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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  2005 Pontiac G6 Review - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Preston Osborne - March 17 - 6:56 pm

  Ive owned my 2005 Pontiac G6 for 19 months and it has lived up to its billing as a car that is fun, economical, and dependable. If it has one drawback it is that you have to get used to using the side view and side mirrors when backing up because of the "chopped style" design, but I wouldnt trade that away to compromise on its great look.

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  Love my Pontiac! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Diva - March 14 - 5:56 am

  I absolutely love my G6! I recently moved from the north, and when I bought it over a year ago, barely anyone owned this car. Now having moved to south, I see more people with it, but I still feel good driving mine. This was my fourth car in less than 3 years, and I love it the best! Like another person said, this is the first car I am not sick of driving within the first few months. I love the design because its sleek and smooth. I would not trade this car in for anything, and I can not wait to see how the G6 evolves over the next few years.

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  06 G6 GT - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By G6GT - March 13 - 4:06 am

  I have had my G6 GT for 2 and half years. I still love to drive the vehicle. I have around 67,000 miles allot of highway miles. To this point vehicle has been great and fun to drive. With only 201hp, this vehicle does have get up and go. The problem were the rotors, I guess Pontiac used cheap metal.

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  Buy this car! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By andrew - March 11 - 9:00 am

  The Pontiac G6 is amazing, bottom line. There is no comparison. I traded in my Toyota Camry in August 2005 for this car. I was very skeptical. However, I have learned that this is the better car. I dont keep cars that often, but I will keep this one. I drive like a MADMAN! The Camry couldnt handle me, but this car does well. The engine power is great and the brakes are even better. Even driving like this, I get the great fuel economy listed on the sticker. Not to mention, the fuel gauge is accurate, when it is full, it is on F, not two inches past F. I love the panoramic sunroof. I was skeptical because of what the journalists were saying, but now I know they just dont like US cars.

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  Fun to drive - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By DStark - March 6 - 8:23 am

  I love this car! I bought a base model which doesnt have all the bells and whistles as a more expensive model but it rides and drives great.. So if youre looking for a car without spending a lot of bucks, this is it! I highly recommend the G6.

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  My Latest Convertible - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By OldMGDriver - March 4 - 9:43 pm

  Ive had a 1958 TR-3A, a 1972 MGB and a 1988 Chevy Cavalier Z24 convertible in my driving lifetime and this is the best overall package in the bunch. The only drawback is the tiny trunk when the hardtop is stowed, but, for heavens sake, it IS a hardtop convertible! The thing must go somewhere! Fit and finish seems excellent. Several storage cubbyholes in the cockpit are very handy for stowage of manuals, remote controls and other "glove box" items. ONStar and XM radio are wonderful additions. The ac/heater vents have provided a perfect home for my Garmin GPS. Well see how she likes the trip up to our condo in Flagstaff.

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  Its a contender - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Kurt - February 28 - 5:43 am

  I bought this car used (15k miles) and have just put over 1000 miles on it in one week (vacation). Good performance from engine and sound handling dynamics. Fuel economy is surprisingly good; 23 city, 34 mpg on country roads at 60-65 mph, and 32 mpg at 78 mph on the higway, all with the AC running and 3 passengers. This vehicle is a HUGE step forward from past GM efforts, but it has room to improve.

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  G6 GT sedan (Average) - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Nate - February 27 - 5:50 pm

  I panicked and traded in my 01 Tacoma TRD for this when gas was almost 5 bux/gallon in cali. I kinda regret it. It had about 28k miles when i got it, and they didnt tell me it was a had been a rental until i was signing the papers. The gas mileage is ok, i get about 18-20 in town depending how i drive, but on the 6 hr drive home, i can get 30 mpg if i stay at 65-70. I struck a deer back in jan, and the car actually held up pretty well. I am now thinking of trading it in due to pontiac goin bye bye and getting a silverado etx cab. Overall, this car isnt bad, but isnt great. Id suggest a toyota or honda if purchasing a sedan.

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  Warning!!!!! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By jed_460 - February 26 - 9:12 am

  This car is by far the worst car I have ever owned. At 47,000 miles i had my 2nd pair of rotors put on. At 50,000 I had struts replaced. At 70,000 my cd player went out. At 75,000 My transmission needed to be rebuilt along with the catalytic converter and all of the o2 sensors. It seems like every time I have fixed it; it breaks down again. This could just be my experience but I would not wish this on anyone. I am at about $4,000 in repairs and the car is only worth about $5,000.

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  Nice Car for under 30K - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By JC - February 14 - 5:46 pm

  I have owned the car for a few weeks now and everything seems to be fine. I do a lot of Highway driving so gas mileage has been good just like my previous car and it is more comfortable that my Toyota Camry which I found extremely surprising. As far as the interior it looks like cheap plastic but like most other cars in the same class and I am not rough on my cars so it should last a long time. If you live in a hot & sunny area I would suggest buying an $8 magic sun-shade due to the fact the dash board is Foam like plastic and you would not want your dashboard to crack. Other than that I am pretty impressed for this is my first brand new car I have ever owned.