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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  Pontiac G6-GT - great car - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Tom Garvie - February 20 - 10:53 pm

  This is a great automobile, considering I only purchased it over a week ago. I previously owned 3 Pontiac Grand-Ams before I purchased this vehicle. The engineering, design, comfort and handling are many steps above the Grand Am, which this automobile replaced. I wouldnt think twice about purchasing this automobile again.

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  Main problem: Passenger side head light - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By nt1078 - February 17 - 5:03 pm

  Ive owned my 2006 G6 sedan for two years. Drove my long commute to and from work each day reliably and comfortably. Main problem with these cars is the passenger side headlight. GM used a sub quality harness which plugs the headlight assembly into the main harness. It overheats and melts (if yours hasnt yet, it will) Best thing to do is bypass the plug wiring in your own spade connectors. Headlight ground went on it too, had to wire my own. Wish there was a recall on this. Sometimes I get a check engine light which is accompanied by hard shifts. It clears up on its own. Drivers door seal leaks water. Other than that, just brakes and normal ware items. Overall car is very reliable.

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  Awesome car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Seth - February 14 - 2:13 pm

  This car is great! I sell Pontiacs and this is something that is an easy sell. The car rides like a dream with comfortable seats and awesome power. I love the look. I smile every time I get out of it.

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  Wouldnt suggest - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By cnfusd1 - February 2 - 3:30 pm

  Ive had more problems with this car in two years than any other vehicle Ive owned. It has left me stranded on the highway twice. Do not like the 17" low profile tires that cost more to replace than my truck tires do. With only 24,000 miles Ive spent over $2500 keeping this car on the road. Its comfortable and roomy but that is all that this car has going for it. Its not the economy making GM go under. Its GMs inferior products. Im looking at trading it in before it leaves me stranded once again.

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  Great Car! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Fbtainted - February 1 - 9:13 pm

  I love this car! Its as if this car were designed just for me. It is super fun to drive. Mileage is great. Style is awesome. Engine is powerful. Very quiet and smooth in every day driving. Very comfortable and roomy too.

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  More bad reviews for G6 - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By annette - January 30 - 10:13 pm

  I too have replaced the rotor and brakes on my car. I cannot believe I have spent so much money on this car. My air compressor went out and I lost control of my car. I am so frustrated with this car. I cannot wait to get rid of it. I havent purchased anything but GMC. I have always been loyal but now I question where is their loyalty? I am out money.

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  2006 Pontiac g6 GT - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By dnikole - January 21 - 5:05 am

  My mother bought this car in 2008 I believe, and gave it to me about 2 years ago for better mpg. It was perfectly fine never had a problem. Then everything started to go wrong. The passenger headlight went out, the CD player stopped ejecting the CDs, the brakes squeak no matter what, Ive already tried to fix it multiple times, and my power steering just recently went out almost caused me to wreck, scared the living daylights out of me. I didnt even have all these problems with my 87 IROC.

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  Best Pontiac in ages - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Sweet G6 GXP - January 19 - 1:03 am

  My wife and I just purchased a 208 Pontiac G6 GXP Coupe. It by far is the nicest Pontiac I have ever owned, and is the nicest GM product I ehave ever owned. The new GXP appearance package sets the styling off, I have gotten looks by many people driving close by on the street. The car does well in everyday driving, quiet, smooth, solid; and can take off at the light with the best of them. The 3.6L VVT and 6 speed auto is seamless. Keep up the good work Pontiac (GM)

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  Born to run - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By fcpride - January 17 - 5:18 am

  I own a couple of GM products. I love putting the top down. In my stable currently is three convertibles and a T-Top. I was interested in the G6 because of the hardtop convertible aspect and the car has some nice appeal on the outside. I have owned it for a couple of months now. Since it is a hardtop, I drive it everyday with out weather worries. I have owned plenty of muscle cars in my life span. This prior knowledge gives me some view points on this G6. I will start with the favorite features.

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  One little problem - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By masmad - January 15 - 10:00 am

  I have had my G6 for about 5 months now and it has 25,000 miles on it. It seems that around the front end where the motor is there is a clunking noise, sounds like the front end is going to drop out. It has nothing to do with the engine it is something else and we cant figure out what it is?..I am a little upset about this problem..