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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  It’s okay but not all that - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Mackenna Stidd - October 23 - 10:43 am

  I bought my 2008 Pontiac g6 from a second hand dealer. I will state that it was previously totaled and it was refurbished and fixed by the time I got it. The car handles really well truly. It does curves and turns better than any car I’ve driven previously. My issue with it is that it’s unreliable. My car turns off when driving it. I will be on the highway going steady and my car just shuts off and I have to pull over and hope to not get hit. I have paid lots of money for this to be replaced and it always get re broken. I have put more money into the car to fix the parts then I bought the car for. For the first year of ownership it was WONDERFUL but the least two has been very underwhelming. I wouldn’t recommend this car to anyone that wants safety as their main concern.

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  1st and last GM product. - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Unhappyg6owner - December 30 - 9:53 pm

  Bought this car over a Ford Mustang convertible because it was front wheel drive. Wasnt impressed with the acceleration, but this was after driving the Mustang. In the beginning I loved the car. The car looked great with the top down and even better with the top up. Sluggish and had too much pause between shifting. Horrible in snow, so ended up driving my truck all winter anyways. Now almost 8 months later I am in a rental car while I wait for my transmission to be fully rebuilt. The moldings around the seats are coming off for no reason. There is no where to put anything. Cup holders are in a bad place. Random rattles. More things, but running out of room. Should have bought the Ford.

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  wish I wasnt so upside down - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By sleepless in st loui - November 19 - 10:46 pm

  I bought it as a demo car with about 7000 miles on it and did purchase the extended warranty. Glad I did after reading other reviews, it seems my car is on the brink of a breakdown because I have had many of the same issues mentioned. Sometimes it turns over real hard when you start it but they dont know what is wrong. The tires lose air pretty easily, and it makes this squeaky creaky sound like shocks/suspension but it is not and they dont know what that is either. Also, it has pulled hard to the left forever and I have had alignments done at all different places and even the dealer look to see if the specs were right and it is still weird.

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  Mediocre GM build - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By blaine - November 13 - 7:43 am

  I was impressed by initial style, comfort, and fuel economy. Soon discovered its limitations. V6 is a bit noisy and seems unrefined. Suspension is loose. The car wants to jump out of your hands- when you accelerate (I mean step on it) – it pulls to one side. Before our 36,000 mile anniversary we started having popping sounds coming from front suspension (especially while turning corners), even with a tire rotation/balance routine and alignment, the tires had cupped out, and rotors warped. Bye-bye G6 After 18 months together I’ll miss your roomy comfortable cabin and leg room. Will not miss your little trunk opening- awkward for large items.

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  The future freaks me out. - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By pontiacg607 - September 22 - 2:38 am

  I like the way my G6 looks. Otherwise, the car make me nervos. My steering has made that infamous clunking noise since I bought it, but when I bought it, the car was already out of warranty, so I just live with it. At this point, I dont even notice it anymore. I also had to stick a piece of cardboard inside my key fob because the part that holds the battery in place broke. The interior is cheap, but attractive. The car has nearly 82,000 miles on it and hasnt seriously let me down yet, but I am starting to get worried. I do have a wheel bearing going bad I think. I will keep this thing until it dies, but if I could do it over, I would do my research and buy something else.

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  One problem after another!! - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By cassandra1189 - September 1 - 8:27 pm

  I have had this car for a year and I cant wait to get rid of it! Bought it used with 40k in June 2010 and after a week noticed that the carpet in the back was wet. Thought it was a seal in the door but a few weeks later I had over an inch of water in the back. STILL having problems a year later! Driver headlight doesnt work, Ive had the bulb replaced and wiring tightened, still comes on and off at random. Brake lights stay on all the time, except when Im USING my brakes! Had the brakelight switch replaced and still not working properly. The silver/chrome interior is peeling and looks horrible. Had a 1999 grand prix that I loved and this car has definitely been a disappointment!!!

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  does it really matter anymore - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By mbk - August 9 - 8:16 pm

  I guess Im a little heart broken at the lack of quality materials in the interior of the G6. The leather is so thin, Im almost afraid to touch it. The fact that the sports package included only half electric seats and a horrible handle to move the seats back and forth just floors me. I drove a 99 Olds Intigue GLS with all the bells and whistles, this just doesnt compare. Why did I buy it, Classic exterior look, great engine,good deal for the money,and the fact that GM is GM, and I wanted to stay American with some style.

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  water troubles - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By 1awsmgto - July 29 - 9:33 pm

  I leased the car for my daughter not knowing that I was leasing a swimming pool at the same time. On my fourth trip to dealer trying to get water leak/mildew smell taken car of. On my 12th GM car in the last 10 years and I am thinking about ditching this process. I am tired of the run around, Maybe some of the service reps should get the boot like what they have done with all the engineers. Just a wishful thought. I am at the point where I need to hire a life guard to oversee the water activities in the G6. Anyone else had this much fun with mold. Car is on the fourth trip to dealership with new seats,carpet , and been deionzed 6 times. Maybe GM and febreeze can make a commercial. Good PR...

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  Read a review before you buy - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Corey - June 28 - 9:00 am

  I absolutely hate my G6 GT coupe. After 6 months the interior vanity light went out and the brakes started squeeking. I went in for an oil change and had the guy look at my brakes. I am currently at 32K miles. Apparently all my brake pads are shot and all my rotors need to be machined. For such an aerodynamic car, people always think I get such great mileage. I have the exact same gas mileage as my previous 4 door Jeep Cherokee - 19 miles per gallon. Also the sunroof rattles all the time.

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  So disappointed - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By jnellky - May 16 - 6:03 pm

  Was in love with this car bought it, and have been incredibly disappointed since Ive had it. I love everything about it except its had so many problems. Steering issue, oil leaks, waterpump leak, steering fluid leak, rodars changed, breaks changed, battery changed. Only has 40,000 miles should not be having all these problems & only owned for 1 year, used. Very sad but have to get rid of the car before I become anymore upside down in it. Do not buy this car even as attractive as it may be you will regret it!