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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  Driving a 2005 Pontiac G6 - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Brandy Bohn - August 11 - 4:26 pm

  I could never have a better vehicle. I'm at 330k+ miles on my Pontiac G6 and she runs like a champ! With regular maintenance and up keep your Pontiac could last this long too!

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  ‘07 Pontiac G6 - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Kevin - January 5 - 8:03 pm

  Bought new in ‘07 and still own. Engine and drive train on the 2.4 have been great. No problems except for oxygen sensor. That is what most folks complained about when it ran rough. I did the fix myself with aftermarket sensor and zero problems since. This car has been used by all 5 of my sons and now wife’s daily driver. Still drives and handles like new. Except door seals could now be replaced to keep road noise down. 190k miles now and might just last another 190k as long as I keep putting in Prolong or Duralube every other oil change. Still looks great and won’t ever sell it. If you take care of most cars, they will last.

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  Better than Grand Am - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Jery S - November 30 - 9:20 pm

  This car is fun to drive. Great mileage, good acceleration and cornering. The ride is stiff with some road noise and a little wind noise. The tires take a cold set in cold weather which makes the tires feel like they are out of balance until they warm up after about 5 miles. Have some rattles which the dealer corrected. The electric steering feels a little numb but transmits vibration back to the driver. I expected more from this model.

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  A decent "cheap" car - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By partsman99 - November 27 - 1:01 am

  This is a decent car. Not a fan of all the plastic everywhere, and the very thin hollow sound of the doors when you close them, but other than that not a bad car. Key fobs = terrible! Theyre expensive, and do not last long. The 3.5L has more than enough power, and never ceases to amaze me. Car is VERY quiet; you can barely hear the engine rev. Excellent fuel economy: hwy averages around 28, with as much as 36 on a long road trip. The controls are easy to read, and arranged well. The seats start to get uncomfortable after 5 hours in on a road trip. In short, if you are looking for basic transportation that is dependible and capable of passing slower cars, this is a good choice.

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  Off Warranty? Youre in trouble! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By JMay - November 17 - 2:46 am

  *Id like to note that I am a cautious driver & drove it softly* Came with a 3yr/36,000mi warranty off the lot, bought it with only 10,000 miles on it and at first no problems at all. Great car until I hit 39,000 (conveniently just off warranty) at which point my transmission, airbags, and CD player stopped working, bad timing belt & AC belt. EVERYTHING squeaks inside and out from braking to shocks, even the interior. Cig-lighter/outlets never worked in the first place & were not fixable because of a fuse or something. Oh, and not to mention the transmission isnt even checkable because the dip stick is UNDER THE CAR!!! BAD engine design (though pretty).

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  Like Mine - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Cak - November 16 - 9:40 am

  I bought my G6 used last summer and have had no problems. Sure I had to just put new rotors and brake pads in but no big deal, my husband is a fire fighter and going to calls it was going to happen.

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  I love my G6 but - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Danielle - November 15 - 6:06 am

  I have had my G6 for about a 1 1/2 now and it has a little over 25 thousand miles. I am having brake issues. The car feels like I am riding with my brakes on. Its like the car is fighting against the brakes. If I let off the gas the car will come to a complete stop on its own. There has been a couple times that the front end of the car will start shaking really bad when I am going over 60 miles an hour and that is really scary. The dealer ship has shaved my rotors, replaced the brake booster and now they are going to replace the master cylinder. I really hope this solves my problems because I really do like this car. It rides nice, I like the look and the gas mileage is great.

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  My G6 Experience, so far - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Norman Potter - October 20 - 9:43 pm

  I have owned my G6 for under a year and am already having problems. At about 7500 miles I started noticing that the brakes were becoming comparable to those of my previous vehicle, which was 13 years old. About a month ago I noticed that it starts to shake and squeak when accelerating from a dead stop. I noticed earlier this week that when driving at around 30 mph there is a squeaking noise that sounds like it is coming from the engine compartment, or possibly the wheel bearings. I currently have about 12,000 miles on it and about 90 percent of those miles are highway driving miles. The car has ran well for me so far as the only problems have been noise and shaking. As well as brake wear.

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  New Pontiac 4 door 2009 - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By Ed Morgan - October 13 - 2:36 pm

  My wife and I enjoy driving this car. It is comfortable, has good power and good looks. We hve been totally satisfied. Compared to an import it was much less expensive. We think the AMERICAN CARS GET A BAD RAP FROM REVIEWERS.

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  fun car for the heavy leg driver - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By eronen - October 10 - 6:50 pm

  I enjoy the car at every aspect of it. It fast it responds well and it is reliable. I love the computer and its functions. I know I have a heavy leg on the gas but this car is very thirsty in town I get like 15 mpg and 24 mpg in a pure highway drive. I don’t think any car will give you what this car is giving for the price.