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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G6 power - 2005 Pontiac G6
By jennifer shipley - March 10 - 12:16 pmThe pontiac g6 is an awesome car to own. It gets great fuel mileage for the power it has. Excellent family car with all the room it has, yet has a very sporty look.
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G6 - 2006 Pontiac G6
By Ito - March 7 - 1:53 pmOne thing I noticed about the G6 is that when you go fill up at the gas station, it never seems to fill up all the way on the gauge. If it does, it falls below the "F" with in a few miles. Also, I noticed that the panoramic sunroof does not have a complete seal when closed. While driving I can hear a slight whistle and I was misted with water at the car wash.
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My midlife crisis car - 2007 Pontiac G6
By L SQRD - March 6 - 6:40 amI have been enjoying this car since the day I got it as a birthday present from my hubby! Great looking car, people definitely stop and look. I put on custom chrome wheels and the chrome package on my black G6...looks great. Love the monsoon sound system. I live in the desert so I can put the top down almost every day.
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I love my G6 - 2007 Pontiac G6
By Mikein Mich - March 2 - 1:40 pmI have been very happy with my 2007 G6 V6 Sedan so far. No problems so far and I love to drive it. It is responsive, quick and quiet. The controls all feel good and they are so simple without gimmicks and complexity. The stereo system sound great too. I average right at 25 mpg with moderate driving. The exterior fit and finish could be better but it is acceptable. I would recommend this car for the price for sure.
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A lot of Car for the Money - 2006 Pontiac G6
By Mimi - February 28 - 11:36 amI traded in my Gran Prix GTP coupe for this car because the GTP was out of warranty and it used pricey premium gas. I have been pleasantly surprised by the cars handling and preformance. It drives like a Pontiac!
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Love My G6 - 2005 Pontiac G6
By Darcelle Strother - February 22 - 2:56 pmPontiac has come up with a reasonable price vehicle with luxury features. It has the quality and comfort that are not present in foreign vehicles. Smooth ride and easy to handle.
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GREAT CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2006 Pontiac G6
By pontiac G6 - February 17 - 8:53 pmI have no idea why people right bad reviews on this car. I get 30mpg+ on the highway. I just change oil as required,did front brakes once and thats it, 74,000 miles The car was cheap and owes me nothing. This is far superior to a civic or corolla,in comfort,style and economy.
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Better Hardtop - 2007 Pontiac G6
By WorldWalker - February 9 - 6:46 pmI have been looking for a HT/convertible since owning the Ford Sunliner. This car is so much fun to drive and I stole it from the dealer. It is fun to drive and great with the top down. Had a rag top and you guessed it, the top got cut and it rotted. So much for rag tops. Now I am so happy with my convertible and if it turns out to be lemon I dont care. I will love it anyway. My son and I love it and now he wants me to buy him one. The top movement is so smooth and no problems like the Sunliner had. Tubes/switches bad
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I Love My G6 4 door Sedan - 2006 Pontiac G6
By 4door sedan G6 WOW - February 2 - 11:23 amGreat leg room for tall people, great mileage. Good Power and manuvering, best of all great deal for the money. Love the seats the pedal electronically moveability for different drivers. No bad blind spots. Overall the best car I have ever owened including my old caddie that I thought I would keep forever.
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Do not buy a Pontiac G6 - 2006 Pontiac G6
By disappointed - February 1 - 4:53 pmI have not even had my G6 for a year and I have had at least 5 things go wrong. About a month after I got the car, the air conditioning went out. Then about 2 months later the power steering would lock up. About 3 months after that I had the breaks fixed and at the same time the starter needed to be replaced. Now, I have the car in getting fixed b/c of a loud noise and the engine light and reduced engine power light coming on. This car has been the biggest nightmare and I am going to trade it as soon as I can!!!
