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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  Panoramic Roof is a GREAT invention - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Gigis Master - August 31 - 4:36 pm

  Gigi (my G6) and I have been crusing Central Jersey for 6 months and so far, Ive loved every minute of it. In my heart, Im a convertible driver. I feared that the panoramic roof wouldnt feed my need for wind. The reality has been the reverse. Due to the multiple settings, Ive been able to open the roof at lower temperatures and get my fresh air fix. Im sure Ill have a bit of lust in my heart once Pontiac launches the G6 Convertible next year, but right now, Im enjoying the cruise.

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  2006 GTP - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By as - August 30 - 3:16 pm

  Ive had this car almost a year now and I have no regrets. This is my first Pontiac and I was very, very hesitant about buying it. I had problems with Ford, Dodge, Mercedes, Jeep, and Chevy in the past but none with Honda and Toyota. I test drove my G6 GTP and felt it offered the most for the buck compared to Honda andToyota. I was just worried about reliability. So far, not one defect or problem! I have aready recommended this car to a few people. Not the best car in the world but possible one of the best well rounded cars for $24,000 and 0% financing. I use it M- F for work and my 06 Vette on the weekends. Great combination for under $78,000!

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  Great Car. - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By kenny - August 27 - 6:36 pm

  I purchased a sleek black beauty G6 GT Coupe about 2 weeks ago. I chose it over a accord coupe, altima coupe and a Mustang. This car is a head turner and is so fun to drive. Just took it on a trip to Florida and had so much fun driving it.If your looking for a nice sporty coup that avg. 31 mpg on my trip to Florida at 75mph. this is the car for you. I know I made the right decision. Also not many on the road like the other coupes. everyone loves it.

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  Great car for Pontiac - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By RMIII - August 26 - 11:13 am

  I, like anybody else, read all the reviews before buying. All I can say is dont listen to people who are trashing it. With my work I rent approx. 15 cars a year (Hondas, Toyotas, Nissans, Chevys, Fords). I honestly cannot say any car was better than the G6. Overall is a great car to drive. We got a great price on it, thousands less than a honda. Interior is worlds ahead of the old Grand Am it replaced. It actually has a personality. I never thought I would own a GM car, but I was actually impressed with this pontiac. If you go into it looking for a Lexus at $16,000 you wont happy. If you take it for what it is, its a great car for a great price. GM still does build some quality cars.

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  I No Longer Have The Cheap Car Blues - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By NCDEEWILL - August 25 - 8:20 am

  Ladies and Gentleman. Hallelujuh, the cheap car blues are over! I have recently purchased a 2.4ltr G6 sedan and I am loving every minute that I drive this beautiful creature. First of all the aggressive sports stance and stunning good looks of my black beauty turn heads. Never had anybody ask about my Civic. Never. Secondly, if you press on the gas this car will run away faster than a stripper from a tent revival. (In case you didnt know thats pretty quick)The engine very smooth and even with the automatic tranny the car is able to get the power to the ground and thus, move quickly. That said, I would suggest this car to the budget minded individual who doesnt want to look like it.

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  This Car Saved My Husbands Life - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Denise - August 23 - 10:36 pm

  I have read numerous bad reviews on the G-6, but I have to say I truly believe this car is the reason my husband is still alive. He was almost run off the road by another vehicle trying to move into his lane on the interstate causing him to lose control, hit a guardrail and flip one and half times. The car is a complete loss of course, but my husband walked away with one stitch in his elbow and an abrasion on his hand. The interior cabin (except for the airbag and the windshield busting out) was completely untouched. Everyone including the employee at the junk yard could not believe my husband walked away. I will miss my pretty blue car but I will forever be grateful it saved his life.

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  What a Feeling! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Debbie - August 13 - 5:10 am

  I shopped around for a new car for a year, and had always considered the G6 sedan until I had the salesman showed me the convertible. All it took was looking at that sporty coupe turn into a great looking convertible with the push of a button and I knew what would be in my driveway! I love having two cars in one!! When the tops up, you cant even tell its a convertible, inside or out. It looks great going down the road, and then I put the top down and you know that everyone is looking at it, whether they want to or not.

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  Pay me now or pay me later - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By exriguy - August 12 - 10:00 am

  At 60k we have replaced various parts related to the transmission, brakes, power steering, CD changer etc. Key fob batteries stopped working within 6 months. Every now and again it simply refuses to start altogether and dealer cant duplicate the problem. We will replace the car as a "fix." We also have strut noises and rattles. Bottom line is that you will the pay the same in the long run as if you bought a Honda Accord by the time you factor in repairs and depreciation. You may get it for much less now, but in the long run you will pay the same and be miserable along the way.

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  Great new Pontiac - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Jules - August 5 - 7:46 pm

  My wife and I just traded in our Mustang V6 and bought the G6 V6 with the 3.3l a month ago and were really pleased. Even though the G6 has a smaller motor than the Mustang, the G6 has more get up and go, way better on gas and plenty more room. It was rated @32mpg on the highway and on one of our trips we averaged a whopping 34.9mpg, way better than I expected. Im glad we got the V6 over the 4 cyl. With that kind of mileage, why would you get a 4 cyl.?

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  You get so much for your buck - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By 2kwik - July 26 - 4:26 pm

  How do I love thee, let me count the ways. Last week I purchased a used 2007 Pontiac G6. Shes a beautiful black sedan with chrome wheels that has bought me nothing but smiles. The car is sharper than a bag of thumbtacks, flies down the highway like a rocket ship, sips gasoline and handles like it is on rails. I receive at least one comment daily about the styling alone! This car is miles ahead of its competition in terms of what it offers for the money. The four cylinder is quite capable of getting you where you need to go without too much waiting. Usually when there is a four cylinder and a six offered in a car, the former crowd complains.Here both crowds sit back in their with evil grins!