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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  I have it - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By TINKER - June 2 - 7:00 pm

  I bought it in dec 04 drove to flo from ontario I love it it feels high class and sporty all in one I am a young mom and didnt want a van I m too young for that this is perfect 4 me

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  Love at first sight, but after... - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By James Tucker - May 31 - 11:56 am

  The wife and I bought two G6s within weeks of each other. Hers is the sedan, mine is the coupe. I fell in love with the car once I saw it and was able to drive it around. Now that the newness has worn off I started to notice some rather significant problems with the vehicle. Water leaks into the “B” pillars (where the seat belts are mounted) whenever it rains. Took a closer look and found MOLD in the insulation. Upon closer inspection, found that there are holes where at the front of the rear windows at the top and bottom that lead behind the B pillar. If you own one of these, check your windows too because unless you get a hard rain, you most likely will not notice the leak. Not happy.

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  Honda to G6 and no regret - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By R. Jones - May 22 - 5:43 am

  Was killing time and went to see the G6. Drove it about 15 miles and bought it. Had been driving a 4 cyl., 5 speed, 2004 Honda Accord, which is a fine car. But, the only edge the Accord has on the G6 is in the gas milage dept. Got an excellent "out the door" price on the G6 ($18,500, tax included). Like its appearance, handling and pep and the extras thrown into a pretty basic package. Got a sun roof, a super sound system, a 6 disc CD player.

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  So Far So Good - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Dave - May 19 - 5:20 am

  We bought this used to replace our 2003 Grand Am that I wrote off...the Grand Am had been great by the way. Weve only had the car a week but so far everything seems to be fine. Had to replace a blown daytime running light fuse, maybe cause the previous owner had HID lights put in..uped it to 15 amps. People have commented on the hard plastic cheap feel...the plastic is actually soft if you push on it and nice to the touch, looks much like a BMW 3 series I think. Fit and finish seem fine, love the style and the drive. Steering feels good too despite what others have said. Cant afford import and happy with North American made, too bad Pontiac is no more :-(

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  So disappointed - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By jnellky - May 16 - 6:03 pm

  Was in love with this car bought it, and have been incredibly disappointed since Ive had it. I love everything about it except its had so many problems. Steering issue, oil leaks, waterpump leak, steering fluid leak, rodars changed, breaks changed, battery changed. Only has 40,000 miles should not be having all these problems & only owned for 1 year, used. Very sad but have to get rid of the car before I become anymore upside down in it. Do not buy this car even as attractive as it may be you will regret it!

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  Ideal Car for Anyone! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Drew - May 6 - 7:23 am

  The G6 offers everything for anyone. With all the great models, who could resist? The 2007 GT model was for me. The 225 horsepower 3.5 liter V6 and spacious interior makes for a well rounded car. The smooth transmission is solid and creates excellent fuel economy. I enjoy this car much better than anything before, including my wifes 2006 Honda Accord. This is my first domestic automobile, and I am impressed. Contrary to belief, the build quality on my auto is very high.

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  Hate it! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By hate it - April 28 - 6:53 pm

  I bought my G6 in May, since then it has been in the shop 4 times and its only early June!! It only starts when it feels like it!! I have have brake problems as well, the rotors got warped within the first 2 weeks and they squeak all the time. I am very unhappy and am trading in for a Corolla S. GM should stick to what they know, trucks!

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  Fantastic - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Bri - April 28 - 12:20 pm

  I love this car. It handles great and I get much better gas mileage than what the dealer and websites all say. I have been averaging about 34miles/gal. The cars design leaves little to be complained about and its very reliable.

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  Not bad Pontiac, not bad - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By lovedapontiac - April 28 - 3:26 am

  Looked at numerous midsizers including the Camry and Accord. While this is much better than the Camry, I think the Accord overall is a much better value. It had higher interior quality and materials, smaller panel gaps inside and out, a faster engine, better fuel economy, and more luxury amenities. However, I chose the G6 because of the low price. Its got a lot of the basic features the Accord has since the price is a couple thousand cheaper. Plus it has the cool big moonroof that opens up in panels.

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  Good car overall - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By jas600 - April 27 - 1:33 pm

  I bought this car in March 05, and already have 7200 miles on it. I just love the look of the car - I bought a black one, so it really stands out with the chrome wheels. So far, it has gotten fairly good gas mileage (32 mpg highway, and around 27/28 city). As far as ride goes, it is a lot smoother than my previous car (01 Grand Am GT), and I feel safer in it. The only issues Ive noticed so far are in the driver and passenger doors. The door panels seem to be a little loose, as you can hear a slight (annoying) vibration when you go over bumps in the road, or when you are listening to certain songs with more bass. And the drivers side door sometimes sounds like it is not closed.