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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  Not Happy - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Anonymous - October 31 - 8:00 pm

  I bought this car and immediately the speakers were blown, the roof was rattling and my interior was staining from water. GM refused to help; its been over 10 months now and the water stain issue still exists. Cant wait to get rid of this car. The roof rattles constantly and have had it in the shop at least 5 times for the roof, 3 for the interior and other times for other problems.

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  Love it, but Hate it as well... - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By jen - September 12 - 9:36 am

  Purchased a red one, with a 6 speed, so it has the power I like and looks great. But within days of owning they needed it back for a recall to fix the sunroof. Then a couple months later I had a waterfall in the car. Sunroof is very loud when closed. Then the lock broke off. I had to get the rotors rotated at 20,000 miles. Will this cause more issues later? A sensor in the door must be going bad that sends the signal saying it is open or shut. The window is suppose to drop down when open & move up when closed. It moves back up before being closed & makes a horrible noise. Afraid it will break the glass. Also the radio doesnt always go off when the door is open.

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  Pile of junk - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Jack Hoffman - April 12 - 3:16 pm

  This is by far the worst car Ive ever owned. Bought with 16,000 miles on it, I had problems from day one. Sun visors fell off, 3 CD players, rack & pinion, 2 wheel bearings, several rotors, tie rod end, steering coupler. Now at 56,000 miles, the struts are gone and a loud clunk in the front end again. Check engine light on again. I will never buy another GM product again nor will I recommend it to anyone. Thank goodness it leaves next year. Before I buy another car, I will make sure to check this website out.

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  More bad reviews for G6 - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By annette - January 30 - 10:13 pm

  I too have replaced the rotor and brakes on my car. I cannot believe I have spent so much money on this car. My air compressor went out and I lost control of my car. I am so frustrated with this car. I cannot wait to get rid of it. I havent purchased anything but GMC. I have always been loyal but now I question where is their loyalty? I am out money.

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  2006 Pontiac g6 GT - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By dnikole - January 21 - 5:05 am

  My mother bought this car in 2008 I believe, and gave it to me about 2 years ago for better mpg. It was perfectly fine never had a problem. Then everything started to go wrong. The passenger headlight went out, the CD player stopped ejecting the CDs, the brakes squeak no matter what, Ive already tried to fix it multiple times, and my power steering just recently went out almost caused me to wreck, scared the living daylights out of me. I didnt even have all these problems with my 87 IROC.

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  Born to run - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By fcpride - January 17 - 5:18 am

  I own a couple of GM products. I love putting the top down. In my stable currently is three convertibles and a T-Top. I was interested in the G6 because of the hardtop convertible aspect and the car has some nice appeal on the outside. I have owned it for a couple of months now. Since it is a hardtop, I drive it everyday with out weather worries. I have owned plenty of muscle cars in my life span. This prior knowledge gives me some view points on this G6. I will start with the favorite features.

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  Do not buy this car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By chemprice21 - November 6 - 11:10 am

  I have owned this car for just over a year. Within 6 months I had to have both bumpers repainted because the four corners of the bumpers were rubbing against the fender wells and began to chip. The warranty covered the cost of the repairs, but would not loan me a car to drive for the three days it took to repair the car. I have also had the car in the shop six times since August 2006 due to an issue with the tires. I just this week finally received a new tire after waiting 2.5 months for a replacement after the tire was diagnosed as faulty. They said even though the car was vibrating, pulling to the left and nearly hydroplaned every time it rained, this was not a safety issue. Dont buy!

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  Like the car hate the finish - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By floridaskater - September 21 - 10:30 am

  Living in Fl. I use the retractable hard top often and have never had a problem with it. Although it is a little awkward having to hold a button down for 30 sec. to lower the top. I have had so so gas mileage. My major problem has been with the finish on the hood of the car. It started chipping in November 2007. The dealer fixed it then and said they did the whole hood. Now I am having the same problem in the same spot 8 months later and they want to charge me for the repair. I have read other G6 consumer reviews who have had the same type of problem. Made a complaint to GM Service center but they went along with the dealer and said it was my problem to fix.The finish is poor on the G6.

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  Beware of Pontiacs - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Ashley - September 4 - 9:06 am

  Do not buy a Pontiac, especially from this dealer (Capitol Buick Pontiac GMC in Baton Rouge)! I have only had the car for six months, and it has been in the shop over six times for the same things (broken speaker, leak in the sunroof). I traded in a 97 Nissan Sentra that had only been in the shop for repairs twice in its entire life!!! The dealership keeps on giving me the run around about the repairs. I wonder how many of the dealers have free leaks! They even made the mistake of telling me that there are several G6s that are being brought back because of the same problem!

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  Not terrible but I wouldnt consider this car a winner. - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By rocosoco - August 5 - 12:51 am

  I bought it used with 50k miles on it. Steering problem which the dealer fixed. The XM Radio transmitter on the roof leaks sometimes into my light and sunroof button and onto my shifter. Overall poorly build on the inside. The mechanics seem fine for now, no major problems...at 76k miles now. Ill probably keep it until it dies...maybe Ill be able to get it up to 120k...that would be ideal. Nice cheap car, but I should have done more research and I probably would have bought another car if I did...