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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  Do not buy this car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By chemprice21 - November 6 - 11:10 am

  I have owned this car for just over a year. Within 6 months I had to have both bumpers repainted because the four corners of the bumpers were rubbing against the fender wells and began to chip. The warranty covered the cost of the repairs, but would not loan me a car to drive for the three days it took to repair the car. I have also had the car in the shop six times since August 2006 due to an issue with the tires. I just this week finally received a new tire after waiting 2.5 months for a replacement after the tire was diagnosed as faulty. They said even though the car was vibrating, pulling to the left and nearly hydroplaned every time it rained, this was not a safety issue. Dont buy!

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  Competent and looks good. - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By MF - November 4 - 10:00 pm

  This car flat out looks good, and more importantly looks better than most of the competition, save the Altima. The V6 has good enough power for most use outside of drag racing, and the interior looks a lot better in person than it does in pictures. Handling is good for a midsize sedan, and braking is a non-event, which is a good thing. Seat comfort is very good for long trips with just the right amount of hardness in the seats. Backseat legroom is quite good, and without the panoramic sunroof, most 6 footers wont feel like youre subjecting them to torture in the back seat. The stereo on the GT is fantastic- 8 speakers, and some of the best sound in its class.

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  I love my G6 - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Scott - November 1 - 3:43 am

  I really enjoy my G6. I have had many great trips in my car. I love the roomy backseat (and my kids love it too.) I have even turned a few people on to the car. My grandfather is wanting to buy one as soon as he sells his current car. A true MUST HAVE!!

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  Best GM car I ever owned - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Jon - October 25 - 5:53 pm

  Love this car, bought it new and have 70k miles. I live in the country with dirt and rocky roads. Has decent ground clearance for a care that is pretty sporty. For a performance car it gets between 24 and 26 MPG depending on how heavy my foot is. Torque steer is a little much when you put your foot into it(I know this is a problem with front wheel drive cars). Have had very few problems.

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  MY G6 - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By JUDI PAYTON - October 24 - 7:36 pm

  I love the styling of this vehicle. It has good crisp lines and the color i bought, stealth gray, is easy to keep clean and looking great. Driving in the colorado mountains has been a delight with this vehicle. It climbs right up the mountain for me. Being a short legged person, i especially like the controls that bring the brake and gas pedal up to me rather than having to sit on top of the steering wheel to drive. Overall, i am very pleased with the vehicle.

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  From Toyota to Pontiac - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By norton - October 17 - 11:10 pm

  After owning Toyotas for 35 years, I finally bought a new US auto. 06 GTP with the 3.9L engine. At the dealership I had no intention of buying a new car as I was there only to pick up the company vehicle. But there it was. $5k off red tag, $1k incentive + $1k off for owning a Toyota.$22k with all the options that I think that you can get. The last time that I had this much fun was when I bought my 04 Roadster. Gas mileage may be lower then expected, but what price can you put on fun. The 3.9L is snappy and the car handles well. If there was one thing that I dont like, might be that the exhaust could be a bit more throaty like the GTO.

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  Not Happy - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By Kim - October 14 - 12:33 pm

  I bought my new car on October 3rd and it has 53 miles on it and it broke down on me on October 4th. It was the fuel pump. I am very upset that a brand new car broke down the 2nd day I had it.

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  Simply Awesome! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Tim - October 12 - 1:43 pm

  This is the first brand new car that I have owned, and I know that I made a great choice. Cars have never been so much fun for me until now. The 200 horsepower V6 is definitely enough power for me. I am honored to own a 2005 model, because it is the first year that the G6 was introduced. I am very happy with my choice.

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  Surprisingly big! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Scott - October 7 - 10:50 pm

  My wife and I bought our G6 after seemingly driving everything remotely comparable. The G6 has more usable room in the cabin and trunk than anything we drove. Its road manners are that of a bigger and pricier car, delivering a smooth & quiet ride that still lets you have a little fun. The standard features and build quality are superior to any foreign nameplate we looked at. When it was all said and done, the decision to buy the G6 was a no-brainer.

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  Love it! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Brian - October 6 - 11:40 pm

  I recently purchased the 06 G6 GTP sedan. I absolutely love it! The car is fast, the stereo is loud and the panoramic roof is excellent. TONS of room in the back to get my 5 year old in and out. If you have kids, and want performance this is definitely the way to go. Anyone who drives it absolutely loves it. Recommend to everyone.