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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  Hate it! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By hate it - April 28 - 6:53 pm

  I bought my G6 in May, since then it has been in the shop 4 times and its only early June!! It only starts when it feels like it!! I have have brake problems as well, the rotors got warped within the first 2 weeks and they squeak all the time. I am very unhappy and am trading in for a Corolla S. GM should stick to what they know, trucks!

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  GM Night Mare - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By wilfred63 - March 2 - 11:03 am

  I HAVE A PONTIAC G6 GT HARDTOP CONVERTIBLE 1.Transmission repaired then Replaced 2. Exhaust system replaced 3 times 3. Waterpump replaced 4.Cable to XM needs replace 5. Top gromitts replace 2 times 6. Key Remote Replaced 13 times and even more 7. CrossOver Gasket Replaced coolant 8.Replac Rack-n-pion & outer tie rod ends (Thats why your going through tires GM WILL NOT HELP JUST KEEP YOU IN A CIRCLE THERE #1-866-790-5700 PROOF #21124 NUMBERS THEY GIVE YOU TO NOT HELP

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  honeymoon is over with the 08 g6 - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By steve - February 21 - 9:30 am

  Bought this 08 g6 back in sept, 2007. At about 9,000 miles the steering system broke and needed to be replaced. Then the brake rotors began to warp shortly afterwards. Service adviser told me that these are some of the common problems with the g6 and Pontiac has no plans to fix or remedy the problem. I traded in the g6 a few months ago for a Honda Civic. Thank you Honda. Buyer beware! Avoid the g6 at all costs!

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  Bummer - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By luvmydal - December 13 - 9:20 pm

  I bought my car brand new and was so excited about it. A year into it I started to have problems with it, and continue to, to this day. I own it for 3 years now and am currently out car shopping because I cant take the problems anymore. The car has been in for the same thing about 4-5 times and they can never find what I am describing. For 2 years now it makes a very high-pitched squeak and also creaking from the wheel shaft. We told them to replace, but would not. As I drive straight, take turns, the noises are always there and my passengers hear it, too. The moon roof rattles when open. A part of the seat belt and mirror also brooken.

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  My G6 - A lot like others... - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By JennyA - November 27 - 1:26 pm

  I do love this car. But Im frustrated to no end with General Motors and their lack of responsibility. There is a major, widespread problem with this cars steering shaft and power steering. Even under warranty, GM doesnt want to replace a part more than once; and, even if they did, it would just brake again because the parts are faulty. And nobody seems to care that steering troubles are major safety issues. I am currently very uncomfortable driving this vehicle. And anyone in my path should be scared, too. GM seems to think its fine with the steering wheel popping every time I turn. And theyre not concerned that most of these cars have a failing power steering system. Beware!

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  What a car. HA!!! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By D88 - May 26 - 9:13 pm

  Well Ive almost been in so many wrecks because my drivers side window switch is not working properly it will not roll up, when im driving on the interstate fighting with the window that can be very dangerous. My molding fell off within the first month I had the car. My starter hangs and dies, but when my husband took it to the dealership it started just fine im so sick of all the other stuff breaking on it but they did not give me enough room on here! The question, would I buy another Pontiac g6? hell no!

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  Overall Good Car - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By vmalo - February 25 - 6:03 am

  Have a 2007 4-cylinder with 100,000 miles, mpg good (24 overall), good styling, interior design good although somewhat plasticky, seats uncomfortable, drivers seat motor broke, had $400 emissions issue, steering wheel clunks (dealer says sterring wheel teeth worn, $400, Buicks have same problem), but other than that no major issues, relatively reliable, paint scratches easily, trunk doesnt pop up. Resale value is scary, my trade-in value is $5,000 and I bought car for $21,000 and its only 4 years old (but miles are high, though). I owe $10,000, so..... s-t-u-c-k with it. :0( It would be a good car to buy used even though Pontiacs arent made anymore.

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  Stay away from 2006 Pontiac G6 - JUNK! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Russell M. - February 21 - 11:30 am

  I found a 2006 Pontiac G6 for my daughter that seemed to be a good car for the price. A year later I am faced with a $1100 repair to change the power steering assist motor and steering column because of a known GM problem with these type of steering systems. The Cobalt, G5, and numerous others are already on recall. Do your homework, better than that buy a Ford. What a piece of junk!

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  Caution - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Steve - January 2 - 2:53 pm

  Purchased 4/07. Wheel bearing replaced at 12,000 miles. Now at 20,000 back in the shop for "clunking" in the steering. Car will not stay aligned, constantly fighting the steering wheel (aligned 4 times). On the positive side, looks good, 3.5 engine runs well. I bought the sports package, maybe that is the problem. Will still buy American, probably not GM.

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  A reason to buy elsewhere - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Ken Davis - December 17 - 12:46 pm

  The Pontiac G6 convertable is not a well made car. Since driving off the lot the roof has rattled,trim has come loose, paint quality is poor,and the muffler has developed leaks twice. However the engine and transmission have been trouble free.The 1st year of ownership resulted in at least six weeks in the dealer for the mentioned quality issues. Complaints through customer service resulted in a waste of time as no one really cared. Having owned many GM products in the past it comes as no suprise that the companys lack of quality and customer service resulted in the demise of the Pontiac brand. No one wants the cars and I have, as we all do the ability to buy elsewhere that is not GM.