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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  I love it - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By RBH - June 28 - 8:16 pm

  I did a lot of research before i bought this car. I acutally gave up a cadillac dhs for this car and am glad i did. This is a great looking car and is pure fun to drive. The stereo is better than what i had in the cadillac but i love the panoramic sunroof the best. The sunroof moves quickly and easily. Acceleration is great and the trunk room is unbelievable. I just took my first trip in my new g6 and got 30.2 Mpg. Back to the stereo-it is loud and crisp and beats the bose i had. Someone put a lot of thought into designing this car. Fun, fun, fun, is what this car is.

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  Nice Ride - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Scott - June 15 - 5:10 pm

  This car rides smooth and engine is high performing. Its easy to do much higher than speed limit due to how smooth ride is. Handles very well. Sporty feel while still able to bring the kids along with four doors. I checked on Nissan Altima but no head room for a 62" person. I had a 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix GT for 7 years before I bought this car. I was not impressed with new Grand Prix models and the engines offered. Was very impressed that I could get the 224 HP engine in the G6. I get compliments on the look of car all the time. Real sharp with the nice alloy 17 inch rims. Only wish this version had the manual shift option like the GTP. Sporty car with plenty of style.

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  Love this Car! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By G6 Lover - June 3 - 3:40 am

  So it was between the G6 and the Mazda3. I wanted a sporty sedan with four doors but with power since I was coming out of a Mustang. The G6 had more zoom-zoom than the Mazda3 and it was roomier with more headspace and legroom. I love the 3.5L enginge, I know I have enough power to handle cutting in and out of LA rush hour traffic. I get a lot of stares on the road and people asking questions at gas stations. I remember when I first rolled into work my co-workers mistook my G6 for a Lexus. I love the bold styling of the outside and the room inside, front and back seat. Trunk space is great as well. I love driving it and my friends always elect me to drive on outings since I have the fun car

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  Love my G6 - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By dobbins8394 - June 2 - 2:06 pm

  I was sorry to hear all the bad reviews! I bought my 2007 G6 brand new and I havent had any problems out of it! It drives great and I get great gas mileage! I love the interior and the exterior. The lighting inside is great. The car has a total of 52000 miles and is still going strong! I have even been rear ended and the car was repaired and I havent had any problems still! This was a wonderful investment!

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  No wonder they stopped making pontiacs - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Brian - May 29 - 9:26 am

  I brought my car to the dealership to get 4 things done. Oil change, replace windshield, fix my back seat b/c it wasnt going down, and fix my break lights. My break lights were reversed. They would always be on and when I hit the breaks they would go off. Really safe. They had my car for over a week and didnt give me a rental. When I got it back 2/4 things were done. They forgot to replace the windshield and never fixed the back seat. A couple months later, the break lights reversed again. Im a school teacher and if 25% of my students were passing Id be fired.

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  Great - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By DON - May 26 - 8:30 am

  The comfort and gas milage was the most suprising. I am 63" and get in and out with ease. We made a trip of over 2000 miles and could not have ask for more comfort. We previously has a grand prix and the g6 compares to it.

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  Fun to drive Great car - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By eyespycat - May 25 - 12:43 pm

  This is our first new car and we are very satisfied. I love the inside and outside of this vehicle. Its sporty yet great for small family. I think the interieor is awesome and I love the chrome around the speedometer. Great stereo system and the message center is helpful. A couple of downfalls. I thought it would be alittle better on gas and very tight when making a U- turn. I also agree truck opening could be alittle bigger but that would obviously change the outer look. I can fit my stroller and a few other items in. Other than that I would recommend this car and the price was exactly what we wanted. Very good deal.

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  Gentleman Start Your Engines - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Deaun - May 20 - 4:06 am

  Although sometimes my auto-start feature will strain my starter out for about 3 seconds, this car is completely great. I have a family but am also a "lead foot" so this car really incorporates what i need in a vehicle along with making it possible to grocery shop or drive around everyone.

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  A real lemon! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By brandi0521 - May 17 - 4:00 am

  I just had to have this car when it came out. Ive had it now for just over 2 yrs. This car is a piece of crap. I bought a lemon. It has been in the shop 8 times for stabilitrak. The pontiac dealership never made claims against my warranty, so never fixed it. Ive since gotten it fixed. But they were scared it was going to cause my brakes to go out. So now Ive had to pay out of pocket for front and back brakes. Ive purchased Extended Warranty. I now have a hole in my muffler that isnt covered on that. Yesterday I went to open my top and the back part opened and the top went up and fell back down. Lots of squeaks and rattles that the dealer cant fix. Truly a LEMON!

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  Fun, and what a deal - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Rob - May 10 - 10:06 pm

  I love this car. The top has never been a problem. The styling is unique to the convertible, and the techno- hard-top convertible is such an awesome aspect to this car. When the top is up, and the windows down, voila. a true pilarless hard-top coupe! It is quick, smooth. The interior 4-place bucket seating is so cool, and so rare these days. And, the car is big enough to seat four adults comfortably. My quibble is that there is no Ipod port and no built-in blue-tooth. I will solve those issues on my own though, and they are solvable. I bought mine used with 6K miles on it 6 months ago. At $20K, I thought it was a steal. I have never regretted getting it.