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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  An Excellent Choice - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By S Martin - February 17 - 12:30 pm

  I bought this car in Dec. 06 and never had buyers remorse. This car is very quick and my friends are impressed with the superb road holding. It also gets decent mileage (Im averaging 24 mpg city/hwy). The 6A is awesome (wont find that on Accord or Altima) and the trip tonic will hold gear even if you floor the throttle. 18" wheels typically scratch easily but the treadwall height on these tires is enough that the tires absorb impact upon curb contact. The 8-spkr Monsoon is awesome. Excellent cargo capacity with folding rear seats. No reliability issues so far - car has only needed oil changes and tire rotation. Heated seats work well and the two-tone leather looks great. Buy it

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  Best Kept Secret - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Mark - February 3 - 1:10 pm

  The Pontiac G6 is Americas best kept secret, based on my experience. It is starting to peeve me whenever I read some smart-aleck journalist who slights it like they seem to do all US-makes, who would likely take the same car, if branded "Honda", and name it car of the year. My experience has been outstanding: Its peppy and stylish and fun and built so that I have had zero problems with it (although, I know, less than 10k miles). It feels great on the road, and people seem to like the looks and are surprised its a Pontiac. I like blowing past Altimas and Camrys because of the horsepower, yet getting as good gas mileage if not better (30+ hwy even with the 6-cyl). Its a good choice.

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  A real winner, returning it when the lease was up was very painful. - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By delta125 - January 29 - 3:22 pm

  We had the top of the line G6. The GTP. This car stood out. Everything about it was spectacular, the power, Panoramic sunroof, seats, cabin styling, really showed how Pontiac was building some great cars to really compete and make people happy toward the end of its life. Overall, great car. Worth the money.

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  2005 Pontiac G6 4 Dr - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Waleska H - January 26 - 2:43 pm

  I purchased this car in 2005 new. Now it has 107,230 miles. It has been a great car. Mine has the 4 panel sunroof, which I love. The 6 CD in- dash 300 Watt stereo is really nice. Mine is metallic silver, which shines like a new dime in the sunlight. The performance is great! 200 HP with plenty of torque. The gas mileage is 36-38 at 60 MPH. To and from work in traffic I receive 24-26 MPG. The car is the perfect size and has plenty of room for everything. I need to get the 100,000 mile tune-up, but it runs fine. I have only had to replace the tires and oil. I am sick that Pontiac is going to quit making this car.

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  My first Pontiac ever so far so good, 2010 G6 - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By painter60 - January 18 - 8:41 pm

  So far we like the G6 we bought it 3 months ago with 25,000 miles and we have put another 1,000 miles on it, one thing I dont like is the hood bumpers keep loosening and the hood rattles, I found out after buying that t has been wrecked on the left front but its hard to tell. All I know at this point is that its a base model 2.4 motor it runs alittle rough in the morning but smoths out when it gets worm. I changed the tire size to 235/55-17 and it looks great with the wider tires, my wife wants me to paint it red she hates the white. Is there anything I can do to give it more HP?? I would like to find a rear wing for it (used) if anyone has one email me. Thanks for reading.

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  Perfect Everyday Car - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By 89Stang - January 16 - 7:10 pm

  My old 93 Grand Prix had 130k on it and it was time for something new. I needed another car with a little kick, V6 and something Id love driving for my daily 50 mile commute to work. I already have a sports car, so I didnt need a V8, but I wanted something w/ a little puch to it. I had good luck with my Grand Prix so I gave the G6 a look. Ive had the car for about 5 months, put on 8K already on it and I love it the more I drive it. Engine creeps up on you and before you know it your doing 80 w/o breaking a sweat. Great seats, like the interior layout and info center. Sporty looking style for a 4 door. Surprisingly good room in back seat and I get 26-28 mpg with good power. Great car.

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  I love this car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Marty M. - December 31 - 2:16 pm

  I bought my G6 GT a few months ago, I was going to get a 2001 BMW 540i M Sport with 80k miles Because I wanted something nice, different, something my friends didnt have, a friend who is a Pontiac saleman talked me into test driving the G6 GT, and I was sold, all the options I had with this car blew my mind, XM radio, auto adjustable foot pedals, leather, 6 disc cd, power sunroof, heated seats, lots of truck space, LOTS.. you wouldnt think so with this car, very comfortable ride, front or back, the car makes me think im in a $45,000 nissan 350z there is a lot of value in this car, soooo glad i didnt go BMW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Love the Car - Hate the Quality - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Gib - December 31 - 10:33 am

  I love the look and the Driving feel of this car. And I say this with a heavy heart... AVOID this Car!!! It has a major design flaw with the Windows, which Leak into the seat belt. As of 2/16/06 the part to fix is On National Back order and I am 41st on the list to get the part after not being able to drive the car for 28 days and counting. Pontiacs Response, Too BAd. Which is a shame...

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  Glad I Got It - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Giselle - December 14 - 6:36 pm

  I had a 2002 Grand Prix which I really liked but was ready to trade in for a newer model, I never expected to walk out with a new G6 instead. I love it! Its got great pick-up, good on gas, feels safe, stylish and I enjoy the panoramic sunroof; however the leather interior makes it really hot.

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  Hapy owner - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By happy owner - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Great car. The only thing I would change are the rear taillights... look like a Neon. The Coupes rear end looks sharp. I wish the 4 door had a similar rear end.