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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  Unsatisfied - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Leeryleo - November 11 - 1:50 am

  This car is a total let down. Interior could not be any cheaper. Other than the cheap cloth (?) seats everything seems to be hard plastic. Now that the weather is warming up the inside has a awful plastic smell. The fuel mileage is terrible. We had to have the tie rods replaced in less than 2000 miles. Car hesitates while driving, lack of useful accessories, and very cheap paint job. We hate this new car.

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  Not Happy - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Anonymous - October 31 - 8:00 pm

  I bought this car and immediately the speakers were blown, the roof was rattling and my interior was staining from water. GM refused to help; its been over 10 months now and the water stain issue still exists. Cant wait to get rid of this car. The roof rattles constantly and have had it in the shop at least 5 times for the roof, 3 for the interior and other times for other problems.

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  My new toy - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By twdavis - October 29 - 6:33 pm

  I have always wanted a convertible but knew a soft top would not be good for me as I dont have covered parking. The only hardtops out there were not affordable enough for me...then came the G6! Thank you Pontiac for making my dream car a reality! I absolutely love my new toy! Its so much fun to drive, its very sporty and looks awesome with the top up or down! I get looks, honks and thumbs up from everyone! I chose the black with tan leather interior and walnut burl accents. It looks like one of those more expensive cars on the inside. Very classy!

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  G6 Rating-Poor - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Carrie Fitzgerald - October 29 - 3:46 pm

  I purchased a new G6 in early 2005. It is very sporty looking and I get lots of comments on the appearance. Appearance aside, I have had nothing but problems out of the car. It was in the shop within the first two weeks having a new amp installed because the original quit working. The drivers side sunvisor broke, the cupholder in the backseat broke, the automatic lock on the passengers door did not work and had to be fixed, a clicking sound on the drivers door was fixed, a new starter was installed, and the sunroof had to be fixed because of a constant rattle. Purchasing this car has definitely made me decide to never purchase another Pontiac again.

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  Surprisingly amazing! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Surprised - October 25 - 3:00 am

  I got the Pontiac G6 as a company car. I wasnt expecting much but was surprisingly amazed. The vehicle is quieter than most cars Ive driven, including my personally owned vehicle, an Acura. It is fast and spunky ... just the way I like to drive. I havent noticed fuel economy, mostly because the company pays for the gas. Im interested to see how this baby performs after she gets a few miles under her belt! Being the research hog that I am, I looked up the cost of the vehicle and the ratings. I wasnt surprised by the great consumer ratings the vehicle received but I was surprised at the low sticker price. An absolute steal.

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  Nice - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Bill - October 7 - 8:16 am

  Good handling, have been getting good gas mileage with good pick up. The drivers seat is uncomfortable at times

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  Good Alternative - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By saenzdw - October 2 - 8:53 am

  Like other reviewers, the G6 was not my first choice, however with the financing and price specials it was very hard to pass up. Overall, Im pleased with the performance of the car. There is room for improvement on gas milage and interior feel. Fully loaded, its a nice mid size car.

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  Outstanding - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By wcvogeljr - October 2 - 2:46 am

  I thought this was a re-make of a Grand Am ot Grand Prix. I was wrong. This car is tight, quiet and performs. A recent roadtrip resulted in 30.9 MPG! The weather was terrible and the car handles fine without the traction control. This car turns heads - most folks think its a foreign car.

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  good car - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Stacie - October 1 - 2:56 am

  Ive had the car for just over two years with 38k miles on it and I didnt have to take it into the shop until just before it hit 36k for a minor air conditioning issue and a seat squeak. Took it all the way to Georgia...great gas mileage - about 31 per gallon for those trips. Gas mileage in the city is even better after that trip. Its been a great, reliable car and I moved from the Alero - which was a good car to this.

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  Gonna miss Pontiac - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By net2008 - September 29 - 6:13 am

  Bought this car less than a month ago and I love it so far. It drives awesomely and hasnt had any problems yet. However if you research it youll find that the power steering does go out because its electric and it cost about $700 to fix. so Im just waiting for mine to go . This should be recalled . but Ive only owned Pontiacs and this is by far my favorite. Really fast even with the 3.5 and awesome sound insulation. Remote start is awesome and the sunroof is sweet. However the monsoon system is probably my favorite also. And the 21 mpg is wrong. I get 26 - 27 highway easily and about 24 in the city.