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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  Love it - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Kathy - September 15 - 1:06 am

  I picked up my new G6 GT a few weeks ago and so far I love it. Ive had several people comment on it and usually find someone looking at it when parked in a lot. I love the styling of the new coupe, the telescoping steering wheel and the Monsoon Sound system...GM did a great job designing this car although the side mirrors are a bit small.

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  Love it, but Hate it as well... - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By jen - September 12 - 9:36 am

  Purchased a red one, with a 6 speed, so it has the power I like and looks great. But within days of owning they needed it back for a recall to fix the sunroof. Then a couple months later I had a waterfall in the car. Sunroof is very loud when closed. Then the lock broke off. I had to get the rotors rotated at 20,000 miles. Will this cause more issues later? A sensor in the door must be going bad that sends the signal saying it is open or shut. The window is suppose to drop down when open & move up when closed. It moves back up before being closed & makes a horrible noise. Afraid it will break the glass. Also the radio doesnt always go off when the door is open.

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  Best Bang for the Buck - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By mrbpmb - September 11 - 11:00 pm

  Bought the base G6 as a third car, to save gas and wear on my 04 Envoy, then pass to my kid in about 5 years. Love the looks, veery roomy inside for a smaller car, especially the rear seat. Performance has been better than I expected from the 4-cyl. The tires arent the best, and the wheel covers are cheap plastic, but they do ride on 16" rims. Many features that are optional or unavailable in a Civic or Corolla are standard here, but I find the manual locks to be an unnecessary complication. You cannot lock/unlock all doors with the key from the outside. I wish I could add keyless remote entry without having to get a package that includes 17" alloys and cruise control.

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  Good fo rmoney, but - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Petroff - August 31 - 7:23 pm

  I have it used - 35,000. Right after 5000 miles i got engine light ON. It was error from gas tank sensor. Then i begin to see my stop light is ON all the time. When i got 73,000 miles my transmission messed up - hard shifting. All of this problems GM dealer cannot to fix! They are dont know how!

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  The critics dont own the cars they rate - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By new pontiac fan - August 30 - 6:40 am

  This a great fun package, and I am one of the few around that owned the original Ford version. MY first car 40 years ago was a rusty old ford retractable hardtop, and I was hooked. Have had other convertibles since and own a nice 1980 corvette now. Have never looked at Pontiac till I saw this convertible and had to have it. 3.5 v6 powerful enough and very smooth. White diamond tri-coat with taupe leather, what a stunning car. I knew there would be no trunk and bought it anyway instead of a mustang convertible. Intend to keep this car for at least 10 years.

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  G6 Rules - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By link2him@aol.com - August 17 - 4:13 pm

  A really fun car to drive. Handles superbly. Very responsive. Outstanding leg room. I have three kids, 6, 8, and 10. My wife and I took a ride looking at new houses. Her seat was back far enough that her legs were straight and the kids had more leg room than in my Envoy.

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  Super Hot - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By jp - August 12 - 5:00 pm

  This is the most fun in a car I have ever owned. Great looks and awesome performance. Ive had mustangs, toyotas, and big trucks. The handling is wonderful. At 110 it felt like 60 and still had room to go. I got the GT with all the extras. Stepping into this automobile is like stepping into a make believe world. I love to drive it. It stops on a dime when needed, corners well and accelerates quickly. I would pay the 25K for this car again in a heartbeat.

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  2008 G6 Very Good - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By S N B - August 11 - 11:13 pm

  Its quick with great pickup and is fun to drive. I like a lot of space in the drivers side area and it has it. The view behind you is very limited because of the high trunk, I still have not mastered backing in to a spot yet.

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  I love my G6 - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By dalejr8faninohio - August 11 - 7:06 pm

  My G6 is my favorite car thus far that I have ever owned. My G6 is fun to drive and I look for excuses to jump in and take off. I origionally went in to look at the Grand Prix and was very impressed with it, however, I drove the G6 and found it was a car I had to have. I got a great deal on it and have thoroughly enjoyed it ever since.

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  Love my G6 - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By been - August 4 - 9:10 pm

  I love my G6. I cant keep my eyes off of it. The difference between my last truck to this has been quite an awakening. At 22 years old I feel this was the perfect intro to my sport car dream, 1997 porsche 911 s4. the G6 is has been nothing but good times with lots of onlookers, I love my G6!