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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  G6 Convertible 3.9 6 cyl. great car - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By S. Ennis - November 19 - 4:50 pm

  This car is great for older people. Gives you the feeling of being young again. Drives very well, good gas milage and gets lots of attention. Roomy interior. The 3.9 has plenty of power. Easy to get in and out of. Always wanted a convertible and now have one plus a coupe all in one. I tried several sports cars and had to have help getting out until the G6.

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  pontiac g6 vr - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By joe - November 17 - 6:43 am

  have had car for only 1 month but am extremely pleased with comfort driving. It is great driving over rough roads as our city streets are torn up replacing water pipes. Interior is comfortable and everything within reach. Most room in interior of any 6cy. cars I have seen.

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  Give me a brake....job! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By F C - November 13 - 1:40 pm

  BOOO!!! 1st month = broken wipers, passenger visor broke off into my wifes lap (it wasnt even in use at the time), fog light switch burned out & the brake car shakes when the brake pedal is depressed. After complimentary a brake job, the car still vibrated when I pressed the brakes, just a few miles after leaving the dealership. I cannot wait until my lease is over next year to get rid of this problem car. domestic mess! Oh yeah, power steering is ineffective for first few mins of driving after a cold start on winter morning. I dont let my kids in this car. We take the family SUV, due the G6 brake problems. And I thought motorcycles were dangerous!

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  Over 2,000 miles and still happy - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By prm342 - November 8 - 12:26 pm

  No problems so far. Got the GT primarily for the wheels and nicer cloth. My 97 GrandAm had been a great car since new. The 6-way seat with leather doesnt give you much more angle/height adjustability than the 2- way with cloth. Id like a steeper seat angle adjustment and lower tiltability for the steering wheel, but probably both are by design to prevent the driver being launched OVER the airbag! Thankfully, much less interior chrome (taupe interior) than most supposedly nicer cars. To each their own, but I like its looks inside and out better than GTO or Grand Prix.

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  Very Nice Car - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Mike&Sandy - November 6 - 12:43 am

  We love the new G6 GT. Weve only put a few hundred miles on it but have a few suggestions, mostly cosmetic. The V-6 needs more guts Dual Exhaust should be standard on the GT I was surprised to find a manual rear view mirror dimmer! With all the whistles and bells why not an auto dimming mirror? The most annoying thing so far...The windshield wipers need new geometry. The passenger side stops right in front of the driver on the upswing and leaves a line of crud/rain/slush right in the center of the drivers view! I love the handling of the car! Over all, If Pontiac continues on this pace they are def headed in the right direction!!!!

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  Love to Hate Pontiac G6 GT Convertible - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Linda - November 5 - 3:13 pm

  Always wanted a convertible, husband pushed me to get hard top retractable for safety reasons. I have really enjoyed the look, the feel, and the convertible. Several draw backs in the build mechanically. Replaced the front rotors twice already, 57,000 miles now replacing the water pump and soon will need to replace the intake manifold. Live in country, roads rough, but not abusive. Had collision with a dear and was amazed at the little damage caused and appreciative of how safe I felt. Cost to fix was very high, front bumper and headlamps, cost 7000. Covered under insurance, however very high. Brake pads seem to go often, every 3-4 months, dont live on big hills like in PA either.

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  best 4 dr hot rod yet! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By s nemeth jr - November 4 - 9:46 am

  200 h.p hot rod 4 dr - best car i have ever had -beats my 01 olds aurora v-6 electronic power steering - electronic throttle control - very very smooth ride "long wheel base" no wind noise, no engine noise,also has "remote start" from 200 feet away. looks sort of like a "audi" sedan . go drive 1 and you will buy it!!!!

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  nice car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By dave - November 2 - 7:10 am

  i bought the 06 g6 in 2007 it rides very nice a lot better than my girlfriends accord and my brother in- laws Camry. i travel 50 miles one way to work it averages 31mpg thats about the same as her accord with its 4 cylinder. i dont understand why it gets bad reviews

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  i love my car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By kmae1223 - October 29 - 5:23 pm

  my seriously.... lets start here.. i bought a grand am and they lemon lawed it back and gave me a G6, i wish i could have just afforded this car from the get go.

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  Steering Problem - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Darla - October 21 - 3:30 am

  I would like to thank everyone that wrote about their G6. I purchased mine in February of this year, used. After a few days, I started to complain about the steering. My car was very had to steer like it did not have power steering and there was a clunking noise. Two dealerships told me nothing was wrong. Finally I went back. I had to have the steering pump and intermediate drive replaced. The dealer wanted to charge me, but I brought up the information that I had learned reading the reviews here and that I had taken my car in when it was under warranty with the same problem. In the end they did warranty the repairs.