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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  Great car for the Buck - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By John - July 19 - 3:26 pm

  I purchased the G6 after owning Toyotas only for the last 18 years. The incentives were the first thing that caught my eye, and after a test drive in both the V6 and 4 cylinder models, I decided to give the Pontiac a shot. I have put just over 10,000 miles on the car, and can say the performance, ride and handling are great. What makes this a somewhat negative experience for me is the advertised Hwy mileage, compared to actual mileage. I commute 50 miles one way to work, so the 28 city and 34 hwy miles was what actually sold me. About 95% of my drive is highway, and I have not achieved more than 29 mpg. Its a great car, but GM should put more realistic mileage estimates on the sticker.

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  Pretty good value - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By okcar - July 17 - 6:03 am

  I have 85k miles on this car (bought with 27k)and have replaced only "wear" parts, such as brake pads and tires. The replacement of the original battery did seem a little early. No mechanical problems and gets pretty good gas mileage ~27 with more highway driving. OK in snow with FWD and traction control but not the greatest. Snow buildup in wheel well seems to cause vibration at approx 45mph. Just need to remove before driving.

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  Good value - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By maa - July 17 - 3:03 am

  I got a good price on this and needed a commuter car. It is peppy for a 4 cylinder and roomier than others in its class. The seats are comfortable and it is easy to see out of. This thing flies when I get it on the open highway. I am getting keyless entry put in aftermarket - cant believe it did not come with this

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  unsatisfied - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By unsatisfied - July 9 - 12:26 am

  Since i bought my car in Dec. 2007 it has been in the shop multiple times for almost every reason possible. I Do NOT believe that Pontiac took time to make sure the quality was up to par before putting it on the market. My seat has broken so when i drive i sit sideways, my fuel pump has gone out, had to get new smart start software, you name it Ive had it replaced or fixed!

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  Great car for the price - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By Shawn - July 4 - 10:16 pm

  Got this car last week it is fun to drive and has alot of power for a V6 love the Xm radio and Onstar is great love the turn by turn nav and the remote start is a nice thing to have, and the warranty is up to 100,000 miles so that made us like the car even more.

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  Crap on four wheels - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By angelajoe - July 3 - 12:58 pm

  We bought this car used only had a few thousand km on it. Since then we have found that the rims and tires are hard to get. The car is to low in winter this causes damage. Now cylinder 5 has a missfire and the plug broke off in the engine just completly siezed in the engine. Also the front brakes are wearing out prematurly would get rid of it but owe to much on it to trade it in but in a year i will be going ford this car is a total dissapointment. Way to much plastic and the interior feels and looks cheap but the outside looks okay.

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  Cute car... Not reliable - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By srb - July 3 - 11:10 am

  I purchased this car new 6/2007. I didnt even have it 24 hours and the convertible broke. 6 months later the rear and front main oil seal was leaking, the paint was flaking, the steering shaft was popping.

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  Power, but needs other things - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By BIG B - June 29 - 1:40 am

  I have owned this car for almost 2 years. Overall the car seems good. Real good power from the 3.5 V-6. I get 24.5 MPG. The inside seems a little cheep. I need the visors replaced, the door switch, for the widows replaced, and the black is pealing off the radio. Oh ,and dont even think about a U-Turn in this car.

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  Horrible - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Lala - June 27 - 6:43 pm

  I bought my G6 and at first loved it, until it snowed. These are the worst cars to drive in the snow ever! Battery went dead and now the cd player is broke. I will have to buy a new cd player for $350. I hate everything about this car, cloth seats are horrible and very uncomfortable.

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  The Nice Pontiac - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Jake - June 27 - 6:00 pm

  Well, my mom had to go to Chattanooga. So, we had to rent a car. So, it was a choice to rent a brand new Kia Optima or a Pontiac G6. So, I chose the Pontiac G6. But, when we drove off onto the freeway I saw my mom was going 100 mph! But, the car was in kph! We did not live in London or anything related to that. So, we had to drive like this the whole way to Chattanooga. It was too late now because we were already on the way to Chattanooga. But, we managed to get to Chattanooga safely.