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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  Stylish and Practical - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Frank - November 23 - 1:23 am

  The 3.5 V6 engine provides plenty of power and the coupe is very quick at all speeds. Although the G6 uses a 4- speed transmission, gas mileage is pretty good. The G6 ride is firm and responsive, but there is a moderate amount of road noise. The interior is much improved over previous models, but still not perfect. The chrome outlined dash layout and controls are very nice, but there is way too much hard plastic that gives a cheap feel. Especially the steering wheel. It is hard, uncomfortable and will slip in your hands. The cup holders are put where drinks will restrict your driving. Overall, a well equipped and stylish vehicle for the money. Would recommend.

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  Not For The Northern States - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By BeRuud - November 19 - 11:46 pm

  I really did enjoy driving this car, it had great acceleration, hugged the road well and had amazing MPG. My Fiance did get motion sickness very easily with this car. In the spring, summer and fall this car was tops... in the winter this car was a liability. Traction in the snow was TERRIBLE, I was stuck in normal driveways multiple times because the traction and tire control was poor. In the southern states this would be a keeper, but since I live in NY I cant get rid of it quick enough. My lease is just about up and I am leasing a new Subaru Legacy which will be quite an upgrade over the G6 in almost every way.

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  GM makes a good one - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Valuefinder - November 18 - 8:20 pm

  Bought this car to replace a bland Pontiac Vibe. 201 hp vs. vibes 130, plus highway mileage of 32 vs. vibes 34ish...no brainer. G6 looks good, rides good, best GM interior Ive seen. Probably will lack in resale vs. honda/toyota, but try getting in a V6 version of Accord/Camry for under $20k OUT THE DOOR. I have since test driven the G6 GT, and even though horsepower is the same, the GT is geared for fun, and you can tell. The space between the gears in regular G6s v6 is WIDE, not as exciting. Overall G6 is a great looking and performing car, like no other for equal "out the door" cost. Never compare imports to domestics on sticker price.

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  One of the best cars yet - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By ashbash8921 - November 1 - 7:13 am

  Have you ever wanted a fun affordable car? Well youve found it. Thats right the Pontiac G6 Convertable is one of the nicest, best cars I have ever owned. I have a Mercedes convertable and a BMW sedan and this beats out the both of them. The overall best thing about this car to me is the amazing gas mileage and looks of it.

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  GTP and FAST - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Andre - October 23 - 10:20 pm

  Bought the GTP coupe and it is fast and fun to drive! The GTP is a affordible and safe sports car with side impact air bags, stablity control, traction ect. Unfortunately, the 3.9L does like fuel. The first 1K miles best I got is 17.5 MPG and after that am now at 20.5 MPG. For me this is my personal car and not used for work so gas not a big issue. I keep looking foward to weekends to take my GTP back out on the road.

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  Awesome car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Jenna - October 22 - 11:40 pm

  This is my second car. I had a Dodge Stratus before and this car out performs it ten fold. The G6 rides smooth and has excellent steering contrary to what reviews say. Its fun to drive and it has a nice kick to it. Im tall for a female (511") and am comfortable in this car. Ive had my 66" brother in the backseat who said he was comfortable compared to any other car. The legroom is just fabulous. Gas mileage is pretty good too!

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  Great Bang For The Buck! - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By BigAl - October 19 - 9:10 am

  I have owned many new cars (including many foreign makes) over the years including 3 previous Pontiacs with few issues. The difference between the G6 GT and the G6 GXP is night and day. This car has it all - power, comfort, style(Street Version), fun to drive, decent gas mileage, and so far very reliable. All this at a price with the GM and Dealer discounts well below similar offerings from Toyota, Honda, et al. Only concern is the perception that with GM dissolving Pontiac as a division the normal depreciation will accelerate greatly but as long as this car delivers I will have it a long time.

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  Nice car but disappointed in performance - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Lisa - October 12 - 4:30 am

  Love the looks and comfort of this car. Handles pretty well accept does not do well in the snow. Ive had other front wheel drive cars do much better. Rides smooth. A little disappointed in the gas mileage. Didnt get what was quoted. I have had my car for 6 months and am working on trading it already. I need one with better traction in the snow.

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  Surprising - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Bob - October 8 - 11:43 am

  One of the reasons we bought this car is because of the massive discounts GM offered. I dont understand the current trimlines, really (mine is officially called the "6-cylinder"? okay...) but I think this will all make more sense in 2006 once more models and trims appear. Anyway, this car is pretty amazing. We didnt get ABS, and Im regretting it now, even though the standard tires handle quite well in snow and ice. The dealer had 10 G6s, but none of the base models had ABS or remote start, which was unfortunate. The electric-assist steering is a bit strange at low speeds, sometimes making the wheel light as a feather in the middle of a turn. Otherwise, I have no complaints!

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  Its a decent, reliable car, very roomy! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By KK - October 1 - 11:16 am

  I have owned my 07 for about a year and a half. I have had minor issues that I have taken it into the dealership, but nothing major thus far. I agree with other people about the interior plastic type pieces being cheap. Other than the cheap plastic pieces its an overall good car. The trunk space is amazing!!!!!