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:

• 

  Great "Sporty" Car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By G6-GT-Owner - June 27 - 11:13 am

  Ive owned this car for 3 months, and I am very pleased with this car. I personally spent alot of time researching and test driving different cars and this is what I settled on. A foreign alternative to this car would cost me an additional $6,000, and none of them would have pleased me like the G6 Coupe. The performance is great for its class. Passing cars is a breeze compared to my 00 Taurus. The front seat is very comfortable and has plenty of head/leg room for my 60" frame. The remote start and heated seats are a MUST HAVE for this car. Granted this is not a sports car, even in the GT/GTP packages, but they definitely make for sporty, comfortable, and classy daily driver.

• 

  Most Bang for your buck - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By 1st New Car - June 22 - 10:26 am

  This car comes close to a higher end vehicle with the smoothness of ride and quietness. Its a good car, I put every bell and whistle you could put on the 4dr 2.4 liter and still walked away paying 18K.

• 

  Love My New Car - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By navajofires - June 20 - 2:53 am

  I just bought this car a few weeks ago. I love the look of the car when the top is down. It drives like a gem. The only issue was the CD player didnt work a few days after I purchased it. The dealership ordered me a new one immediately. I would recommend this car to anyone to buy.

• 

  great car!!! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By n396321 - June 10 - 10:00 am

  Regardless of model, the pontiac delivers a sporty driving experience. Spring for the GT if you are a serious driving enthusiast. Otherwise, you may find the standard V6 more comfortable. Its smooth and very stable.

• 

  Just bought one - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By mrmackdaddyfl - June 8 - 12:03 pm

  Man I have done a lot of research on this and found it to be a great car for the price. It has plent of space in it for a tall guy such as myself (im 6-0") and even my friends have plenty of leg room in the back. I would recommend one to anyone loooking for a good car with good gas mileage as prices rise.

• 

  I love this car! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Penny - June 1 - 4:40 pm

  I had rented a G6 when traveling and fell in love with it then. Now that I bought one of my own, it is even better than I imagine. I havent found anything about this car I dont like.

• 

  Very disappointed with this ride! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By KCOOK - May 28 - 5:03 pm

  This car has given me nothing but headaches. I had 2 head gaskets blow when it had only 12,000 miles on it. I also cannot keep brakes on this car. It only has 32,000 miles on it and I have had the brakes worked on multiple times. The rotors just do not last. My latest repairs included spark plugs and wires and leaking sunroof just this past week.

• 

  Dont make a mistake, I DID - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By kuhny - May 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought this 2006 g6 brand new. Now I wish I wouldnt have. from day one with the dealership. the first 2 weeks I have a popping in front end, rack and pinion replaced, 3 months later a/c quits working (compressor), within 1 week radio quit working and cd stuck in player, while they had it belt broke, 6-7 months later a/c compressor & belt again, also tensioner pulley found to be bad while in shop, another bad radio and heat/ac vent broke, had sun visor mirror break 3 times, and now have 15,000 miles on it and transmission making sounds/shifting hard. at 20,000 miles had 2 sensors go out. finally at 64,000 miles transmission and thermostat out. what a fun car to drive, but a serious money pit.

• 

  G6 GT Coupe - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Tom M - May 17 - 3:06 pm

  First full day of ownership and I am thrilled. Put 400+ miles on it thru Chicago, Great Lakes lake effect snow and smooth newly paved roads in Indiana and enjoyed every minute. Responsive, great acceleration for merging, handles Chicagos horrendous perpetual construction with ease and great mileage (27.6) so far.Love this car- and it looks great too.

• 

  Used G6 - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By bautistaiii - May 13 - 3:03 pm

  The vehicle interior is not handsome and the seats are by far not the most comfortable and supportive, the car should have been tinted by the manufacturer. If you live in a sunny state window tinting is highly suggested and get seat covers if you dont get one in leather. It does have some pep to it, when you step on the pedals it does take off relatively quick. The mileage is also surprising in that I am averging about 29/30 on the highway with the V6 so that is a pleasant surprise. The noise inside the cabin is moderate. Use ceramic tint in the rear since the radio antenae is built into the glass. The power pedals make it easy to find a comfortable driving position for my wife and I.