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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  Starter Car - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By S.Ronson - May 13 - 7:43 am

  Ive driven my G6 for 9 months now, and its good and bad. It has some power, but the mileage isnt as good as the competition. The interior is poorly made, most of the buttons do not display their purposes anymore. Electrical issues for practically the whole time Ive owned it.

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  Nice car but lacking important qualities - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By aregister11 - May 11 - 2:40 am

  Overall a nice car; comfortable, decent pick-up for a 4 cyl car, and nice radio with mp3 jack. I think that the exterior makes the car look more expensive than it is. My big problems with this car is the lack of keyless entry and the fuel economy. There is only one keyhole on the drivers door and it only unlocks that door-a big pain with full hands. Also I only get about 21mpg which is a big let down to me. I feel like Im filling up all the time. Im glad its a lease. I miss my 06 Hyundai Elantra; it was cheaper had keyless entry and much better fuel economy. My advice - check other cars in this price range before buying, you may feel that you get more for your money.

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  Please! Dont buy this car! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By car_man_66 - May 9 - 7:23 am

  I bought a brand new 2007 red G6! I loved it but then the repairs that were not covered under warranty started coming! Then winter came in Western New York and the car couldnt get out of its own way even with traction control! So i had to order snow tires! (by the way no-one carries the tires for this car, they HAVE to be ordered) $700 from tire rack! then spring came and i put the originals back on and with 31,000 miles on the tires (rotated every 2nd oil change) there were steel belts showing on 3 of the 4 tires and they had to be ordered $666.99 from the distributor where my dealership gets their tires. then the traction, and abs lights came on, as well as the air bag light

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  G6 junk - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By recii - May 8 - 12:50 pm

  Worst car Ive owned to date. Steering locks randomly on curves. Body lines are not straight. Radio malfunctioning. Car has mild stalling problem. Panaromic roof leaks.

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  Excellent Buy - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Greg Bonner - April 29 - 12:23 pm

  This is by far the best car that I have ever owned. I do not have one complaint about my G6. I would recommend the G6 to everyone who is looking to get a quality vehicle for a great price!

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  I Love my G6! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Michelle - April 24 - 12:20 pm

  I have had my G6 for almost two years and I love it! I paid for the extended warranty, just in case, and have never had to use it once. Rotate the tires, change the oil...thats it. My only complaint is the terrible wind noise when just the rear windows are down. Its awful! Just never do it and problem solved.

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  2006 G6 Sedan V6 130,000KM - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Mr Sanipass - April 16 - 11:46 pm

  I feel compelled to write a review about this car as we put a lot of hard miles on our cars, our sedan came with remote keyless entry, remote start, power pedals. We serviced the car every 5000 or as needed. We have replaced front and rear brakes and rear stabilizer bushings. Other than that everything works perfect powerful fun to drive. Great fuel economy for a v6. Just a note, when it comes time for a transmission service dont get the flush, they hacked my transmission line and has never since stopped leaking, they say it needs a high pressure line which cost more then the car is worth, LOL. We have recently purchased a 07 with 30,000 km hope it last as long as our 06.

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  Lots of fun with My G6 - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Glinda - April 14 - 7:50 pm

  This is the first time i have ever purchased a vehicle and, was very impressed with my purchase. I have seen the commercials and was instantly impressed. When i first sat in the car for the test drive and stepped on the gas i thought to myself " i have to have this car. The roomy bucket seats and the nice and smooth ride left me speechless and comfort should be defined as Pontiac g6.

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  I hate this car!!!! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By nicole4442 - April 12 - 11:27 am

  I will never buy a pontiac again, or refer anyone to buy one. Its no wonder they are out of buisness. I bought this car brand new in late 2006 and I have had nothing but problems with it. Ive had to replace all of the tires twice, the brakes twice, the blinker, the headlights, and fuel pump. Ive had to fix the A/C and the A/C is out again already. Ive had to get a new battery three times, and had to replace the starter. I could go on and on with things that have had to be replaced. People always think I get such great gas mileage but I only get about 19 miles per gallon. This car has cost me so much money. Do not buy this car!

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  One Nice Car - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Robert Gould - April 10 - 9:56 pm

  I have gotten several compliments on this car.I really like it alot, especially compared to the other Grand Ams I own. It definately is fun to drive.It has alot of room for passengers or cargo and love the great mileage as well. The Pontiac G6 looks expensive and has a look all its own.