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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  The ultimate vehicle - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By samuel - November 5 - 4:53 pm

  The G6 handles nice and smooth, it is a very good car for the price. the interior is user friendly, the stereo is loud and clear. it does not scratch the cds when used. The fuel economy is very good i went to philadelphia with a stop off at atlantic city which is about 300 miles approximately one one tank of gas with some to spear, also one half a tank back to brooklyn. i recommend this car to anyone, it is much better than my last 3 cars put together. the insurance rate for the vehicle is alot cheaper then some other vehicles as well. it handles solid in the snow, it does not slid even without stability and traction control. go for a test drive you will not be disappointed.

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  Always came back - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By stst - October 31 - 9:23 pm

  Id been looking at cars for almost a year and every time it always came back to the G6 Convertible. Before this car came out I never would have thought to purchase a GM vehicle. This car is a blast to drive. Not a techy car by any means. No NAV, Bluetooth, A/V jack etc. but when its sunny, and the top goes down who cares!

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  Typical GM Junk - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Chuck - October 30 - 6:33 am

  We got our 2006 G6 buy assuming a lease from a family member. Normally I have always bought/leased a foreign auto but since we were paid to assume this lease from our family member, I decided to give it a shot..Yeah that was a MISTAKE. CAUTION: This car has intermittent loss of powersteering while you are driving. I has happened to my wife several times and we have taken it to the GM garage(towed it actually)and then when the car is restarted, the powersteering works for a short time until it stops working again. My wife wont drive the car anymore especially with the kids. Since I have taken it, it happens all the time. Fortunately, my lease ends in a few days so I can get rid of this car

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  great car - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Stephen - October 28 - 9:56 pm

  Ive had my G-6 now for almost a year now. I really like the way it handles in town. All controls are easy operate. Very roomy in front.

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  My G6 - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Chitown Driver - October 21 - 7:53 pm

  This car is exactly what I was looking for after Oldsmobile went out of existence. I also looked at the Nissan Altima, but there was no comparison. The G6 had it beat by miles in style, comfort, and features.

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  I love this car! - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By jla - October 19 - 11:00 pm

  As a former Grand Am owner, I have been looking at the G6 for quite some time. When I found a good deal, I jumped at the chance. This car is great. I drove it to my home town, which is 90 miles away, and it was both comfortable and fun to drive. When I first got it, I kept trying to think of places to go so I could keep driving instead of coming right home from work. My last Pontiac lasted me 13 years and Im sure this one will last a long time as well. Im a true "Pontiac believer".

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  Totally awesome! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By jls25466 - October 14 - 5:16 am

  I bought this car last night, and I am nothing but impressed. I saw a commercial for it, and I had to have one. I traded a truck and was afraid of losing space, but I did not lose a thing! This car handles great and is so much fun to drive!

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  a snazzy, sport little ride - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By things_hoped_4 - October 11 - 10:06 pm

  I have had my G6 for a week.It is great! It rides like a dream, and has alot of get up and go. Everyone comments on its beauty.

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  Best MPG vs Dollar Spent - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By dhg6 - October 11 - 5:56 pm

  Looked at at lot of cars. Found 2009 G6 Sedan with 4 cyl and 6 speed auto trans. I commute 120 miles round trip per day. 1st tank of gas avg 35 mpg for a range of 525 miles. With the blow out prices and warranty and 2 yrs of Onstar,free maint, and free xm radio for 2 yrs. Best bang for the buck

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  Wow! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By MHadden - October 6 - 2:10 am

  The new G6 Coupe GTP is amazing! WAY better than I ever expected. The coupe features Mercedes-Benz style windows that lower 1/2 inch to allow tighter seals around the window: class act! Pontiac looks like its turing itself around and putting the sport back into GM. For those of you who like seeing behind you while you drive, you may find the head rests and the small rear window to be intrusive, as the headrests block almost 50% of the rear view. Finally, the standard Stabilitrak system on the GTP keeps you on track...hopefully Pontiac will offer it to the "snow belt" on the other trim models.