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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  This car is great - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Mike - March 28 - 12:56 am

  I recently purchased a 2008 GXP coupe, this car is fantastic. The ride is firm without being too firm, its tight around the corners but quiet and refined over bumps in the road. The interior cabin is quiet and the stock 200 Watt stereo is excellent. The two tone leather seats look great and the highly bolstered sides are conforming without being intrusive.

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  My Favorite Car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By fred ammirata - March 18 - 3:53 pm

  I have only owned my G6 for a little over a month but I find myself looking for reasons just to drive it. I love the styling and its handling. I think my only complaint is the "blind spots" in the rear. I really love the sound system, its Monsoon 6 cd changer is great, and its "play list" recorder is something I would never think of in a car. I have the panoramic moon roof and when its open it like having a convertable. I think American cars have improved by leaps and bounds over the last 10 years. All in all, I LOVE my G6

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  Awesome Auto - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By jballer - March 17 - 6:23 pm

  I recently purchased the G6 GT Coupe and I must say I am extremely impressed. Other than an interior that could use a little "upgrade", the car is awesome. Performance wise you could not ask for more. I also own a Mazda 6 and a BMW 323 CI and I must say I am much more impressd with the G6. Kudos to Pontiac.

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  Excellent purchase - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By cbc1327 - March 17 - 12:36 pm

  I purchased my 2006 Pontiac G6 with less than 400 miles in March, 2006. This car has been my daily driver for the last 7 years. I have put over 197,000 miles on this vehicle. Of course, I have had regular routine work such as brakes and rotors. Have had a wheel bearing replaced. Very pleased with this car. Just wish it was bigger now that I have children.

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  Not happy - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By rick - March 12 - 6:10 pm

  This car was great in the beginning, well maintained, but consistent front suspension rattling (repaired, but still exists) had to replace intake manifold, catalytic converter and now instrument panel cluster that controls gas gauge, tach etc. I called gm and the "violin" was playing. I work for gm (25 yrs.) and they do build quality products, but they forgot the most important word. "reliability." Just go to technical services bulletins and you will find all the problems. Ive had too many problems that shouldnt be. Come on gm, listen to us or youll lose me and others to you know who!

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  Pontiac has a viable Competitor - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By George - March 6 - 12:30 am

  I had the the G6 GTP for two months and its been fun. Have been a big Pontiac owner for two previous vehicles (98 Bonneville and 02 Montana) and have seen a noticeable improvement in overall quality. Fit and finish are excellent. GTP has plenty of HP for the road warrior. The layout of the dashboard and controls are perfect, although I would have preferred to have the information center in the instrument cluster rather than on the radio display. The adjustable pedals are nice so that my wife doesnt need to change the seat position. I have also notice that the headlights, although bright, dont seem to project as far. Im still waiting to see how it handles in the snow.

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  New model, great experience - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Melroy Horn - March 3 - 8:53 pm

  This is a new mid size line that we found to be excellent for driving in the city and on freeways. There is more than adequate room and comfort for each passenger and everything for the individual driver is adjustable for his/her comfort, ability to see speedometer and gauges, and pedal reach. Very economical to drive with the assistance of a drivers information center, we are getting 24mpg in city conditions. It handles very well on any road condition we have experienced to date. This car is very well designed and there is no loss of head room in the back seat with the normal sun roof. We are very pleased with the G6 GT.

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  The first 5 years were great, now its falling apart! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By charlesp2009 - March 2 - 2:31 am

  I have had my 2005 Pontiac G6 GT for more than 5 years now and while I loved the car at first, the last year has been less than ideal. Once the odometer passed 80,000 miles, several expensive repairs popped up, and the future doesnt look bright. Searching the web reveals that I am far from alone with these problems; and GMs recent history from the bailout to Pontiacs untimely demise makes it all the more frustrating. While its a nice looking car, and fairly fun to drive, the reliability seems like it will be a serious issue as the car ages, and there are safer, better performing, and more reliable options from the Germans and Japanese...

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  excellent performing car - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By mary thomas - February 27 - 6:26 am

  I love this new car. You ratings are way too low. I cant understand why it isnt rated higher. I researched all of the imorts before I purchased the G6. With the exception of the Mazda 6, there was nothing close to the G6.

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  I love it - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Chris - February 21 - 9:20 am

  Awesome Car. Just purchased the G6 GT and cant stop driving it. I was not a fan of GM vehicles after having worked for them for three years, but was really impressed with the design and specs. Test drove the vehicle and loved it, had to purchase it. The vehicle is very roomy, easy to drive, sleek, sexy and the panoramic roof is awesome. My son loves the vehicle and asks to ride in it all the time. Refuses to even get into our other vehicle an Altima. The G6 also handles very well in slippery conditions, had to swerve in the rain because of an animal in the road on a very rainy day, the vehicle handled well and the traction control stopped skidding. Love it