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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  Excellent. - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Drusus - February 18 - 6:16 pm

  The G6 is an excellent car, the best Pontiac I have ever driven. The interior is comfortable, the seats firm and supportive, controls easy to operate and read. Mine has the 6CD Monsoon system, which sounds and feels magnificent. The engine is top-notch, and the car offers a surprising amount of power. The ride is smooth and very quiet. Passenger room is at a premium. My only issue comes with the electronic steering. It transmits very little feel of the road back to the drivers hands, and is very overboosted at some speeds, while the other day in a parking lot I had almost no boost at all. Its still buggy, I think. Overall, the G6 is a great vehicle.

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  Pontiac G6 - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Frank E - February 18 - 8:30 am

  Very reliable and fun to drive. I have to drive 20 miles to work one way and needed to upgrade from an 8 mpg truck. The new G6 has gone above and beyond my expectations by getting over 22 mpg on the streets and I personally have seen over 40-55 mpg on the highway!!! The 6 speaker sounhd system on the G6 is incredible for a stock system, but 2 more speakers would be nice in the rear doors to make it surround sound.. XM radio free for 3 months, and I will be keeping it too. The in-dash cd player is a welcomed convenience in a mid- sized sedan. I love the factory remote start. My opinion of the Pontiac G6 is that GM made an awesome mid-size car suitable for a big guy like me.

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  Charlies review - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By charlie2011 - February 8 - 5:36 pm

  I love this car. It is stylish and fun to drive. The only complaint I have is that the power steering keeps going out on it when you least expect it. It has been a otherwise very lovable car.

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By knightrider - February 7 - 12:53 am

  We bought this G6 new back in march 2005. Took it on a 1600 mile trip and got a whopping 34 mpg highway. Was very impressed due that the sticker said 20 city and 29 highway. Im getting 23 in city driving all with the a/c on. Have taken the car back to the dealership twice because the foot control pedals never worked since day one. The dealership replaced a control module and it worked for a month and now have another module on order. The rear windows down and the front up makes a real bad air fluttering noise inside the passenger compartment. The 3.5L is very strong and the transmission shifts smoothly. Glad we traded our 2005 gas hog Jeep Liberty in on it. Very Beautiful car.

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  Good value - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Kevin - February 2 - 12:23 pm

  Gutsy little 4 banger. Ive driven 80 mph with the a/c on and gotten just shy of 30 mpg. Good highway driver. Comfortable driver seat, I like the tilt/telescope wheel. I have long legs and short arms, so it allows me to get a good position. Great stereo. More room than expected in the back seat. Trunk has room in it but bad fit for golf clubs.

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  Best Car Ever! - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By PontiacG6 - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I wasnt planning on getting a G6 but when we test drove one at the dealership I fell in love with it. It rides so amazingly, it has every feature I would want and more. The inside is so roomy and it is very sleek looking. It looks great on the outside too. It only gets about 21 mpg but to be honest I could car less because I just love it so much. Seriously best car I have ever owned, too bad Pontiac was discontinued.

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  Sporty and affordable - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Mike - January 31 - 1:23 pm

  A nice affordable 4 door sedan. The 4 cylinder is peppy but a little slow on the quick starts from a dead stop while negotiating traffic so I would allow extra time but it puts you back in the seat while passing at highway speeds. Has a a lot of nice features and safety equipment for a car in this price range. The lower corners of the rearview mirror is blocked by the back seat headrests and the blind spots are large forcing you to look over your shoulder instead of relying on the side mirrors. The buttons and knobs have a nice tactile feel to them and are easy to use.

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  G6 Base with 3.5L - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By nater - January 28 - 8:26 pm

  Base G6 with V6 package, sun and sound, and convenience package. Overall I am happy with it. Owned for 15 months/28000 miles so far and only one problem -- steering gear was replaced after 3 months of ownership when it started leaking. Comfortable for long trips, plenty of power (low end torque), and low road noise. Engine is well muffled unless you open it way up.

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  Never Agian - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Never Agian - January 28 - 8:33 am

  I will never own a Pontiac again. After buying my Pontiac G6 it was in the shop two days later: Brakes, and seat belt not working. few more weeks and the fan motor was replaced. now Im living with a hard start. Also the radio not being on with start of car which resets all my info in the radio. For you that dont own, one your oil life, trip mileage, temp, time, security items, set radio stations and many more things. Also had the deal check my shocks, struts and brakes again. car sounds like it will fall apart when i hit bumps in road. i know i did not buy a expensive car but come on Pontiac take pride in your cars. All this and on 38,000 miles on it now. going to buy a Ford Fusion next month.

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  Questions unanswered - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By LFT - January 21 - 3:16 pm

  The car needs work. It isnt too bad for the price, but the small 2.4L should get better MPG and the same old GM issues with never correcting anything exists.