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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  Awesome Car! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Very Happy - June 24 - 12:20 pm

  I am totally pleased with this car! The looks are fresh and cool and the preformance is way beyond my old Grand Am. The car feels solid and is realatively quiet on the road. Also the controls and buttons are well laid out and easy to operate on the go. For the price, the amount of features and innovations is impossible to beat. Also, given the size of the car, it is incredibly roomy in front and back. The driving position is higher, and the dash is lower and pushed back giving great visability. What a great step up in all aspects. The warranty is nice too. Ask about Pontiacs new policy with 5yr bumper to bumper.

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  Love My G6 - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Dano - June 7 - 7:36 pm

  What can I say about my G6? From the first day I bought it I have loved every minute. The way this car handles around tight corners to the smotothness of everyday driving. I have owned Toyotas to Fords and have never thought much of American made vehicles till my G6, GM has really set the bar for demestics. I am excited to see what they will come out with next, and yes I will be a GM owner for many more years to come.

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  Used 05 Pontiac G6 - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Char - May 19 - 6:40 pm

  I bought my G6 just 3 days ago. I bought it used I might add and got a really great deal on it. Whomever owned it prior took great care of it. It looks brand new and has 26500 miles on it. I was sad to trade in my beloved Mustang, but as my kids are teens now and my son is almost 6 foot, sadly I had no choice as he was scrunched in the back seat. I also own a 96 Pontiac Sunfire with 145,000 miles on it and still kicking. So I know how good Pontiacs are. They are reliable thats why I bought the G6. It is a sharp looking sedan too and I am thus far glad I bought it, even if it was used. Its got a lot of pep for a sedan which is nice being I owned the Mustang prior. Also handles like a dream

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  Fun to Drive the Pontiac G6 - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By J.W. Lundgren - May 19 - 1:20 pm

  This car is fun to drive, the instrament panel is great and easy to see and use.The power train is very nice, I feel it is powered with the proper size engine for the size of the vehicle, great pick up and passing. The transmission is very smooth. I find the interior compartment of the car is great. Only thing that is hard to get used to is getting into the drivers seat, as I have driven full size vehicles and SUVs for the last 15 years, and therefore its taking a while to get used to dropping into the car. The back seat is very comfortable and alot of leg room, also the front seat is nice. I have a friend that is 65" tall and he says both the front and back are very comfortable for him.

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  Fun Car To Drive - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Eric - May 7 - 3:50 am

  I bought this car in september 05 on the employee pricing program. I got rid of my Mustang for this car. Although this car doesnt feel as powerful as the mustang when accelerating, I find it way more fun to drive. It hugs corners very well, it has plenty of power, smooth comfy ride on the highway and a has way more interior room than the mustang. Also, as a bonus, this car should be much better for Canadian winter Driving! I love the interior, very sporty and modern. The seats are the most comfortable I have ever had. I am getting great fuel mileage, about 25mpg mixed driving. I have about 2500 Km on this car in just 3 weeks because I cant stop driving it! Great Car!

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  Beautiful but dangerous - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By twil - May 4 - 10:20 am

  I owned my 2005 G6 for 5 days. I purchased it from a local dealership as a GM Certified Vehicle.Unknowing to me, it had an open recall on it. It was a beautiful car, inside and out. It got great gas mileage and was a very affordable family functional vehicle. My problem is with the Steering. My family (all 4 of us) were on our way to my daughters school on Tuesday morning. The steering went out completely in a curve when we were going 50 mph. We spun through 2 lanes of traffic, flipped 4 times and landed upside down in a ditch. I dont know what component is at fault but I do know it was not driver error and I would not purchase another even though they are gorgeous.

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  G6 GTP 3.9L Coupe 2006 - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Sharon - April 25 - 2:33 am

  I ordered the car to my prefrences and received it July 15th 05. The handling is superb! Has plenty of power with the 3.9L engine. I have all the up-grades which Im very glad I chose. The ride is a little hard but the performance makes up for it. Im hoping for a little better gas mileage. Right now I get 20.5 per gal. The style of the car turns heads all the time. There is not much room for passengers in the rear, but thats not a concern of mine. This is a 1 person car for me. I put 50,000 miles a year on a car and need a dependable one. Ive found this in Pontiac.

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  =) - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Blair - April 20 - 9:56 pm

  i think the car is great you just need to take car of it and not beat it up! i have hed it for 46,000 miles and it runs like brand new and still looks great.. and knock on wood has never been in the shop for anything but rutien oil changes

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  Not as bad as I first thought - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Green Meanie - April 20 - 1:30 pm

  I bought this car in February 2008. At first it was in the shop monthly for various electrical problems. We finally found that it was an O2 sensor. Now that its fixed the car is much better. The looks are great and the performance is even better. This is a very fun car to drive and you will get compliments on how nice it looks. I have the GT coupe with heated leather seats, a welcome amenity in the winter. It is a very fast little car hindered some by the TCS (Traction Control System). Other than that, though, If you are tired of Civics passing American cars, buy this car! It can smoke a V8 Chevy truck. It is also pretty comfortable considering the small exterior stature.

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  G6 Review - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By N Knutsen - April 11 - 3:00 am

  The car is well built. The GPT model has hydraulic power steering, and has good response. The back seats are serviceable, but you really dont want to put your best friends in them for a long period of time.