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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Do not buy this car - 2005 Pontiac G6
By Beth - April 1 - 5:13 pmI bought a used G6 GT last March and have had nothing but problems with car. First the paint started to chip off the car. Then the break lights started to work opposite (not consistently) which made it almost impossible to have fix. I ended up buying a new BCM (600.00 computer) at 34K. After this, my CD changer broke and I had that replaced. I also replaced the brake pads and both outer tierods and tires (which wore out because of the tierods). Now the power shifts when the car is driving. The lights on the dash will surge to the radio and the rest of the vehicle. The radio will also shift from one side to the other. All in 10 months.
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Do not buy a Pontiac G6 - 2006 Pontiac G6
By disappointed - February 1 - 4:53 pmI have not even had my G6 for a year and I have had at least 5 things go wrong. About a month after I got the car, the air conditioning went out. Then about 2 months later the power steering would lock up. About 3 months after that I had the breaks fixed and at the same time the starter needed to be replaced. Now, I have the car in getting fixed b/c of a loud noise and the engine light and reduced engine power light coming on. This car has been the biggest nightmare and I am going to trade it as soon as I can!!!
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Plan on Spending Time in the Shop - 2006 Pontiac G6
By Total Junk - October 25 - 9:20 amShortly after purchasing this vehicle 20k miles I noticed a spring sound coming from the front passenger wheel. Turned out to be a strut problem. 30k miles replaced the drivers side strut and then had to replace the entire front suspension. Now at 52k it is doing it all again. The interior door molding is pulling away from the door. Now I also think the the bearings are bad in the front passenger wheel because the tire sounds like an airplane engine taking off and landing as I reduce speed. This vehicle has been nothing but problems and would not recommend a G6 or any other GM product to anyone that I valued as a friend. Ive replaced my rotors at least 6 times as well.
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Warning!!!!! - 2006 Pontiac G6
By jed_460 - February 26 - 9:12 amThis car is by far the worst car I have ever owned. At 47,000 miles i had my 2nd pair of rotors put on. At 50,000 I had struts replaced. At 70,000 my cd player went out. At 75,000 My transmission needed to be rebuilt along with the catalytic converter and all of the o2 sensors. It seems like every time I have fixed it; it breaks down again. This could just be my experience but I would not wish this on anyone. I am at about $4,000 in repairs and the car is only worth about $5,000.
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leaking roof on hardtop convertible - 2007 Pontiac G6
By conv - January 26 - 10:10 amspent $33,000 on this car and took it into a car wash 5 days later and it leaked all around the interior roof water poured inside the car soaking the interior including me. dealer did nothing told me nothing could be done. anybody out there had the same problem?????
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Ill NEVER buy a Pontiac again. - 2005 Pontiac G6
By graceangeleve - December 3 - 2:42 pmIve driven this car for 5 years, so I know what Im talking about. My car has 70K miles on it, and Ive had more problems with this car than ANY car Ive ever owned. Essentially, everything under the hood has had to be replaced. Today they told me that my transmission is OUT, and I dont push or pull ANYTHING! Electronic steering is out, electrical problems GALORE, brakes are crap and constantly have to be replaced. (keep in mind, all of my miles are HIGHWAY miles ONLY!) I dont speed, dont drive crazy. I can say its definitly pretty to look at and thats it. Even my seats are squeaky, so is the dash. Its horrible. Dont buy this car.
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ONE OF THE BIGGEST MISTAKES EVER MADE!!!! - 2006 Pontiac G6
By scholar65 - August 8 - 12:14 amI am not one to write reviews but I have to write a review on this car. I hate I ever bought this car. Unreliable is an understatement. After about 3 months the car began to shift hard. Had that fixed (so called), and about 9 months after that it is doing the same thing. Had brakes and rotors done on a car I havent even had over a year. My rotors were rusted for some reason. I have a camry that Ive had for 10 years and never experienced rusted rotors but I digress. Point blank, stay away from buying this car. It is a POT (Piece Of Trash)
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worst new car i ever owned - 2005 Pontiac G6
By brent walton - April 5 - 10:10 pmmy g6 is the worst car i have ever owned...car is overpriced and is poorly built....have had many problems with this car....sunroof, radio, steering, rattles and noise from all areas....car is now in dealer shop again....cant find front end noise ..... cant fix sunroof noise .... car feels like it has 100,000 miles on it instead of 7000 ...... would never buy again....hate this car !
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bad - 2007 Pontiac G6
By wayne - February 12 - 12:20 pmI purchased this car so my wife would have a safe reliable car, this is the first car I ever purchased new, 3000 miles the dealership changed the oil and didnt put oil back in the engine, car broke down on interstate and had to be towed back. got no help from dealership and have since purchased a Honda Civic, do not buy a car like this it is cheap, and not reliable
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poor - 2005 Pontiac G6
By Brenda - February 2 - 12:46 amI thought this was a nice looking vehicle, loved the sporty look, but I have had nothing but problems with CD player, sunroof to replace Power Steering pump over 800$ I called GM said there was recall but would not help me with replacing power steering pump, no one would return my call and had to stay on line for a long period of time to talk to anyone.
