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 am not sure about my ride! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Erica - March 24 - 10:10 am

  I love my car because its a Pontiac G6 thats red in color and has four doors. All my interior lights light up in red and some of my features are trimmed in chrome. I just recently purchased it with about 30,000 miles on it in may and I have a few minor problems such as my keypad does not work unless it decides and I am hearing a bump noise when I turn, kinda scared of my steering wheel coming off lol). I also begin hearing a whistling noise at one point but that went away. I really hope that I did not purchase the wrong vehicle because I love it so much. But I have only had it roughly three months. Everyone keeps telling me to trade and honestly I am leaning towards that. But I love my car.

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  Very Great Car - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Matt - March 17 - 12:53 am

  This car is great. I had a Saturn and this car is great. The design of the car is really a car that GM seems to have done right. I think that the one thing that needs to change is that keyless Remote need to come on the value package. But all in all fun to drive and looks great

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  Safe, but fun car! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By rachel - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I have had my pontiac G6 for over a year now and i absolutely love it. A month after i bought it a deer jumped onto my windshield (on my side) while i was doing 65 mph, i slammed on my brakes and my car slid off the road. I, as well as my two passengers, walked away without a scratch. I havent had to replace anything on my car since ive had it. I love love love my car and i would recommend it to anyone looking for a safe, sporty, and reliable car.

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  My 2007 G6 convertible - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By MaryAnnMiller - March 4 - 12:23 pm

  I got my 2007 convertible sept 9th and so far i just love it . my husband loves it also . it is a pleasure to drive we only got to ride with the top down on the day we got it , its rained everyday since !!!It looks and drives like no other car we have ever owned . the only thing that we have found so far that anoys us is the windows rubbing on the rubber mouldings . my husband put some silicone on them and it stopped . we love the interior its so rich looking..

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  GM Night Mare - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By wilfred63 - March 2 - 11:03 am

  I HAVE A PONTIAC G6 GT HARDTOP CONVERTIBLE 1.Transmission repaired then Replaced 2. Exhaust system replaced 3 times 3. Waterpump replaced 4.Cable to XM needs replace 5. Top gromitts replace 2 times 6. Key Remote Replaced 13 times and even more 7. CrossOver Gasket Replaced coolant 8.Replac Rack-n-pion & outer tie rod ends (Thats why your going through tires GM WILL NOT HELP JUST KEEP YOU IN A CIRCLE THERE #1-866-790-5700 PROOF #21124 NUMBERS THEY GIVE YOU TO NOT HELP

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  G6 GTP 6 speed manual - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Dave - February 28 - 3:26 am

  I just purchased a GTP Coupe w/a manual trany. Love the car and the ride, not too crazy about the way the transmission shifts as its a little notchy. The car looks like a Accord and Solaria mated and the off spring took steroids. Im getting approx 23 mph in mixed driving. I just figured out the sweet spot for mileage is between 1500 and 2000 rpm. 2000 rpm in 6th gear will get you 70 mph and 30++ mpg (red line is 6300 rpm). The front seats have a lot headroom even with a sunroof, the headroom in the back is tight (Im 6) for me but the wife fits fine.

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  Good car, Resale Not Good - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By pontiacdude4 - February 27 - 1:25 am

  2007 with 85,000 with no problems, minor issues. The engine rattles with AC on, steering wheel issues under warranty, radio knobs wear off. But the interior, although plasticky, lasts and the seats covers are durable. Seats are tough, not very comfortable, exterior styling is great, interior pretty good, too. Automatic start is great. Mileage is good, I have the 4 cylinder and get 25 overall (22/29??). For a 4 cylinder its fast. Have XM Sirius which is awesome ($16/mo), I recommend it in any vehicle. Depreciation, though, is off the chart, I am very upside down. Best to buy this car used with 40-60,000 miles for like $7 grand.... Im selling mine, taking a hit, getting nervous bout miles.

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  honeymoon is over with the 08 g6 - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By steve - February 21 - 9:30 am

  Bought this 08 g6 back in sept, 2007. At about 9,000 miles the steering system broke and needed to be replaced. Then the brake rotors began to warp shortly afterwards. Service adviser told me that these are some of the common problems with the g6 and Pontiac has no plans to fix or remedy the problem. I traded in the g6 a few months ago for a Honda Civic. Thank you Honda. Buyer beware! Avoid the g6 at all costs!

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  What a Surprise - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By chef357 - February 20 - 10:06 pm

  Hadnt owned a Pontiac since a GTO back in the late 60s. The G-6 is slick! A ton of power, great response, lots of cool electronics and a convertible to boot. Its fun to drive again. Think about the value you get compared to some of the imports in its class. Tough to beat.

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  Great on fuel - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Gary - February 20 - 3:43 pm

  Bought this car used with 66,000 miles on it. Averaging 33 mpg on the highway, average speed about 70 mph. Plenty of power for a 4cyl. Reliability? The jury is still out because I have only had the vehicle a short time but so far so good!