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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  Should Be Criminal - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By EG6 - October 14 - 5:43 am

  A vehicle with this fun factor should be a crime. I drive lots and this car absolutely does it for me! The stereo rocks, engine is nice n peppy, handling is superb, and gas mileage is great! It is rated at 29, I get 35 easily going uphill! This is a tough cookie to beat!

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  WOW!! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By GTOguy - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive been a huge Pontiac buff ever since my first car, 1986 Pontiac 6000 STE, Special Touring Edition, and then I thought Pontiac couldnt outdue themselves until the G6 came my way. This car performs like a BMW, handles the turns like and Audi, I love driving this car, I cant get enough of it. Well done Pontiac, you have another winner under your belt. Any chance of bringing back the 6000, that was a popular car.

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  A Real Car from Pontiac - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Russell Ruggiero - October 5 - 10:00 am

  The Epsilon foundation is solid and the 17" wheel and tire package is quite stable. The 3.5L is strong off the line and should deliver 25 mpg overall. The seats and build quality of the interior is the best of any Pontiac including the GTO.

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  Love my Red G6 - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Dennis - September 24 - 6:33 pm

  This car is perfect for south Florida. It looks great with the top up or down. Most times its down. A very important consideration when I bought the G-6 was that my elderly mothers wheelchair would fit in the trunk. It fits perfectly. The other convertibles in this class could not accomadate the chair. I bought a Saturn Sky the same day for a "fun car" and find that the G6 gets just as many looks and comments from people and handles nearly as well.

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  Sweet Ride - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Sambuda - September 24 - 2:23 pm

  Since I moved to the Tri-State area, i needed to get rid of my gas hog truck. The new G6 caught my eye, so I took it for a test drive and was blown away. The european design, with the audi style design for the interior, this is one sweet ride. Once in, you are molded into the comfortable leather lumbar seats(heated is a plus). With 200 horses and a auto shift stick that you can red-line, this car has some bite. The tight suspension and the nice rubber is a nice touch when going around those bends at excess speeds. Way to go Pontiac, you have just re-invented the American Sport Seden. We just gotta wait now for all the after market parts, to really ignite this car!

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  Love my G6 GT - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By G6Action - September 20 - 2:26 am

  No problems so far (knock on wood). After driving the Honda Accord and Chrysler Sebring, I chose the G6....much more fun to drive and I get looks everywhere I go as to what kind of car is THAT? Gas mileage is better than the listed 21/29mph as I get 25.6 consistently in town.

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  Ponti-yak - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By m&p - September 19 - 7:13 pm

  This is the most fun car weve ever driven! Push one button and you go from hard top to convertible - no latches to loosen or canvas covers to snap in place - the top automatically folds into the trunk in about 30 seconds. Most convertibles are quite noisy with the top up (only canvas between you and road noise) but this car is as quiet as any sedan when the tops up. Cant wait to tow it behind an RV and enjoy the vacation scenery from a vantage point only a convertible can provide. I have a Bluetooth phone which I can use when the tops down. There is hardly any wind noise in the front seat.

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  Drive Excitement! - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By Bowers - September 17 - 12:13 am

  Bought this after looking at the Ford, Nissan, Chevy, and Hyundai models that compete. With the $3,200 GM rebate and the $4,500 "clunker cash" rebate, we drove out way below the other models. Only 600 miles on it so far. Suspension seems tight, handling is sporty, interior is gorgeous, exterior is very appealing. Getting 25 mpg in town. Have not been on the interstate yet. Love the XM satellite radio and the built-in phone. Also have the OnStar. Just touch a button to activate the phone and speak out the number! Wonderful machine. Our 3rd Pontiac and loving it!

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  Great American Car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Very happy G6 Driver - September 12 - 9:46 am

  I bought this car as my first American Car in over 15 years. I traded a 2005 Toyota Camry in for it. The legendary Camry isnt all its stacked up to be. I owned 2 Camrys and Now, I realize it is mostly the Media who hates american cars. I find the Pontiac G6 to be better in almost every way than the 05 Camry. It has more power and about the same fuel economy as the 4 cyl Camry. I find no cars really get the advertised fuel economy they are supposed to. No sqeeks or rattles like the Camry and the Transmission is flawless and knows when to shift, unlike the Camry. The camry is a good car, but the G6 is alot more exciting and performs better. The interior build quality is better.

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  So Far So Great. - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By oneasante - September 7 - 7:26 pm

  After driving a 98 malibu for a brief minute....literally, I gave GM one more chance especially for the affordability. The G6 is a great comeback! Once you get past the initial annoying defects (rack n pinion, paper brakes, and front wheel bearing) you have a car that floats at 80mph yet feels sturdy and reliable. I pray it stays this way!