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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  Nothing but problems!!! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By bucaboi - July 20 - 12:10 am

  My biggest mistake in life so far has been purchasing this vehicle. NO JOKE. So far Ive had nothing but problem after problem with this horrible car. The engine is great. I love the power, the steering, the design of the body. But when you get past all that and everything just seems to fall apart starting the 2nd day after you bought it, you get a little upset. Let me just tell you a couple of the problems ive had.........sunroof doesnt work (took it in 4 times and still nothing), sunroof and side pillars leak when it rains (causing carpet and seats to grow mold),......ABS,traction control, and airbags stopped working. car shakes when braking, rotors and brake pads replaced.

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  Very Dissappointed in this car! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Crazy_lady955 - July 4 - 12:33 pm

  This car is a piece of junk! The steering rack has broken twice, the passenger window slams down when you do the auto down, now the check engine light is on and I get this message check gas cap. One time my gas cap was off completely. I wish I had never got this thing. And god knows how many more problems we are going to have Im nervous I dont have the money to replace all the crap that is going wrong with this. This car must be made in China, and the driver side seat heater is broken for some reason. Im disappointed.

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  Beautiful but dangerous - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By twil - May 4 - 10:20 am

  I owned my 2005 G6 for 5 days. I purchased it from a local dealership as a GM Certified Vehicle.Unknowing to me, it had an open recall on it. It was a beautiful car, inside and out. It got great gas mileage and was a very affordable family functional vehicle. My problem is with the Steering. My family (all 4 of us) were on our way to my daughters school on Tuesday morning. The steering went out completely in a curve when we were going 50 mph. We spun through 2 lanes of traffic, flipped 4 times and landed upside down in a ditch. I dont know what component is at fault but I do know it was not driver error and I would not purchase another even though they are gorgeous.

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  No wonder Pontiac is out of Business... - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By starlette46 - March 10 - 1:41 pm

  I would never buy one of these cars again, or refer anyone to buy one. I bought the car in March of 2010 with 30k miles on it. It was previously a leased car so I know the maintenance was kept on it. I replaced the tires, brakes, rotors all within a few months of owning the car. Pretty soon I replaced the water pump, tranny cooler lines, intermediate steering shaft, electric steering module, and some oil cooler lines. Just last week I had my car in the service department at my work, and all of my head gaskets needed to be machined and replaced, oil was leaking everywhere!! It was horrible, if I did not have an extended warranty if would have cost me close to $6,000 total for all of the work!

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  One of My Biggest Mistakes! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By LA - March 9 - 1:26 am

  I bought my car and not even two months later, "engine power reduced" appears after my engine light comes on. My engine power is reduced and I am at risk of getting hit on the highway and has to turn my car off just to get it going again. After $900, 7 times in the shop and not being able to drive it 9 out of 11 months, I still have the same problem. I have no more money to spend on it and after making my payments on it monthly for 12 months, I have stopped. I cant even trade it in because I owe too much on a piece of crap! It is about to ruin my credit by going back. WHAT A JOKE!! Never again will I buy from Budget Car Sales nor will I own a Pontiac. So sad.

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  A Bit Concerned - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By John - February 8 - 4:03 am

  I took delivery of my 2006 GT Coupe about six weeks ago, but it didnt take more than a few days for me to recognize some design flaws: cheap, manual seat recliner, no heated side mirrors, cant close sunroof by one- touch, no rear window wiper, akward cup holders, awkward head rests, speakers vibrate with bass. I have to admit, I bought this car on impulse. I walked in to take a peek at the Solstice and fell in lust with the G6 coupe. Three hours later I drove it out of the showroom. Looking back I would not have bought this car (got lucky with this approach when I bought my Z3, so gave it another try!!). Now there is an interior leak that is causing the interior sidewall to collapse!! UGH

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  Bought this car and it is a nightmare! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By kelsie - December 30 - 6:56 pm

  I bought this car and 2 days later it broke down, it keeps jumping and the dealers cant find the problem this car has been in the shop more than I have it! it keeps giving me a signal saying power steering no fuel, but my car doesnt take power steering fuel because its electric! If the car would work the way its supposed to it would be a great car! But it dont!

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  Pontiac should be ashamed!!!! - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By larondag - November 27 - 5:27 am

  i received a recall letter for the transmition in Dec 2012. I took my car to the dealership to have the recalled part repaired in March of 2012. Two days after the repair I start experiencing problems with my steering and my power steering went out a week later. After searching the internet i found out that this is a huge problem for this model. I then called Pontiac and they opened a case for this issue. i was advised to take my car to my local dealer and if they advise that it was not due to wear and tear or lack of matianence then they would assist with reimbursement. I took my car to the dealer and was advised that the torque sensor was bad.

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  ooh no!!!!!!!!!!! - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By nad - November 19 - 7:03 pm

  I bought an 09 G6 GT currently 28400 miles and today it went dead and wouldnt start. I had to call ONSTAR to the rescue, but the tow truck company wouldnt give me a ride so I had to call a friend to get home. A anti theft symbol a (car and lock) showed up on my dash as I was driving along and then my speedometer went crazy and I pulled off the highway thinking I was going to go down and as I expected it wouldnt start again when I shut down.

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  Unsatisfied - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Leeryleo - November 11 - 1:50 am

  This car is a total let down. Interior could not be any cheaper. Other than the cheap cloth (?) seats everything seems to be hard plastic. Now that the weather is warming up the inside has a awful plastic smell. The fuel mileage is terrible. We had to have the tie rods replaced in less than 2000 miles. Car hesitates while driving, lack of useful accessories, and very cheap paint job. We hate this new car.