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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  Plastic Fun - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Boss - December 25 - 1:06 am

  The 05 G6 is a nice ride. Its sleek and refined body make it appealing to look at while its chasis and supension make it smooth and fun to drive. The only concern I have is the amount of hard plastic throughout the cabin. In all I enjoy my G6 and am content with my purchase

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  Awesome G6 - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Klaus - December 21 - 3:26 am

  Fell in love with this car from the first time I saw it. Exterior lines, interior design and chrome-type instrumentation leave top-of-the-line impession normally reserved for $45,000 cars and up. 200 horsepower with 22/32 gas mileage is unbelievable and so far after 600 miles is right on target. Interior lighting/electronic controls enhance night driving . . . luxurious yet functional effect all around. Just cant say enough about this car; dont miss my "baby" Firebird at all (feel guilty Im not driving it more but its just a classic backup for me now). Recommend you step up and enjoy a whole new adventure in driving. Way to go GM!!!

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  i love my G6 GT! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By amc - December 16 - 6:13 pm

  i absolutely love my car! this is my first car that i cant find one real thing that i dont like about it. my husband has never liked any of my cars but he refuses to drive his if im not using mine. the pick up is great and the outside is just beautiful! the car rides so incredibly smoothly too. you cant ask for a better car.

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  My Little Red Convertable - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By Joyce - December 12 - 2:56 pm

  I love my car, poor gas mileage, wish there were other extras, such as memory seats, warning buzzer when backing up, warning buzzer when a car is in you blind spot. I also miss a compass. Blue tooth can only connect to one carrier service.

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  I Love my G6` - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Scottie - November 30 - 2:30 am

  I leased a 2005 G6 just because I drove it when I needed to look for a better car, and once I drove it I loved it. I am 66" tall and it has more room and comfort than my old Caddy. It has great peep, good gas mileage, great room for 4 big people and rides like a dream it will be on of the biggest hits for Pontiac in the years to come

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  G6 - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By not happy - November 29 - 12:16 am

  Good looking car, agree with others, ergonomically, could be better, for the money, could have been better trimmed. too early to rate reliability, have only had this vehicle 3 weeks

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  Pontiac should be ashamed!!!! - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By larondag - November 27 - 5:27 am

  i received a recall letter for the transmition in Dec 2012. I took my car to the dealership to have the recalled part repaired in March of 2012. Two days after the repair I start experiencing problems with my steering and my power steering went out a week later. After searching the internet i found out that this is a huge problem for this model. I then called Pontiac and they opened a case for this issue. i was advised to take my car to my local dealer and if they advise that it was not due to wear and tear or lack of matianence then they would assist with reimbursement. I took my car to the dealer and was advised that the torque sensor was bad.

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  G6 GT just Great - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By bhshop - November 21 - 3:43 am

  Have been driving my G6 GT for 2 weeks now and I simply love it. Ive already put over 600 miles on the car and averaging at least 25mpg. This car looks great, rides great, handles great and just feels real solid. One friend who is anti-american when it comes to cars said after driving mine they would definitely consider buying one. If you were like me and drawn in by the looks, after driving one and seeing it up close, the whole package will not disappoint. I love my new G6.

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  ooh no!!!!!!!!!!! - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By nad - November 19 - 7:03 pm

  I bought an 09 G6 GT currently 28400 miles and today it went dead and wouldnt start. I had to call ONSTAR to the rescue, but the tow truck company wouldnt give me a ride so I had to call a friend to get home. A anti theft symbol a (car and lock) showed up on my dash as I was driving along and then my speedometer went crazy and I pulled off the highway thinking I was going to go down and as I expected it wouldnt start again when I shut down.

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  Best Pontiac yet! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Pontiac_man - November 18 - 4:16 am

  I did not purchased the GT model because I didnt see the need for the upgraded transmission. If you like doing a lot of shifting then go for the GT model and plan on spending additional 3K. I purchased the one with the panoramic roof and love it. The editoral says the back seat roof clearance is too low but I sat in the back and didnt noticed that much less room for my head. If your over 6 feet tall then, yes youre going to be bumping your head. The interior is very well laid out. Driver controls are all in a good easy to reach. The tilt steering and telescoping column is a welcome feature. The back seat has a lot of leg room. The trunk is larger than my Pontiac GM GT.