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, Fun to drive!! - 2005 Pontiac G6
By Dawna - February 11 - 10:50 pmI honestly didnt consider it when i was looking for a new car, but I am sooo glad i got it. I absolutely love it. It handles great on the road, very roomy and comfortable, yet sporty enough to hang with em all. Pontiac did great thinking up this car....
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Poor Reliability Ruins A Great Car - 2006 Pontiac G6
By manualgtp - February 8 - 1:00 pmThe G6 is the right size and fun to drive. Gas mileage is above average. Reliability is a major problem: Brakes,rough idle, spark knock, Frequent engine light and airbag light issues, Front suspension parts wearing out early etc. Add that the dealer only provides a temporary fix, so you have to take it back again and again for the same problem. I have lost count of how many times it has been in for warranty work. I know it is over 14 times in less than 2 years. If it was reliable, it would be a great car. Maybe the base cars are better. This GTP has not. I have owned many new Pontiacs and this G6 has been the worst for repairs. Choose the Grand Prix instead. It appears to be more reliable.
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Gas Mileage - 2006 Pontiac G6
By Billy - January 31 - 7:16 pmDecent Transportation - do not go out of your way to seek out this car. I got some really great incentives so I bought it. The gas mileage is not up to what the sticker says. The automatic MPG on the dash board is about 2 miles more than what I calculate myself. I have the 6 cylinder. I recommend that you go for the 4 cylinder to improve gas mileage. Very small glove compartment. This is my first Pontiac.
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leaking roof on hardtop convertible - 2007 Pontiac G6
By conv - January 26 - 10:10 amspent $33,000 on this car and took it into a car wash 5 days later and it leaked all around the interior roof water poured inside the car soaking the interior including me. dealer did nothing told me nothing could be done. anybody out there had the same problem?????
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Just bought - 2005 Pontiac G6
By Brenda Sauter - January 13 - 5:10 pmIve only owned it a week and I love it. I formally had a Bonneville and I loved that also. There is a lot of head room in the G6, more even than in the Bonniville. Gas mileage is better and it is a smooth riding car. I had my son and son-in-law in the car with me and they are both over 6 feet, they said there was plenty of room.
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First Convertible - 2007 Pontiac G6
By First Pontiac - January 4 - 10:13 pmWe are extremely happy with our purcahse. No problems with the top, works perfectly every time. The car is a great cruiser, it is not a sports car. Power is adequate, the car is heavy at 3800 lbs, has good ride with minimal body shake and seats are very comfortable. The car is extremely quiet with the top up and with the top down conversations can be had without yelling. The car is gorgeous with the top down and looks just like the coupe with the top up. Every time we take the car out we receive compliments on its looks. The only issue we had was the door striker was misaligned, but the dealer took care of that in 30 minutes. We would highly recommend the car.
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Best car i ever owned!! - 2006 Pontiac G6
By wade - January 1 - 10:10 pmI noticed alot of bad reviews? But i also noticed the GTP is reviewing pretty decent? Could be a different assembly line or something? But my car has been super since i bought it new!! I have owned lots & lots of cars! From mercury cougers,mustangs,s-10 trucks all types. & this cars beats em all. On my date of purchase i was also choosing the gto & solstice. The G6 won because of interior room,trunk space,V6-6 speed = power for type of car it is. & i dont regret my choice! Awesome black ext, panoramic roof, black & tan interior! upgraded The mass air sensor to jet also k&n airfilter, replaced air duct system to straight pipe & put in a tornado air system. changed the stock 240hp to 300+ h
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G6 GTP really rocks!!! - 2006 Pontiac G6
By QUARTlow - December 31 - 9:36 amI didnt expect to be able to buy this much car, and at such a good price. I am in heaven!
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Exterior is a rival for imports - 2006 Pontiac G6
By JED GT6er - December 27 - 1:40 pmLove the interior options and exterior design. Car drives smoothly and accelerates quickly. Tires are a bit dicey--seem to slip at the least bit of rain, ice, snow. I would suggest a better gripping tire for this model. Get tons of queries and looks from passers by. The car is an eye catcher! The sporty feel and handling are excellent.
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pleasantly surprised - 2007 Pontiac G6
By danny boy - December 27 - 10:16 amThe hardtop,convertible sold me on the car as well as the looks of the car.Driving the car I found it to be very "tight".I could not hear any squeaks as I went over bumps.The steering wheel is a little"tight" but once you realize this it is easy to overcome when turning the wheel.I like the car and the style. Im glad I purchased it.
