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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  Used G6 - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By bautistaiii - May 13 - 3:03 pm

  The vehicle interior is not handsome and the seats are by far not the most comfortable and supportive, the car should have been tinted by the manufacturer. If you live in a sunny state window tinting is highly suggested and get seat covers if you dont get one in leather. It does have some pep to it, when you step on the pedals it does take off relatively quick. The mileage is also surprising in that I am averging about 29/30 on the highway with the V6 so that is a pleasant surprise. The noise inside the cabin is moderate. Use ceramic tint in the rear since the radio antenae is built into the glass. The power pedals make it easy to find a comfortable driving position for my wife and I.

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  Starter Car - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By S.Ronson - May 13 - 7:43 am

  Ive driven my G6 for 9 months now, and its good and bad. It has some power, but the mileage isnt as good as the competition. The interior is poorly made, most of the buttons do not display their purposes anymore. Electrical issues for practically the whole time Ive owned it.

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  Please! Dont buy this car! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By car_man_66 - May 9 - 7:23 am

  I bought a brand new 2007 red G6! I loved it but then the repairs that were not covered under warranty started coming! Then winter came in Western New York and the car couldnt get out of its own way even with traction control! So i had to order snow tires! (by the way no-one carries the tires for this car, they HAVE to be ordered) $700 from tire rack! then spring came and i put the originals back on and with 31,000 miles on the tires (rotated every 2nd oil change) there were steel belts showing on 3 of the 4 tires and they had to be ordered $666.99 from the distributor where my dealership gets their tires. then the traction, and abs lights came on, as well as the air bag light

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  G6 junk - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By recii - May 8 - 12:50 pm

  Worst car Ive owned to date. Steering locks randomly on curves. Body lines are not straight. Radio malfunctioning. Car has mild stalling problem. Panaromic roof leaks.

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  Very Disappointed - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By drc60 - April 4 - 4:53 am

  Purchased our G6 in Dec. 2005 and had the brakes repaired twice under warranty. Now the front calipers are grabbing and causing rotors to overheat. Have a huge vibration problem on the exhaust when accelerating. Had the brake light come on and added brake fluid only to be told by mechanic I shouldnt have done that as it throws off the electronic sensor and they had to flush the hydraulic system out and put in measured amount of fluid to make sure it is accurate. For only 45,000 miles we have put a lot of money into service on this car. We are very disappointed with GM and will probably think twice about purchasing another GM product. They need to get their act together on quality.

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  70,000 Miles - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Brandi - March 16 - 2:23 am

  I keep up the maintenance on it and I drive it with care. I have not had any of the brake and rotor problems that I read about. I did have a loose screw in my brake caliper and something was wrong with my rack and pinion that was covered under my warranty. The seats are hard and unsupportive. The plastic on my factory radio buttons has peeled off from normal use and until the motor warms up it has trouble switching gears (since I hit 60,000 miles). I get great gas mileage though around 28 MPG. Also due to the design, the back doors stay dirty and I cant keep them clean. I would recommend this car, but dont buy one new or you will be 8-10k upside down as soon as you drive off the lot.

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  Not very Fuel Friendly - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By ballbreaker910 - March 13 - 12:18 pm

  I purchased this car with 44k to replace a 2003 Mitsubishi Galant with 203,000 miles. It came equipped with a sunroof, remote starter, aux jack and onstar. Was excited to purchase this car especially since GM boasted that this car would get over 32 mpg hwy which was where this car would spend most of its time. However I was only able to get 17 mpg combined. I spoke to 3 GM mechanics & was sold a load of crap about winter air causing loss of fuel economy and trying to use Hess or Shell gas to get better gas mileage. Nothing worked. GM would do nothing to assist. This 4cyl car was a gas-guzzler. I also own a 2005 Grand Prix (V6) that gets way better gas mileage. Other than that, I liked it

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  great looking car, not so great quality - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Disappointed buyer - January 11 - 11:40 pm

  Purchased my Pontiact G6 new. Loved the look but disappointed in workmanship. Was back at dealer during the 3 year warrenty period many times. 4 Paneled sunroof took several trips to dealer to fix major rattle. Kept the car a week. 3 years later roof rattles again. Check engine light comes on about every 6 months. Changed sensors several times.Plastic parts on doors, windows constently rattle. Stereo speakers needed replacement. Biggest problem is with steering on cold days. Recall work done has not solved it. Love the car but Pontiac needs to get their act together and stand behind their workmanship! I might have to buy Japanese cars next time if they dont get their act together!

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  Let Down - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Not Happy - October 4 - 10:20 pm

  When I first saw the G6 I just loved the looks of it. After test driving one I decided to buy it. I have only had my car for nine months and I am very disappointed. I have had problems with rotors, breaks, turn signal burn out, passenger mirror cover breaking, CD player quit working, knocking sounds every time I turn left or right, squeaking sounds, and just today rattling sounds every time I step down on my gas pedal! I had this car in for service four times they say they fix it, but it just starts all over again. My warranty has expired I just want to get rid of it but I owe more than I have paid on it, so I think Im going to be stuck with my G6 lemon for sometime yet!

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  2006 Pontiac G6 Horrible Quality - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By mcompton1021 - September 19 - 6:03 pm

  Again, another 2006 pontiac quality problem. I have a 2006 Grand Prix with many issues and my wifes 2006 G6 is worse. This one was bought new by her father for graduation. It now has just over 30,000 miles and has had the driver side mirror heater go nuts and melt the casing, had the power steering rack completely replaced, the vanity mirror broke and was replaced, and numerous other parts were all replaced under warranty. I wanted so bad to be a advocate for american car manufacturers but I have given up at this point. Still less than 35000 miles and the car has been in the shop so many times. New problems keep appearing but now not under warranty so cannot afford to fix