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 underated sport luxury car. - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Paladin - February 26 - 4:26 pm

  This car is fantastic! GTP has power, rides smooth like a $50,000 luxury vehicle, best standard features. A bargain out there! I have owned a Porsche, Corvette, Trans Am, this car is great!! Looks great drives great.

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  PROBLEMS - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By RAY - February 26 - 7:13 am

  I love my car but this wk found I needed brakes almost ate the rotars out, the brakes made noise from day one and I was told it was dirt, 389.00 later its the brakes, they also found a noice that is a leak in the exhaust but dont know the spot, I have another GMC wiht 85,000 miles and orgnl brakes so its not the driver, I found my garage is the pits, they no longer take you to work(over 5 miles) they will not give me a lender so I am stuck taking a day off with my warrenty still good,,,

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  Car will come out of gear w/out keys - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By no_more_pontiacs - February 20 - 8:43 pm

  My car is able to be taken out of gear without the keys in the ignition or by pressing the brake pedal. My car was knocked out of gear 2 days ago and rolled into the street. After contacting GM, they tell me this is normal. Took to local GM dealership and they could not believe it. Still GM is saying its normal and the Shift Lock Control System, which is a safety feature, is only active when the key is in the ignition. Some safety feature if it doesnt work when the keys ARE NOT in the ignition. This just started happening and they are telling me its normal and there is nothing they can do. SO BEWARE that you car may come out of gear if bumped! Its normal.

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  Glad I found this car.... - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Toni - February 19 - 11:26 pm

  I love my G6 and everyone I know loves it too. For the first six months my son and I said "We love our new car" all the time. Great inside and out. Ive had the car almost a year and still loving it. I think I made a very good choice. Saw the car in the showroom and that sold me. I cant wait to see what you come out with when I need another one. The car is very easy to drive, lots of power, sharp, enjoyable, looking forward to seeing how it holds up for the future. Cant say enough about the car. You will enjoy it...

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  Comfortable, Sporty andFun - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Diane - February 12 - 12:16 am

  I spent months trying to decide what car to buy. I wanted something sporty but comfortable enough to accomodate children and the big shopping sprees. I find this to be a very easy car to drive with wonderful visibility and great power on the road. My car came with ON Star and I had an unfortunate situation in which I had to use it and I will never be with out it again. I am happy with my decision everytime I get in my car.

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  G6 GT, its a great car - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Dan - February 9 - 7:06 pm

  Ive had my G6 since January and its got almost 20k miles on it. I have had my fair share of problems but for the most part its been great. The major problem is the car doesnt start right most of the time and when you hit 5000+ RPMs the engine screams, literally. Everything else was just small stuff that either got fixed at the dealership or just went away on its own. They need different tires or something, i went to the dealership and they told me the tires need to be replaced within 10k miles, somethings up with that. Anyways the car is a blast to drive, its got every option but the bigger sunroof. Its go really crappy gas milage i found out, im lucky if i get 20mpg.

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  Fun car to drive - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Suzanne - February 3 - 12:20 am

  Very fun to drive-(have the coupe with a 6 speed), shifting sometimes is stiff but the car looks great and zips around with very good gas mileage. There has been no problems with the car and it is driven a lot. Like others, I also am not crazy about the cup holders and their location. But I have adjusted to this. The car is really roomy and the backseat console is handy for the passengers because it is not located on the floor. I love the car overall and am very happy with the purchase.

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By suttonyeah - January 30 - 3:33 pm

  I enjoy getting into my car after driving an SUV for the past 4 years. The comfort and sporty style keeps it fun. And my teenage daughter even thinks it is cool.

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  Never Again - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Disappointted - January 29 - 2:36 pm

  Ive had more problems with this car in the last two years than any other vehicle Ive owned.It shakes when I try to stop, it makes clunking noises when i turn, it continues to crank after already crunk, cuts off, water in the head light, pins in the sunroof keeps slipping out, brakes issues, and many more issues.I will not ever buy another Pontiac.Very poor quality vechile. Some issues not covered under warranty even though so many are having the same issue. Great customer right.. NOT.

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  Please do not waste your money - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By mel1105 - January 27 - 11:07 am

  I have owned this car for 3.5 years now and have dumped over $3,000 in repairs in the last 24 months into it with replacing wheel bearings, strut mounts, brake pads & rotors, calipers etc etc etc. I wish I had someone warn me prior to purchase on the money pit this car actually is. Please take note of this if you are considering.