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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  So far so good - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Relly87 - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car in March of 2010 and Ive had it for about 6 mos now. There were a few minor problems when I first bought the car, but it was under warranty so fixing it was not a problem (power steering had to be fixed). Everythings been excellent up until 3 wks ago when my check engine light came on and stayed on. I took the car to a mechanic who told me that I needed to replace my gas cap. After I replaced the cap the engine light went off, but came back on a week later. I called the mechanic back and he told me that I may have a leak so thats my next mission. Besides that I love the car; it drives great, turns corners well and I love how fast it accelerates!

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  Very Disappointed - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By drc60 - April 4 - 4:53 am

  Purchased our G6 in Dec. 2005 and had the brakes repaired twice under warranty. Now the front calipers are grabbing and causing rotors to overheat. Have a huge vibration problem on the exhaust when accelerating. Had the brake light come on and added brake fluid only to be told by mechanic I shouldnt have done that as it throws off the electronic sensor and they had to flush the hydraulic system out and put in measured amount of fluid to make sure it is accurate. For only 45,000 miles we have put a lot of money into service on this car. We are very disappointed with GM and will probably think twice about purchasing another GM product. They need to get their act together on quality.

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  Best car yet! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By jpontiac - April 2 - 3:09 pm

  This car was the 4th car I have owned, and I was warned always to not buy this brand because of the way pontiacs usually turn out to be, But I love my car! its by far my favorite and im pretty sure I will drive this car until it just wont go anymore! I just love the way it drives and the way it handles, also its very spacious and great to take on long trips! The people who are having many problems are victims of cars that were not maintained and to be honest the way that they drive. If you drive it easy it will last you forever :)

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  Do not buy this car - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Beth - April 1 - 5:13 pm

  I bought a used G6 GT last March and have had nothing but problems with car. First the paint started to chip off the car. Then the break lights started to work opposite (not consistently) which made it almost impossible to have fix. I ended up buying a new BCM (600.00 computer) at 34K. After this, my CD changer broke and I had that replaced. I also replaced the brake pads and both outer tierods and tires (which wore out because of the tierods). Now the power shifts when the car is driving. The lights on the dash will surge to the radio and the rest of the vehicle. The radio will also shift from one side to the other. All in 10 months.

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  Truly Love my G6 - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By sharpay224 - March 27 - 5:47 pm

  I recently purchased a G6... truly love this car. It has power when I need it, but also can control itself. A past Mazda only ower, having a Millenia and a mazda 6, the pontiac G6 interior makes me happy, and its handleing is amazing. On the highway I have to control myself, and in the city, i find myself watching my speed. gas milagenis not great, but thats my only complaint. @ 3600 miles, I truly love my car.

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  Fantastic Car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Wonder - March 21 - 7:46 am

  I just purchased the 2006 GTP. What a ride. Beautiful lines and feel on the road. The interior retro, clean and comfortable. Great car for the price. I love it.

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  70,000 Miles - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Brandi - March 16 - 2:23 am

  I keep up the maintenance on it and I drive it with care. I have not had any of the brake and rotor problems that I read about. I did have a loose screw in my brake caliper and something was wrong with my rack and pinion that was covered under my warranty. The seats are hard and unsupportive. The plastic on my factory radio buttons has peeled off from normal use and until the motor warms up it has trouble switching gears (since I hit 60,000 miles). I get great gas mileage though around 28 MPG. Also due to the design, the back doors stay dirty and I cant keep them clean. I would recommend this car, but dont buy one new or you will be 8-10k upside down as soon as you drive off the lot.

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  Great car for the price - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By buster - March 15 - 9:30 am

  Purchased value leader sedan. Sure, I want a better car but this is all I really need and with the rebates, no car is more affordable, no way. Has all the basic features, performs well even with the 4 cyl and is reliable.

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  Please Dont Buy - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By jefferywayne - March 14 - 11:59 am

  this car is fast and fast to break down. problems started as early 30k mi. the water pump was the first to go. that was wierd cause the car was new.then after that it was the battery. mind you that every part that i took i replaced with the top of the line parts available. i finally came up with the rasio that for every 1 new part put on the car 3 more parts broke. then the lower control arm snapped.wheel hub assemply went out. oil drain plug decomposed and the list continues. from transmission shifting hard to total loss of horsepower and deallights failing. just dont buy the car. when it works the car is gorgious and fast.

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  Not very Fuel Friendly - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By ballbreaker910 - March 13 - 12:18 pm

  I purchased this car with 44k to replace a 2003 Mitsubishi Galant with 203,000 miles. It came equipped with a sunroof, remote starter, aux jack and onstar. Was excited to purchase this car especially since GM boasted that this car would get over 32 mpg hwy which was where this car would spend most of its time. However I was only able to get 17 mpg combined. I spoke to 3 GM mechanics & was sold a load of crap about winter air causing loss of fuel economy and trying to use Hess or Shell gas to get better gas mileage. Nothing worked. GM would do nothing to assist. This 4cyl car was a gas-guzzler. I also own a 2005 Grand Prix (V6) that gets way better gas mileage. Other than that, I liked it