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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  Smaller Car, More Action - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By R_Waterhouse - May 8 - 10:50 pm

  I recently went down in size on my cars, having previously driven a full-sized vehicle. I was afraid that moving to a small sporty car would be a negative experience, but instead it has been incredibly fun. I live in a rainy, rainy state, so the idea of a convertible is foreign to many here, but the hardtop is perfect in that I get all the protection from the elements I need and the removable top I wanted. I love this car, first day I got more looks from the local college girls than I do on my motorcycle, which cost about twice as much.

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  Such a Shame - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Forever Young - May 7 - 9:00 am

  It is such a shame that this car is so awful, I love this car, but it is a rolling junk heap. It looks great, and it is a good thing that the monsoon stereo is awesome, b/c it drowns out alot of the popping and cracking the car makes, from the dash to the, rear end to the steering column, to the sunroof, oh my at the noises!!! I am so disappointed, I need to trade it in, but I cant b/c I am so upside down in the payment. Dealerships and GM do nothing to resolve issues. I really love the car but it has so many problems, gas smell inside, stalling out, back firing, everything rattles, brakes, rotors, you name it. I have always driven Chevys and love them, I will never own another Pontiac!!

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  Review - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Jackson - May 5 - 3:00 am

  This is a fun car to drive. It handles well and the gas mileage is great.

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  Do yourself a favor and go buy one - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By McFly269 - April 17 - 4:26 pm

  Ive had my car for about a month now and I love it. The V6 packs a great punch, but can get you in trouble. When you hit 80 you still feel like you are going 40. The only thing I wish it came with was a navigation system. That was the only feature that had me looking at other cars, but when it came down to it the novelty and styling were too much for me to pass up on. The other feature that I didnt expect was the trunk space. This car has ridiculous trunk space for a coupe.

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  I Live In My Car - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Reeds-Kevin - April 11 - 3:20 pm

  This car rocks! I have been looking for a 4dr for a while and one day I just decided to check out the 2dr...It was awsome!! Not to mention a 63" guy like me fit in it perfectly. and when you sit down, it feels bigger inside than it looked from the outside. It rides nice and road noise is minimal.

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  Still on the fence - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Tbird - April 9 - 5:20 pm

  I bought this car a little over 2 1/2 yrs ago. When I first got it I loved it but since I have had some reservations. The car is hard to manuver in tight spaces. Its almost as if the wheel is locking or it gives the impression that there is no power steering fluid in the vehicle. I have replaced the windshield 2 times and Ive had problems with it starting and no one can seem to tell me why it wouldnt start. Its running great now and I want to believe that every thing will be just fine in 09.

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  Fun, fun fun. - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By JULIANK - April 6 - 9:40 pm

  Bought this car to match the fun I have with my motorcycle. I use every hand and foot to shift and brake with it and I wanted a car to match that level of involvement. This G6 GTP is a hoot to drive and it goes like a fireball when I put my foot into it. Lots of fun but can get well over 25 mpg when I drive like my wife does.

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  Impressive - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Stevo - March 31 - 1:33 am

  I purchased this car over a month ago, and the driving still impresses me. It has excellent handling around curves and turns, and stay right with you wherever you want to go. The car gets decent gas mileage, and provides awesome acceleration for a 4-door. Unfortunately the coupes are basically the same car with less doors, so the back passengers will lose space to sit, but in my 4 door there is more room in there than you think. 4 full sized adult males could comfortably go on a road trip in this.

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  Steering Wheel Problems - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Carla - March 20 - 9:53 pm

  My husband and I purchased the g6 gt less than one month ago. It was love at first sight until it was time to parallel park on the streets of New York/New Jersey (which is a must living in the City). After a few left and right turns the wheel suddenly got extremely stiff that it was nearly impossible for my 63" 200 lbs husband to turn the steering wheel any further to park properly. Took the car back to the dealer to have it tested and he found the same problem. He contacted GM about problem waiting for a response since it seem to be a manfacture problem. The dealer also test another car but the wheels were not as stiff.

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  my g-6 - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By wflo - March 19 - 1:46 pm

  I will not buy another G-6 Pontiac, because of all the problems I have had with it! The body style allows the sand from the road to sand blast the lower parts of the car, especially the flare on the rear quarters! Had it painted at 17,000, and now at 35000, it is the same as it was! Have had the brakes worked on 3 times, and again another problem with them! Have contacted GM, and they just as much said sorry about that, we will not buy it back!They need a new design, or some type of lowers body protection! Plus a larger brake disc and pads!