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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  Too MUCH FUN - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By GREJEF - August 4 - 2:36 pm

  This car is great. Room, Super FAST, Handling, Sound, SPEED, braking etc... Purchased the car for the wife on her birthday, either it was this or a Volvo convert. We both love it, only driven on sunny days, but when the hound is released, it goes. Oh, it has the 3.9, performance exhaust, body kit, and pushes 250 HP. Oh, so far one of a kind with the tan seats on a black body, talk about looks with the top down.

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  Love my Pontiac! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Kim - July 31 - 6:20 am

  I really shopped around before I chose the G6. I had it narrowed down to the G6 and the Dodge Charger but when I st in the G6 GTP, I knew it was the car for me. I have been driving this car for almost a year now and it a joy to drive. It was the best buy for the money in its class. I purchased the panoramic roof which I highly recommend. I was going to go with the regular sunroof until I sat in one with the panoramic and its like being in a convertible but better. Overall, great car and incredibly satisfied with my purchase!

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  So much fun to drive! - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Tracey - July 22 - 1:56 pm

  This is my first Pontiac and I absolutely love it! I love the looks of this car, the handling and the price. I have a beautiful, bright white exterior with a two-tone black and tan interior and I couldnt have picked a better looking combination. I have never had a 4cyl engine before and it has plenty of pickup and power. The only thing I have noticed is a slight driver side window whistle on the highway. Other than that, this car is prefect. The 4- and 5- star crash ratings make this a great buy!

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  Dont get me started - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Susan - July 17 - 12:33 pm

  My advice - dont fall for the fact its a convertible! I bought my car with only 3000 miles on it. I owned it for 6 months and called it quits. I would have paid for the dealer to take it back. I did love it when the top was down but that is all I can say that is positive. The car constantly pulled to the right. The hardtop constantly rattled when it was closed. The breaks didnt seem to want to stop and forget trying to drive it in the snow. It scared me to death. I had to get rid of it. I now own an eclipse again. I actually feel safe again. Is the car cute? Yes. Hot? Not hot enough to stress over daily. This is my opinion. Others seem to love it.

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  my G6 - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By roger rue - July 12 - 9:06 pm

  I love my pontiac G6. After driving my car for a couple of months I would continue to buy pontiacs for the rest of my life if they keep making cars like this one.Its got a great stereo, its responsive, gets good gas mileage, lots of looks.

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  I love this car! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Car lover - July 9 - 5:03 am

  This car is the most fun to drive I have ever driven in 50 plus years. It has all the options that I want or need except a compass and I can get one of those lots of places. The seats are totally comfortable. It has great pick up off the line. The sound system makes me feel like I am in a concert hall. I love this car!

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  Fun and comfortable - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Milyn2 - June 27 - 12:50 am

  I love this vehicle. It is very responsive and has plenty of power. The Panoramic sunroof is an incredible feature that adds to the enjoyment. It is well designed and very consumer friendly.

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  Front suspension noise - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By bob i - June 24 - 5:43 pm

  Have had the car 2 years. It has 27,000 mostly highway miles. When the weather gets cold, the suspension sounds like its coming apart. Had the car to the dealership 6 times for front suspension. Have changed intermediate shaft 2x, steering column 2x, struts once, and strut bearing caps once. Cant say they are not trying to fix it, but I am beginining to belive that Pontiac has a design defect in its front suspension. Have heard too many other horror stories about the same problem. I can now understand why GM is in trouble!

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  NEVER A PONTIAC AGAIN!!!!!!!! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By pah75045 - June 23 - 6:30 pm

  This car was a piece of junk!!! I bought this car with only 28,000 mi. The car came with its original bumper to bumper warranty. At 29,000 mi I had grinding in my steering wheel 36,000 mi everything really went to heck. My steering wheel once again stared making the grinding sound again. The car started to loose its power and the car started to get horrible on gas. By the time I traded it in I fill up at least 4 and to some time 4 times a week. At 38,000 I had to replace the brakes and let me tell you it like rocket science to replace those brakes. At 40,000 my struts were out and it was going to cost me 1200 to get them replaced.

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  Sporty G6 - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By ju - June 23 - 12:40 am

  Had the car for 4 months, runs great, very quiet. Overall a great car, wonderful style, excellent performance, engine is very quiet, good size trunk. Would like better mileage, getting 21/22mpg overall. Also two to three more inches of head space in the back seat