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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  Ho Hum - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Mark - July 28 - 11:36 pm

  Very average car with poor build quality. GM has really let their products slip over the past few years. Bubbles in the windshield, noisy transmission, lackluster power, poor fuel economy, and unresponsive electronic steering make a could-be good car below average. There are many better options from Dodge, Mazda, and Acura.

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  Love It!! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By amykrazy - July 27 - 7:56 am

  Overall this is a wonderful convertible. Looks great, lots of power, easy to drive and lots of cool features. The price is right and compared to other hardtop convertibles its the lowest for the stuff you get standard on this car.

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  ILLUSTRIOUS - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Edna Kane - July 24 - 6:06 am

  I liked this car from the first day I saw it in the showroom at the dealership.I now find extra things to dothat involve driving my G6.Whenever Im driving along, its like "wow,look at me". This car commands an audience. It really makes you feel special to just be driving such a vehicle.The fact that everything can be ajusted to fit your own level of comfort while operating this vehicle is just awesome.

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  Do not buy - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Erin - July 16 - 9:23 am

  My bought my G6 based on my husbands friend who loved his. I test drove mine and loved it. Two week later the problems began. In the two years I have had it the whole front end has been replaced (steering rack, steering column, struts, brakes, tires, some kind of suspension links and clear coat just to name a few) and still can not find the problem. I could not take it anymore I finally traded it in for my Jeep. Save your money and the problems.

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  2006 4DR GTP - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By George P - July 5 - 7:20 am

  I traded in my oldsmobile with 236,000 miles and bought the G6 GTP. I love this car. its sporty, has plenty of power and a very nice interior. I have people stop me on the road to ask about it. The panoramic roof is awesome gives the passengers in the rear seat an open roof. The leather bucket seats are sporty with the double colors. The handling of this car is great with the big 18 inch tires. The monsoon radio is loud and crisp which makes listening a good experience.I wish there was 8 days in a week to drive this sports car!

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  Whats not to love. - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Raynald R. Labonte - July 4 - 7:46 pm

  This is the most fun car to drive I have had in a long time, and we lease two new cars every 2-1/2 to 3yrs. I traded in a 2004 Grand Prix GTP (it was totaled in a wreck) with the super charger, and this G6 is just as fast exept for the high speed passing. Everyone that sees it say they love it, young and old. I am 62 and I love it. I have seen pitchers of the hard- top converable they are going to make, and when my lease is up on this one I entend to lease a loaded one of them. Everone that sees it just loves it. Everyone that sees the sunroof open asks to see how it looks in the different posisions.

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  GM Only Driver - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Trish - July 4 - 3:06 am

  I have not driven a better Pontiac in several years. This car has both a classic and sporty look and feel. The blind spots are just alittle difficult to get used to. Overall this is a great value and expect to enjoy the ride for many years

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  Right when they got it right. - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Ryan - July 3 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my G6 V6 for over 2 years now, I had one item replaced under warranty which was the transmission cooler lines because they started to leak at the fittings. I did have to replace my brakes prematurely but that is mainly because I bought it used with 19,000 km on it and it had sat in the lot for almost a whole year and the rotors got rusty. It drives great, gets good mileage, looks pretty good tinted out with black rims. The stock stereo is amazing except for the lack of an aux. input. One other mechanical issue Im having is my left front strut already needs to be replaced (leaked out) @ 48,000 km. Definitely premature to the 80,000 km recommended replacement. Even so still happy!

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  NIce Car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By J Williams - July 2 - 9:53 pm

  I brought the Pontiac G6 in 9/06 after wanting a Nissan Altima. I found that the G6 was a nice substitute. If I had to choose now, I would choose the G6 over the Altima. The car is very roomy and the design is very nice for an American made car. I love the interior lighting that lights in read and the computer messages.

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  Fun Car - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By dm - July 2 - 2:13 pm

  This is a fun car to drive, gets decent gas mileage - I get at least 27 on highway and 22 in the city. Youll contantly look at the speedometer because its so easy to go over the limit w/ this car. I have about 15K miles on the car w/ no problems.