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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  Fun in the Sun, not in the winter - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By amanda - January 13 - 2:23 am

  Th car has a smooth power band, good in the snow, fair MPG (18-20city 24-26 hwy) nice extra features like in dash cd changer/auto lights, onstar... Inside has a cheap plastic look and feel. Hard to see out some winodws do to huge A and C pillers(sides of front & rear glass). Cup holders in very bad location when trying to shift into 2/4. COLDER areas beware, in the winter do to the way the windows are designed in the winter the snow/frost can freeze the window in the UP position, not allowing door to close without running a credit card along the seal first, window may break if you try and close in the UP position!! impossible to swap out radio for aftermarket

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  Great Car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By E. Jarolen - January 10 - 6:50 am

  Sleek exterior design. The car looks as well as it performs. Acceleration is brisk, performance and ride quality is outstanding. The interior was designed for comfort and convenience to instruments and controls. A pleasure to drive and an excellent compromise between a sporty hi-performance car and and a unit with consideration to fuel efficiency.

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  Happy to have this car - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Marty - January 7 - 8:06 pm

  I bought this as a 2007 leftover in April 2008, at a huge savings. I got the Emerald Green, which I have not seen another of and love it. It was peppy when I first got it and is getting even better as I put more miles on it and the mileage is getting better too. The interior is very comfortable and functional as well. Seats are padded well and hold you in place well. The dash is easy to read and controls easy to reach and use. As far at the exterior is concerned, what can I say, I always thought Pontiac made a great looking car with very few exceptions (Aztek). I got remote start, sun and sound package and just want to say, I am very happy with this purchase.

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  Feeling it out - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By anesbit - January 3 - 11:23 am

  I got my 2005 g6 last night. Even in this short amount of time I have noticed several things. I am no stranger to gm I had an Aztek before this car and the Aztek was a GREAT car. As far as this g6 goes Ill have to agree with many of you on several things. First being the rattle..When you go over a speed bump it sounds like my tires are going to spin off. It creaks and moans like an old house when driving. Yes, the sunroof is awesome but i just hope it wont leak and that was one of my firsts questions , I was advised that I had nothing to worry about when in fact Im still almost certain Ill have water inside my car.

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  Dont waste your money - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Mr Bill - December 28 - 11:53 am

  This is a very poorly built car. This car has only 35k and I have a list of problems as long as my arm. Brakes shimmy bad, steering column squeaks, roof rattles (this isnt even a sunroof car), dash is already warped and buckling, cruise control quit working, engine leaks oil and looks like a ball of grease from below, one wheel bearing went bad, front bumper keeps poping out under the headlights, lots of wind noise, windshield wipers are oddballs and cost a fortune. This car was babied and as soon as the 30k warranty was out everything just started falling apart. Last, this car has no trade in, or resale value. It isnt worth half of what I paid for it. Now I cant even trade it off.

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  Lovin my new G6 Sedan - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Brandon - December 25 - 7:16 am

  So much better than my previous vehicals I traded my 2001 Isuzu Rodeo SUV in for it and its the best choice I ever made its so much better than my moms new grand prix.

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  pontiac g6 - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By pjob201 - December 23 - 8:16 am

  very pleased with the overall car,1st midsized car ive owned in years, fun to drive. friends also enjoy the ride and driving the car

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  my g6 - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By raehlin - December 15 - 9:50 am

  i love to drive my g6. im constantly having people inquire of what it is. it is fun and sporty and definitely a womans car

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  Awesome! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Michelle - December 12 - 10:36 am

  What a great Car! Hot, comfortable, fun and compared to other vehicles with similar features, its relatively inexpensive.

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  I love this car! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Josi - December 12 - 6:36 am

  Its a beautiful machine. I use it mostly on the interstate for long distances and get a comfortable 32 mpg around 75 mph. I love it, I would suggest it to anyone!