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 do not like the G6 - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By BG - March 31 - 4:40 pm

  I traded in my 2003 Grand Am GT w/ ram air in for this car and Im very upset that I chose the G6. It does not have enough power, hesitates when the gas pedal is pushed, there are blind spots everywhere on the car and the car has a horrible turning radius. I got the G6 V6 for a reasonable lease price but I am definitely not happy with this car.

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  g6 is reason for gm failing - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By steve - February 11 - 7:06 pm

  Purchased this 08 g6 for my wife and it was a nightmare from the time we purchased it almost 2 years ago till we traded it in a few weeks ago. Premature brake failure on rotors and pads at 6000 miles, Pontiac says it was due to wifes poor driving habits and would not cover under warranty. Then the iceing on the cake was when the steering went out at 9,000 miles and I had had enough. If I had done my research on this car I would have seen that brake problems and steering failures are a common problem with the g6 and gm refuses to do anything about it.

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  Very Shaky - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Robin - February 5 - 1:36 pm

  I bought my car used and had a 60 day warranty with it. When I first bought it the power steering was a little rough so they fixed that. Then I had to take it in 3 times after that because it would shake real bad on the highway. On the third time they told me my tires were wearing unevenly. I bought new ones. Ive had to replace them and later had to replace them again. Now Im on my second year and it still is shaking real bad. It is to the point I am scared of driving it. It makes a loud clunking noise in the front when Im going around 55. I cant wait until I can afford to get rid of it. I used to love Pontiac but Im kinda glad they dont make them anymore. Im disappointed.

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  Buyer Beware! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Worst Car Ive Owned - September 6 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 2006 Pontiac G6 for almost 5 years. Very disappointing and lots of maintenance issues beginning at 12,000 mi. Engine, electronic steering, wheel, and paint issues. Very cheap interior plastic parts that continue to break or pop off, condensation in headlight, and now CD player has quit working altogether. I take care of the cars I buy but this one has been non-stop repair bills.

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  POS!!!! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By lane1085 - January 24 - 5:07 pm

  bought this car almost 2yrs ago and have had nothing but trouble. number one it WONT drive through snow, 2 ive replaced the brakes twice, the air conditioning quit working, the tires though brand new wont hold air, the whole brake systems keeps locking up and has been put through diagnostics at two different shops and cannot find whats wrong, the panoramic sun roof leaks and is factory, the sun roofs drain drains in the drivers side floor, the doors leak,there is an oxygen sensor that we cant find that is bad, the flat piece with the speakers on it in the back window rattles, the 6 disc skips cds, and finally the roof supports that frame the windows are huge and create massive blind spots!!

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  Terrible G6! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By skpalmer - January 17 - 8:26 am

  I am with all the other G6 owners out there have the love hate relationship with their G6. I have had so many problems with my car, we had to buy a separate car that was more dependable just to make sure wed have a car to drive. Now just another problem to add to the list, tonight we started driving 55-60 mph and the stupid thing starts shaking so much that your voice shakes if you try and talk! Love the looks but hate the car! Never buying a Pontiac again, I had 02 Grand Prix and loved it so much I got this. Pontiac really messed up when they built this car!

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  Cute car... Not reliable - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By srb - July 3 - 11:10 am

  I purchased this car new 6/2007. I didnt even have it 24 hours and the convertible broke. 6 months later the rear and front main oil seal was leaking, the paint was flaking, the steering shaft was popping.

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  Horrible - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Lala - June 27 - 6:43 pm

  I bought my G6 and at first loved it, until it snowed. These are the worst cars to drive in the snow ever! Battery went dead and now the cd player is broke. I will have to buy a new cd player for $350. I hate everything about this car, cloth seats are horrible and very uncomfortable.

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  Very disappointed with this ride! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By KCOOK - May 28 - 5:03 pm

  This car has given me nothing but headaches. I had 2 head gaskets blow when it had only 12,000 miles on it. I also cannot keep brakes on this car. It only has 32,000 miles on it and I have had the brakes worked on multiple times. The rotors just do not last. My latest repairs included spark plugs and wires and leaking sunroof just this past week.

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  I hate this car!!!! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By nicole4442 - April 12 - 11:27 am

  I will never buy a pontiac again, or refer anyone to buy one. Its no wonder they are out of buisness. I bought this car brand new in late 2006 and I have had nothing but problems with it. Ive had to replace all of the tires twice, the brakes twice, the blinker, the headlights, and fuel pump. Ive had to fix the A/C and the A/C is out again already. Ive had to get a new battery three times, and had to replace the starter. I could go on and on with things that have had to be replaced. People always think I get such great gas mileage but I only get about 19 miles per gallon. This car has cost me so much money. Do not buy this car!