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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  Worst Car I Ever Owned - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Cyle - January 23 - 3:36 pm

  I have owned this car since they came out. The first time I got into the car the check engine light was on, right their I should have stopped from buying the car. The 4 speed transmission is a huge let down, the power is their but not when you need it. The interior is cheap, the fabric stains easily. The paint on the front bumper pits easily from stones,etc. The doors are huge and heavy, heavier than a truck door. In GMs attempt to get a better looking car into the market than the Cobalt they have failed on a massive level. Overall this car is better in the junkyard than on the road!

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  my g-6 - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By wflo - March 19 - 1:46 pm

  I will not buy another G-6 Pontiac, because of all the problems I have had with it! The body style allows the sand from the road to sand blast the lower parts of the car, especially the flare on the rear quarters! Had it painted at 17,000, and now at 35000, it is the same as it was! Have had the brakes worked on 3 times, and again another problem with them! Have contacted GM, and they just as much said sorry about that, we will not buy it back!They need a new design, or some type of lowers body protection! Plus a larger brake disc and pads!

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  NEVER A PONTIAC AGAIN!!!!!!!! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By pah75045 - June 23 - 6:30 pm

  This car was a piece of junk!!! I bought this car with only 28,000 mi. The car came with its original bumper to bumper warranty. At 29,000 mi I had grinding in my steering wheel 36,000 mi everything really went to heck. My steering wheel once again stared making the grinding sound again. The car started to loose its power and the car started to get horrible on gas. By the time I traded it in I fill up at least 4 and to some time 4 times a week. At 38,000 I had to replace the brakes and let me tell you it like rocket science to replace those brakes. At 40,000 my struts were out and it was going to cost me 1200 to get them replaced.