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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  Love to Hate Pontiac G6 GT Convertible - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Linda - November 5 - 3:13 pm

  Always wanted a convertible, husband pushed me to get hard top retractable for safety reasons. I have really enjoyed the look, the feel, and the convertible. Several draw backs in the build mechanically. Replaced the front rotors twice already, 57,000 miles now replacing the water pump and soon will need to replace the intake manifold. Live in country, roads rough, but not abusive. Had collision with a dear and was amazed at the little damage caused and appreciative of how safe I felt. Cost to fix was very high, front bumper and headlamps, cost 7000. Covered under insurance, however very high. Brake pads seem to go often, every 3-4 months, dont live on big hills like in PA either.

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  Steering Problem - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Darla - October 21 - 3:30 am

  I would like to thank everyone that wrote about their G6. I purchased mine in February of this year, used. After a few days, I started to complain about the steering. My car was very had to steer like it did not have power steering and there was a clunking noise. Two dealerships told me nothing was wrong. Finally I went back. I had to have the steering pump and intermediate drive replaced. The dealer wanted to charge me, but I brought up the information that I had learned reading the reviews here and that I had taken my car in when it was under warranty with the same problem. In the end they did warranty the repairs.

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  Great American Car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Very happy G6 Driver - September 12 - 9:46 am

  I bought this car as my first American Car in over 15 years. I traded a 2005 Toyota Camry in for it. The legendary Camry isnt all its stacked up to be. I owned 2 Camrys and Now, I realize it is mostly the Media who hates american cars. I find the Pontiac G6 to be better in almost every way than the 05 Camry. It has more power and about the same fuel economy as the 4 cyl Camry. I find no cars really get the advertised fuel economy they are supposed to. No sqeeks or rattles like the Camry and the Transmission is flawless and knows when to shift, unlike the Camry. The camry is a good car, but the G6 is alot more exciting and performs better. The interior build quality is better.

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  V6 G6 Rocket Re-reviewed - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By G6 V6 Rocket - September 3 - 3:40 pm

  I am entering a new review for the car I have already reviewed several months ago. To this date everything is absolutely great with the car. I finally got the "Panormaic" sun roof fixed from the continual creaking. But, I did the repairs myself in my driveway. Not a good score for GM Service Techs. It went in twice for the same creaking noise and came out as it went in. No, I was not a happy camper. I fixed the problem using cork stripping under the support brackets to the sunroof over the visors. 1 hr 30 minutes later it was fixed and Ive heard no creaking to date. Anyway, just a little FYI to those having this problem.

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  Bad panoramic roof - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By 3006 - August 11 - 6:56 pm

  Aside from the panoramic roof, this is a good car for the money. Had it to the dealership for the third time to fix the wind noise from the sunroof. Said there was nothing they could do. As a result, I hate to say it, I will be buying another car because I cant stand the air noise. Wish I would have bought without the sunroof as I like the car otherwise.

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  Love this Car! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Karen - August 4 - 7:03 pm

  When its not raining - the top is down on this car. The only complaint I have is the condensation around the A/C vents. It has gotten so bad, it has shorted the hazard flashers. My concern is it will short the great monsoon stereo system. Quick to response & fun to drive. In town gas mileage around 23 mpg.

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  OVERALL GREAT CAR - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By seekwolf - August 3 - 10:53 pm

  I have the sport package with the 3.5 L V6, i bought this car for a decent price @ 29,000 miles. It was a rental car and it hasnt failed me yet. IT has gone on 1200 mile trips getting 30 mpg twice. And it has gone on 800 mile trips twice with no problems what-so-ever. I havent had to do a thing except change the oil every 3-5k. I bought a extended warranty and didnt get to use it. Annoying.

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  Very disappointed, but relieved - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By JennyB - July 27 - 1:43 am

  I have just hit my two years of owning my 2006 G6 Sedan and I have already put $1000+ into the car. After reading the other reviews, Im so sad to hear that others are having the same troubles. Two months after owning the vehicle, I was told by the dealership during an oil change, that the front struts were leaking and that my steering shaft needed to be lubed due to a clunking sound. A year into owning the car, I have had my brakes, rotors, blinker bulbs and front struts replaced. I am about to have my right front wheel bearing replaced this week. Just a note of advice if you hear a tingy sound while driving with the windows down, it could possibly be a clamp loose on the muffler.

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  Overall good car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Jeff - June 6 - 11:43 pm

  Overall Im satisfied with my G6, the price makes it hard to pass up. I think GM should have been smarter where they chose to spend their money in this car. For example, the power adjustable petals are nice, but I could easily do without. They should have invested in some higher quality interior controls. I would recommend getting at least the GT version to anyone.

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  Its a fun car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By ajy5 - June 5 - 2:40 pm

  This is a great looking, fun to drive car. Everyone likes the way it looks, and its plenty fast. The sound system is good and I like the solid feel of the car. 4 wheel discs really make a difference when braking. Remote start was great on chilly mornings along with the heated leather seats. All in all a great package. Just took a trip and got over 30 mpg on the highway. A big overall improvement on my grand am.