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:

• 

  Very Disappointed! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Anonymous - March 10 - 3:46 am

  This car, in my opinion, is very cheaply made. The panoramic sunroof began rattling within a month from buying it. Its been in the garage 5 times to be repaired. GM even replaced the entire module during our last visit. Unfortunately, replacing the window did not help. The rattling and wind noise was so loud that we finally gave up and traded it in. We now have a 2007 Ford Five Hundred and absolutely love it! Weve always been GM fans, but no longer.

• 

  Disappointment - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Lora - February 21 - 9:53 pm

  I bought my car new, and have had nothing but problems. I consider myself an above average driver, as I put a lot of care into my cars. However, in the 3 years that I have had it I have replaced the following: CD player, front windshield, cruise control, steering column, head unit (#2 cylinder was misfiring), and now I have to replace the converter. Whats next? I am never buying Pontiac again!!

• 

  not worth your money - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By downsthgagirl - February 17 - 12:16 am

  Purchased brand new and started having problems/safety issues from day one. Mechanical, steering, wiring, brakes, rotors, engine, and throttle body has gone out. Contacted gm customer service and not getting any help. Car to dangerous for me and my son to be in but now one wants to help me.

• 

  2006 Pontiac G6 GT 4dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By tb24336 - December 23 - 10:16 am

  My car leaks all the time. I had to replace new front brakes and front roators already twice. I have own the car less than 2 years!! When I turn my left wheel it makes a odd clicking noise. Also, when putting the car in reverse. The shifter gets stuck!!

• 

  A G6 with some miles on it - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By vortec442 - November 30 - 2:10 pm

  I looked at several cars and with gas climbing the G6 seemed to have good power and a good fuel mileage. It lives up to all that. Biggest problem is the electric steering is going out and dealers are scratching heads trying to fix it (I have been to 2 dealers 3 times) engine is making some noise when cold and loosing a little power.Interior parts are cheap with a few cracks and breaks.If the car can be fixed this is still a peppy little car with a great price tag, that turns heads a carries a great 5year, 100,000 mile warranty. Prior I owned a Grand Am, very similar. Also very roomy. My father is 62" 300+ and rides in here no problem

• 

  Disappointing - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By Jackson Johns - September 5 - 4:16 am

  I have an Accord. I got this car as a rental while my Accord was in the shop for a few weeks. Wow. Did Pontiac ever try out other cars? The seats were uncomfortable. There was no place to put my sunglasses. Only 2 cup holders. None in the back seats. It has a horrible turning radius. The engine was very nice. Overall, you can do much better than this.

• 

  Pay me now or pay me later - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By exriguy - August 12 - 10:00 am

  At 60k we have replaced various parts related to the transmission, brakes, power steering, CD changer etc. Key fob batteries stopped working within 6 months. Every now and again it simply refuses to start altogether and dealer cant duplicate the problem. We will replace the car as a "fix." We also have strut noises and rattles. Bottom line is that you will the pay the same in the long run as if you bought a Honda Accord by the time you factor in repairs and depreciation. You may get it for much less now, but in the long run you will pay the same and be miserable along the way.

• 

  unsatisfied - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By unsatisfied - July 9 - 12:26 am

  Since i bought my car in Dec. 2007 it has been in the shop multiple times for almost every reason possible. I Do NOT believe that Pontiac took time to make sure the quality was up to par before putting it on the market. My seat has broken so when i drive i sit sideways, my fuel pump has gone out, had to get new smart start software, you name it Ive had it replaced or fixed!

• 

  Just bought one - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By mrmackdaddyfl - June 8 - 12:03 pm

  Man I have done a lot of research on this and found it to be a great car for the price. It has plent of space in it for a tall guy such as myself (im 6-0") and even my friends have plenty of leg room in the back. I would recommend one to anyone loooking for a good car with good gas mileage as prices rise.

• 

  Dont make a mistake, I DID - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By kuhny - May 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought this 2006 g6 brand new. Now I wish I wouldnt have. from day one with the dealership. the first 2 weeks I have a popping in front end, rack and pinion replaced, 3 months later a/c quits working (compressor), within 1 week radio quit working and cd stuck in player, while they had it belt broke, 6-7 months later a/c compressor & belt again, also tensioner pulley found to be bad while in shop, another bad radio and heat/ac vent broke, had sun visor mirror break 3 times, and now have 15,000 miles on it and transmission making sounds/shifting hard. at 20,000 miles had 2 sensors go out. finally at 64,000 miles transmission and thermostat out. what a fun car to drive, but a serious money pit.