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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Less than I expected - 2008 Pontiac G6
By veritas57 - November 10 - 2:13 amQuality that is. Purchased this car from a dealer with only 18,000 miles. Could have chosen a model with the V6, but chose the 2.4 Eco. MISTAKE! This car cant get out of its own way, especially with the AC on. Had the car 2 months now, and its been a big disapoinment. Been in for a steering rod replacement, twice. Other issues include a rattling sun roof shade, annoying vibration and hum at 2400 rpm, low quality dash, poor ergonomics with the armrests being too low. Dont get the 2.4 if youre use to a V6. Youll be disapointed. And the gas mileage averages 25 mpg for combination 70/30 hwy/city driving. I got the same with a Buick LeSabre with a 3.8 V6. Finally, lots of engine noice insid
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My mistake - 2006 Pontiac G6
By scott - October 3 - 8:13 amMy mistake for buying a Pontiac G6. Clunking noise in front, had to replace front and back brakes and rotors. Leaking sun roof. After reading other reviews I think this will be my last Pontiac. And to think they used to be good. Bye bye Pontiac.
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Sunroof Leaks - 2006 Pontiac G6
By CJ - September 11 - 10:00 pmThe car has been back to the dealer several times for Sunroof Leaks. They claim the drain hose comes off and the water runs down the drivers side wall and soaks the seat belt retractor. Have had two dealers attempt to fix it several times each. Contacted Pontiac. Still fighting the battle.
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Dont Make Our Mistake - 2006 Pontiac G6
By ddd017 - September 2 - 4:10 amUgh. We wanted to buy American but the G6 2-door convertible is a mistake we will not make again. We have not even finished paying off the 3-year loan and cant wait to get rid of it! Just had the entire exhaust system replaced ($1200!), weve had 3 flat tires (driver side back tire) and numerous trips for the rattles. Horrible in snow, no tractionIt takes FOREVER to retract the hardtop & you lose the trunk if the top is down. The lower dash/glove compartment areas shows every little mark if you brush up against it. Horrible trying to get into the back seats. "Terrable, terrable, terrable" as Charles Barkley would say. DONT make our mistake - RUN, RUN as fast as you can AWAY from this car.
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No Help at Dealer - Under Warranty - 2006 Pontiac G6
By electrified1 - August 7 - 5:23 pmThe 6 speed manual tranny is a blast to drive. Gear ratios are perfect, especially in stop and go traffic. I can make u-turns going over 25mph. The dealer has tried to fix my leaking sunroof 3 times. They have turned my brake rotors 5 times. the motor mounts make a horrible noise. power steering groans in cold weather. Airbag light just came on. I am out of warranty and now had to fix my sunroof, brakes, engine mount myself. I would call it a piece of junk but if the dealer had fixed it the first time.... it would have been the best car I have ever had.
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I Bought American - 2008 Pontiac G6
By Robert - August 1 - 2:40 amI bought this V 6 car based on the reviews and must say that I am most disappointed in the quality. So far the vehicle has been to the dealer 3 times for brake squeal and now there are issues related to fit and finish that have to be dealt with. As an example, the front valance does not fit properly and the grill is warped. Vehicle gets very poor gas mileage and stalls when idling (another issue that the dealer has yet to fix). I will not be keeping this vehicle and will most likely return to a Toyota Camry. Sorry, but I gave GM a chance and they failed.
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sporty yes, quality **NO** - 2007 Pontiac G6
By mattyvp - July 8 - 4:25 pmi dont know how to feel about my g6. (im more of an import person) i have an 07 GT with the 3.9 V6 (240 hp) it gives me many reasons to hate it but i cant! its got an extremely cheap dash and poor quality, but that engine and awesome styling makes me forget. i only have about 22,600 miles on mine and only 3,000 of those miles are from me, so nothing has gone wrong YET, but the g6s track record isnt promising! the car rattles to hell, and ive come to get used to it, but its semi rough ride enhances all the rattles. also when i pull into reverse the suspension squeaks and the car shakes, this is normal now but scary at first. it sounds like the maybe the tie-rods? they constantly go on these
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If only I had known. - 2006 Pontiac G6
By Jaybaby727 - June 16 - 9:56 amI am so disappointed to see that I have all of the exact same problems that the folks here have had with their G6 4dr Sedan. I thought I was getting a really awesome car when I bought it over a year ago. NOT SO. Steering wheel pops& is hard to control (wobbles) brakes (front AND back) have been replaced, rotors, tie rod ends. YOU NAME IT, its gone bad! Im unable to trade it in because of the loss of value and I am sickened to think that I am stuck with this for at least another year. Its at the dealership NOW being evaluated - probably for naught, because I thought (stupidly) that after having all this work done at my local tire shop, THEY were the wrong ones. Now I see its GM!
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Should have bought a CarFax - 2005 Pontiac G6
By Disappointed - April 28 - 12:30 amI bought my Pontiac G6 almost 2 years ago & absolutely loved it. My husband is 69" & could fit in it nicely, loved the sporty feel of it but you cant drive fast with the windows down because of the loud humming noise. About 6 months after, we began our many trips to the dealership for new struts, squeaky driver seat and now lower control arm and ball joint on both sides & swaybar. Im very thankful I bought an extended warranty. I have always owned GM vehicles but with the problems Ive had with this car and the trouble Ive had with more than one GM dealership, I will NEVER buy GM again and my grandfather and mother-in-law both retired from GM. This car was my worst purchase in my life!
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Buy something else - 2006 Pontiac G6
By Brian - April 23 - 5:23 amI loved my new G6 the first couple months, then alot of problems happened. First the headlight gasket split leaving moisture in my light. Then I experienced shaking and a knocking noise when braking. Also my sunroof had a leak plus I have a really annoying squeaking noise somewhere around my dash which my dealership still has not fix. So buyer beware!!! I cant believe I traded in my Camaro for this car. UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!!!
