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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  A decent "cheap" car - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By partsman99 - November 27 - 1:01 am

  This is a decent car. Not a fan of all the plastic everywhere, and the very thin hollow sound of the doors when you close them, but other than that not a bad car. Key fobs = terrible! Theyre expensive, and do not last long. The 3.5L has more than enough power, and never ceases to amaze me. Car is VERY quiet; you can barely hear the engine rev. Excellent fuel economy: hwy averages around 28, with as much as 36 on a long road trip. The controls are easy to read, and arranged well. The seats start to get uncomfortable after 5 hours in on a road trip. In short, if you are looking for basic transportation that is dependible and capable of passing slower cars, this is a good choice.

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  wish I wasnt so upside down - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By sleepless in st loui - November 19 - 10:46 pm

  I bought it as a demo car with about 7000 miles on it and did purchase the extended warranty. Glad I did after reading other reviews, it seems my car is on the brink of a breakdown because I have had many of the same issues mentioned. Sometimes it turns over real hard when you start it but they dont know what is wrong. The tires lose air pretty easily, and it makes this squeaky creaky sound like shocks/suspension but it is not and they dont know what that is either. Also, it has pulled hard to the left forever and I have had alignments done at all different places and even the dealer look to see if the specs were right and it is still weird.

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  Off Warranty? Youre in trouble! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By JMay - November 17 - 2:46 am

  *Id like to note that I am a cautious driver & drove it softly* Came with a 3yr/36,000mi warranty off the lot, bought it with only 10,000 miles on it and at first no problems at all. Great car until I hit 39,000 (conveniently just off warranty) at which point my transmission, airbags, and CD player stopped working, bad timing belt & AC belt. EVERYTHING squeaks inside and out from braking to shocks, even the interior. Cig-lighter/outlets never worked in the first place & were not fixable because of a fuse or something. Oh, and not to mention the transmission isnt even checkable because the dip stick is UNDER THE CAR!!! BAD engine design (though pretty).

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  Like Mine - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Cak - November 16 - 9:40 am

  I bought my G6 used last summer and have had no problems. Sure I had to just put new rotors and brake pads in but no big deal, my husband is a fire fighter and going to calls it was going to happen.

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  I love my G6 but - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Danielle - November 15 - 6:06 am

  I have had my G6 for about a 1 1/2 now and it has a little over 25 thousand miles. I am having brake issues. The car feels like I am riding with my brakes on. Its like the car is fighting against the brakes. If I let off the gas the car will come to a complete stop on its own. There has been a couple times that the front end of the car will start shaking really bad when I am going over 60 miles an hour and that is really scary. The dealer ship has shaved my rotors, replaced the brake booster and now they are going to replace the master cylinder. I really hope this solves my problems because I really do like this car. It rides nice, I like the look and the gas mileage is great.

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  Mediocre GM build - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By blaine - November 13 - 7:43 am

  I was impressed by initial style, comfort, and fuel economy. Soon discovered its limitations. V6 is a bit noisy and seems unrefined. Suspension is loose. The car wants to jump out of your hands- when you accelerate (I mean step on it) – it pulls to one side. Before our 36,000 mile anniversary we started having popping sounds coming from front suspension (especially while turning corners), even with a tire rotation/balance routine and alignment, the tires had cupped out, and rotors warped. Bye-bye G6 After 18 months together I’ll miss your roomy comfortable cabin and leg room. Will not miss your little trunk opening- awkward for large items.

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  Not to be confused with a performance car - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By mike - November 9 - 11:56 pm

  Expecting Pontiac to try and fill in the hole that the Trans AM left and what the fake GTO left, i thought the G6 would be the little performer for Pontiac...boy was i disappointed. The car sounds lighter than a V4, has no grunt in the motor and well...how can Pontiac name this a "GT" unless theres a meaning of GT i am not aware of. In all honesty, people out there who are looking for a REAL American Muscle car and werent fooled by the GTO (Holden Monro) or the new G8 (same as GTO) just wait for the 09 Camaro and bug Pontiac to make a similar car and call it a Trans AM.

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  Worst Car Pontiac Has Ever Made - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Bob - November 9 - 3:06 am

  The car is an all around piece of junk! The styling is ok but could improve in some areas. The paint is way to thin and chips easily on the front bumper. The transmission is junk, GM made a huge mistake by mating a 4 speed automatic to a 3.5L V6 because the gear ratios are too far apart and the power and response are not their when you need it. The cruise control lacks a good base, the car may drift + or - 5 mph before the car decides it want to accelerate. The interior is not much to be desired, the seats are not comfortable, the dash ugly and the radio can not be replaced. Overall the car is a HUGE waste of money, I am very disappointed!

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  Awesome Car!!! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By StephH - November 3 - 9:40 am

  I purchased this car about a year ago and I still LOVE it!! I previously had a grand am that I liked, but I got sick of it after only 9 months. this is the only car Ive ever had that I didnt get sick of right away. Also the first brand new car I ever got. The exterior is amazing, I have seen some reviews about them not having remote locks, I guess I thought it was standard. I have remote lock/start, sunroof, 19" rims, V6, heated leather seats, automatic with manual option, telescoping steering wheel.

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  My G6 Experience, so far - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Norman Potter - October 20 - 9:43 pm

  I have owned my G6 for under a year and am already having problems. At about 7500 miles I started noticing that the brakes were becoming comparable to those of my previous vehicle, which was 13 years old. About a month ago I noticed that it starts to shake and squeak when accelerating from a dead stop. I noticed earlier this week that when driving at around 30 mph there is a squeaking noise that sounds like it is coming from the engine compartment, or possibly the wheel bearings. I currently have about 12,000 miles on it and about 90 percent of those miles are highway driving miles. The car has ran well for me so far as the only problems have been noise and shaking. As well as brake wear.