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 to drive for the money - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By G6 Owner - September 21 - 1:46 am

  With my daughter off to college, I traded by big, old Chrysler Concorde for a small, fun to drive, 2007 Pontiac G6 hard-top convertible. I love this car! I wanted a convertible and since I drive 100+ miles a day, I also wanted quiet and comfort. This car provides both with its retractable hard top. Steers great, back seats are comfortable. The only problem Ive experienced was a rubbing noise when I made tight turns. The dealer trimmed the seam sealer which was pushing out on the fender liner and all is good!

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  2006 Pontiac G6 Horrible Quality - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By mcompton1021 - September 19 - 6:03 pm

  Again, another 2006 pontiac quality problem. I have a 2006 Grand Prix with many issues and my wifes 2006 G6 is worse. This one was bought new by her father for graduation. It now has just over 30,000 miles and has had the driver side mirror heater go nuts and melt the casing, had the power steering rack completely replaced, the vanity mirror broke and was replaced, and numerous other parts were all replaced under warranty. I wanted so bad to be a advocate for american car manufacturers but I have given up at this point. Still less than 35000 miles and the car has been in the shop so many times. New problems keep appearing but now not under warranty so cannot afford to fix

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  Got worse with more miles - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Scott - September 16 - 8:46 pm

  Car seems to have gotten worse with more miles. I now have almost 29,000 miles and Ive already had to replace the brakes, turn rotors, AC stopped blowing recently, numerous alignment and tire issues, needed to get the steering column lubed (now its starting to make noise again), had to have passenger side airbag sensor replaced once and serviced two other times. Unfortunately it feels like the reliability is not there. It feels like the more miles I get on the car the more things go out. Car handles well and cruises real nice at high speeds on interstate. I feel like Pontiac just threw this car together real quick. I will shop around more next time.

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  Pontiac G6 - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Alisha - September 12 - 6:26 pm

  Its fun and pretty....rides quite and smooth...feel great when it turns...really nice to drive. But...Im now at 84000 miles, and over the past 20000 ive constantly had to get the brakes replaced and rotars turned...its ridiculous how quick they go out and it starts shaking. Im also having tons of electrical stuff now....CD player stopped working, inside light quit working, trunk light, right window wont go down, cigarette lighter went out, now the sun roof is wanting to get stuck open, sometimes it has the same starting issues others have described, auto entry doesnt work, and Ive been taking it into the show every few months to get something new fixed. After 65000, get rid of it!

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  We need some aftermarket parts! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By griffsta - September 9 - 3:36 am

  5 months with the car. Owned a Mazda 6 G before this one and the reliability and preformance are so much better in the Pontiac. Awesome car but where are all the upgrades? Give me some intakes and exausts for this thing. I wanna hook it up and show it off.

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  Every Warm Day Is A Vacation - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Caffeinated - September 5 - 4:13 am

  I do love this car. You get all of the joy of a convertible without the hassles. Dropping the top is great. During my Wisconsin winters the hard top gives you a stable ride without ragtop noise levels. It is not Lexus quiet, but I can take it for long drives without thinking about noise.

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  Awesome Little SportsCar! - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By MsWordWiz - September 4 - 10:03 pm

  Great car for the price point. I compared it to a Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Dodge Avenger, and a Prius. This is the one that both myself and husband felt the most comfortable in both in the front seat and as back seat passengers. The trunk space with the fold down seats that do not cover your floorspace in the back is a nice feature. It is a sedan that truly drives like a sports car.

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  My new toy - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By jimmy - August 30 - 2:56 pm

  I purchaced a 2006 g6 GT in november of 2005 when they came out. I couldnt take not having the power i used to have in my grand prix GTP so i traded in the GT for the G6 GTP. It has been an eye-catching black sports coupe. i love everything about it!!

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  Domestic Switch - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By R & R - August 17 - 12:16 pm

  I have been sceptical of American made cars. The last 3 cars my wife and I have owned are a 2002 Acura TL, 2000 Audi A4 and my current car a Infiniti 2003 G35 coupe. This car is fun to drive and the GTP options gave us the features that we are used to at a good price. We were going to trade the TL in for a TSX, but this car loaded and with the good deal we received on the price all I can say is go Pontiac. Lots of interior space and nice looks. With the extended wheel base in handles well and Im used to my G35. Very happy so far... I hope we stay as happy with this vehicle as we are today!

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  LOVING MY G6 - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Rhonda - August 8 - 4:53 am

  I had shopped for a Solstice...the interior was too small for my very tall husband. Out of curiosity, I test drove the G6 Convertible.. I drove it home that same night! I absolutely love this car! No complaints so far. I love the design inside and out..I am a very happy owner!