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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The Best Car for the money - 2005 Pontiac G6
By Kevin - April 27 - 2:46 amI love this vehicle. This having been the fourth vehicle Ive ever owned, Ive always purchased vehicles of this size. This ones the best. I love how it drives on the highway, and yet is still fun to drive in town as well. Not to mention that I look good driving it. I was skeptical at first about the fusion orange color, but now I love it.
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Couldnt Pass It Up! - 2007 Pontiac G6
By archstud - April 20 - 1:03 pmThe key selling point was the price; after rebates, auto show cash, and GM employee discount the cost of my G6 couldnt be passed up. I live in the Chicagoland area and purchased this car for summer time use only. After breaking in the engine, I took this car on a 1,500 mile, 5 day, 5 state road trip to the Smoky Mountains N.P. This car was a blast to drive on the interstate. With the top down, conversation can easily be made even when traveling 80-90 mph. With a large displacement of the 3.9L engine maneuvering through traffic was a breeze although this car could really benefit from a 5th and even a 6th gear, because it only returned 23.5 mpg on this particular trip.
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Better than expected - 2009 Pontiac G6
By dner - April 16 - 2:00 amWe needed a winter car as our Mercedes is rear wheel drive. Normally we drive luxury or sporty cars or suvs. We picked this G6 because we like front drive cars on ice or slick roads. We have 2 suvs for deeper snow. For the money this is a nice car. Comfortable, reasonable performance, great economy, decent grownup looks. The seat are nice and I like the Onstar, ipod hookup, traction control and the ride. Quieter and nicer riding than I expected.
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deal for money - 2007 Pontiac G6
By michelle d woosley - April 12 - 8:40 pmWhat a great car. have had two hondas and a toyota. a friend at work had one of these and loved it. never a issue. cant say the same for honda. This is a wonderful car. wished i would have looked at it sooner. did consider the nissan. however this car is a great size and has the smallest gaps of any car i have ever driven. its about time gm built a car that americans can have faith in. a message to gm ford: keep up the good work and never forget who pays your bills do recommend this car a teacher
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Be Different - 2006 Pontiac G6
By Fred - April 7 - 9:00 amI selected this vehicle because it is like no other. Just about everyone drives a Mustang, if they want a sports coupe but I like to be different and this is just what this car offers. Combine this with more space for th driver and passengers and there is no comparison. Great Car fun to drive and well worth the investment.
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Gas hog - 2007 Pontiac G6
By RJ from California - April 6 - 9:40 amThis car looks great from the outside but is a bit cramped inside. I wish it would have come in a 4 cyl. so the gas consumption would be less.
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Outstanding Car! - 2007 Pontiac G6
By StealthG6 - April 3 - 3:16 amOwned this 2.4cyl G6 for a little over a year now. I cannot count the times people have commented on how clean and sporty it is. It turns on a dime! Very low road noise, comfortable seating, especially in the back lots of leg room! Dash has a sweet design to it. I have all black interior with the chrome bezels on vents and dash. 169HP 4 banger gives me plenty of power if I need to punch it to get on the interstate. Gas mileage is great. Have not had 1 issue with this car yet. Very impresed with the quality and craftmanship that went into this car, it is a base model but youd swear it looks like you payed more!
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Thumbs up for the G6 - 2005 Pontiac G6
By william - March 27 - 5:40 pmAll in all the G6 GT is Americas best mid level sports sedan, crisp handling and quick acceleration, very modern dash lay out, very roomy, excellant fuel economy, the manumatic shifter is lots of fun, the sound system is awesome, deep bass and rich highs, I am very pleased with this car, look at same type of import sedans, they pale in comparison to what you get with the G6, the Pontiac G6 is the best thing GM has put out since the Corvette in my opinion
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20,000 dollar throw away car - 2007 Pontiac G6
By woody - March 26 - 3:46 pmTwo months in to ownership had to replace computer module. Only 22 mpg should be better, front started rattling in less than one year. Went back to a Dodge full size truck. It worth the gas money do not buy this car!
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my new G6 - 2007 Pontiac G6
By maidmo - March 18 - 2:46 amBeautiful car, I am very proud ! Hard to see through the back window, though.- I have to use mirrors totally, needs Lumbars in front seats, but passengers in the rear are very comfy. Trunk is huge and wonderful! Some work needs to be done on the design so we can see out the back windows.. there are major blind spots.