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:
Showing 491 through 500 of 925.00-
Excellent car - 2006 Pontiac G6
By Grant - October 21 - 1:00 pmThe 2006 Pontiac G6 GT is an excellent car. I have had mine for 11 months, and have had absolutely no problems. Gets good mileage for a mid-sized sedan. It is also a really fun car to drive.
-
Street Edition - 2008 Pontiac G6
By zro3486 - October 13 - 12:10 pmOverall, this is a great car. The Street Edition package turns heads. The ground effects kit and the scoops in the hood are gorgeous. The hammerhead spoiler is a little much, but it is starting to grow on me as time goes on. The car has plenty of power and pickup, especially since it is such a small car. I also only get about 17 mpg average between street and highway driving. I blame it mostly on low speed limits in the city I live in. On a road trip, I maintained over 25 mpg.
-
Finally an Affordable HT Convertible - 2006 Pontiac G6
By convertible - October 5 - 6:50 amWe live in Chicago, so Convertibles would be fun, didnt seem logical. Didnt like the idea of a Cloth top in the winter, drafts, poor insulation etc. Hardtops were to expensive. The design is rich, looks great. You can see where they cut corners to keep the cost affordable, but its not terrible. I miss the memory seat, home link, and leather trim on the doors. But you can live with it. Having the retractable button overhead is uncomfortable also cause you have to keep it depressed til it is complete. Holding your hand over your head even though its not that long, about a minute, feels alot longer. Absolutely NO trunk space, even with the top up. But does seat 4 comfortably. We love it.
-
Let Down - 2006 Pontiac G6
By Not Happy - October 4 - 10:20 pmWhen I first saw the G6 I just loved the looks of it. After test driving one I decided to buy it. I have only had my car for nine months and I am very disappointed. I have had problems with rotors, breaks, turn signal burn out, passenger mirror cover breaking, CD player quit working, knocking sounds every time I turn left or right, squeaking sounds, and just today rattling sounds every time I step down on my gas pedal! I had this car in for service four times they say they fix it, but it just starts all over again. My warranty has expired I just want to get rid of it but I owe more than I have paid on it, so I think Im going to be stuck with my G6 lemon for sometime yet!
-
Great Car...At First. - 2005 Pontiac G6
By Jones - October 3 - 12:00 amWe bought the car with only 20k miles on it and when we bought it we did not like the idea of buying another Pontiac because of our previous 1996 Pontiac Grand Am. Basically the Grand Am was just renamed and remodeled into a G6 and still had the same reliablity issues.. So far, we have had the usual Pontiac tranmission replacment, steering column replaced and still having popping issues, cd player broken, keyless entry stopped working (even after replacing battery inside the remote), power steering failing while driving, constant brake issue and rotor warping. This car is fun to drive its not all bad, but Pontiac just covered their issues with a new body style. no improvement.
-
My Silver Bullet - 2006 Pontiac G6
By Cheryl Williams - September 28 - 3:46 pmIt drives so smooth. Hugs the curves. Quick power, going into manual with a flick is nice. Dont miss the clutch at all. Im very tall, for a woman (6 ft) and Im very comfortable, good leg room. The dashboard has a cheap plastic look. Other than that I love the car
-
The All New G6 - 2005 Pontiac G6
By Chris Earley - September 28 - 3:10 amThis G6 is the best car i have ever had. It is really fun to drive. When you step on the gas then the other cars should just say bye-bye. The interior is the nicest and most creative there is out there. If your ready for a new car or ready for a change in your life, then the G6 is just right for you. And lets not forget that sunroof. What more is there to say about that sunroof. So if you want to stand out and let people notice you then do what you have to do to get this G6.
-
conv-fun - 2007 Pontiac G6
By vanwormer7 - September 24 - 1:33 pmgood handling, great brakes, lots of attention by others. reminds me of the old fords of 57, 58.and 59.
-
Could be great if GM really tried - 2005 Pontiac G6
By K W - September 23 - 4:00 pmIm at the end of a 3 year lease on my G6. The car has, at times, been quite fun to drive but at others it has been completely maddening. Ive already replaced the rack & pinion once, the 6 cd changer once, and the brakes have been problematic from the start, from squeals to shudders. Electrical issues are popping up now, and I just hit 27k on my car. This car drives and handles like a dump truck. Replacing the stock tires with helped, but not completely. Car has been to the dealer several times but nobody wants to find out what is causing the suspension/brake issues. Wont buy GM for a while, and Ive been a fan all my life.
-
Awesome GXP Street Edition Sedan - 2008 Pontiac G6
By GXP Street Edition - September 22 - 9:30 amThis car replaced a 2005 Altima 3.5SL - The Pontiac has a taut smooth ride that doesnt feel too harsh. The transmission is very smooth shifting and the engine turns low rpms at highway speeds in 6th! Interior is very nicely appointed and feels contemporary with a European influence. The longer wheelbase on this car compared to many of its direct competitors gives the Pontiac a more refined ride and drive. Great build quality and a quiet interior makes for a stress free ride! Plenty of power on tap for any situation will put a smile on your face. All this at a very competitive price. Pontiac hit a home run with this GXP package! You cant go wrong with this vehicle in your garage
