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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  Love this car! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Jrosauer1 - June 4 - 4:53 am

  Great car! Considered the Solstice at first, but was more impressed with the hardtop option on G6. Decent interior, best to opt for Sport Package for quicker 3.9 V6. Quiet with top up, good looks with top up or down. Great visibility, minimal blind spots. Looks far better in person than online pics.

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  Never buying american made again. - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By bob - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I purchased one and all I have to say I will never buy a GM vehicle ever again. Im always on top of any maintenance and im not a crazy driver, this car has been a money pit, something breaks on it every 5000 miles, im on my third engine, and have had nothing but problems with the rest of the drive train. For the amount ive put in, to keep it going I could have bought a new car. next car will be a honda after seeing what American made can do. now I see why GM has had such low sales over the years.

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  I Love It! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Malori - May 18 - 6:26 pm

  I bought my G6 for my birthday last year and i absolutely love it! I get better gas mileage than any of my friends or coworkers. It has great structure to the rear end, I backed into a truck and there was no damages! No regrets!

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  WOW!! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Tony Young - May 17 - 10:10 pm

  GM nailed this one!! Look at the styling of the car, especailly from the rear, and it is as good or better than the Lexus or Porche. Hardtop convertible? Nothing touches it for the money. Quality? WOW! Innovation? Watch how the hardtop convertible works - then you will know. Forget about all you preconceived ideas if you dont think much of Pontiac. I did - and I am soooooo glad. I found out that I dont have to spend 60 to 80 K to get what I really want. I see the light! Thanks Pontiac!

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  Love/Hate Relationship - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Im Indifferent - May 16 - 3:13 pm

  I bought this car used with about 48,000 and am now at 118,000. I have had no major issues with this car. There are certain things that annoy me though. Occasionally if I insert the key and start the car right away it stalls. I call the dealership and they said that was "normal." As a result of that I have adapted to turning the key to ACC and letting the car "prepare" for a few seconds and then starting the car. Also the Cd changer reads "Cd changer error" at random times. If you need new brakes get them fast. Otherwise it feels as though the car cant support its own weight! Other than that I have greatly enjoyed this car. I have taken many successful road trips and always get looks....

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  with just 9 days and 1300 miles - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By VAGATOR - May 14 - 9:13 am

  It is a lot of fun to drive. I do worry about all the moving parts in the top operation, but no problems so far. I like the milage I get, but there can be a big difference depending on drivers. My wife is a "jack rabbit" take off person. I reset the MPG computer the other day. After two days of just her driving, she was only getting 17 MPG. I reset it and I drove it for two days and got 26 MPG. If I start making her buy her gas, maybe she will keep that lead foot under control :)

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  I love my new car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By lshields05 - May 12 - 10:20 pm

  We just bought the G6 at the end of June, but have taken several long trips so far. It is a very comfortable, smooth, quiet ride and gets good gas mileage. We are very pleased with it so far and have absolutely no complaints.

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  Your Gonna Love this Car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Everett Wa. - May 11 - 2:26 am

  This is a great Car, Styling is Great. I had looked at the 4dr sedan but didnt buy, and waited for the 2dr coupe to come out, and im glad i did.

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  Good Value - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Doc - May 8 - 11:46 am

  Dont get the panel roof. GM cant\wont fix the rattles. There is a known flaw in the 6disc CD changer where auto sound level gets disabled if you use RSD.

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  Finally an exciting Pontiac - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Steve - May 7 - 12:56 am

  It drives like no other sedan on the road today. It does not handle like a sedan in the sense that you have to pay attention to what you are doing, and in this day of people yapping away on a cell phone this could be a blessing. It fun to drive and I find myself driving more than I used to drive. The cosmetics of the interior are uninspired with the notable exception of the gauge cluster. Acceleration is crisp and the sport shift 4-speed is just plain fun. The seats are comfortable for long trips or the short hop to the grocery store, but are forewarned, space in the boot is cramped. Two thumbs up, Pontiac finally put some excitement back into their basic grocery getter.