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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  Better than Camry - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By flat pita - September 23 - 4:36 am

  When value is important G6 wins. Very tight ride beats the Camry which was tested on the same day. The driver seat is excellent and has very good lower back support.

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  Great for the money - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Clark - July 20 - 12:46 am

  I love this car, My problem has been in the steering wheel... The car seems to do its own thing when driving between 50 and 70 on open roads alot of play in the wheel. but the seats are great!!! I traded in my Ford Escape for this car and drove the Altima and the Jetta and picked this one due to the DIS system in the radio along with some extras that they didnt come with. I feel that ABS sytems should be standard on all units in the 05 and current line up. I find it a hazzard not to have it. Oh and word to the wise..... the gas mileage is true. My avg. is at 26 if not better. ALso I se that the G6s rear is a copy of the Chevy Cobalt.

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  attention getter - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By attention getter - July 16 - 6:46 am

  i bought my G6 in Feb of this year. i love the looks and features of my car i have a GT gets people attention with my panoramic sunroof. Have had a few problems wit it at 33,000 my coolant reservoir fell out of place and melted and now at 46K my steering pops,my headlight has moisture in it and the driver side back door window switch fell out of place but other than that i love my car fun to drive

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  PRND3L - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By veaudry - July 15 - 7:04 am

  This is my complaint. the shifter does not highlight when in any position,, there is no indicator in the dash to inform you what gear you are in.. Does anyone else have this missing on their G6s

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  So far, I love this car.... - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By cam - July 9 - 3:43 pm

  Purchased my G6 Coupe brand new. Love it. It has a heavy ride (which I prefer!) The gas mileage is good considering I dont break 35 mph on my 4 mile drive to work. The interior leaves a lot to be desired....way too much plastic. And I wish the seats sat up straighter. They need one more notch to sit up all the way. One other thing....There are too many cup holders in the car too. Id rather have an armrest in the back. LOVE the exterior....especially the back!

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  Less Expensive BMW - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Uncle Hulka - June 10 - 2:26 pm

  Bought this car about 5 months ago. Still look forward to driving to work everyday. Performance is great for the money. Would not race it against a 300Z, but also paid a lot less. Ride is smooth, quiet and comfortable. I used to think my wifes MPV was quiet until I drove this.

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  Love at first sight, but after... - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By James Tucker - May 31 - 11:56 am

  The wife and I bought two G6s within weeks of each other. Hers is the sedan, mine is the coupe. I fell in love with the car once I saw it and was able to drive it around. Now that the newness has worn off I started to notice some rather significant problems with the vehicle. Water leaks into the “B” pillars (where the seat belts are mounted) whenever it rains. Took a closer look and found MOLD in the insulation. Upon closer inspection, found that there are holes where at the front of the rear windows at the top and bottom that lead behind the B pillar. If you own one of these, check your windows too because unless you get a hard rain, you most likely will not notice the leak. Not happy.

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  Not bad Pontiac, not bad - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By lovedapontiac - April 28 - 3:26 am

  Looked at numerous midsizers including the Camry and Accord. While this is much better than the Camry, I think the Accord overall is a much better value. It had higher interior quality and materials, smaller panel gaps inside and out, a faster engine, better fuel economy, and more luxury amenities. However, I chose the G6 because of the low price. Its got a lot of the basic features the Accord has since the price is a couple thousand cheaper. Plus it has the cool big moonroof that opens up in panels.

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  MY G6 GT - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Mauel - April 19 - 6:00 pm

  Bought it as a demo vehicle. Great deal for a demo. Great value for the toys included.

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  Good car. Room for Improvement - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By New Owner - April 2 - 7:46 am

  I really wanted an Acura TSX but admit that Pontiac discounts and low financing rates were too hard to pass up. When I test drove this car, I was impressed with its ride, handling, looks, and of course, price. There is lots of room for improvement. For me, 200 horses is plenty. The engine sound lame, however. There is too much lateral movement, especially at low speeds and the car could be stiffer. Way too much interior plastic. And finally, whats with the floor hump in the rear passenger area? Fuel economy is not bad. At 26 mpg highway, it is well below advertised value of 29 mpg.