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:

• 

  A Bit Concerned - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By John - February 8 - 4:03 am

  I took delivery of my 2006 GT Coupe about six weeks ago, but it didnt take more than a few days for me to recognize some design flaws: cheap, manual seat recliner, no heated side mirrors, cant close sunroof by one- touch, no rear window wiper, akward cup holders, awkward head rests, speakers vibrate with bass. I have to admit, I bought this car on impulse. I walked in to take a peek at the Solstice and fell in lust with the G6 coupe. Three hours later I drove it out of the showroom. Looking back I would not have bought this car (got lucky with this approach when I bought my Z3, so gave it another try!!). Now there is an interior leak that is causing the interior sidewall to collapse!! UGH

• 

  My Affordable Mid-Life Crisis Machine - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Hate to Stop - February 7 - 5:23 pm

  Wow! I got the G6 GT Convert w/the 3.9 V6 Sport & Premium Pkg, adjust pedals, side bags, the works. I am a big man (300+ 61") and still fit well in this car. When the top is down, I am even comfortable in the back seat. My wife is much shorter and with the adjust pedals and tilt tele steering wheel, finds a comfortable position too. The ride and handling are great. I drive a daily round trip commute of 70 miles and this car works fine. Turn off the traction control, stomp the gas and you burn the tires but this is a cruiser, not a dragster. I dont have a garage and didnt think a cloth top would wear well. A steel top was my only option and Pontiac has delivered! I love this car!

• 

  tall person/ miss rear wheel performance - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By mary - February 7 - 6:10 am

  excellent headroom and legroom; appreciate lumbar support and heated seats, standard sun roof not exciting- would have loved hardtop conv.; good pick up/ acceleration; would have preferred tighter steering; disappointed with gas mileage (16.9 city with 3.9 v6) awkward to reach through drivers window.

• 

  poor - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Brenda - February 2 - 12:46 am

  I thought this was a nice looking vehicle, loved the sporty look, but I have had nothing but problems with CD player, sunroof to replace Power Steering pump over 800$ I called GM said there was recall but would not help me with replacing power steering pump, no one would return my call and had to stay on line for a long period of time to talk to anyone.

• 

  Unhappy - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By unhappy G6 owner - January 22 - 10:23 am

  I was extremely happy with my purchase until i reached about 3,000 miles, that is when my brakes started squeaking then at 4,000 miles i get into my car and attempt to make a turn, i personally being a small female could not turn my wheel. I then called roadside they towed my car to the dealership who had it fo 5 day to replace the entire steering column-- i cant exactly say that i was very happy with the situation and from now on i have a bad outlook on the g6

• 

  Diamond in the Rough - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By AGP5000 - January 18 - 6:06 am

  I purchased my 08 G6 GT Sedan in April 09. It had 20,000 miles on it. I must say that I have had nothing but compliments so far about the vehicle. I have put 17,000 on it in the first year, and it has rode like a champ. Gas mileage Avg. for me has been about 20 city/32 highway. That is a mix of city and highway. For those who say this car has bad gas mileage, let off the gas lead foot! It is a quick car even with a slow steady acceleration. One recommendation to ALL OWNERS: Get a strut tower bar for the front. It improves handling, gas mpg, and reduces tire wear. I have 36.5k on the original tires, and it still has 50-60% tread life left. Recommended Cold Tire Pressures:33-35F, 30-32R.

• 

  Had this for 3 years no real issues - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By patroness - January 8 - 9:01 pm

  My G6 2005 has 120,000 miles on it. Up til now I have only had to replace the tire, brakes, and battery. All of these things are due to be changed at its age. Tomorrow I am replacing a tie rod and a Control arm, both considered to be a wearable item. Given its mileage I think that there replacement is a no issue. I have no complaints other than the featureless radio and built in Info center. At 120, 000 miles my car still drives, looks, feels like new. I have a future plan to change out the stereo and say good by to the info display. I have in the past changed the transmission fluid, and I will do a spark plug and belt change all thing due at 100,000.

• 

  I won it at the Oprah show - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By izapem2 - January 8 - 8:20 am

  I won this car at the Oprah season premiere. It is an amazing car. I have already put over 3,000 miles on it since I received it just before Thanksgiving. I have a family of five and we all fit very comfortably in it, we have even all gone on vacation already in it. It also is loaded with all kinds of safety features, which is important to me since I have children. The car handles very well in snow and icy road conditions. The back seats fold down to give you more trunk space which is very nice, I fit a very large bookcase in my trunk with no problem. So far I have absolutely no complaints about this vehicle. I love my pontiac G6 GT!!!!

• 

  Decent, but wont buy again - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By wouldnt get another - January 2 - 2:56 am

  My car, like some of the others also had brake issues. It also likes to hesitate when starting. The paint easily comes off the interior buttons and the visor mirrors break easily. Seems like it needs aligned often. Blind spots are bad when changing lanes. But overall the flaws my car has had so far have been minor. Its been reliable and handles well.

• 

  Bought this car and it is a nightmare! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By kelsie - December 30 - 6:56 pm

  I bought this car and 2 days later it broke down, it keeps jumping and the dealers cant find the problem this car has been in the shop more than I have it! it keeps giving me a signal saying power steering no fuel, but my car doesnt take power steering fuel because its electric! If the car would work the way its supposed to it would be a great car! But it dont!