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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  Best car weve owned - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By SCOTT - October 3 - 9:50 pm

  this is with out a doubt the best car weve owned. my wife wanted a nissan altima but i looked at both and thought overall the g6 offered the most bang for the buck. my wife liked it also but thought that because she didnt see that many out on the road meant it wasnt a good car. i explained that this model hadnt been out very long. i finally rented an altima for her to see how she liked it. that took care of her doubt. this car drives wonderfully. smooth and quiet. feels like it has more than 205 hp. transmission is perfectly matched to the 3.5l v6. powerful at all speeds. i personaly like the different plastics they used in the interior theyre easily cleaned. interior looks good longer.

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  Look but dont buy! This car is horrible - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By pontiac no more - September 27 - 4:00 am

  I have had nothing but problems with this car since 2000 miles. Constant vibration and bounce that dealer cant fix. Got GM involved but nothing resolved. Recently had the rotors resurfaced, again, oil level sensor broke, seat weld broke and more rattles. 20,000 miles later and the vibration still there. Finally called a lawyer. Im just glad I leased! No wonder the big 3 are failing, poor quality and lack of interest in consumers!

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  338,000 Miles, all original, still going strong! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By wuollet - September 18 - 7:00 am

  We bought our 2006 G6 GT in 2007 with 16k miles on it. It currently has 338k miles, and still runs great! I changed spark plugs at 180k miles, and they werent even bad, but just thought it was enough miles on them. One complaint is the suspension, for the last 200k miles, it makes lots of rattles in the suspension. Im sure its an easy fix, but it still works good. We did replace power steering around 250k miles. Other than that, we have had amazing reliability with this car. Just do regular maintenance, wash the car once in a while, and youll have no problems. This is a MN car, and theres lots of salt on our roads in the winter, and the body is just about perfect still. Would buy again.

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  G6 GTP Unreliable - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Dave - September 17 - 5:30 am

  I have had my G6 GTP for a little over 8 months and have had it in for repairs 9 times. I have a manual transmission and am continually having problems with it. I have lost reverse twice and they had to replace the shifter The sun roof (not panoramic) has leaked 3 times and the dealer has had to replace the carpet. When the car works I love to drive it but it doesnt work long before it breaks. I have spoken to 2 different GM reps and they refuse to replace the car. I am just a few days short of meeting the lemon law requirements and will be asking that they buy the car back. It does not appear TO ME that Pontiac stands behind its product or cares about its customers,

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  Never Again - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By HMB - September 13 - 6:36 am

  I have had my G6 for almost 3 years. It has 63K on it right now and the transmission slips/jerks sometimes when it switches gears. I have had it looked at 4 times and the last time they told me it needed a computer update and that would fix the problem. Hate to break it to them, but that didnt fix anything. PPl I talked to says it may be the trans fluid, but theres not anywhere to check it, you HAVE to take it to the dealership to have that checked. They said that wasnt the problem either. When you turn the car to the left the steering makes a clicking sound too. My CD player is starting to mess up on me, Im just tired of having issues with my car. Ill never own another Pontiac!!!

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  G6 Never Again! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Brent455 - September 10 - 10:26 am

  This is the worst car I have ever owned. The Sun visors fall out if you try and move them to the side windows, the starter re-engages on its own after start up, the throttle sticks open from time to time, the wind deflector on the moon roof broke about two weeks after purchase.

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  A Really Good Car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By missbirke - September 10 - 7:16 am

  I drove this car as a rental on one of my trips then traded in my Focus for one a month later. This is a really good car. Easy to drive, smooth on the road. Nice lines, good fuel economy, lots of rear leg room (very important for tall family members). A great family sports car (love the power of the V6 engine) and a good value. My parents have one too. Its too bad they are getting rid of the Pontiac line.

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  Nothing like it before! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By morris44 - September 5 - 6:06 am

  I had owned a Grand Am previously, and thought the new G6 would have a comparable feel to it, but it seems that Pontiac has redone it completely! Its a great car!

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  Will never buy Pontiac again!!!! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Kristina - September 2 - 3:46 am

  When I first saw this car, I had to have it. It was sporty, roomy, and a good affordable price. Well, you get what you pay for!!! I have had to bring it in the shop several times....a ball joint and power steering column replacement, random lights bulbs go out all the time, keyless entry failed all of a sudden, belt replacement, shock replacement. I mean come on!!! The car isnt even that old. Might I add that I purchased the model with the panoramic sunroof...what a piece of crap. The noisiest ride ever. It is so loud I can barely stand it. I think it was cheaply made...looks good from the exterior, but runs like a cheap go-cart!! Thank god i bought an extended warranty

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  so far not bad - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By birdhouse - August 30 - 12:40 am

  The car seems to be pretty good. I traded a 2001 honda EX 6cyl for it. My biggest complaint is that there is no light in the glove box (shame on you G.M.). I also do not like the high performance tires. I will be lucky to get 15,000 miles out of them. And they make high sounds when you hit any little thing on the road. The trunk popper is very user unfriendly. The steering is a bit unusual. In Florida we really dont need heated seats. That could have been an option. All in all, I like the car and time will tell the rest.