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 the real G - 2006 Pontiac G6
By St. Lou - April 27 - 5:50 pmWow where do I start? I purchased this on recommendation of a co worker and a test drive. After 2 months had to have the computer replaced. After 6 months two (2) window motors had to be replaced, and the stereo conked out and had to be replaced. At first I enjoyed the ride, thought it was sporty but found out that it was just annoying and rough, very harsh. I used my girlfriends Infiniti G for two weeks (we swapped much to her chagrin) and hers is a lot better ride, etc. \I also had borrowed a friends Ford fusion and that vehicle is a lot better comfort wise. Save your money and buy something else. I did sell it last fall and purchased a used BMW 328 for about same price.
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2nd review after 40,000 miles - 2007 Pontiac G6
By Dez - April 27 - 7:16 amDont get me wrong I love this car for some reason mostly cause of the looks! but Im a car guy so I cant ignore the fact that this car is mediocre. Its leaps and bounds better than the grand am, but If you consider other cars in this class it is not on there level in refinement. suspension noise is too pronounced and is a bit underdamped. the car is not agile at all and drives big, although the steering is good. The stock stereo is crap and if you get an aftermaket unit you lose the trip computer big flaw. this car makes too many noises which effects the perception of quality. That said the car is sold it just does its job and nothing more, its like a Gap model with a personality flaw.
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Better than Toyota and Honda (american ) - 2008 Pontiac G6
By borges - April 24 - 8:50 pmGood car excellent drive response, fully loaded, leather, power seats, heated seat and instrumental panel well designed
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Great Car! - 2006 Pontiac G6
By Ron - April 21 - 1:43 amGot this car for my wife last week. Crimson Red. Had to write. Fast, responsive, nice features, great looks. Her last 2 cars were a Jaguar and a Gran Prix. We like the G6 the best. This car is fun, makes you want to drive it!
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Pile of junk - 2006 Pontiac G6
By Jack Hoffman - April 12 - 3:16 pmThis is by far the worst car Ive ever owned. Bought with 16,000 miles on it, I had problems from day one. Sun visors fell off, 3 CD players, rack & pinion, 2 wheel bearings, several rotors, tie rod end, steering coupler. Now at 56,000 miles, the struts are gone and a loud clunk in the front end again. Check engine light on again. I will never buy another GM product again nor will I recommend it to anyone. Thank goodness it leaves next year. Before I buy another car, I will make sure to check this website out.
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Pontiac For The Poor Man - 2006 Pontiac G6
By stealthman - April 7 - 9:40 pmI looked at, and drove almost every midsize sedan, (around $20,000.00) and the G6 is an unbelievable value! The 4 cylinder 2.4 liter engine has got all the pep and spunk you will need! The car is agile, tight,and quiet! The car has a fantastic ride, sitting on the standard 16" rubber. Seriously folks! You have to look at this car if Value for the "Buck" is important to you! You will save a lot on the sticker price by going with the standard 2.4 liter 4 cylinder but you wont regret it!!
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Needs more get up and go - 2006 Pontiac G6
By Donna - April 6 - 8:26 pmThis car is not very fun to drive. I had owned a Pontiac Grand Prix in the past which I loved so I assumed I would love the G6 even with a smaller V6 engine. I was mistaken. Aside from the negative of not being fun to drive, the positives are: 1) Very comfortable leather seats. 2) Decent monsoon stereo system. 3) Good gas mileage for an American car of this size. I have never gotten less than 25.7 miles per gallon even in city driving. So when I am fretting about the driving experience and counting the months until it is paid off, it always make me feel a bit better when I look at how many mpgs I am getting.
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Disappointed - 2006 Pontiac G6
By Disappointed - April 5 - 5:00 amI bought my G6 new and hadnt had any major problems so far, although now after 4 years, the paint is chipping on the radio, small problem, but the radio isnt getting good reception on AM and the CDs are getting stuck. The huge problem is this week - hottest week of the year - the compressor went out on the A/C - unbelievable at 4 years old. Im wondering what is coming next. My brakes act weird at times also, like when Im going 50 or so, it is grabbing when I brake. Theres a lot of info in here about bad brakes on 2006 G6s.
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I love it! - 2005 Pontiac G6
By Sgtickles - April 3 - 11:50 pmThis is my first brand new car and I absolutely love it. I like that it has the look and feel of a fun, sporty car but the convenience of a sedan. It is very spacious, handles really well, and is so much fun to drive. I would recommend this car to anyone.
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Pontiac GTP - 2006 Pontiac G6
By pmp - March 28 - 2:36 pmWe love our new G6 GTP. The car has lots of power and the exterior looks great, very sporty. My neighbors cant believe its a Pontiac. From the outside the car looks smaller than it really is. In fact it is as big as the Camry and Accord, but you would never guess it due to the sleek low profile. The best attribute of the GTP is the power and sporty ride. Also love the panoramic sunroof which makes this 4 door sedan almost a convertable This is no boring Camry, but it is also not as refined or quiet as the Toyota or Honda. The interior has also been greatly upgraded, but again not to the standard of the Japanese. If you want a sporty family sedan, the G6 GTP is a great choice.
