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:

• 

  Not even in the market for a new car! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By TinTop - March 14 - 9:43 pm

  It was a dark and stormy night....reallly! Not a fit night to be out, but we couldnt resist test driving the 2007 Pontiac G6 GT convertible. It handled so well in the rain. Who knew a convertible could be so quiet? Now the only test, was to wait for the rain to stop and drive with the top down. It was a cool 58 degrees, but with the heated seats and a bit of feet heat, we were in heaven. Style, Comfort, Handling, Sporty, enough get up and go without being a gas hog. SOLD! Loving every minute.

• 

  Fun enough, but not impressed - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By AmandaJo88 - March 12 - 4:50 pm

  I bought this car 3/2008 used with 29000 miles but I am starting to worry about problems. My trip odometers reset on their own and a few months ago I noticed rotten egg smell and it started to guzzle gas like no tomorrow (I have to get gas 2x/week when I used to 1x/wk). Burning smell/rotten egg smell with hard acceleration. Sunroof squeaks and interior side panel rattles. However, I do enjoy driving fast and keeping up with all the other "racers" out on the road. But the longer I drive, the slower the car seems to accelerate. Overall its a nice fun car to drive, but doesnt seem as reliable as it should be.

• 

  new till now - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Canuck - March 11 - 8:53 pm

  Had for Sunfires and son totaled the one that was paid off. Needed a car and was glad I stepped up to the G6. After reading many reviews I can agree with most all. Love it and fun to drive; drove across Canada 5 times. As well experienced many of the problems - Electric steering had to be replaced (warranty), brakes need new rotors, or at least turned spring and fall. I do myself so more just a pain. During the winter the inside of the windshield freezes. Oil changes have been regular when told by the info center; about every 7000 miles. No problems driving in heavy snow (Canadian 30 cm - about 12 inches) with OEM tires. Many 4x4s were getting stuck; might be more driving ability.

• 

  Very Disappointed! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Anonymous - March 10 - 3:46 am

  This car, in my opinion, is very cheaply made. The panoramic sunroof began rattling within a month from buying it. Its been in the garage 5 times to be repaired. GM even replaced the entire module during our last visit. Unfortunately, replacing the window did not help. The rattling and wind noise was so loud that we finally gave up and traded it in. We now have a 2007 Ford Five Hundred and absolutely love it! Weve always been GM fans, but no longer.

• 

  fast and fun - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By cdog13junior - March 8 - 5:10 pm

  I have a 2004 Pontiac Grand AM and I recently bought the base model G6 I have really enjoyed the car since I bought it in late Feb of this year. The handling is so nice, quick and responsive. I have found that just the difference in one year that Pontiac has came out with some really nice innovations like the optional assist a steer. I have no complaints about the car and now have 1700 miles and love the car. Will buy one again anyday

• 

  great little car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By rgebo5150 - March 8 - 7:54 am

  Just got my G6 and so far its a good car. Only problems I have so far is my stereo cuts out alot and its just the front speakers that do this and the other is that if Im going 55 mph my rpms are at 3000. Is anyone else seeing this or is it just my little 4 cylinder? That seems high and would get better gas mileage if it was lower. Would love to hear if yours is the same way.

• 

  What a great car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Massage Tom - March 8 - 5:50 am

  I drove one of these convertibles as soon as I could find one and fell instantly in love. Had to wait six months to find one slightly used, but it was well worth the wait. Drove it 2000 miles home from where I purchased and it was a perfect trip. Great ride, great responsiveness, comfortable and much more economical than I would have imagined with such good performance. I get between 31 and 32 mpg out on the Interstate. The interior is very roomy for four with lots of leg room. I have driven sporty Pontiacs off and on over the years and this is the absolute best. I saved more than $40,000 by not buying a similar Lexus and have better ride and lots more room.

• 

  Great car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By rockchick - March 3 - 9:48 am

  Ive had my G6 for about 3 years with about 32,00 miles on it. I have about 99,000 miles on it now. Ive had a few minor issues but nothing major and nothing compared to the issues described in a lot of the reviews. I love my car, it drives great, handles great and sounds amazing!

• 

  Wonderful! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By kisseshoney8 - February 24 - 10:13 pm

  I have been test driving every SUV, Sedan, and coupe out on the market. Honda, Toyota, Saturn, Mit, MB, BMW, Lexus, Acura were some that I have driven. After test driving those and not getting what I want in the vehicle or finding the color I want, I decided to test drive the G6. After just sitting in it I feel in love. Best car for the money and loads of standard features. It looks like a MB at night which is awesome. I am so glad I bought this car. It was the best decision ever. Thanks GM for making a great car. BTW go with the silver with black interior.

• 

  Disappointment - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Lora - February 21 - 9:53 pm

  I bought my car new, and have had nothing but problems. I consider myself an above average driver, as I put a lot of care into my cars. However, in the 3 years that I have had it I have replaced the following: CD player, front windshield, cruise control, steering column, head unit (#2 cylinder was misfiring), and now I have to replace the converter. Whats next? I am never buying Pontiac again!!