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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  Bummer - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By luvmydal - December 13 - 9:20 pm

  I bought my car brand new and was so excited about it. A year into it I started to have problems with it, and continue to, to this day. I own it for 3 years now and am currently out car shopping because I cant take the problems anymore. The car has been in for the same thing about 4-5 times and they can never find what I am describing. For 2 years now it makes a very high-pitched squeak and also creaking from the wheel shaft. We told them to replace, but would not. As I drive straight, take turns, the noises are always there and my passengers hear it, too. The moon roof rattles when open. A part of the seat belt and mirror also brooken.

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  G6 review - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By david markell - December 6 - 5:10 pm

  Car rides very well. It also has a big back seat and has gotten very good gas mileage. So far, very satisfied w/purchase.

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  Great car, fun and comfortable - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By j. brown - December 2 - 9:33 am

  Had a Chrysler 300C, so originally thought car would be too small. But at 6 2", It fits great. Comfortable, smooth ride. I got compliments on this car from other drivers on the test drive. Car looks unique on the street with the top up and really cool with top down.

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  P.O.S. please dont buy. JUNK!!!! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By thirst234 - December 1 - 2:26 am

  Bought a 2006 g6, Ive had it about almost 2 yrs now. Ive changed the brakes and rotors 6 times already, Ive had 4 aligments done, Ive had to replace some kind of sensor, had to replace tie rod and wheel bearings twice on passenger side, and the biggest thing is about a week ago i find out i need to replace my steering column and a intermediate shaft. With all the money i put into this car i could of paid it off by now or bought a new one... Ive read a lot of reviews and everyone is having these same issues with their cars. So if enough of us write to the headquaters maybe theyll put out a recall like the other companys have. DONT BUY THIS CAR, ITS A MONEY PIT.

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  Like a G6 ;) - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By clasokel89 - November 30 - 11:44 am

  Ive owned my 3.5L G6 V6 for two years now and bought it with 41,000 mi on the od, it now has 72,000 mi. The only problem Ive had drivetrain wise were a 2 month old set of Bosch Platinum 4-post spark plugs failing me one after another (wouldnt recommend them). I average about 21.5 mpg due to mostly stop and go but at low traffic times I get about 18 city and bested 31 hwy on a trip from Tx to WI with family. At about 65,000 mi the steering started clunking due to the intermediate steering shaft which I had replaced and the rear passenger side door lock stopped working, other than that Ive had no problems with the car. Its quick when you need to blast onto the highway 0-60mph in 6.2sec

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  My G6 - A lot like others... - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By JennyA - November 27 - 1:26 pm

  I do love this car. But Im frustrated to no end with General Motors and their lack of responsibility. There is a major, widespread problem with this cars steering shaft and power steering. Even under warranty, GM doesnt want to replace a part more than once; and, even if they did, it would just brake again because the parts are faulty. And nobody seems to care that steering troubles are major safety issues. I am currently very uncomfortable driving this vehicle. And anyone in my path should be scared, too. GM seems to think its fine with the steering wheel popping every time I turn. And theyre not concerned that most of these cars have a failing power steering system. Beware!

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  Looks Great ! Drives Great ! - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By J - November 27 - 4:33 am

  Not only does it have the look of a sports car, but it handles like one. Yet, it is very spacious interior and large trunk. Unfortunately, I can say it does great with rear accidents, only scratches to the bumper with 40 mph impact. Monsoon radio sounds great! Leather seats are incredible comfortable.

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  Junk it - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By G.Timm - November 23 - 8:03 am

  Like most of the reviews, my G6 was bought new. It rattles, shakes so bad that I am afraid to drive it. Sun roof leaks and rattles. The interior design is very cheap. I also bought a new Grand Prix two months later, big difference. My lease expires next month and I am sure I will get boned my GMAC with them having to fix all of the broken crap that should have never failed in the first place. What a cheap piece of junk.

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  No Remorse - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Scott - November 21 - 7:40 am

  I leased a base G6. To give some background I own a Toyota Highlander, I never thought Id get a Pontiac, I hate their looks. The G6 looked different so I decided to take a look since I knew I could get a great deal on one compared to a Honda or Toyota. I only have 250 miles on mine but can tell you this. It handles really well and has a quiet and supple ride. It comes well equiped and like the V6. It is sporty enough for me and can handle 2 kids in car seats. It has been fine in the snow belt. My new Consumer Reports rags on this car which isnt fair. I never thought Id defend a Pontiac but drive one and judge for yourself. I got more bang for the buck which Magazines dont consider.

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  Fun in the Sun - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Tom Sully - November 20 - 9:33 pm

  This car has been nothing but all fun. The only problem that I have had with this car is that when it was only 2 weeks old the top wouldnt go down. The dealer said that it was a broken hinge.