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 - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Dan - January 4 - 6:10 am

  I was looking for a coupe so I checked out Nissan, Honda and Toyota. They all were ok but something just didnt feel right with any of them. I was driving past a Pontiac dealer and spotted the G6 coupe and it was love at first sight. It had everything I was looking for and more. Once I took a test drive and talked price I was sold. I paid $8-10,000 LESS than I would have paid for the Nissan, Honda or Toyota. Once I started driving it and checked my gas mpg I couldnt believe it. On the highway Im getting 28-30 mpg and city is 23-25 mpg and it isnt even broken in yet!! As a added benefit the car is made in the USA, it looks like American workers can do a good job too.

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  Good Choice - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By SteveSoriano - December 22 - 8:06 pm

  Under $30k with all the options, including the bigger engine. Try that in a Solara or a Eos, or a BMW....all of which were considerations for me. The Pontiac guys are so hungry they give these away at invoice, less rebates. I like the 100,000 mile warranty.. The car is zippy around town, quiet on the freeway, and there is plenty of room for two in the back seat. I have had better cars, but none for under $50k.

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  very nice - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By andrew y - December 20 - 3:10 pm

  This car by far the nicest design concept for a Pontiac sedan. the exterior is aerodynamic where it needs to be and has a good ground stance. the engine is responsive and powerful for a 3500 cc engine and the wheels have good traction. the only thing this vehicle needs (well actually gm needs) is to get rid of the amount of plastic the interior has. but overall the interior is roomy and comfortable.

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  love this car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By morell1980 - December 17 - 10:43 pm

  I love this car! I feel like the car is part of me when I drive. From steering response to seat positioning, every thing is perfect. Hit the gas and zoooooom. Best car I have ever owned.

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  a fabulous ride - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By tech boy - December 7 - 12:13 pm

  I never expected so much performance from a vehicle in this price range. Especially not from a non import. It feels like an Acura or a BMW - at 1/2 the price. These cars are going to go up in price as this "secret" becomes common knowledge.

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  2009 Pontiac G6 Convertible - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By stkelly - December 3 - 4:30 pm

  Purchased new 2 months ago, 2 k miles so far, on dealer visit. Couple of small rattles that were easily cleared up. Other than that, lots of fun, best convertible that I have owned, quiet, looks great, decent performance.

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  Love this GTP - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By michael - November 29 - 12:10 am

  Have had this car 2.5 years, ordered it to my tastes and I love it. Have not had a days worth of trouble. Love the 6 speed manual, it really goes. Decent in the snow. The heated seats are awesome in the winter. Cavernous room for my two teenage boys in the back seats and all my friends think this car looks hot. Maybe because it`s in my favorite flavor-red. Sound system is sweet, tho it could use some automatic sound leveling and a mute button, but why be picky. I am deploying to Iraq next summer and I am thinking I may sell it and get a new one, but I love the 6 speed manual that isn`t made anymore, not sure I can bring myself to let it go. Might let the wife go before the car.

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  G6 a winner - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By umamough - November 28 - 10:10 pm

  I have nothing but great things to say about this car. It gets reasonable gas mileage for a car its size (24/31). It is very comfortable on long drives, rides extremely well, is deceptively roomy and has lots of storage (trunk) space.

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  4 months and lovin it!!!!! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Pike Papa - November 23 - 2:26 pm

  4 months, 6500 miles and loving it all the more. I purchased and Electric Blue GT coupe loaded except for Onstar, replacing a 2001 PT crusier. Guess I go for the "different" look in my cars. Love it love it love it! Fun to drive, hence the high milage. I am averaging 28.9 combo driving with the auto. Very impressed with that. The most out of my PT Cruiser was 23.5 for an auto. Many comments about the remote start for the winter which will come in handy here in Massachuetts as well, but works just as well in the heat of the summer. I leave the AC on when shutting down the car and remote start to cool as well.! First oil change at 6388 at 10% oil life left.

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  Legit - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By Collin - November 21 - 1:03 am

  I recently bought the GXP and I love it. If you include all the things you want it is a fun a great car to drive. I love the engine and I would recommend to anyone.