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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  Better Than I Thought - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By ADB - December 18 - 4:23 am

  I have the 6-speed manual. IMO, its the only acceptable form of this car. The 3.9L is sufficiently powerful and the transmission has a wide spread of complementary ratios. However, first gear seems a bit short. You have to up-shift far earlier than one would expect. Overall, this car is great. Onstar, XM and the panaromic roof are neat gee-whiz features. The ride is firm but in no way harsh. The body is free of creaks and rattles (even the sunroof). Fuel economy is at 29mpg right now, which is far higher than expected. The clutch is smooth, if a bit long in travel. The seats are comfortable, rear legroom is impressive, and all the controls are logically placed. A well done car.

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  2007 G6 3.5L sport package - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Bob - December 16 - 6:46 pm

  original owner, intermediat steering shaft,brakes and now in shop for intake gasket leaking oil. Its all covered but would be Pist if I had to pay out of pocket. Dealer set me up with a rental car and less than 1 day to fix each time. I like the car and handles good with good power. The 6 speeds are way over rated I have 4sp A/T and have logged 32MPG loaded down on our trip to Canada with A/C cranking (72MPH). All vehicles have issue just look them up. I work for import car company and they also have issues some worse some better. MPG on the imports are about the same give/take. With demand for MPG 8 speeds,dual clutch and more CVT transmisisons. Little improvement, heavy and big $$$$

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  more power options - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Karl Swain - December 16 - 8:20 am

  The 2.4 L engine should have an option of being supercharged, because the 2.4 L I4 is lacking power in a big way. At low rpm it drags until you reach around 4000 rpm then it seems to finally say " hey Im at full throttle, lets go" but until then grandma in her wheel chair is passing you. They either need to increase power, have a power add-on option, or just get rid of the I4 all together.

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  Its OK - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By SD - December 10 - 8:43 am

  I guess Im just not as blown away as everyone else. We have put 10,000 miles on our GTP now and I think it is a nice car but I do have a couple gripes; fuel economy, and power. It seems like a car with 240 horses should be a little quicker (hint - push and hold the traction control button for 5 second to turn off stability control!). Our average fuel economy is 19-20 mpg with my light-on- the-gas wife driving. Interior and exterior fit and finish are great. The layout of the interior was well thought out. Big trunk with a relatively small opening.

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  great car - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By B MAC - December 8 - 10:30 pm

  i recently purchased a GT G6 and I have to say that this car is awesome. You step on it and u fly, and with the clutchless manual you can redline it in every gear. The only thing that I have had a problem with so far has been the 6 disc in-dash cd changer. One day it was working fine then I got in my car and went to crank up the tunes and it wouldnt play the cd. CD CHANGER ERROR appeared on the display screen and then when i turned off the car, the stereo remained on. I plan on taking it back to the dealer for under warantee repair ASAP. other then that minor thing, its a fun car.

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  4Dr GT, Great Car for Price - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Mark - December 8 - 4:40 am

  Im a 19 year old male in college, my first car was a 97 Grand Am GT-had nothing but problems with, got rid of after 2 1/2 years! I was at the Pontiac dealership yet again with my Grand Am and the G6 caught my eye from the sales lot, mainly the price tag, $14,995 with only 8,720 miles Certified! I test drove it and drove it home the next day! I find it very comfortable considering Im 64" even with 5 people in the car and it still has plenty of pick-up. I drive about 100 miles a day, mostly highway and average 25 mpg @ 75 mph w/ the 3.5L V6 which was the only way I would get one. It is responsive with plenty of power, a smooth, quiet ride and great handling

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  My G6 -4DR 3.5L Engine - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Dawn - December 6 - 12:13 am

  I love this car. I did a lot of research before making this purchase, and drove a lot of cars. The G6 was fun to drive, had sharp steering, and was powerful. It has an excellent turning radius, and I love the styling. Im very happy with the purchase.

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  To my surprise!! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By carolyn stack - December 3 - 5:43 am

  I love driving my new G6 convertible it has great pickup. its fun to drive, i can talk on my cell phone with the top down and hear perfectly clearly. The wind resistance is awesome. i think it has to do with the front windshield..i was also surprised at the truck space with even with the top down. i love that it is a hard top, it maykes all the difference, even with the top of it has a ton of room inside back and front and its very stylish

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  A G6 with some miles on it - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By vortec442 - November 30 - 2:10 pm

  I looked at several cars and with gas climbing the G6 seemed to have good power and a good fuel mileage. It lives up to all that. Biggest problem is the electric steering is going out and dealers are scratching heads trying to fix it (I have been to 2 dealers 3 times) engine is making some noise when cold and loosing a little power.Interior parts are cheap with a few cracks and breaks.If the car can be fixed this is still a peppy little car with a great price tag, that turns heads a carries a great 5year, 100,000 mile warranty. Prior I owned a Grand Am, very similar. Also very roomy. My father is 62" 300+ and rides in here no problem

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  I LOVED my GTP but now shes gone - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Sandra - November 24 - 5:43 pm

  I bought this car used in Feb. 07 and lost it in an accident July 08. It was quick and accelerated smoothly, performed well both on the city streets and on long trips. Very nice stereo system-great bass. Minor drawback is some of the paint chipped off the radios on/off button and the knobs/buttons in general seemed a bit cheap. Mileage averaged approx. 19 in city and 23 highway. In these times of high gas prices, one might struggle between choosing this higher performing car versus a more efficient auto. I had my fun but have now concluded I must choose a more economical vehicle; however, I will never forget my Pontiac G6 GTP.