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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Really impressive! - 2006 Pontiac G6
By MJ - December 10 - 2:50 pmI have a loaded auto GTP with panoramic roof. 1st lets talk styling. The GTP exterior and interior are sharp! The dual exhaust & 18" wheels give the car a very diff look than its little brothers (a regular G6). The 2-tone leather seats and aluminum look trim look great. Seats are contoured, comfortable & supportive, but not as thick as European cars. Overall, very attractive and comfortable. 3.9L V6 is powerful and the car has good torque. Power off the line is good, but passing power at highway speeds even better. All this is a very quiet cage. GM has really reduced outside/road noise. Good steering. (only on GTP). Great brakes. Suspension not quite up to par of foriegn cars.
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Foreign Engineering or Clone? - 2005 Pontiac G6
By MgmFlyer - December 9 - 7:10 pmIs the G6 a foreign clone? GM did this one right! Power, comfort, quality control and affordability rolled up in a single vehicle. My G6 consistently exceeds the 32 mpg highway mileage on interstate trips. Lots of interior space and comfort for a vehicle that stickers for under $24K with all the appointments (sunroof, xm, and a V-6).
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sucky brakes! - 2006 Pontiac G6
By jess - December 1 - 2:40 pmI have had this car for 4 or 5 months now and I got this car at 50,000 miles and it has 59,445 now and I have had to put it in the shop 5 times now. they would rotate my roters a total of three times, and it didnt not fix my problem with my brakes and they need new roters now! also i have had to have new brake pads and a new steering wheel and new dome light and radio. they also have had to rotate my tires then i had to get new ones. this car has a problem with the roters and brakes. i wouldnt recommend buying a ponitac g6!
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Value Leader Package - 2007 Pontiac G6
By m - December 1 - 10:30 amSo far, so good at 2,000 miles. Getting a combined 26 MPG with highway consistently in the 33-34 MPG range. Traded up from a 1999 Civic for more room at a very competitive price without losing too much in mileage performance.
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My G6 Convertible - 2008 Pontiac G6
By Darcelle Strother - November 29 - 9:00 amThis is the second G6 that I have owned. The quality is great, the performance is fantastic and I enjoy the hard top convertible. Very sleek and classy.
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Nice Car! - 2006 Pontiac G6
By Levi L. - November 28 - 1:50 amThe G6 is a real treat, with lots of interior space. My brother who is 66" even commented about how he was able to sit in the back seat comfortably. With adjustable pedals, and power adjustable seats it is very easy to find a comfortable driving position. The car looks very nice on the outside, but the "flare out" on the rear of the car makes for an interesting blind spot on the sides. The red interior dashboard lighting is sweet to view at night, and the headlamps are excellent for night driving as they light up the highway very nicely. All in all a great buy, especially with the great incentives & financing going on now (August 06).
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Awsome pontiac - 2006 Pontiac G6
By Greg Cox - November 26 - 8:26 pmsolid car that also has the sporty look for midsize car and has the performance to go with it.
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Former Accord Owner - 2005 Pontiac G6
By Suanne - November 20 - 8:53 amI had owned a 2002 Honda Accord and was not ahppy with the new design change so decided to look at other makes. I had almost made the decision to go with a Toyota Solara when we stumbled upon the G6, I ended up getting a lot more car for the money, love the 6 cylinder and the best part is it gets better gas mileage than my 4 cylinder Accord did! Fun to drive, lot of get up and go. Only disappointment is they cheaped out on the plastic inside, you can tell its not the quality that Honda makes but for $6000 less I am not complaining, plus I trade every 2-3 years so not worried about it I am always under warranty. LOVE the G6!
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Great Car - 2009 Pontiac G6
By rdb - November 16 - 2:36 pmThe GXP is a blast to drive and has a super sound system. Cant get more features and better performance for less $$$.
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Love My G6! - 2005 Pontiac G6
By G6 Fan - November 7 - 6:00 amI love my G6! Ive had it for 5 years now. Its at 75,000 miles and has not had any major problems whatsoever! The styling is beautiful, both inside and out! My only minor complaints about the interior are that the leather is fading a bit on the left-side edge of the drivers seat (I must sit extra hard on that side) and some of coloring on the radio dials is starting to fade just a tad. Mechanically speaking, its been a great car! Lately, Ive had an odd sound when braking, got it fixed before brake pads were adjusted or something, but now the noise has returned. But its apparently no cause for concern. Despite these minor flaws, though, its been a great car and is very fun to drive!
