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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  What a car. HA!!! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By D88 - May 26 - 9:13 pm

  Well Ive almost been in so many wrecks because my drivers side window switch is not working properly it will not roll up, when im driving on the interstate fighting with the window that can be very dangerous. My molding fell off within the first month I had the car. My starter hangs and dies, but when my husband took it to the dealership it started just fine im so sick of all the other stuff breaking on it but they did not give me enough room on here! The question, would I buy another Pontiac g6? hell no!

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  i love my G6 GT - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By T Davis - May 19 - 11:03 pm

  I love how this car drives, rides and handles. Sporty looking "Mommy" car! (my first 4 door out of 6 cars owned). Very roomy inside and great trunk space. I get stares and questions about it. I just love it!!

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  I didnt expect this! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Willhbauto - May 13 - 4:36 am

  I really didnt expect such a great vehicle. Ive been a high volume fleet and internet manager for my Pontiac dealer for a long time, but honestly I never thought Id personally buy a G6, but it came time to buy a house and I wanted room in the budget, so I got rid of my loaded up Sierra truck and got this G6. It is a great riding car, great build quality, powerful, I am really surprised. Ive had Pontiacs in the past and never cared for them. I think theyve stepped up a notch and are a great value. I highly recommend the G6 if you want a great vehicle for your money

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  Awesome Coupe! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By NYPontiacFan - May 4 - 3:06 am

  After 5000 miles, this car is fantastic. I had a 2000 Grand Prix GTP coupe that I traded in for this (didnt like the new Grand Prix). And for it being smaller than the GP, it has a bigger back seat! Love the looks and design. If this is the direction Pontiac/GM is going, they should start gaining some market back in the US. Got many many looks and comments with the car. Only thing I had to do was buy snow tires and smaller rims for the winter. Upstate NY has the nickname "The great white north..." ;-)

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  08 Pontiac g6 4dr sedan - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By steve - March 30 - 8:36 am

  Just picked up this 08 g6 value edition over labor day weekend. I compared many cars in this segment such as Accord, Altima, Sonata, Fusion, just to name a few. This G6 had the best style and more power compared to the rest. How reliable this car will be remains to be seen only time will tell I guess. Standard OnStar and 4-wheel disk anti-lock brakes is also a big plus as well.

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  Not sure if i like it - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By tess - March 29 - 2:56 am

  What is that squeaking noise? I bought this car because I had a grand am and I loved it. Not sure if g6 can compare to my grand am. Sometimes when Im on the highway, its like, it loses power. Considering trading it in.

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  This Car Rocks! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By mustangmarcie - March 15 - 6:36 pm

  We got rid of an 02 Audi A4Turbo to buy this car and are so glad we did! What a fun car to drive!! Also, a great price considering all of the features that came with the car. Its a smooth ride thats much quieter than the Audi. Glad to be back with GM!

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  Great Value for the $ - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Howard - March 13 - 7:53 am

  After the first 5K + miles, not a single hint of a problem. Good gas mileage and totally fun to drive. If you need more pick-up, youre either with the police department, or you have issues. Great value for the money

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  G6 is best in class - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Lafayette - March 6 - 10:00 am

  200HP, a 0-60 time of less than 8 seconds, with a ride usually reserved for much larger vehicles, the Pontiac G6 is a great car. Gone are the days of plastic body- moldings. The G6 is another sign that Pontiac is redefining itself as GMs performance division. Drive the Mazda 6, Jetta, and Altima. Then and only then drive the G6. The G6 will be the clear winner.

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  2 2007 g6 1 4 door 1 2 door convertible - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By chunk - March 1 - 9:00 am

  First car we bought brand new. It now has 41,000 on it and knock on wood not one problem. It has the pano roof which now needs minor adjustment for wind noise no water leaks. We like this car so much we went out and got the same year convertible we like this car as much. I will suggest getting ice and snow tires for the winter.