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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  This car is a Nightmare!!!! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By bkane-smith - April 8 - 10:03 pm

  Well what a disappointment this has been! If I hadnt have bought it used it would have been lemon lawed 3 times! GM didnt offer any sort of help. All I can say is that I am so happy I bought the extended warranty. I will know bless you with my list of problems: 1. When I replaced the brakes 3 out of 4 had problems.2. 2 new rack and pinions 3. 3 new fuel pumps due to an extended start problem that they cant figure out 4. There is a leak somewhere in the frame that get into the computer and causes A LOT of computer problems. Also, the car didnt hold its value so now I am about $5000 upside down! What a nightmare! Dont buy it or youll regret it. JUNK!!!

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  Sporty for the Cash - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By RLM - April 8 - 5:53 pm

  I replaced my old truck with the G6. Dealer gave great incentives plus CARS program $3500. Leather interior is comfortable, sunroof works great. Like the 4-cylinder for smoothness and enough power. Getting 32 MPG on the highway at 65 MPH. Plenty of room for me (63, 250 lbs.) in back seat. The radio is okay - Works well with my iPod. Happy with it so far.

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  Excellent car - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Alex - April 6 - 3:13 pm

  This is a really good car at this price. Good exterier, fantastic stereo, good power, 100000 miles/5 years limited warranty, etc. A lot of good things. I love this car. Although somebody told me the interior is not good, I chose the light interior, and it is really great.

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  Nothing but PROBLEMS - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By MissLaura - March 22 - 11:20 am

  I bought this car in November of 2008. One month later it was in the shop for a leak in the sunroof. I opened my car door only to find the floorboards in the front SOAKED with about an inch of water. Took the dealership two times and about two weeks with leaving my car there to find out it was the sunroof leaking. Also the lights on the dash and cd player flashed on and off and the cd player would stop working about every other week. About two months after I bought it, I started it one day and my wheel was completely locked up. I had to re start my car in order for it to be okay again but no check engine light came on. Now a year later I am having power steering and vibrating issues

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  Great Value - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By brad lebosse - March 21 - 10:00 pm

  I am totally impressed with my 2008 G6 value line. The 2.4L is powerful, quiet and responsive. The 4 speed transmission is excellent. I was swayed by negative reviews about the electronic power steering but after driving the G6, I actually prefer electronic assist. Turning radius is great. I also like the large diameter steering wheel. I bought the tan interior and like the bright appearance over the black interior. Seating is comfortable and the car is quiet and fun to drive. It is a fun car to drive and feels safe and secure. I also test drove the Honda Civic and Accord, and Toyota Camry and completely prefer the G6.

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  Fun Convertible! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By hawkee - March 20 - 6:10 pm

  Ive only had this vehicle for a couple of weeks and so far I really like just about everything about it a lot! My only wish is that it would have a more exciting interior and not use so much hard cheap looking plastic. However, overall Im very pleased with my purchase. A hardtop convertible for just over $31,000 is a great deal in my book!

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  I like this car... - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Lisa - March 20 - 12:53 pm

  I have just bought a 2007 pontiac G6 GT, yes I know Im saying I like it now because I havnt had it long, but it has done me well so far, it does have a little popping noise when I turn the wheel, but my car has 40K and was totaled, so not a big deal yet. My brakes are a little bit of a problem because Im used to touchy brakes and these are soft compared to my old car, still not a big problem Ill have to adjust. All cars have problems,I know that,they were a newer car(2007)and there was going to be bugs. Not every car is the same just some are lemons. Trust me this car is alsome conpared to all the other cars I have had. The only other car I would take for this car is a Mazda or a Honda

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  My G6th Sense - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Greg - March 12 - 11:43 pm

  I bought the G6 to replace a 1999 Mazda 626. I also looked at the new Mazda 6 and the Suburu Legacy. The 6 cyl G6 offered much more options then the 4 cyl version of these cars for the same price. It has strong, smooth accelration, tight handling and suspension, and drives like a sport car. The four door is roomy in the front/back and can easily accomodate a family. The panoramic moonroof is huge, and really cool. Overall, a fun car to drive. The only suprise so far is the fuel economy, the sticker says 21-29 but it is more like 20-24. Also, small trunk space and headroom compared to the Mazda 6 and Suburu. It also has more blind spots then other sedans. A great bargin for 20K.

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  Pretty Strong For The Money - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Sportscarnut - March 11 - 10:20 am

  This is my company car, and I have only had it for a month, but here are my first impressions. The engine is strong (especially above 4000 RPM), and the transmission is the best 4 speed automatic I have ever driven. The ride is reasonably firm for a domestic while not being overly harsh. The interior room is very good for a car in this class, and the exterior styling is fine if not a tad subdued. My only real complaint is the quality of the interior pieces. The door panels and the console are made of inferior quality plastic. It looks like something you would expect to find on a Yugo (pretty bad). Made sure to poke around at the interior before you buy. It is way under Honda/Toyota.

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  Great Car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Michael - March 8 - 2:43 pm

  I recently went out and bought a red Pontiac G6 for my wife. She loves everything about the car. It is smooth quiet and easy to drive and it looks great. I have a co-worker who had just bought a new V6 Honda Accord and then saw my wife’s G6 say “I wish I had one of those.” My wife’s G6 has the 3.5 V6 it has a good amount of power and gets great gas mileage. The interior is very roomy. All of the audio and climate controls are big and easy to use. My wife loves the interior’s look and feel but it does use some cheaper materials than it competitors. I would have say that people shopping in this segment should take a serious look at the G6. It is a great car especially for the money.