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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Nice Car - 2006 Pontiac G6
By kjd - March 13 - 5:30 pmI love my g-6 its fun to drive, and has plenty of power. It is very roomy feel like I am driving a much bigger car.
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Great car - 2009 Pontiac G6
By dise - March 13 - 9:30 amDrove this car 200 miles the 2nd day and averaged 26.4MPG driving 65 MPH. Car is excellent and will be fun when can put the top down. Workmanship excellent.
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New Toy - 2006 Pontiac G6
By Chuck Schroder - March 12 - 12:16 amThis is one fun car to drive. I live in New England and had a rag top for a couple of years and found that it was really difficult to take care of because of the weather, so I was not looking for another convertible. When I saw this one and read up on the stats, I decided to try one more time. I am real impressed with the comfort of the ride.With the optional wind screen installed (which only takes 10 minutes) the wind is minimal. I agree with other people about the switch for the hard top and they should consider an optional auto dimming mirror.
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No wonder Pontiac is out of Business... - 2007 Pontiac G6
By starlette46 - March 10 - 1:41 pmI would never buy one of these cars again, or refer anyone to buy one. I bought the car in March of 2010 with 30k miles on it. It was previously a leased car so I know the maintenance was kept on it. I replaced the tires, brakes, rotors all within a few months of owning the car. Pretty soon I replaced the water pump, tranny cooler lines, intermediate steering shaft, electric steering module, and some oil cooler lines. Just last week I had my car in the service department at my work, and all of my head gaskets needed to be machined and replaced, oil was leaking everywhere!! It was horrible, if I did not have an extended warranty if would have cost me close to $6,000 total for all of the work!
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I love this car - 2006 Pontiac G6
By pam - March 9 - 9:40 pmWhat sold me on this car was the hardtop convertable. It performs amazingly well for the price. It has great pick-up. I love the sporty look inside. It does look plasticy, vinyl inside the door instead of leather trim. But where they chose to cut corners in order to acheive the affordable price was right on. It rides smoothly. The retractable top is so cool. The only thing I dont like about it is you have to hold the button in until it is complete, and the placement of the button is overhead by the map light. So you have to hold your hand up. It would be much more comfortable if the had it by the gear shift. And there is absolutely NO trunk space when the top is down, minimal when it is up
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One of My Biggest Mistakes! - 2006 Pontiac G6
By LA - March 9 - 1:26 amI bought my car and not even two months later, "engine power reduced" appears after my engine light comes on. My engine power is reduced and I am at risk of getting hit on the highway and has to turn my car off just to get it going again. After $900, 7 times in the shop and not being able to drive it 9 out of 11 months, I still have the same problem. I have no more money to spend on it and after making my payments on it monthly for 12 months, I have stopped. I cant even trade it in because I owe too much on a piece of crap! It is about to ruin my credit by going back. WHAT A JOKE!! Never again will I buy from Budget Car Sales nor will I own a Pontiac. So sad.
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G6 - myBest Pontiac yet!! - 2005 Pontiac G6
By giarc4 - March 7 - 7:50 pmHandling is tremendous, the car really holds most any curve thrown at it. The 3.5L engine easily hits passing gear on the highway with respectable fuel economy. The passenger view from the backseat of this car should be that of a car twice itÂ’s size. The G6 is flat out a GREAT PACKAGE.
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Love my G6 - 2008 Pontiac G6
By moNique - February 27 - 3:53 amI love this car. Have had no problems and great gas mileage 24/30+..:) Great design and great to drive. The extra air bags make me feel so safe with my year old daughter! I would love get another one in the future but Pontiac is no longer with us, and i have a feeling this car will last me a long time and the last model (10) will be to old!
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Buy this Car - 2006 Pontiac G6
By AHappyGirl - February 15 - 7:46 pmThis car is exactly what I was looking for... partly sporty, part luxury and an overall great value for the money. I looks beautiful from most angle, and the ride is stiff and smooth. This car handles and feels like a Volvo S60.
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bad - 2007 Pontiac G6
By wayne - February 12 - 12:20 pmI purchased this car so my wife would have a safe reliable car, this is the first car I ever purchased new, 3000 miles the dealership changed the oil and didnt put oil back in the engine, car broke down on interstate and had to be towed back. got no help from dealership and have since purchased a Honda Civic, do not buy a car like this it is cheap, and not reliable
