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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  Great Car! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By walc - August 24 - 5:40 am

  I just bought a 2006 Pontiac G6 GTP Hardtop Convertible with the premium package. I love it! IMO, the GTP is definitely worth the extra $, for more horsepower and features. The hardtop works perfectly and fit and finish are top notch. Pickup, ride and handling are excellent.

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  Im a believer now - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By CaliBuckeye - August 24 - 2:26 am

  Ive always wanted a convertible. I grew up in Ohio, and now live in California. I figured there was no better place to finally take the plunge and buy a convertible, but I did not want a ragtop. This was the perfect mix of indulgence and practicality. The back seats are big enough for my Child Seat and booster seat (I have a 6 and 3 yr. old) and they LOVE it! Finally, a convertible that can actually be functional with kids! I got the 3.9 liter GTP and its a blast. Good power and handling, and very fun to drive. I constantly get flattering comments from people when they see it, and most (including myself) have a hard time believing its a Pontiac! I highly recommend this car.

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  GM is closing the Gap!! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By intimid8tor3 - August 13 - 12:53 pm

  Ive had my 06 GTP Coupe for 1600 miles now, and I love it. The 3.9L 240hp V-6 makes this car a blasat to drive. It lets you mess with cars costing a lot more. The gas mileage is good, around 22.0 mpg in mixed driving. The big 18" tires provide plenty of grip, handling, and a good ride. Interior and exterior build quality is on par with more expensive German and Japanese models. I would recommend a look at this car to anyone who does not want to go broke, but does want to have a lot of fun in an every-day-driver.

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  Im surprised....so was the wife! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By daddyearwig - August 7 - 12:43 am

  This is a great car, Im impressed and surprised. Great riding, strong V6, nice clean appearance, and very roomy. Wide wheel base makes this thing turn like a boat. Console and shifter area kinda awkward. Too close together. Not enough storage. Small trunk opening. Sharp looking, I guess the people that stole my factory wheels thought so too. (Get wheel locks.) My wife was avid about not getting this (or Pontiac in general), had to give her her own set of keys.

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  2009 G6 Coupe is sweet ride - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By D - August 6 - 7:53 am

  I used to have a toyota corolla. It was really boring. I just bought this used former rental 09 G6 coupe with leather, sunroof, and alloys a couple months ago for pretty cheap. I have to disagree with the Edmunds review. I love it. The exterior coupe looks sporty, the leather seats are comfortable and have good support, and it rides like a dream. I am getting 27 mpg mixed driving with the V6 3.5. I love the power. It feels good to drive an American car that has a lot of power, gets good gas mileage, and is fun to drive.

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  First non-foreign badge car in 17 years - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By RHS - July 28 - 3:36 pm

  After comparing the G6 with Impala, Civic, and Altima, we decided on the G6 because of the interior creature comforts. Love the Civic but still too small. I am 65" and fit in the G6 with ease. The dealership was helpful and made sure we were set up properly. Unfortunately the power pedals dont work and we purchased the car out of state. Plastics could be a bit more upscale but overall I think this car is a winner. At least the regular sunroof doesnt rob the rear passengers of too much legroom.

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  average quality - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By tom - July 24 - 12:30 am

  I have owned this car for 3 years after purchasing brand new in 2006 and it currently has 78500 miles. Since then I have replaced the tires once, had to have the fuel injection system replaced, exhaust replaced, steering column replaced and replaced the brakes and rotors once. The engine is noisy and the car squeaks and rattles under normal driving conditions. The average MPG registers about 25 on the information center with a mix of city and highway driving. The best mileage has been close to 30. The brakes are noisy but work fine. The resale value is not great, I would not recommend buying a new G6 but a used one may provide cheap transportation.

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  WOW!!! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By whatagreatcountry - July 17 - 5:16 am

  I absolutely love this car. It is amazing, fun to drive, and a great head turner. Anybody that doubts that GM can build a great car has rocks in their head. The most heated discussion in our house each morning is who gets to drive it.

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  surprised - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Darrell - July 17 - 3:33 am

  Bought it in June 05 , and have 9000 miles on it . Pleasantly surprised . MPG on Hwy at 80 mph we got 32 mpg on a 600 mile trip . My wife averages 28-30 in mixed driving . Very quiet except on really rough roads, excellent stereo , and spacious back seat on base sedan . Some cheap plastic on the interior , but what do you expect for under 20k ?

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  My kind of convertible - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By skijcm - July 16 - 1:10 pm

  I test drove several cars before the G6 and none felt as comfortable. The ride with the top up or down is smooth, responsive and fun.