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:

• 

  Finally a good product innovation - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By DAVE - September 23 - 3:16 pm

  Pontiac division has been needing a new product line to bring it back from its stagnant ho-hum stylings. Ive bought Pontiacs in the past for improved style, comfort and roominess but had been shied away until this hardtop convertible came out. I like the idea of being able to either have a hardtop or convertible, like two cars in one. The hardtop doesnt leak water as in most convertibles tend to have and is much warmer inside in colder weather. The remote control start feature works great on days when its cold outside and you dont want to sit in a cold car waiting for it to warm up. The heated seat feature warms up faster than on other cars. The GTP has more styling over the GT models.

• 

  Fun Car to Own & Drive - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Peggy Woodward - September 19 - 1:10 pm

  Finally bought my first convertible. I looked for about a year before deciding on the Pontiac G-6. So far, I have been pleased with it. I have had a few rattles develop, but the dealer has taken care of them, no mechanical problems. I get a lot of looks driving around town with the top down, Really fun car to drive, and for the money, you could not beat it.

• 

  So lucky I found this Car! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By onsteegirl - September 12 - 3:46 am

  I needed a great used car and my salesman found this one that had low miles, chrome wheels, and a sun roof. Sounds cheesy, but every time I see my car, I am stoked to drive it! Looks awesome and Ive gotten many compliments. Rides great, quick pickup when entering highways. Has a roomy backseat that my friends said was more comfortable than they expected.

• 

  Value and Style - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By jbanks25 - September 10 - 8:10 am

  When it was time to replace our 3 year old leased Malibu we wanted something with similar gas mileage and a little more style. The G6 fit the bill perfectly. 25 More HP than the Malibu, and 27.5 average MPG.

• 

  Best car I have ever had - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Joanne - August 26 - 11:10 pm

  My husband and I purchased this car after I did lots or research. We went to buy the value leader but purchased this car instead. I am only five ft. tall and the adjustable pedals and seat are great for me. I also have the 17 inch tires.The ride is smooth and for a 4 cyl. the pick up is great. Every time my husband drives it he comments on the power. I also find this car to be very easy to park. I love everything about this car. My daughter drove it and also loved it. This comes from someone who buys a new car every three years. I hope to have this car awhile.

• 

  1 year owned and traded in - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By joe4prez - August 26 - 5:03 pm

  We bought our 06 with 9000 miles on it last year. Over the past year of ownership, it has been in the shop 5 times: for several squeaks and rattles in the suspension (all struts and cv boots replaced); squeaky brakes; thudding in the steering; and what finally made us trade it in was the cv axle coming out of the transmission, which fortunately we were told didnt require rebuilding the transmission (this time...). Others we know have had Pontiac cars, and even the G6 without these problems. We were hoping to keep this car for at least 10 years, but with its shop record, we couldnt count on that. We went back to owning another Honda. I just think we got a Lemon.

• 

  My last GM? - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By GMnomore - August 17 - 2:03 am

  After buying a 2008 G6 GT (with the 3.5 L V6) I would not recommend this car. This is my 5th GM, 4th Pontiac. Seems the designers wanted to build a nice car, but fell short. By 18k miles the car: -Front suspension clunks -Steering clunks -Vibrates at highway speed -Idles rough -Heater smells of coolant (core leak?) -Transmission sometimes fails to shift (rare) -Tire pressure monitor cannot be set manually -Heat shields resonate -Brake pedal binds slightly -Steering column makes rubbing sound I made several trips to 2 dealerships. So far, most problems have been considered "normal" by GM dealerships and remain unresolved. Sadly, this is very likely my last GM.

• 

  ONE OF THE BIGGEST MISTAKES EVER MADE!!!! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By scholar65 - August 8 - 12:14 am

  I am not one to write reviews but I have to write a review on this car. I hate I ever bought this car. Unreliable is an understatement. After about 3 months the car began to shift hard. Had that fixed (so called), and about 9 months after that it is doing the same thing. Had brakes and rotors done on a car I havent even had over a year. My rotors were rusted for some reason. I have a camry that Ive had for 10 years and never experienced rusted rotors but I digress. Point blank, stay away from buying this car. It is a POT (Piece Of Trash)

• 

  like it alot - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By fran nardone - August 6 - 3:33 pm

  I like the g6 very much.I previously owned a grandam that I also liked. But the g6 I have to say is so much nicer. It is so much better on gas, faster,and has alot more room inside,especially the back. lots more leg room and so much more comfort.I notice a big difference in the quietness of the car inside when i am driving.I would buy this car in a second again. Very fun to drive.

• 

  Life is better now that I have this car - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Dave - August 4 - 11:36 am

  I test drove all 4 of the reasonably- priced hard-top convertibles. Mazda was too small, Chrysler was not good, the Eos is worth a look but to get one with all the great features the G6 has would require spending about 3K more. I loved the G6 during the test drive but some of the negative comments I read in professional reviews were discouraging. After buying the car, I know those comments are unnecessarily over-critical. Comments on the lack of trunk space when the top is down are silly. It’s a “hard-top”. Where else does one expect the roof to go? Many people have commented on the ‘poor quality of interior material’. I don’t get it. The interior is just fine. I highly recommend this car