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 gas mileage - 2006 Pontiac G6
By David - November 2 - 3:30 pmFantastic car its comfortable just depending on what day it is some days its great others not so great i recently went on a 375 mile trip got fantastic mpgs epa estimated is only 30 highway and everyone seems to get it so i was very very happy when i got and average of 36.7 mpg which is fantastic for a car of that size and no i wasnt drive 55 like grandma i ran 80 - 85 mph the whole way and i had to slow down for construction then speed back up so it surprised the sh*t out of me when it got that good so far the only problem clunking noise from front driver side which is a known problem and i know what it is and GM updated the part in 2009 so in a G6 = fantastic you gotta get on
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A Great Midsize American Car - 2006 Pontiac G6
By 1st Time GM New Car - October 26 - 3:40 amGreat car for style, handling, and safety; great value for price (GM Smart Buy) and fuel econ.
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Pontiac G6 GT 3.9 4dr 6spd - 2007 Pontiac G6
By Scott - October 17 - 4:20 pmIt seems like this will be a good car. Im typically a Mopar guy, but the fact that this is one of the few sedans with a V6/manual transmission is the reason I bought it. Only complaints are the gas mileage is lower than expected (19.5 city), but hopefully itll improve as the engine breaks in and the interior scuffs easily. Not impressed with XM radio, my friends Sirius seems much better. The car is comfortable, rides smooth, and fairly quit. Over all pretty solid.
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Like riding on a cloud... - 2006 Pontiac G6
By ToddV - October 15 - 3:30 amWow, what a car!! I love my GTP G6 Coupe!! It rides so smooth and quiet and handles like a dream. The 240 hp along with the 18 inch wheels makes for a fun ride. Ive received many positive comments from complete strangers..always makes ya feel good doesnt it?
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I love my 2006 G6 - 2005 Pontiac G6
By Love My GT G6 - October 13 - 11:00 pmThis was the first car in a while that was mine. I wanted a convertible, my wife did not. We settled on the Panoramic sunroof. Wonderful. The feel of a convertible without the intense sun. The auto stick is fun. I average around 27 mpg overall. The red with the chrome wheels sets it off. The leather seats are comfy. The monsoon radio is great, even with all windows down and top open. The A/C is cold and the car is very comfortable. Best of all it is a blast to drive. It is noticed by everyone and just looks sharp
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Love it!!! - 2006 Pontiac G6
By ryguy76 - October 9 - 6:50 pmI just bought this car last week after test driving civic, accord, eclipse and Scino TC. I had a 2000 Grand Am and it has served me well. This car has more options for the money vs other makes\models and drives very smooth and has plenty of pep. So far, Im very happy with my choice!
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love my g6 gt - 2006 Pontiac G6
By don lukas - October 6 - 10:10 pmPontiac did a great job in replacing grand am with G6, I am very happy with ride, style & overall performance. I average 22 mpg in city & 33 on hiway. Fun car to drive, GM got this one right!
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Great car for 10,000 - 2007 Pontiac G6
By KIMBERLY - October 6 - 8:46 pmI have to say this is a great car for the price, 1 year ago you couldnt buy a new car like this for 10,000 I have to say thanks to the economy for my great deal! Drives great in the snow! Lots of room in the back seat and trunk! Everyone who sits in my car can not believe how comfortable it is, and it can go! Gas is not great but hey the cost of gas is no longer at $4 a gallon! My next purchase will be the G8. GM has made a great car!
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Affordable for the Price - 2008 Pontiac G6
By Steve - October 6 - 3:43 amA nice car for the money. I will agree that it is difficult to see in the rear view mirror. Really peppy when passing on the interstate. Nice interior and aux. jack on the radio for the ipod/mp3. Overall a great car.
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My GXP - 2008 Pontiac G6
By Ismael - October 3 - 10:50 amI love my GXP especially since nobody else has it yet. Im always asked whats a GXP, they dont even realize its a G6. Looks so much different than all the others. I love that!
