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:

• 

  Excellent car for the size - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By rabbit - October 7 - 6:16 am

  Great car. Love the factory remote start. Better mileage than the Camry, we get 32-34 mpg on a trip. Had a few mechanical problems - electric steering failed and had to be replaced under warranty. Definitely would buy another.

• 

  6th Pontiac - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By John Berszoner - October 2 - 5:20 am

  I have driven 5 Pontiac Bonnevilles before I bought my G6 GT. I loved my Bonnies. They always met my driving needs as far as performance, handling and comfort was concerned. I test drove the G6 and was amazed that while the G6 was smaller, the performance and comfort was on par with the Bonnies. The handling was even better than what I was used to.

• 

  Excellent Quality & Value - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Lou - October 1 - 9:56 pm

  Have had the car for 4 months now. The car has been great. Runs like a top and is fun to drive. Performance is pretty good, not to mention its getting me about 26 mpg on the average. Had a couple of minor issues and took it back to the dealership. Cant say enough about their service and personnel. Very good customer service A+. Took care of all the issues immediately and on my schedule. Overall, extremely pleased with the car and the dealership. Would highly recommend both!

• 

  Great car to own and drive! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Fredinator - September 27 - 10:13 am

  Driven the car on all sorts of trips. One 2000 mile stint and it was very comfortable and pleasure to drive. This car is fun, and even great accelerations with the 3.5L V6. I averaged 33 MPG on the long trip and am getting 22 in the city. This is the first car Ive had with Satelite Radio and I really like it. On Star is a great safety option that ever car in america should have. I must say the G6 has been a pleasnt surprise for me. I think GM/Pontiac has got a winner on their hands for sure. I picked the G6 over the Grand Prix. Mostly because of styling and more room for my back seat riders. This car is great all around!

• 

  2007 base v6. Great! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Eric - September 26 - 12:53 am

  My base 3.5L v6 sedan, pretty well optioned. Owned Camaros before this. Loved the looks, safety, options for the price. MSRP $21,800, paid $16,500 before tax with haggling and incentives. I have had it for 1.5 years and ~25,000 miles, No issues. Not sure everyones issue with fuel, being a base I have a 3.05 final drive, maybe that helps but I see 22- 24 city, and 28-32 logged and calculated by hand. Not bad for a midsized car, that is roomy enough for my 65" guy. Yet still has some enough power to actually pass people with ease on the road. Is the interior top of the line? No, but its not bad. Its plastic and fake leather, like every other car under $30k. Cheap/fast/economic

• 

  REGRETS AND DISAPPOINTMENT! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Scarletbkt - September 22 - 7:06 pm

  I just unloaded this car ... its been in the shop MULTIPLE times, 5 times for the same thing!!! Steering column. Also problems with leaky sunroof and vanity mirrors replaced 3 times! LOVE the way the car looks and always got compliments on it but reliability was just awful! Also lots of problems with brakes and rotars too. Car has new front and rear brakes and still shakes when braking. Very disappointed in this car and after reading these reviews its seems like all are common problems. Too bad cuz the great looks great. Got a 2007 Nissan Maxima and have my fingers crossed this one is better quality!

• 

  Pontiac G 2007 - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Bradley Melton - September 17 - 11:30 pm

  I got my 2007 Black GT G 6 on 9/11. My wife who has hated my previous convertibles loves this one. It is real quiet with the top up. I can now hear my 88 year old mother talk while I drive her around. Looks ? With the top down this car gets all kinds of looks. Power? I only have the 3.5 and this thing moves along real nice. I went to get around some traffic going home form work on 95 S and I looked down and I was breathing on 90. Whoops! At 3K I will switch over to the Mobil 1 Extended Performance oil. The trunk with the top up has a fare amount of room and there is more room in the back seats than I expected.The last Pontiac I had lasted 190K & did not burn oil.Fun Car-Me? I am 58 yrs old.

• 

  Just Dont Know - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Corey - September 15 - 2:16 pm

  I had to have my steering lubed up the first day I got it. Then I had to get the rotors turned. Now I have an antifreeze leak. I got rid of my old Pontiac because it was just having too many problems. Granted it had 150,000 miles on it. But this one is giving me headaches. One problem after another. Im also having problems with the visors coming out. I would do more homework next time before buying any car.

• 

  Pontiac .....Were Back! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By TNVet - September 7 - 8:00 am

  We sold our 99 Bonneville SE which we had been driving for seven years, with our ONLY mechanical repair being a defective fuel pressure regulator which ended up being a recall item, but only cost $70 bucks. Did I mention the car had 178,000 miles on it! We knew we wanted to stay with GM, and Pontiac, my wife is the primary driver and fell in love with the G6 as soon as she seen it. It has the 3.5 liter which has been around for many years, with two (2) displacement upgrades it is the old 2.8Lt v6, then it was upgraded to the 3.1Lt, now it is the 3.5 and the HP is awesome!

• 

  06 G6 With a V6 - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By KellyG - September 7 - 3:50 am

  Overall Great Car! I have only had this car for a month, and I love it. Although I have had 3 or 4 instances where my wheel will lock up when I shift out of park into drive and my check engine light comes on. I shut the car off and it turns on without the engine light coming on. Kinda weird with only 30,000 miles on the car. I love the way it rides, very quite engine!