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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I loved this car - 2006 Pontiac G6
By audra - April 1 - 9:36 amI bought this car used last year. Everything was good until I went to make a sharp turn and the steering locked up. It acted like I had no powersteering fluid. Still acts up off and on. My gear shift is hard to adjust, acts like its trying to stick. I cant get my key out of the ignition sometimes. It acts like its stuck in there. I sat in my car for over 5 min trying to get it out. My "ice possible" light keeps flashing when the temps arent even close to being freezing. My "time, temp, language" keeps resetting itself. My fuel range is unreliable. This car is going crazy and so am I trying to figure out what its doing. Love the look, color, handle and style. Wont buy another though.
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I am not sure about my ride! - 2007 Pontiac G6
By Erica - March 24 - 10:10 amI love my car because its a Pontiac G6 thats red in color and has four doors. All my interior lights light up in red and some of my features are trimmed in chrome. I just recently purchased it with about 30,000 miles on it in may and I have a few minor problems such as my keypad does not work unless it decides and I am hearing a bump noise when I turn, kinda scared of my steering wheel coming off lol). I also begin hearing a whistling noise at one point but that went away. I really hope that I did not purchase the wrong vehicle because I love it so much. But I have only had it roughly three months. Everyone keeps telling me to trade and honestly I am leaning towards that. But I love my car.
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Good car, Resale Not Good - 2007 Pontiac G6
By pontiacdude4 - February 27 - 1:25 am2007 with 85,000 with no problems, minor issues. The engine rattles with AC on, steering wheel issues under warranty, radio knobs wear off. But the interior, although plasticky, lasts and the seats covers are durable. Seats are tough, not very comfortable, exterior styling is great, interior pretty good, too. Automatic start is great. Mileage is good, I have the 4 cylinder and get 25 overall (22/29??). For a 4 cylinder its fast. Have XM Sirius which is awesome ($16/mo), I recommend it in any vehicle. Depreciation, though, is off the chart, I am very upside down. Best to buy this car used with 40-60,000 miles for like $7 grand.... Im selling mine, taking a hit, getting nervous bout miles.
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What a Surprise - 2007 Pontiac G6
By chef357 - February 20 - 10:06 pmHadnt owned a Pontiac since a GTO back in the late 60s. The G-6 is slick! A ton of power, great response, lots of cool electronics and a convertible to boot. Its fun to drive again. Think about the value you get compared to some of the imports in its class. Tough to beat.
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My first Pontiac ever so far so good, 2010 G6 - 2009 Pontiac G6
By painter60 - January 18 - 8:41 pmSo far we like the G6 we bought it 3 months ago with 25,000 miles and we have put another 1,000 miles on it, one thing I dont like is the hood bumpers keep loosening and the hood rattles, I found out after buying that t has been wrecked on the left front but its hard to tell. All I know at this point is that its a base model 2.4 motor it runs alittle rough in the morning but smoths out when it gets worm. I changed the tire size to 235/55-17 and it looks great with the wider tires, my wife wants me to paint it red she hates the white. Is there anything I can do to give it more HP?? I would like to find a rear wing for it (used) if anyone has one email me. Thanks for reading.
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Love the Car - Hate the Quality - 2006 Pontiac G6
By Gib - December 31 - 10:33 amI love the look and the Driving feel of this car. And I say this with a heavy heart... AVOID this Car!!! It has a major design flaw with the Windows, which Leak into the seat belt. As of 2/16/06 the part to fix is On National Back order and I am 41st on the list to get the part after not being able to drive the car for 28 days and counting. Pontiacs Response, Too BAd. Which is a shame...
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Like a G6 ;) - 2008 Pontiac G6
By clasokel89 - November 30 - 11:44 amIve owned my 3.5L G6 V6 for two years now and bought it with 41,000 mi on the od, it now has 72,000 mi. The only problem Ive had drivetrain wise were a 2 month old set of Bosch Platinum 4-post spark plugs failing me one after another (wouldnt recommend them). I average about 21.5 mpg due to mostly stop and go but at low traffic times I get about 18 city and bested 31 hwy on a trip from Tx to WI with family. At about 65,000 mi the steering started clunking due to the intermediate steering shaft which I had replaced and the rear passenger side door lock stopped working, other than that Ive had no problems with the car. Its quick when you need to blast onto the highway 0-60mph in 6.2sec
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No Remorse - 2005 Pontiac G6
By Scott - November 21 - 7:40 amI leased a base G6. To give some background I own a Toyota Highlander, I never thought Id get a Pontiac, I hate their looks. The G6 looked different so I decided to take a look since I knew I could get a great deal on one compared to a Honda or Toyota. I only have 250 miles on mine but can tell you this. It handles really well and has a quiet and supple ride. It comes well equiped and like the V6. It is sporty enough for me and can handle 2 kids in car seats. It has been fine in the snow belt. My new Consumer Reports rags on this car which isnt fair. I never thought Id defend a Pontiac but drive one and judge for yourself. I got more bang for the buck which Magazines dont consider.
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Give me a brake....job! - 2005 Pontiac G6
By F C - November 13 - 1:40 pmBOOO!!! 1st month = broken wipers, passenger visor broke off into my wifes lap (it wasnt even in use at the time), fog light switch burned out & the brake car shakes when the brake pedal is depressed. After complimentary a brake job, the car still vibrated when I pressed the brakes, just a few miles after leaving the dealership. I cannot wait until my lease is over next year to get rid of this problem car. domestic mess! Oh yeah, power steering is ineffective for first few mins of driving after a cold start on winter morning. I dont let my kids in this car. We take the family SUV, due the G6 brake problems. And I thought motorcycles were dangerous!
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Very Nice Car - 2005 Pontiac G6
By Mike&Sandy - November 6 - 12:43 amWe love the new G6 GT. Weve only put a few hundred miles on it but have a few suggestions, mostly cosmetic. The V-6 needs more guts Dual Exhaust should be standard on the GT I was surprised to find a manual rear view mirror dimmer! With all the whistles and bells why not an auto dimming mirror? The most annoying thing so far...The windshield wipers need new geometry. The passenger side stops right in front of the driver on the upswing and leaves a line of crud/rain/slush right in the center of the drivers view! I love the handling of the car! Over all, If Pontiac continues on this pace they are def headed in the right direction!!!!
