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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Got worse with more miles - 2007 Pontiac G6
By Scott - September 16 - 8:46 pmCar seems to have gotten worse with more miles. I now have almost 29,000 miles and Ive already had to replace the brakes, turn rotors, AC stopped blowing recently, numerous alignment and tire issues, needed to get the steering column lubed (now its starting to make noise again), had to have passenger side airbag sensor replaced once and serviced two other times. Unfortunately it feels like the reliability is not there. It feels like the more miles I get on the car the more things go out. Car handles well and cruises real nice at high speeds on interstate. I feel like Pontiac just threw this car together real quick. I will shop around more next time.
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Horrible Ride 4 college student - 2007 Pontiac G6
By Brandon - July 8 - 9:40 amIm a college student so i needed a reliable ride! This was definitely NOT what i was expecting. Car was good at first then became extremely horrible. Kept up with the maintenance but the stupid POWER REDUCED spell kicked in anyway! Ended up trading for Nissan Sentra and will never look at an American car the same way!!
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Never buying american made again. - 2005 Pontiac G6
By bob - May 29 - 2:00 amI purchased one and all I have to say I will never buy a GM vehicle ever again. Im always on top of any maintenance and im not a crazy driver, this car has been a money pit, something breaks on it every 5000 miles, im on my third engine, and have had nothing but problems with the rest of the drive train. For the amount ive put in, to keep it going I could have bought a new car. next car will be a honda after seeing what American made can do. now I see why GM has had such low sales over the years.
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Gas hog - 2007 Pontiac G6
By RJ from California - April 6 - 9:40 amThis car looks great from the outside but is a bit cramped inside. I wish it would have come in a 4 cyl. so the gas consumption would be less.
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20,000 dollar throw away car - 2007 Pontiac G6
By woody - March 26 - 3:46 pmTwo months in to ownership had to replace computer module. Only 22 mpg should be better, front started rattling in less than one year. Went back to a Dodge full size truck. It worth the gas money do not buy this car!
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G6 GT sedan (Average) - 2008 Pontiac G6
By Nate - February 27 - 5:50 pmI panicked and traded in my 01 Tacoma TRD for this when gas was almost 5 bux/gallon in cali. I kinda regret it. It had about 28k miles when i got it, and they didnt tell me it was a had been a rental until i was signing the papers. The gas mileage is ok, i get about 18-20 in town depending how i drive, but on the 6 hr drive home, i can get 30 mpg if i stay at 65-70. I struck a deer back in jan, and the car actually held up pretty well. I am now thinking of trading it in due to pontiac goin bye bye and getting a silverado etx cab. Overall, this car isnt bad, but isnt great. Id suggest a toyota or honda if purchasing a sedan.
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Poor Reliability Ruins A Great Car - 2006 Pontiac G6
By manualgtp - February 8 - 1:00 pmThe G6 is the right size and fun to drive. Gas mileage is above average. Reliability is a major problem: Brakes,rough idle, spark knock, Frequent engine light and airbag light issues, Front suspension parts wearing out early etc. Add that the dealer only provides a temporary fix, so you have to take it back again and again for the same problem. I have lost count of how many times it has been in for warranty work. I know it is over 14 times in less than 2 years. If it was reliable, it would be a great car. Maybe the base cars are better. This GTP has not. I have owned many new Pontiacs and this G6 has been the worst for repairs. Choose the Grand Prix instead. It appears to be more reliable.
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Gas Mileage - 2006 Pontiac G6
By Billy - January 31 - 7:16 pmDecent Transportation - do not go out of your way to seek out this car. I got some really great incentives so I bought it. The gas mileage is not up to what the sticker says. The automatic MPG on the dash board is about 2 miles more than what I calculate myself. I have the 6 cylinder. I recommend that you go for the 4 cylinder to improve gas mileage. Very small glove compartment. This is my first Pontiac.
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Hope you dont get the one I had - 2006 Pontiac G6
By Dan - November 8 - 8:03 pmI bought this car new from the dealership and it returned frequently. I love the styling and the car is fun to drive when its new, however I drove more miles with a shimmy, shake, or rattle more than not. At 4K the starter burned up and the car smelled like fire for 4 months. Tie rods wore out 3 times, struts broke, finally a rattle in the front end that couldnt be found. GM finally bought the car back and I move into a 2008 Malibu.
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My last GM? - 2008 Pontiac G6
By GMnomore - August 17 - 2:03 amAfter buying a 2008 G6 GT (with the 3.5 L V6) I would not recommend this car. This is my 5th GM, 4th Pontiac. Seems the designers wanted to build a nice car, but fell short. By 18k miles the car: -Front suspension clunks -Steering clunks -Vibrates at highway speed -Idles rough -Heater smells of coolant (core leak?) -Transmission sometimes fails to shift (rare) -Tire pressure monitor cannot be set manually -Heat shields resonate -Brake pedal binds slightly -Steering column makes rubbing sound I made several trips to 2 dealerships. So far, most problems have been considered "normal" by GM dealerships and remain unresolved. Sadly, this is very likely my last GM.
