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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Tell me it can last as long as Toyota - 2006 Pontiac G6
By johnny - September 6 - 7:03 pmBought the car in Aug 05. 3.5l G6. Love the handling and the performance. Traded my 03 GrandAm. The G6 is a huge leap forward compared to the GrandAm. My only complaint is at 5k the car needed new brakes and rotars. Factory defect defect I was told by the dealership. A fair amount of body roll when cornering. With a new job my annual mileage will jump to the neighborhood of 50k. My only question is: Given GMs quality record will my G6 make to 200K.
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V6 G6 Rocket Re-reviewed - 2006 Pontiac G6
By G6 V6 Rocket - September 3 - 3:40 pmI am entering a new review for the car I have already reviewed several months ago. To this date everything is absolutely great with the car. I finally got the "Panormaic" sun roof fixed from the continual creaking. But, I did the repairs myself in my driveway. Not a good score for GM Service Techs. It went in twice for the same creaking noise and came out as it went in. No, I was not a happy camper. I fixed the problem using cork stripping under the support brackets to the sunroof over the visors. 1 hr 30 minutes later it was fixed and Ive heard no creaking to date. Anyway, just a little FYI to those having this problem.
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What a Great Car! - 2006 Pontiac G6
By drwgaliv - September 2 - 5:43 amI have the 2006 GT fully loaded 4 dr. I started out with the basic V6 Sedan and I had already knew that I wanted the GT, but unfortunately at the time I couldnt afford it. So now I have the GT, and I absoulutely love it! It drives beautifully, I love the shifter option when I need to pass someone. The Crimson Red color, with the panoramic roof really gets people to turn there heads. I get so many looks when its just washed and detailed. If you decided to get this vehicle, get the remote start, what a great feature on this vehicle. I have had many a cold nights, and hot days that this has been a wonderful option that I have.
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The GTP coupe rocks! - 2006 Pontiac G6
By NY G6 Owner - August 21 - 3:00 amThis is the second new Pontiac that Ive owned and I think that GM has hit a home run with it. What a great looking car! The G6s styling, quality, and performance are all way above par. Thank goodness GM did away with all of that plastic cladding they had on the GrandAm. If you buy a G6, go with the GTP. Its worth the extra investment since the GTP model with the 3.9 V6 is a mover! The only complaint that I have with the car (and its a minor one at that)is that GM could have done a little better job with the finish on the interior surfaces. Its a shame that GM isnt marketing this model much more aggressively.
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Great Car! - 2007 Pontiac G6
By Dakotawyatt - August 15 - 2:36 amIve only owned this car for about a week now. I researched and drooled over it for 2 years, and finally took the plunge to buy it. This car is great! The whole car is beautiful, love the comfort of the seats and LOVE the panoramic sunroof. No awful wind noise at all. The 2-toned leather interior is luxurious, and the seats fit larger people comfortably. Shifting on the auto tranny is smooth and barely noticeable, and the engine has plenty of pep in its step! Great interior space; trunk is very big and back seat has plenty of legroom for our 4 year old in his booster seat. Overall fit and finish of the car is fantastic. I highly recommend to any small family not looking for an SUV.
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Bad panoramic roof - 2006 Pontiac G6
By 3006 - August 11 - 6:56 pmAside from the panoramic roof, this is a good car for the money. Had it to the dealership for the third time to fix the wind noise from the sunroof. Said there was nothing they could do. As a result, I hate to say it, I will be buying another car because I cant stand the air noise. Wish I would have bought without the sunroof as I like the car otherwise.
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Love this Car! - 2007 Pontiac G6
By Karen - August 4 - 7:03 pmWhen its not raining - the top is down on this car. The only complaint I have is the condensation around the A/C vents. It has gotten so bad, it has shorted the hazard flashers. My concern is it will short the great monsoon stereo system. Quick to response & fun to drive. In town gas mileage around 23 mpg.
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OVERALL GREAT CAR - 2007 Pontiac G6
By seekwolf - August 3 - 10:53 pmI have the sport package with the 3.5 L V6, i bought this car for a decent price @ 29,000 miles. It was a rental car and it hasnt failed me yet. IT has gone on 1200 mile trips getting 30 mpg twice. And it has gone on 800 mile trips twice with no problems what-so-ever. I havent had to do a thing except change the oil every 3-5k. I bought a extended warranty and didnt get to use it. Annoying.
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its all about fun - 2007 Pontiac G6
By red - August 2 - 7:30 pmgreat looks and the power is super for a 2 door. The price is right for a car with this many features.
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Very disappointed, but relieved - 2006 Pontiac G6
By JennyB - July 27 - 1:43 amI have just hit my two years of owning my 2006 G6 Sedan and I have already put $1000+ into the car. After reading the other reviews, Im so sad to hear that others are having the same troubles. Two months after owning the vehicle, I was told by the dealership during an oil change, that the front struts were leaking and that my steering shaft needed to be lubed due to a clunking sound. A year into owning the car, I have had my brakes, rotors, blinker bulbs and front struts replaced. I am about to have my right front wheel bearing replaced this week. Just a note of advice if you hear a tingy sound while driving with the windows down, it could possibly be a clamp loose on the muffler.
