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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  Love my G6 - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By lovemypontiacg6 - June 22 - 12:20 pm

  I absolutely love my new "used" Pontiac G6. I have driven many cars in the last 35 years and this one is one of the best.

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  I Love this Car - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Orion - June 19 - 1:23 pm

  I work for a company that has me on the road a lot, usually 50 - 75K a year. They let us choose what we want to drive, we buy it finance it and they give a very fair reimbursment for the miles. I bought the base GT with a few extras, keyless entry etc.. I have constantly gotten 32+ mpg on the highway with this car, I am also not afraid to pass with it. I have had ZERO problems with it. It had replaced a 2005 Elantra that was also a reliable car. This car "feels" safe you are fit and surrounded by its seat (Im 61 and 190 lbs) I LOVE THE LOOKS, I LOVE THE FEEL (like a sports car) Plenty of back seat comfort (a note to GM) WHY KILL PONTIAC WHEN YOU FINALLY GOT IT RIGHT!!!!!

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  So happy - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By J-ME - June 17 - 9:43 pm

  Buying this g6 was the best idea i had this year. Fun to drive. Quiet interior and effortless shifting. Gas mileage is rewarding me now with the high prices.. 24Mpg in heavy city driving! Arrive with a :)

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  Piece of Trash - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Ms. Farmer - June 9 - 9:33 pm

  I leased my G6 GTP in 2006 and the lease will end 2010 and I cant wait. I had the car in at the dealership many times on the sunroof, cd changer, blower, brakes, rotors, power steering pump, and now a gear shift controller. All of that has been replaced, but now the I cant get car out of park, after the dealership put in a new gear shift! This is definitely a lemon, and dont want to ever purchase another GM product. Cute body style, but its a piece of trash. Hurry up Jan 10, so I can take this mess back since that is when my lease ends. GM need to stop making this car and to get better parts so this car can be reliable, because its not! Shame on you GM!

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  Nice Car for the Money - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By First New Car - June 9 - 2:23 pm

  Ive only had the car for a week, but I really like it. It handles well, and it is very fun to drive. I finally got rid of my 95 beretta Z26 with 133,000 miles because I have a six month old son, and I needed four doors. It is very easy to get him in and out of the car. I like the panoramic roof, and it makes noise just like any other sunroof. My husband likes the 6 disc changer, but as someone else noted, it doesnt play MP3s. The manual shift mode isnt that exciting. I didnt like the interior until I sat in it. Once I sat in the car, I really liked it. Note that to get your TRUE gas mileage, you have to calculate it yourself. Trunk is exactly the same cubic feet as an Accord.

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  I Love It - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By deb - May 31 - 11:26 am

  I bought a G6 Convertable in Iowa in Jan. 06- talk about faith! It was quieter to drive than a Camry and more fun than an Accord!! This car has been a wonderful drive for my husband and I! It is a solid and dependable drive and even is comfortable for 4 adults and a Yellow Lab dog!! The mileage is impressive and handles solidly! Thank You GM!

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  A great combination - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By psp711 - May 28 - 2:00 am

  I hadnt owned a Pontiac in years, but had some wonderful GM products in the past. This sporty, roomy car offers me the best of all worlds. The quiet of a hard top. The joy and sportiness of a convertible. The comfort and space of a luxurious automobile. And ECONOMY! I honestly get 20-22 mpg driving around town in stop and go driving. And on the highway I can count on 32 mpg. This is as good as many mini cars--and Im surrounded by all this luxury and convenience. This car has been a joy to drive, has plenty of power and people often stop me to ask me what kind of car it is--especially when the top is down. Great car, have had no problems and economical too.

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  Not plastic man - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By dave - May 25 - 9:20 pm

  recvd car as a rental. It it a very fun to drive car, seats are ok. Driving for long distance is uncomfortable due to too much hard plastic around doors. this car is proof of why American car companies have difficulty competing. After Buying Toyota for my past 2 vehicles. I am not conviced by this to buy anything else. The build Quality is just not there. Car Feels to "cheap".

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  Wouldnt Buy It Again - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By jodygodie - May 22 - 7:43 pm

  Vehicle was a certified used car, which evidently means little. MPG is great; car looks sharp. On a long trip, ride becomes a little hard. When backing up rear visibility not good. Requires a learning curve on operation of windshield wipers. Car now has 38,000 miles and rear main seal is leaking oil (but that is covered for 100k on power train warranty). Also, within last year front main bearing required replacement, dash A/C vents (plastic) broke. Now, service airbag light occasionally illuminates; so far (knock wood) it recycles and goes off when car is restarted. Dealership wants $700 to replace airbag seat sensor control module which he says will fix the problem.

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  I love this car!!!!!!!! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Tyson Dilts - May 20 - 6:06 pm

  I have now had my new G6 about a month and it is such a great car! My car is white, with XM radio, sunroof, and remote start. I do alot of stop and go driving and still manage 26 mpg! I traded my 2003 Silverado in and do not regret it one bit! This car is very well designed! Im 63" tall and I have more room in my G6 sedan than I did in my old Ford Taurus SE. Not to mention the stylish looks compared to my old car. I even found I had more room in the G6 compared to the Grand Prix. I AM SOLD!!!!!!