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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  Fun to drive and turns many heads - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Jamie - December 22 - 12:56 am

  I recently bought a 2008 Pontiac G6 GXP Coupe and it is an amazing car. The street edition kit makes the car look wonderful and everyone notices it. The car is very fun to drive and handles very well on the road. Bumps are barely noticeable. The interior feels great too. If I want the car to accelerate quickly, it launches. The power is great. My only concern with the car is that it seems like it wants to idle rough a little bit at times. Im not worried the car will leave me stranded, but a brand new car shouldnt do that.

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  The G6 is an under-rated GEM. - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By RBDELI - December 21 - 1:43 am

  I went to the car dealership with every intention of leasing a new honda accord. I test drove a fully equipped 2005 EX-4-Cyl Accord. THe car was flawless as I expected, but nothing special and certainly not alot of fun to drive. The high payments blew me away and I told the dealer that just for kicks I wanted to look at a G6. Same dealership sold Pontiac. The moment I drove off in the G6 I wanted it. Its V6 engine blew the doors off the 4-Cyl accord and for $3K less!. It was more fun to drive in every way and infinitely better looking. I test drove the GT model, but opted for the base model which runs circles around the similarly priced Accord. I saved $100 a month and got a better car!

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  Nothing but troubles - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By dre256 - December 16 - 1:43 am

  Very nice car, but had nothing but issues on it from day one. Biggest issue is the 3900, the head gasket just leaks and leaks. Dealership made it worse, GM told me to sue dealership. Had my mechanic repair head, stop leaking for 6 months and still leaks. Wasnt for the engine issue I would love this car for years. One big complaint, I feel the seats are too stiff for long rides and need several seat adjustments. But body is very nice and slick, and this car performs well 0-60 in a tad over 6 seconds. Fuel economy average is 18 city and 23 hwy. Dont know how got a 26 MPG hwy ratting, I never have hit that even with car never going over 2500 RPM from a stop.

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  GREAT Car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By The MAN - December 14 - 4:06 am

  Great ride, very smooth and nice looking. Plenty of power, who needs 400 horsepower any way. I would recommend this car to anyone. Had 2003 Honda Accord and the G6 is much better. Better quality and smoother ride. Handling is great.

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  as unreliable as a suzuki forenza!!!!! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By drivenitall80 - December 13 - 12:30 pm

  horrible car, my gf had one when she moved in with me and even before she moved in it was constantly in the shop for engine problems, wierd noises, no ac, no heat, stalling, power loss, i bought my gf a jeep for her bday and now the worthless piece of GM sits in our driveway, were trying to sell it, otherwise we let family use it when they come stay with us, she bought the car for 8000 we put 12000 into it.

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  Dont Ever Buy a PontiC G6 - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Nene - December 12 - 6:16 am

  I made the horrible mistake of purchasing this car 6-7 months ago. It was pre-owned with only 16k miles. . . BIG MISTAKE, HUGE! Aesthetically, it is a dream, really cute, but if you need more that cute, this is not the car. Power steering intermittently locks up,transmissions has delayed response, horrible handling, noisy sun roof. Learned today the car has a bum cooling system that leaks. I have been at the dealership so much I should be getting benefits or something. Save yourself time, trouble, money and lost time from work. . .DO NOT BUY A PONTIAC G6. I swear I bought a prototype or maybe Pontiac should still be considered a neophyte car manufacturer

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  I LOVE my G6!!! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By iBCraZ131 - December 9 - 6:53 am

  So far I have only had this car for about 2 weeks. Ive driven it for 300 miles. I think it drives very smoothly, except for the braking. When it brakes, it has a pulsing feeling. I love all the features that it has. I have the panoramic sunroof and open it every chance I get. It is actually surprisingly quiet. The sunroof is so large that it almost feels like Im driving a convertible! The monsoon 6 disc stereo system is awesome. It has great sound quality. The trunk is quite roomy as well. The backseat has plenty of legroom. One other downside is when backing up that there are a lot of blindspots because the back of the car is so high. Overall a really great car!

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  Still Like mine - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Roj - December 3 - 9:13 pm

  1)Every now and then i would hear the double chime over the stereo and "Power Steering" warning message would flash across the display.I am still not able to locate the compartment to add fluid . 2) Now i am at 100,000, went away for a week, came back and now i have an intermittent problem where my brake pedal sits high at times. When this happens the braking is very sensitive,but shims(Shakes) right and left when braking.I have replace the front pads that seemed to help. Still like my car though ..Drives great ,fuel efficiency is excellent in my opinion. I plan to keep mine for awhile ..

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  Love it - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By E - November 30 - 9:20 am

  I had 3 grand ams in the past and this car is a huge improvement. It has more power better handling and is just fun to drive. Plus, you dont have to get the top of the line stereo to get a great sound system.

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  Like mine for now - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Roj - November 27 - 4:06 am

  Vehicle 2006 Pontiac G6 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A) Review 1) I have also had my G6 for almost 3 years and at around 63K I too had the issue where the transmission lips/jerks sometimes when it switches gears. Interesting enough, Ive also had two(2) Grand Ams before this car that had the exact same problem of which would happen randomly.Needless to say i was very very disappointed when it started happening to the G6 especially when the warranty has also just expired. Although they were able to fix the problem ($600.00 later , most of it labor),history has taught me that its just a matter of when it will happen again .