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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  Year of the Lemon - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Charolette Webb - August 1 - 4:36 am

  Bought a 2006 G6 GT, in 2007 as a lease back. Ive changed the brakes and rotors 6 times already, Ive had 4 recalls done, which are the brake lights losing contact, the intermittent steering pin, linkage cable in the transmission, and the power steering sensor. Outside of any recall or warranty, Ive had to replace the sensor in the catalytic converter, had to replace tie rods and wheel bearings twice, the rotors twice along with faulty calipers, the heater fan, the starter is now going and the serpentine belt too. I have literally put almost as much money into it as I paid for it. And now its become a complete rust bucket. The entire bottom of the drivers door rusted away. Thats what you get for buying a car based on a moon roof and stilettos. (If you can remember the original TV commercials)

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  Nothing but Regrets - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By nothing but regrets - November 30 - 7:46 pm

  I bought my 2006 Pontiac g6 used with 33,000 mi. After two weeks of having the car, the stearning shaft needed to be replaced. About a year after having the car, the check engine light went on and the catalitic converter needed to be replaced as well as a head gasket. Thank goodness it was still under the manufacturs warrenty. The car is loud and nothing what I expected for what I paid for the car. I am trying to get into a different car because I am so disatisfied but the trade in value is nothing and I am about $7,000 in dept compared to what the car is worth. I would not recommend anybody buying this car because it will be nothing but a headache.

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  Not to be confused with a performance car - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By mike - November 9 - 11:56 pm

  Expecting Pontiac to try and fill in the hole that the Trans AM left and what the fake GTO left, i thought the G6 would be the little performer for Pontiac...boy was i disappointed. The car sounds lighter than a V4, has no grunt in the motor and well...how can Pontiac name this a "GT" unless theres a meaning of GT i am not aware of. In all honesty, people out there who are looking for a REAL American Muscle car and werent fooled by the GTO (Holden Monro) or the new G8 (same as GTO) just wait for the 09 Camaro and bug Pontiac to make a similar car and call it a Trans AM.

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  Worst Car Pontiac Has Ever Made - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Bob - November 9 - 3:06 am

  The car is an all around piece of junk! The styling is ok but could improve in some areas. The paint is way to thin and chips easily on the front bumper. The transmission is junk, GM made a huge mistake by mating a 4 speed automatic to a 3.5L V6 because the gear ratios are too far apart and the power and response are not their when you need it. The cruise control lacks a good base, the car may drift + or - 5 mph before the car decides it want to accelerate. The interior is not much to be desired, the seats are not comfortable, the dash ugly and the radio can not be replaced. Overall the car is a HUGE waste of money, I am very disappointed!

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  P.O.S. please dont buy. JUNK!!!! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By thirst234 - December 1 - 2:26 am

  Bought a 2006 g6, Ive had it about almost 2 yrs now. Ive changed the brakes and rotors 6 times already, Ive had 4 aligments done, Ive had to replace some kind of sensor, had to replace tie rod and wheel bearings twice on passenger side, and the biggest thing is about a week ago i find out i need to replace my steering column and a intermediate shaft. With all the money i put into this car i could of paid it off by now or bought a new one... Ive read a lot of reviews and everyone is having these same issues with their cars. So if enough of us write to the headquaters maybe theyll put out a recall like the other companys have. DONT BUY THIS CAR, ITS A MONEY PIT.

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  Junk it - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By G.Timm - November 23 - 8:03 am

  Like most of the reviews, my G6 was bought new. It rattles, shakes so bad that I am afraid to drive it. Sun roof leaks and rattles. The interior design is very cheap. I also bought a new Grand Prix two months later, big difference. My lease expires next month and I am sure I will get boned my GMAC with them having to fix all of the broken crap that should have never failed in the first place. What a cheap piece of junk.

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  No Cash 4 This Clunker - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By NoCash4ThisClunker - December 14 - 9:36 pm

  I bought my 2006 Pontiac G6 brand new with only 7 miles. After a few months and some rain I got in my car to go to work one morning and noticed my seat belt was soaking wet (due to leaky sunroof). A couple of months after that I had a terrible vibration when turning left and come to find out my steering column was almost about to snap into! Hows that 4 safety? Also having some starter issues that no one seems be able to figure out. All in all Ive had the leaks fixed 5 times, brand new steering column 2 times, and I guess one day Ill get in it and it wont start from the starter issues Im having. All of my problems started from the get go and dont look like its getting any better.BAD CAR

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  What the heck" - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Myra - September 6 - 1:53 pm

  I brought my 07 G6 Pontiac going on two years ago. My car been in the shop more than 12 times for different issues. Steering gear went out 3 months of me having the car. Three months later it happens again. Back lights went out. Air bags need service light comes on but never been in an accident. Brakes replaced. The computer system reset had to get a jump for it to get reset. Wheel bearing needs to be replaced. So many issues with this car not a good car to buy. They need to have a recall on these cars or give us our money back!

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  Pontiac Owner Suffers - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By pos - August 5 - 10:13 pm

  The best way to review a car like this is to list the part that have been replaced at 14000 miles blower motor windshield air leek ONLY when its cold out (ice on the inside...took 20miles to melt) NOT Fixed by dealer Sunvisors will not retain position (If you have a 08 g6 take it in for this they stopped making the ones they put in the car because they are so bad ) Brakes and rotors Door made a noise when you stop. they just greased it. ( umm thanks GM ???) Engine ticks (when its cold) they did nothing to fix this. I was told they all do that. Engine idles is not normal ( car shakes when im at a stop light) They all do this i was told. I will list more on my favorite features...

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  Drives like a rental - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By josh - July 16 - 2:23 am

  I am currently renting this car. Overall its a very dissapointing car. I normally drive an 2007 Audi a4 and given my A4 only cost me about 5k more then a new G6 GT it feels about 100% better in terms of interior quality, handling and overall build quality. The only thing I am impressed with is the 3.5 V6 which feels a lot stronger then the 219 HP its putting out.