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:
Showing 31 through 40 of 925.00-
Ho Hum - 2006 Pontiac G6
By Mark - July 28 - 11:36 pmVery average car with poor build quality. GM has really let their products slip over the past few years. Bubbles in the windshield, noisy transmission, lackluster power, poor fuel economy, and unresponsive electronic steering make a could-be good car below average. There are many better options from Dodge, Mazda, and Acura.
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Do not buy - 2006 Pontiac G6
By Erin - July 16 - 9:23 amMy bought my G6 based on my husbands friend who loved his. I test drove mine and loved it. Two week later the problems began. In the two years I have had it the whole front end has been replaced (steering rack, steering column, struts, brakes, tires, some kind of suspension links and clear coat just to name a few) and still can not find the problem. I could not take it anymore I finally traded it in for my Jeep. Save your money and the problems.
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Not a good buy - 2007 Pontiac G6
By Mouin - June 30 - 2:06 pmI have bought this car for my wife as a Valentines present. We had it for 2 months, I have had it at the dealership for 4 times already to work on, Rattling noise in the driver and passenger doors, they worked on it 4 times and problem is still there, they replaced door striker, trim, headlining, also Covertable top has issues, replaced sealing strip, paint scratched off and broken trim piece in trunk due to top not being aligned when closed. Also A/C compressor leaking freon at compressor body, they replaced compressor. Damaged chrome side panel, they replaced it. Overall, it has been unpleasant experience, I am working through LEMON law to have this car returned. Would not recommend it.
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Wish I never bought it - 2006 Pontiac G6
By mda - May 1 - 12:03 pmI have had nothing but problems with this lemon. The front made a clunking noise whenever I would make a turn, so I had it fixed under warranty. The u- joints and should arm out at 10,000 miles? Then the brakes went out. Now it is clunking whenever I make a left turn again. The paint on the radio knobs chips off. I was told and shown the rims are bent on the right side. Now the engine light comes on, reduced engine power, and TC light stays on. In the shop right now. The airbag light came on, and had to have the airbag serviced. I might as well have kept my 1994 car, and saved my pocketbook and headache. Power steering problems that arise from nowhere suddenly
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This car is horrible - 2005 Pontiac G6
By Sara Brown - April 30 - 6:50 amThis car is horrible it has spent more time in the shop than out on the road. Brakes replaced twice, electrical system needed to be re-wired, gears in steering column replaced, and now a problem with the anti-theft system. This car is noisy (rattles) and badly constructed interior (as far as position of instruments). Seats are made of horrible material that does not wear well (single business women who weighs 115 lbs, so drivers seat should not be falling apart). Dealership hates to service car. I hate driving it, cant wait until it is paid off so I can get rid of it!
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Not the real G - 2006 Pontiac G6
By St. Lou - April 27 - 5:50 pmWow where do I start? I purchased this on recommendation of a co worker and a test drive. After 2 months had to have the computer replaced. After 6 months two (2) window motors had to be replaced, and the stereo conked out and had to be replaced. At first I enjoyed the ride, thought it was sporty but found out that it was just annoying and rough, very harsh. I used my girlfriends Infiniti G for two weeks (we swapped much to her chagrin) and hers is a lot better ride, etc. \I also had borrowed a friends Ford fusion and that vehicle is a lot better comfort wise. Save your money and buy something else. I did sell it last fall and purchased a used BMW 328 for about same price.
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Dont waste your money - 2007 Pontiac G6
By Mr Bill - December 28 - 11:53 amThis is a very poorly built car. This car has only 35k and I have a list of problems as long as my arm. Brakes shimmy bad, steering column squeaks, roof rattles (this isnt even a sunroof car), dash is already warped and buckling, cruise control quit working, engine leaks oil and looks like a ball of grease from below, one wheel bearing went bad, front bumper keeps poping out under the headlights, lots of wind noise, windshield wipers are oddballs and cost a fortune. This car was babied and as soon as the 30k warranty was out everything just started falling apart. Last, this car has no trade in, or resale value. It isnt worth half of what I paid for it. Now I cant even trade it off.
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Garbage. Please do NOT buy! - 2005 Pontiac G6
By prouddaddy19 - August 5 - 3:24 amI got this car from a local dealership closeby back in early Sep/2011. I loved it. It was the nicest car Ive ever had. Has everything! 2 weeks later, electronic accel control goes out and the radio reads engine power reduced Got that fixed. 1 week later it happens again. dealer says it was a faulty part so they fixed it. 2 weeks ago I noticed that when I press the brakes on the highway the car shakes horribly. Dealer says the alignment is good. Then last week I pull into aco-workers driveway, and the yellow wrench light comes on and says low coolant. Checked coolant and no problems. Right on the full line. Now today from coming out from wal-mart, starter seized. DONT buy this car! LEMON!!
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Piece of Trash - 2006 Pontiac G6
By Ms. Farmer - June 9 - 9:33 pmI leased my G6 GTP in 2006 and the lease will end 2010 and I cant wait. I had the car in at the dealership many times on the sunroof, cd changer, blower, brakes, rotors, power steering pump, and now a gear shift controller. All of that has been replaced, but now the I cant get car out of park, after the dealership put in a new gear shift! This is definitely a lemon, and dont want to ever purchase another GM product. Cute body style, but its a piece of trash. Hurry up Jan 10, so I can take this mess back since that is when my lease ends. GM need to stop making this car and to get better parts so this car can be reliable, because its not! Shame on you GM!
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as unreliable as a suzuki forenza!!!!! - 2007 Pontiac G6
By drivenitall80 - December 13 - 12:30 pmhorrible car, my gf had one when she moved in with me and even before she moved in it was constantly in the shop for engine problems, wierd noises, no ac, no heat, stalling, power loss, i bought my gf a jeep for her bday and now the worthless piece of GM sits in our driveway, were trying to sell it, otherwise we let family use it when they come stay with us, she bought the car for 8000 we put 12000 into it.
