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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  Pontiac G6 v6 - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Jim Anderson - May 10 - 2:53 am

  On a trip up north in May. I was getting mileage of 36.6 miles per gallon on I 95 driving at a speed between 70 and 75 miles per hour, handling was excelent and steady with cruise activated. Car was comfortable and seats were firm but not too firm. The whole trip of 2800 miles the gas mileage was 31.7 miles per gallon which included many miles of city driving after we arrived in NJ.

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  Frustrated...but still love the car. - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By CRS312 - May 8 - 7:23 pm

  I bought the 2007 gt coupe edition brand new in late 06. Since then, I have had nothing but compliments on it. I really do love the car, but I had a recall on the door drains though, and now when there is a good storm, afterwards my speakers crackle and dont work right. I have been back and fourth with the dealership and they cant find anything wrong! They just keep replacing the speakers. If it werent for that I would absolutely love the car!!! everything else has been fine so far and there are 34,000 miles on it. Well you cant have your cake and eat it too I guess!

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  Dissapointed in Pennsylvania - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Glenn Weisel - April 21 - 3:16 pm

  After buying All GM vehicles for my driving career of 36 years, I am very disappointed with my G6 GT . The styling and gas mileage are great but the build quality is awful. Currently with 59000 miles I have moisture inside the headlights , A broken drivers seat, deteriorating leather , broken hood release handle , and a bicycle caused 1100.00 damage to the left front fender which now rubs on the drivers door when opening. This is a very cheaply built car. Pontiac owes us G6 owners an additional credit toward a next car. I have never seen such horrible workmanship on a GM product.

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  LOVE IT - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By LOVE IT - April 21 - 5:43 am

  I have a 2008 Pontiac GT and it is the best car I have ever had. Before I had this car I had a VW that would give me problems all the time. This car tells you everything from gas, to tire pressure, oil needed. EVERYTHING.

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  very safe! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By nash - April 13 - 12:43 pm

  it is a very safe car i recently got into a accident with the vehicle and i walked out without a scratch i hit a duelley on the highway going about 60 he was completly stopped on the highway. 13,900 in damages and they didnt total it out. they fixed it and since then it has run great absolutely no problems. although i hate the dash lights go on and off. plus i find the car to have a very harsh ride. overall my rating for this car is above average.

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  Rating Pontiac G6GT - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By M.Horn(pur for wife) - April 9 - 9:00 am

  We have only had this car for two months but have thoroughly enjoyed it. A very comfortable car that rides and handles well on both highway and city streets. The 3.5 V6 is more than adequate considering the size of this car. Mileage has been averaging 22 mpg with approximately 33% of all driving on a freeway. The GT model purchased came with almost everything we wanted as standard. Back seats very comfortable with plenty of floor space. Trunk space is large and can be expanded with fold down rear seating. The car is designed with very attractive lines. At this point we are very pleased with our decision to buy it.

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  Good so far - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By luck5393 - April 1 - 3:14 am

  We have had this car for a few weeks now. I do a lot of driving, and it has been a very good car in the few weeks we have owned it. I activated the XM radio in it, it tends to loose a signal when going under bridges or parked next to 3 story buildings. the engine is very responsive and the steering is tight. I bought it with about 91000 miles, so it has already been well broken in. The interior is roomy, and the back seat is very roomy for the size of car it is. One option that I wish it had was being able to pull down the 40/60 seats from the interior of the car and not just from the trunk.

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  its a so-so car - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By adam - March 31 - 1:33 am

  I like my 2007 2.4l g6 it drives well and I bought it new. At 23,000 miles I didnt have to do any Major repairs. I have noticed that when you turn and take off fast there is a "clunking" noise that is starting to annoy me. I have called the dealer and they said it must be because of the speed Im taking off at but thats not true.

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  Great car - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Angela - March 23 - 4:53 am

  I purchased this car in February 09 after trading in my 03 Chevy Impala. Im very impressed with it so far. It had 35,000 miles on it due to it being a rental car, yet I havent had any problems at all. It drives great and looks awesome. Ive had GM vehicles for the past 5 years and havent had any major problems with any of them. Now if only Ford could do the same. lol!

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  G6 is underated - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By chris - March 11 - 7:36 am

  This car has power good handling and comes with a sports car attitude... Ive had mine used for over a year now and i havent had any major problems on it at all and i drive it hard. The only thing i think that gives this car a bad rap is the Pontiac logo on the front...