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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Love it! - 2005 Pontiac G6
By Lauren - July 5 - 1:26 pmI owned a convertible Beetle before the G6 and I am so glad I made the trade! I bought a silver 2005 GT sedan with 16k miles. Although I miss the convertible, I love my G6. I consistently get 25 mpg city and 34+ highway; I got around 18 city in a 4 cyl Beetle. Very spacious and comfy. Handles great and its very fun to drive. Doesnt feel like a sedan at all. The Beetle felt like a $25k go- kart compared to the G6.
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Read a review before you buy - 2007 Pontiac G6
By Corey - June 28 - 9:00 amI absolutely hate my G6 GT coupe. After 6 months the interior vanity light went out and the brakes started squeeking. I went in for an oil change and had the guy look at my brakes. I am currently at 32K miles. Apparently all my brake pads are shot and all my rotors need to be machined. For such an aerodynamic car, people always think I get such great mileage. I have the exact same gas mileage as my previous 4 door Jeep Cherokee - 19 miles per gallon. Also the sunroof rattles all the time.
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Excellent Car - 2005 Pontiac G6
By El Caballo - June 27 - 9:23 pmThis car is very sporty in nature and drives very well. It has good handling for its size and retains its composure in tight situations.
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I Love This Car! - 2006 Pontiac G6
By JamiLuvsHerG6 - June 19 - 8:43 amI love my G6! When I had went looking for cars I was looking for something sporty, but without the gas mileage of a sports car. I got exactly that with the G6 GTP. It has a lot of pickup and go. The sunroof is awesome for nice weather and the sound system is out of this world. The mileage is OK. I would like a little more, but the other benefits outweigh that by far.
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Less Expensive BMW - 2006 Pontiac G6
By Uncle Hulka - June 10 - 2:26 pmBought this car about 5 months ago. Still look forward to driving to work everyday. Performance is great for the money. Would not race it against a 300Z, but also paid a lot less. Ride is smooth, quiet and comfortable. I used to think my wifes MPV was quiet until I drove this.
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great car for a better price - 2006 Pontiac G6
By bigmatt87 - June 10 - 5:19 amsince people that dont know about cars are scared to buy pontiacs, this car is cheap. i got mine with 64k miles and ive put 3k on it. love this car. not great on gas due to gearing but i put an intake on it and it helps. love the handling. its firm but not uncomfortable. engine is amazing other then the electronic throttle...not a fan. i like my throttle cable just fine and didnt see a need for electronic. everything works great and this car is just so pretty.
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Tall? Drive it. - 2006 Pontiac G6
By TheCryptic - June 8 - 10:06 pmI agree with lots of people here. Fit and finish is awesome for the price. Comfort is astounding if you like supportive seats. My wife hates the support bolstering on the front seats, claiming it hurts the back of her legs on exiting, but shes not into "spirited cornering" either. Heres the clincher... I test drove only a couple cars, mostly because I prefer small cars and Im not a small guy. Im 65" and 285lbs. I dont fit into anything else in this price range that is fun to drive (Scion TC, 06 Civic, Mazda3). But I fit in the G6 and have room to grow. The power adjustable height drops the seat far enough down that I have head room even with the regular power sunroof option.
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Great machine - 2006 Pontiac G6
By dave - June 7 - 4:53 pmI have only driven the GT for 3 weeks, am very excited with all aspects of the vehicle. Sound system (monsoon) is superior, seating is similar to my previous Firebird, which is no longer produced. Adjustable pedals a plus, very smooth ride with excellent gas mileage (30mpg) on the interstate. My Fusion orange color turns heads. Plenty of rear seat room.
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Excellent Car for the $$ - 2006 Pontiac G6
By Bryan Park - June 4 - 9:43 pmI reluctantly bought my Pontiac G6 after my wife talked me into it. I didnt even want to test drive it. It looks like a small car from the outside...its not. Im an above average sized guy (64"), and I fit just fine. In fact, in most other cars I jam the seat all the way to the back. Not in the G6. I actually have to move it forward some. Inside the car is comfortable and somewhat stylish. The car rides amazingly well. Theres only one word to describe it...smooth. It steers well, drives smoothly, and gets over 30 mpg. All in all, this car should rate above every car in its class for its style, comfort and its affordability. Finally, an American car to compete with the Japanese.
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Awesome Car - 2007 Pontiac G6
By Jessyr - June 4 - 1:00 pmI just got my G6, but I love it soo much. I previously had a Sunfire, so for anyone that would be a big step. Its a beautiful car for the price.
