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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  My first new car - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By kev2kool - April 21 - 2:06 am

  This was the very first time that I purchased a new car. I have only had the car for a week but I love this thing! It even came with free maitainance for a year. Be carefull though it drives fast with no problems. Love the red lights at night and the audio system rocks!

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  MY G6 GT - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Mauel - April 19 - 6:00 pm

  Bought it as a demo vehicle. Great deal for a demo. Great value for the toys included.

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  Worth the wait. - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Greg & Mindy - April 6 - 6:16 pm

  We purchased our G6 convertible in January 2008 and then patiently waited for warm weather to arrive. During that wait we found that the remote starter on our G6 works great from inside my office while the remote starter on my co-workers BMW would not work from the same office. The car is a joy to drive with the top up or down. Many co- workers thought it was a sporty coupe until the top folded into the trunk. We are pleased with the gas mileage we have been getting. No long trips yet but around town mileage is averaging close to 20 MPG. The trunk is basically useless with the top folded down but we knew that when we purchased it. We are very happy with our Pontiac G6 convertible. Enjoy!

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  I love My G6 - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By HappyMama - April 6 - 3:13 am

  My husband bought me a 2008 G6 for an early Christmas gift. I love it. Its fun to drive. My kids even like riding in it. There is more than enough room in the front and back for everybody to ride. The trunk is also a nice size. The stero in it has a great sound. I love that it tells me the tire pressure and if there is ice possible. I love this car and will keep it a very long time.

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  Good car. Room for Improvement - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By New Owner - April 2 - 7:46 am

  I really wanted an Acura TSX but admit that Pontiac discounts and low financing rates were too hard to pass up. When I test drove this car, I was impressed with its ride, handling, looks, and of course, price. There is lots of room for improvement. For me, 200 horses is plenty. The engine sound lame, however. There is too much lateral movement, especially at low speeds and the car could be stiffer. Way too much interior plastic. And finally, whats with the floor hump in the rear passenger area? Fuel economy is not bad. At 26 mpg highway, it is well below advertised value of 29 mpg.

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  I loved this car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By audra - April 1 - 9:36 am

  I bought this car used last year. Everything was good until I went to make a sharp turn and the steering locked up. It acted like I had no powersteering fluid. Still acts up off and on. My gear shift is hard to adjust, acts like its trying to stick. I cant get my key out of the ignition sometimes. It acts like its stuck in there. I sat in my car for over 5 min trying to get it out. My "ice possible" light keeps flashing when the temps arent even close to being freezing. My "time, temp, language" keeps resetting itself. My fuel range is unreliable. This car is going crazy and so am I trying to figure out what its doing. Love the look, color, handle and style. Wont buy another though.

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  Cushy Car! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Robbia - March 30 - 5:10 pm

  I love my Pontiac G6! It feels wonderful to ride in--a very cushy, soft ride. I have the Value Leader and am glad I didnt opt for the higher priced model, because this one is just perfect. All I added was the spoiler, which I like. Otherwise, this is a great car. It has a lot of pep for a 4-cylinder! I previously owned a Pontiac Firebird and thought I wouldnt find anything better, but this car is sweet with great styling, and gives the feeling a luxuriousness that the Firebird did not. I feel very mellow in this car.

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  Now I own two black convertibles! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Barb - March 26 - 8:06 pm

  Started out to buy a rational vehicle, since I already own a high performance roadster--(1991 RX7 convertible). My husband declared the Civic and Mazda 3 boring. I suggested a 4 seat convertible. We chose a hardtop so wed have a car to leave at the airport without worrying. Im really pleased. Its not a sports car, or all that high performance, but it is fun. Handling is very good for a car its size and the back seat roomy enough for adults. With this car, I can have my top down and pick up the kids, take the dog to the vet, etc. Charlie Brown once said the key to happiness is to own a lake and a convertible. Convertible = fun. Now I drive one almost every day!

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  Oh what your money can buy - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Gary - March 26 - 6:03 am

  I really got into the car buying process this time. I compared this car to the Toyota Corolla and Camry, Honda Accord, and Nissan Altima. This car list at 18,875 and is very well equipped at this price: Several thousand less than Altima, Camry, and Accord. It has a smooth, responsive feel and compared to the others cars I test drove much more pep! Hands down this car out performs any foreign car in its class that is price even 2,000 to 3,000 dollars more. Not to mention the the 2,000 dollar rebate that GM was offering, the additional 1,000 loyality cash (since I have a 1999 pickup). Final price 15,400 compared to 19,000 plus for Accord, Camry, or Altima. Time to buy American.

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  Awesome car for the money - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Eric - March 25 - 4:50 am

  This car is great. The build quality is wonderful. I had an Audi A4 before this and although the G6 is not as nice on the inside, it uses very high quality materials. And of course the G6 costs about $17K less. I recently took a road trip and my highway mpg averaged 32. My mpg around town has been around 25. This car has a lot of creature comforts that I would expect to see on more expensive models. Mine came with a power sunroof, 6-disc CD changer, and power adjustable pedals for around $18K. What a great deal. General Motors should be commended for the great cars they are now making. Theyre on par (if not above for the price) with the rest.