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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  best in class - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By MCGYVER64 - January 18 - 11:23 pm

  dollar for dollar this is the best value in its class. Comfort, styling, performance, this car has it all. Excellent ride in regular V6 model. GT was very stiff and twitchy.

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  Terrible G6! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By skpalmer - January 17 - 8:26 am

  I am with all the other G6 owners out there have the love hate relationship with their G6. I have had so many problems with my car, we had to buy a separate car that was more dependable just to make sure wed have a car to drive. Now just another problem to add to the list, tonight we started driving 55-60 mph and the stupid thing starts shaking so much that your voice shakes if you try and talk! Love the looks but hate the car! Never buying a Pontiac again, I had 02 Grand Prix and loved it so much I got this. Pontiac really messed up when they built this car!

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  Totally awesome ride - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Radio Flyer - January 1 - 10:26 am

  This car is very solid and corners well, reminds me of my former TA. Have driven 1500 miles and averaged 28.4 mpg mostly suburban miles. One Interstate trip of 180 miles, it displayed 32.1 mpg. I am used to a 3800 v6 engine in the Grand Prix but this 3500 is very satisfactory. The small buttons on the steering wheel were hard to get used to.

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  G6 Surprise - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Chris - December 30 - 6:40 pm

  Bought G6 for comfortable, leather, adjustable, heated seats and nice interior layout with good quality. Car has surpassed my expectations. Its quiet, well mannered, V6 is responsive, great fuel economy at 27 avg city/highway. Car is solid with no rattles, no problems of any kind. Best car Ive ever owned and Ive had many of all kinds - Ford, Toyota, trucks, SUVs and sports cars. It you want a relatively inexpensive car, that is solid, somewhat fun to drive, good looking and comfortable - this is worth a look.

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  G6 Does Well - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Highlander - December 30 - 4:23 am

  I bought my G6 (non-GT) a few months ago now and wanted to express how pleased I am with my purchase. After much shopping and test driving every vehicle of this type (mid size, reasonably priced sedan) this was the first one that I was excited about after the test drive. It is fun to drive, looks good, feels good and the price was competitive. I have had no mechanical issues or other problems.

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  Nice Car, but..Buy The EXtended Warranty - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By SelmaSmith - December 29 - 7:33 pm

  Very comfortable car, 19MPG city, 30MPG highway. I loved my G6 for comfort and style. But, at 8,000 miles the bumpy ride got much worse, rotors needed resurfaced, steering problems. (Many blog comments on these problems.) But, if you must buy this car - before you buy, drive this car on bumpy roads. Whatever you do, you must buy the extended warranty from the dealer. Ask about steering problems, riding problems, rotor problems. Car rides bumpy, close to the ground like a sports car. Takes turns great..like a sports car. You decide.

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  Average Luxury Car - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Jessica - December 25 - 8:13 pm

  Ive had my 4 cylinder G6 2007 for about a month. The first problem was it has warped rotors. My car was a lease with only 20,000 miles on it so I dont understand why it has warped rotors. The mechanic says that it could easily happen by slamming on your brakes while going through a deep puddle of water at high speeds. Yeah sounds simple but if thats the case that sounds like an accident that was not reported. Next, either I like to drive too fast or the car is slow at kicking in speed. I previously had an 2003 Alero with 121,000 miles and it drives very similarly to that. Not good or my Alero was in excellent condition (and it was)But for an 07 I expect more. Overall the car is great!

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  Great car, good ride - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Robert Cacciotti - December 25 - 9:23 am

  Car is very easy to get in and out. Seats are great, one of the best seats that I have sat in. 3.9 liter motor runs very well. Top works great. Best of all it does not have a dollar sign on the hood i.e. benz, bmw, lexas, Volvo ect. For the money great buy in my book.

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  2006 Pontiac G6 GT 4dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By tb24336 - December 23 - 10:16 am

  My car leaks all the time. I had to replace new front brakes and front roators already twice. I have own the car less than 2 years!! When I turn my left wheel it makes a odd clicking noise. Also, when putting the car in reverse. The shifter gets stuck!!

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  Great Little Car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By John Garcia - December 21 - 7:40 am

  An excellent choice if youre looking for a fuel efficient sporty sedan that is reasonably priced, has lots of room inside and is a big step forward in build and quality.