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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  Steering Problems - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Jon - May 16 - 10:50 pm

  I bought the car with 13 miles on it, great car, always started in the cold (-45 degrees f). Then i noticed I had a clunk in the front left. The dealership "never heard anything, and cant see any problems." This was common during turns especially with more that one person in the car, they finally fix it. It was the strut, it wasnt secured right. They secured the strut but the sound was still there, the rack & pinion had to be replaced, twice. The starter went out at about 40,000 miles. 43,000 miles, the clunk now turned into a squeak, it happens even when I get into the car. Im glad I splurged and got the 60mo/100,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. The dealer hates me, oh well.

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  Disappointed - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Miss49079 - May 12 - 9:50 pm

  I bough my car about 5 months ago and Loved it. I researched the G6 for months before my purchase and test drove many. I owned a Grand Am GT1 previous to this that I absolutely loved. I found out one thing with this car that has sent me looking for another... its horrible in the winter. I have never had so many issues or problems driving in the snow until I got this car. I have had one accident that could have been worse then it was due to the no T/C or ABS being on the car. I thought when purchasing that ABS was a standard feature, boy was I wrong. I am now doing what I can to trade the car in on something with a better braking system and that I feel safe driving.

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  Nice job Pontiac - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Ray - May 8 - 9:20 pm

  Great gas mileage for a V6. A great improvement over the Grand AM. They still have too much plastic on the dash. The sides of the seats are a little to firm for my tastes. Lots of interior room. Im 63" and fit in this car with no problem. The back seat still has plenty of room. Rating - When looking at my numbers remember this - I would not give any car a 10.

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  G6 - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Scott - May 8 - 12:13 pm

  Fun to drive, good power, reliable, great handling, good looks, and great features.

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  style, zip, and economical - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By shamus55 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Great fuel economy can be found on the 2005 Pontiac G6 GT. This sporty mid- size consistently averages 30 to 32 mpg. The car has plenty of pep when asked and handles the road tight and crisp. The sport suspension is a bit stiff but is expected. The rear seat leg room is spacious and the new panoramic sunroof is an absolute must have option. (It is like driving a convertable with the windows up when the roof is fully opened). The leather seating option includes all the bells and whistles to satisfy even the most demanding buyer. The G6 GT is a pleasure to drive and well worth the price tag of $28,000.00 fully equipped.

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  G6 is about GM and its struggles - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By ajl - May 1 - 4:10 pm

  I have inherited this car, so its not one I would have purchased. I would have at least bought a V6 model. The build quality is pretty good. At 13k miles, its still really solid, no squeaks or rattles. The interior is much better then any GM car I can remember, although still not Honda or Toyota quality. Lots of room in the back seat, although the outside visibility is poor compared to the imports Im used to. The engine is very coarse compared to a Honda and the 4 speed automatic hunts for gears and shifts into overdrive too early. Not a bad car, not great either. FYI: Owners manual recommends premium fuel for best performance. In a base model car?

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  Wish I never bought it - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By mda - May 1 - 12:03 pm

  I have had nothing but problems with this lemon. The front made a clunking noise whenever I would make a turn, so I had it fixed under warranty. The u- joints and should arm out at 10,000 miles? Then the brakes went out. Now it is clunking whenever I make a left turn again. The paint on the radio knobs chips off. I was told and shown the rims are bent on the right side. Now the engine light comes on, reduced engine power, and TC light stays on. In the shop right now. The airbag light came on, and had to have the airbag serviced. I might as well have kept my 1994 car, and saved my pocketbook and headache. Power steering problems that arise from nowhere suddenly

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  This car is horrible - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Sara Brown - April 30 - 6:50 am

  This car is horrible it has spent more time in the shop than out on the road. Brakes replaced twice, electrical system needed to be re-wired, gears in steering column replaced, and now a problem with the anti-theft system. This car is noisy (rattles) and badly constructed interior (as far as position of instruments). Seats are made of horrible material that does not wear well (single business women who weighs 115 lbs, so drivers seat should not be falling apart). Dealership hates to service car. I hate driving it, cant wait until it is paid off so I can get rid of it!

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  Pontiac g6 - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By HENRY - April 29 - 9:00 am

  G6 driving experience is great, firm and confortable ride, engine has more than enough power, transmission shifts very smoothly, very quiet and great looking interior, instruments very well placed, car interior space is immense, exterior style is eye catching, i previously owned a 2001 grand am, the g6 is such an improvement over the grand am.

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  G6 is a hit - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By G6 - April 28 - 11:03 am

  I will admit to being partial to GM and in many cases that is grounds to discount my comments, however, I have driven many cars and the G6 is a superb vehicle by any measure. In comparison, my fathers 05 Camry is generic, plain and in some cases cheaper feeling. The G6 will impress anyone, if given a chance. The design inside and out is elegant and well proportioned.