods and ball joints, car still shakes when u brake, passenger side headlight keeps blowing out, c d player, quit working, Gm wants 600.00 4 a new 1 & 2 top it all off transmission has went out all with less than 100.000 miles on it...I c why pontiac went Under!!!

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  Back to the domestics - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Gail Taschler - October 30 - 1:06 pm

  After my last two leases being a Volvo, the vehicle is not reliable the overall scenario is arrogance. I decided to shop around and this G6 is just better in every category with many more facilities to get help if necessary, than Volvo could imagine. The grand finale is of course ON Star, what a sensational item. I am absolutely excited about my G6 and so far it is head and shoulder better than the S 70 and S 60 volvo I had recently leased.

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  NOT TO SHABBY - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Ray - October 29 - 12:10 pm

  I bought the car online and after i paid i read all the bad reviews. my experience with the car has be mostly positive the only problem i had was with the brakes. i replaced the brakes myself(ceramics of course)and i replaced the rotors at the same time because of all the reviews about them. i feel if pontiac is more sport orientated they would use some decent rotors. a few other problems ive encountered is my throttle body keeps getting dirty and the car clunks and rattles. for a car with such a big engine it get between 33 and 29MPG (60-90 MPH).the sound system is great. i had to replace the radio(6 disc)and just got an aftermarket and got a device to replace the DIC.all in all a good car

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  Great Value - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By BRMike - October 13 - 11:53 pm

  My wife and I replaced her 2000 Grand Prix GTP coupe with a a 2007 Blue-Gold Chrystal Metallic G6 GTP sedan. Through the first 7200 miles weve taken it on one road trip thus far and achieved an average of 30.6 mpg. Overall my wife and I are happy with the G6 GTP. However, the steering rack had to be replaced (warranty). The steering rack replacement was painless and took just one day (great local dealer).

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  Sporty and unique - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Dee - October 13 - 7:13 pm

  I bought this car in May of 05 & so far so good. The car is fully loaded with all the bells & whistles, I got it with the awesome panaramic view. The monsoon sound system is great & the information center is very informative. I like how the interior was layed out, with soft touch material everywhere & very roomy & I compared it to other vehicles in its group & they had hard plastics & small inside. The cars suspension is very good & corners without sceeching the tires. The leather interior is well thought out & great looking. I like the exterior styling with slick looking lines which makes it look sporty. The six way power seat, telescoping, & tilt steering makes it comfortable to drive.