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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  Safe & comfortable but very sporty look! - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By Cindy - January 20 - 2:50 am

  Bought this for our 17 year old daughter, great safety and reliability ratings plus she loves the look along with its comfort in the front and back. Received the highest reliability ratings from consumer reports and Five Stars from the govt crash test ratings.

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  Awesome Pick!! - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Stephanie - January 17 - 1:26 am

  I bought this car about 2 weeks ago, I find that I made a great choice, and Im loving every minute of driving in it!. The pick up is a little slower than i thought but once it gets going, it holds you to the seat. Great for driving on the highway, not too bad fuel economy in the city. Very comfortable,and roomy. Quiet & smooth driving on the highway, and with over $7500.00 taken off the original price to make it $26,600 for the full SE package, i think i got a great price on it.

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  Awesome Car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Sullivan - January 11 - 8:46 am

  The G6 is amazing. I have had my for a little over a month and I love everything about it. The V6 engine has nice pick-up. The 6 disc stereo and sound system is great. The seats are comfortable, the back seat is really roomy. It is just a really fun car to drive. I have the regular sunroof (not the panoramic) and I love it, it has a net in the front of it as a sound buffer to keep a lot of sound out and its just wonderful! If you do not have a G6 you are missing out!!! Very Satisfied Customer!!!!

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  Back To America - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By DrScuba - January 10 - 10:06 pm

  This is my first American car since 1983. Didnt think the styling and quality of American cars was as good as the foreign cars. Times are changing. This convertible is a blast to drive. It is one of the best looking convertibles out there. I get so many looks driving down the road. And when I stop to raise/lower the hardtop people just stop and stare. It is a very comfortable car to drive. Roomy, good seats, very good instrumentation, very smooth and quiet ride for a car this small. The fit and finish of this car is first rate. I got mine with the premium and sport package and it is a very solid buy.

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  2005 G6 Gt 3.5 - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By brian231 - January 10 - 7:14 pm

  This was the first new car I ever own. I had all the bells and whistles. I drove this car mainly on interstate twice a month to and from work 120 miles each way. In 8 years I put 63,000 on the car 90% interstate. Feul milage averaged 31mpg. It had plenty of power pulling mountains. Car was not good in snow if roads wherent plowed good. Only issue where tires. Went threw multiple sets on rear until I found a good rubber combination. Had issues one time with sunroof leak that dealer fixed without issue. Only replaced brakes once at 50,000. Very good power to pull into traffic at interstate speed. Had radio info center repalced under warranty once.

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  Love it so far - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By jesangt - January 10 - 6:03 pm

  My G6 is less than a month old with only 500 miles, but I love it so far. Its truly a great value. I think it looks and drives great. Im impressed with the driver information center. Im a little disappointed in the center console. Its roomy, but doesnt have a compartment for coins (minor flaw). Also, I was surprised that the car does not have ABS brakes, although it does have 4 wheel disc brakes. I also assumed that the radio would have the song information (I forget what its called but our 2001 Sunfire radio has it). I wish it had remote keyless entry, but this is something that I will add later and I think is reasonably priced. Im sure adding these would increase price.

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  Nice Surprise - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By D Dwyer - January 2 - 11:16 pm

  I was not expecting a car like this to handle the way it did. Very tight and nimble. Nor did I expect to get the power from a 4 cylinder, which I bought for the city driving mileage. The engine and transmission mesh very well. Turning is true and direct. I like the variable turning too, finger tip easy at rest and appropriate resistance on the fly. We love everything about this car. We did not think we would get such a smart interior. Nothing phony. What trim there is looks smart. We chose the fun and sun package and the rear spoiler with the mud guards in metalic silver. Looks real sharp and sporty. Got a good deal too.

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  No compaints - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By mbryan - December 28 - 10:53 pm

  This is my first car, and it still drives fine. Ive had one odd repair needed, where a brake caliper had to be rebuilt, but thats because i ride the brakes, and i did it to myself. Car handles well, and can give you pick up when you need it. Very logical car, and would suggest to anyone looking for a well-priced quality car. People seem to be complaining a lot, but Im a teenager and mine works fine for me. It isnt a Lexus, dont expect one when you buy it, but its a more than capable alternative. Make sure you rotate tires on time with this one though, seeing as how its FWD, and your front wheels do the majority of the braking. Its a good car, dont let others tell you different.

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  Great First Car! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By tco_1994 - December 25 - 5:00 pm

  Bought mine in June 2010 for my first car, it had 81,600 miles on it, Ive had it two months and its been great! and I dont drive it easy, its ramped a ditch and hit a field and nothing broke at all! my only complaint is the sunroof randomly opens as it pleases, and sometimes when it start it keep turning over instead of catching, but no big deal! Im 62" and i have the seat only 1/2 way back and it adjust so that my head doesnt hit the ceiling. I always get compliments on the exterior of it, and thats always nice too:)

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  Love this Car! - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By puddles027 - December 25 - 5:43 am

  I bought the G6 on a whim. I hated my Sonata, the paint was peeling all over (it was only 2 yrs old). So my husband and I went looking on a gloomy rainy day, and found my car that I so love!