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, Great Buy!!!! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Great car!!!!!!! - July 17 - 12:43 pm

  I was actually in the market for an Accura TL, but the G6 caught my eye. The first day after I drove my G6 off the lot I was pulled over by a police officer who wanted to know about it because he was thinking about purchasing one. Great acceleration, a lot of power. Nice interior and very spacious. Great sound system, and fun to drive. I was very surprised by GM to make a car of this quality for the price.

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  Horrible Ride 4 college student - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Brandon - July 8 - 9:40 am

  Im a college student so i needed a reliable ride! This was definitely NOT what i was expecting. Car was good at first then became extremely horrible. Kept up with the maintenance but the stupid POWER REDUCED spell kicked in anyway! Ended up trading for Nissan Sentra and will never look at an American car the same way!!

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  Surprise Contender - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Dj1ofDet - July 5 - 10:16 pm

  Originally I was interested in the 2008 Mazda 6, but was convinced by my wife to check out our GM discount. After being 2000 miles into driving my 2008 G6, I am completely satisfied. Not only did the G6 offer more features for the price, more incentives, and similar styling, the G6 performance (3.5 L V6) blows the Mazda 6 away! This is a crazy fun car to drive, with lots of "off the lot" performance and options to offer. I only wish I had purchased the GXP model for the body kit, sun and sound package for the moonroof, and leather for heated seats. GREAT VEHICLE!!!

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  excellent car for any driver - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By len - July 2 - 3:00 pm

  ive had my g6 for awhile. besides everyhitng being excellent on the vehicle somthings ive had went wrong one was the right piller molding buckeled i forget to see til i brought it home! also, volume button on steering works from time to time these are minor things though one major thing was recently had to proform right end alignment because, vehicle was pulling to the right i had 4,062 miles dealer tightened steering and problem seems to subside i realize that it is front wheel drive and must be more careful for bumps and pothole besides this car is awesome love the panoramic roof, performance and clutchless transmission a huge plus++++ i would reccommend buy!!

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  My get away - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Bob W - June 27 - 12:10 pm

  Rides and handles like a sport car. Pleased with the aerodynamics with top down. You can carry on conversation with passenger at high speeds with out yelling.

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  Good car for the money - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Greg - June 18 - 12:30 am

  This is my 3rd new car, and best of the bunch. Much better than my Cavalier and Malibu. I am a union worker and only buy American cars. I dont understand people who live in America and buy foreign cars. Support American workers, buy American cars. You will like the G6.

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  Scott A.Smith - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Scott A Smith - June 12 - 11:46 pm

  I love the g6 sedan after 10 months it is still like new It is so quiet, smooth and very easy to drive. For a Tall person 65" it is one of the most comfortable cars I have ever owned and look foward to the use of this car until the end of my lease.

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  So far - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Cathy - June 10 - 6:16 am

  2005 G6, Ive always liked the look of them so bought one this past month. At this time Im glad I bought a Pontiac, always been a Honda lady! But after having 2 different transmissions go out on them American made for me this time. Love the feel and the roof love it, opens up 4 times. I would like a new one one day!

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  My shot at better gas mileage - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Ed Smith - June 6 - 8:46 pm

  We traded a 2004 Yukon for this vehicle and thus far it has been problem free. It feels sure footed and corners nicely with little lean. It has a bit more road noise in the cabin than I care for but it is not overly annoying. The 2.4 liter engine is peppy for its size but no wheel spinner either. Gas mileage has been fairly good at near 22 around town and running slightly above 30 mpg on the highway. Rear seat room is above average and comfort. All in all I consider it a good buy with the c/d player radio and ON Star. Id buy another one!

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  Great Car - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Heather - June 6 - 4:03 pm

  I am currently leasing me 4 door G6 and I absolutely love it! I drive over 100 miles a day and i am averaging about 27 mpg at about 75 mph which i think is just great! I am in a reliable car with plenty of safety features and great gas mileage and an awesome payment for the car! Low payment and a lot of luxury for the money! Its been exceptional so far and I would recommend it to anyone!