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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Not a good buy - 2007 Pontiac G6
By Mouin - June 30 - 2:06 pmI have bought this car for my wife as a Valentines present. We had it for 2 months, I have had it at the dealership for 4 times already to work on, Rattling noise in the driver and passenger doors, they worked on it 4 times and problem is still there, they replaced door striker, trim, headlining, also Covertable top has issues, replaced sealing strip, paint scratched off and broken trim piece in trunk due to top not being aligned when closed. Also A/C compressor leaking freon at compressor body, they replaced compressor. Damaged chrome side panel, they replaced it. Overall, it has been unpleasant experience, I am working through LEMON law to have this car returned. Would not recommend it.
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The honeymoon is over. - 2006 Pontiac G6
By Kurt - June 15 - 5:50 amI travel on business a decent amount and have rented G6s quite a bit, so I bought one. It was a used 2006 with 17k miles on it in June 06. Love the interior room, decent acceleration from 3.5 (Non VVT version), great fuel economy (32-34 @75-80mph). Now for the bad stuff- the car has been in the shop 5 times over the last year. To date- rotors warped and turned 3 times. Finally being replaced under warrannty (problem with G6 non GT/GTP models). Rack and pinion went bad- replaced, interior dome light shorted, visor vanity door broke, water coming in pass side with heavy rain (drain tubes?). The more I drive it the more I hate the electronic steering.
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Its not a Cadillac but it is better! - 2006 Pontiac G6
By Rock - June 15 - 3:20 amThe first time I ever sat in one it was cool to drive. 0 to 60, not a problem at all. The steering and traction out of this world. It is a whole lot different from my eighteen wheeler, but I love to drive it. Some may say it is a girl car, but it takes a real man to handle the power of this vehicle.
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2009.5 Pontiac G6 GT Sedan - 2009 Pontiac G6
By evnsptc - June 12 - 9:27 amI ordered a new G6 from my local dealer in October of 2009. I got it about a month later and it came with (black/tan heated leather, power moonroof, spoiler, 17 polished 5 spoke rims, 3.5L V6, AM/FM/XM/CD/AUX radio, Monsoon speaker system, power seat) When I got it I was very surprised. The exterior is beautiful! The interior is very nice too. I took it home and was in shock to find out how well this car handled! The suspension is taught yet soft at the same time! The steering feels like a German sports sedan! It currently has 23K miles on it and has given me no problems at all! I get it professionally detailed every 3 months I detail it myself in between. I love it so much!
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Looks like a coupe, drives beautifully! - 2006 Pontiac G6
By SnobZilla - June 8 - 1:53 pmI bought this car thinking Id be "OK" with it until I could afford my "Audi". Im not even thinking about the Audi anymore! Not for at least three or four years! It rides unbelievably well. . . its more comfortable than our Jetta, too. Gas mileage is not great in the city but using Shell gas vs. any other increased my gas mileage by 3 miles per gallon and I hit right about 20 whereas our Jetta gets just a few miles more. I have zero complaints! The GTP package has an unbelievable sound system and before this car I dont think I ever pictured myself cruisin around on 18s! Haha! I love it! (And yes, Ive had nice cars so this is not a case of "first new car" giddies!) Get one!
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Best American car - 2005 Pontiac G6
By Liz - June 7 - 4:43 amI have had mine and have no problem with it. It is the best car I have ever driven. The side mirrors and rearview mirror are needed a little more than on most cars, but if you can drive you can handle it. I would not trade this car for anything. I have had no problem with it. I drive it without abusing it. My family is constantly calling it the "show car" because I am washing it every week. I would recommend this car if you want reliability and most of all fun. We are all tall in my family and all have enough room in it. Great sound system also. Fantastic 8 speaker stereo system. Pontiac really got it together with this car. I hope they keep making it. My next car will be a G6.
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surprise surprise - 2005 Pontiac G6
By mel rosenberg - June 3 - 6:33 ami have this car a month now and wow am i surprised :) i owned a grand am and this car is no grand am.mine is fully loaded and has the pan roof-everyone thinks its awesome.so far everything works perfect and im happy.
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"Simply awesome" - 2006 Pontiac G6
By Rob - May 29 - 6:43 pmI must say this car is "AWESOME" I traded my 2007 Toyota Camry for an American car?? What a great decision I am very happy with this vehicle. My 2007 Toyota they say is a great car I disagree I nothing but problems with my Toyota since the second day I owed it so who really says that Japan makes a better vehicle??? Not me!!!!! I think GM is and has come a long way and I am proud to own American once again!!!! GREAT JOB GM, I promise I wont ever leave you again!!!!!
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I hate it - 2007 Pontiac G6
By Brittney - May 29 - 12:00 amI traded my 06 ford explorer off for a g6 because I started to get too high off mileage on my explorer and I needed something that got better gas mileage. I liked the way it looked on the outside. The inside wasnt bad at first and it drove alright. Within the first month it was in the shop three times for rotors, brake pads and steering column problems. Now, the silver trim is peeling off. It looked cheap on the inside to begin with but now looks even cheaper.
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Issues with my Convertible - 2007 Pontiac G6
By pompanoman - May 26 - 6:33 amI bought my G6 GT with the GTP package in May of 07. I love my car but have had few annoying issues with it. First issue, my car started whistling within 8 months of purchase. One entire line of the muffler had to be replace from the engine to the end. I live in Florida, so A/C is a must have. The A/C seems to have a mind on its own and sometimes will not come on, so is the wiper system. I set the wipers on the continuous speed setting and they will go intermittent on me. Last issue, my top wont retract anymore. I bought the car brand new and only have one user, although I love my car, for the price I paid I was expecting more from GM.
