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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  Get what you pay for - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Brent - July 5 - 10:16 am

  Traded this car after 1 year. Couldnt get over the rough ride very cheap plastic bland interior. The front seats are hard as rocks and the drivers seat (not power) was horribly uncomfortable and actually put your legs to sleep. i always felt like i was in a cave while driving this car. Then the steering at 9,000 miles broke and that was it for me. Read past blogs about the major problem Pontiac is having with this crap steering system. i was not interested in keeping a car with abysmal ratings in my garage any longer. Went with Hyundai 09 sonata and so much happier. i also got 22 miles per gallon in the city with some highway driving here in Chicago and i am far from a lead foot.

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  New G6 - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Rick Wilk - June 30 - 2:06 pm

  I am thrilled with the combination of comfort inside and sporty styling outside. The car is loaded and under $30K. The interior feels roomy and very comfortable front and back. The head room in the back is not as generous, but a small price to pay to get the cool panoramic roof. You could get picky with it could have this or that, but I think you would have to jump-up to $40k to get it. They got it right.

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  Runs good decent mileage looks - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By jazbo01 - June 30 - 3:06 am

  My wife bought this car with 20K on it a yr old. It has 75k on it now the car shakes VIOLENTLY when you brake from highway speeds always has. In the snow.. what happened to the ETS off button from the grand ams..you cant get any momentum in deep snow. it rides like a rock you cant spin the tires in deep snow and braking on ice.. abs is wayyyy to sensitive. now the heat went out on her.. i took a look and found very low coolant levels. I am a certified auto tech and I drive a toyota 4x4, my wife will have a yota before spring. Every GM I have owned i have not been happy. for a truck I have dodge-no issues for everyday toyota 4runner-incredible, no wonder GM is in trouble..but runs good go gm

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  Best Safety for the buck - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By tom - June 27 - 10:46 am

  Bought this car for my daughter due to safety, price and looks, so happy with it we bought one for my wife three weeks ago! Love OnStar phone service and safety with all 6 airbags, rollover ratings and traction control

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  Not a bad car, I like it. - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By Adam - June 22 - 9:00 am

  This car is fun to drive. The engine is powerful. It kinda lack stability when you take of fast. The exterior looks really good, but the interior lacks a lot of options. GM need to step their game up a notch with the pontiac interior. if you want a luxury car, dont buy this. If you want a car with options, dont buy it either. buy the pontiac if you like a smooth sport ride.

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  Great convertible, best of both worlds - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By rjent - June 20 - 4:13 am

  We own a couple of Corvettes, one we have owned for 25 years. We traded an F150 supercrew pickup. We have about 1000 miles on her now and absolutely love this car. First Pontiac in decades. I must say the performance (and I would know :) is fun but the real magic of this car is the retractible roof, what a concept. We compaired the other 40K+ cars with retracts and thought this car was actually a better buy, plus you are buying American. We are getting over 27 mpg and know it will get better as it breaks in. If you are looking for a convertible, look hard at this one. We couldnt be happier!

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  2005 G6 GT= too problematic - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By 74anthony - June 16 - 7:35 pm

  Purchased this car new. 80- 90% of mileage is highway milage. (32 miles to and from work) I had all required maintenance performed and never drove aggressively. 10,800 miles BRAKES....???/ front and rear, and speedometer issue 18,000 new battery..??? 1 yr later 37,000 BRAKES/ front and rear, Other/ lower intake gasket replaced All previous repairs were just inconvient. Warranty covered most of this. The following are all out-pocket 42,000 BRAKES (5000 miles later!!!) / front only 71,000 Front End / control arms LS & RS 75,00 Differentials seals replaced 78,000 Transmission / Gears blew through case Rebuild Req 88,000 BRAKES Again

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  Looks can be deceiving - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By TexasGRL - June 15 - 4:20 pm

  I bought this car in 2007 with less than 16k on it. It was great for the first month then I started having trouble with the steering and the sunroof leaking. It took more than 4 times being in the shop to fix both the sunroof and steering. This car has LOTS of rattles and squeaks that thankfully the monsoon sound system blares out. This is my 1st GM vehichle. Have owned a mustang and a F150 which i got rid of to get this car. Lets just say my f150 had 180k on it and ran like a dream - would rather take it on a trip cross country than my g6 which now has less than 50k on it. Now having horrible gas mileage ( about 19mpg ) and brakes squealing awefully. Just had new brakes less than 1 yr ago.

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  better than you think! - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By DJ2832 - June 6 - 7:16 am

  Just purchased this G6 GT used with 31,000 miles. Still has factory warranty (which is good because its used) So far so good! Have yet to hear any squeaks or rattles. The ride is smooth and the steering is responsive. Comfortable seats, with good side support. I LOVE the engine. Its a 3.5 liter V6 and it provides a lot of pep! The exterior styling is classy, yet sporty. The monsoon stereo sounds great. My only gripe is the interior build quality. There is too much hard plastic, and the doors sound very cheap when you open and close them. Some switches and controls are loose or seem very fragile. Also, the shifter feels cheap going in and out of gear. Lack of cargo space for storage too.

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  Pontiac G6 Hard Top Convertible - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Jerry - May 31 - 12:30 pm

  Aside from an annoying clicking in the front windows, this auto has been awesome. It took the dealer three attempts to quiet the clicking, rattling window noise. It only happened with the windows all the way up, and was fixed with an adjustment to the top closure which was covered in a manufacturers bulletin. This car is fun to drive and is truly like having two cars in one with the retractable hard top. Gas mileage is excellent given the performance level.