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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does it really matter anymore - 2009 Pontiac G6
By mbk - August 9 - 8:16 pmI guess Im a little heart broken at the lack of quality materials in the interior of the G6. The leather is so thin, Im almost afraid to touch it. The fact that the sports package included only half electric seats and a horrible handle to move the seats back and forth just floors me. I drove a 99 Olds Intigue GLS with all the bells and whistles, this just doesnt compare. Why did I buy it, Classic exterior look, great engine,good deal for the money,and the fact that GM is GM, and I wanted to stay American with some style.
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water troubles - 2006 Pontiac G6
By 1awsmgto - July 29 - 9:33 pmI leased the car for my daughter not knowing that I was leasing a swimming pool at the same time. On my fourth trip to dealer trying to get water leak/mildew smell taken car of. On my 12th GM car in the last 10 years and I am thinking about ditching this process. I am tired of the run around, Maybe some of the service reps should get the boot like what they have done with all the engineers. Just a wishful thought. I am at the point where I need to hire a life guard to oversee the water activities in the G6. Anyone else had this much fun with mold. Car is on the fourth trip to dealership with new seats,carpet , and been deionzed 6 times. Maybe GM and febreeze can make a commercial. Good PR...
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I love my new G6 GXP - 2008 Pontiac G6
By Cisco Contreras - July 21 - 4:23 amIve had Pontiacs in the pass but nothing comes even close to my new G6! I love the way it drives and how it handles. Wish there was a navigation with it but the interior looks are amazing! I am starting a new family and I couldnt made a better decision when buying a new car.
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Great for the money - 2006 Pontiac G6
By Clark - July 20 - 12:46 amI love this car, My problem has been in the steering wheel... The car seems to do its own thing when driving between 50 and 70 on open roads alot of play in the wheel. but the seats are great!!! I traded in my Ford Escape for this car and drove the Altima and the Jetta and picked this one due to the DIS system in the radio along with some extras that they didnt come with. I feel that ABS sytems should be standard on all units in the 05 and current line up. I find it a hazzard not to have it. Oh and word to the wise..... the gas mileage is true. My avg. is at 26 if not better. ALso I se that the G6s rear is a copy of the Chevy Cobalt.
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G6 GTP Coupe - 2006 Pontiac G6
By Eric W - July 19 - 3:10 amThe performance on this car is amazing, its 240 hp are extremely underrated. I opted for the automatic because the manual wasnt available at the time of purchase, if I had to buy again Id buy the manual. The interior is great, except people over 6 ft tall will have head room problems in the back. The only downside of this car is fuel economy, I have a hard time getting over 23.5 mpg (another reason to get a manual), although for vacation driving on the highway it will get around 25 mpg if you keep the cruise on. This has been a great vehicle and Id highly recommend it to anyone.
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attention getter - 2005 Pontiac G6
By attention getter - July 16 - 6:46 ami bought my G6 in Feb of this year. i love the looks and features of my car i have a GT gets people attention with my panoramic sunroof. Have had a few problems wit it at 33,000 my coolant reservoir fell out of place and melted and now at 46K my steering pops,my headlight has moisture in it and the driver side back door window switch fell out of place but other than that i love my car fun to drive
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PRND3L - 2009 Pontiac G6
By veaudry - July 15 - 7:04 amThis is my complaint. the shifter does not highlight when in any position,, there is no indicator in the dash to inform you what gear you are in.. Does anyone else have this missing on their G6s
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Great Car - 2006 Pontiac G6
By hockeygirl4 - July 15 - 3:56 amI upgraded to the G6 from a Cavalier, and I absolutely love it! I have the moonroof, 6 disk changer, adjustable pedals, and driver information panel on the stereo panel. Only one problem in the second year Ive had the car, and that is the brake/brake lights. When taking the car out of park and applying the brake, the shifter would lock. Dealership replaced a brake component. Then, the brake lights were engaged when I was driving, and they would disengage when I applied the brake. Dealership replaced the other component that is linked to the brakes. No problems since!
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Good Value, but few things missing - 2007 Pontiac G6
By Jim - July 12 - 6:03 pmJust bought my new G6 with the 1-SV package. The price was GOOD (under $15K) and its fun to drive. I like the gas mileage (30), size (not too big, not too small), look (SHARP), and handling (smooth and responsive). I dont like the drivers seat (too narrow) and the missing features (no cruise control or remote locks). Also the sun visor mirror has plastic covers where the lights should be (looks cheap).
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So far, I love this car.... - 2009 Pontiac G6
By cam - July 9 - 3:43 pmPurchased my G6 Coupe brand new. Love it. It has a heavy ride (which I prefer!) The gas mileage is good considering I dont break 35 mph on my 4 mile drive to work. The interior leaves a lot to be desired....way too much plastic. And I wish the seats sat up straighter. They need one more notch to sit up all the way. One other thing....There are too many cup holders in the car too. Id rather have an armrest in the back. LOVE the exterior....especially the back!
