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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Awesome to/from car! - 2008 Pontiac G6
By sunaku89 - August 29 - 3:46 pmMy dad purchased the car for my sister and I for school and EMS duties. Fun car to drive, great on gas mileage but some problems with the design and interior. Example, To get the headlight out to replace the light, you have to pull apart your flimsy (Extremely flimsy) bumper and the grill will pop out if you arent careful. Mine now has a small crack now from me trying to replace the light bulb.There are also electrical issues that have melted my wires. The back locks are faulty and very often will not lock when you lock the car or unlock when you hit unlock. The seats are comfortable but you have to be careful about reaching behind the seat because you can pop the plastic out of place too.
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Great Car! - 2008 Pontiac G6
By Avenger - August 24 - 12:53 amThis car is light years ahead of the Grand Prix we had. Handling, acceleration and great looks make this car very fun to drive. American cars have come a long way. The editors from this website dont give this car its due. The dash could have a bit less plastic, but the design is very good. We dont have the hood scoop and the big spoiler (dont like the spoiler). But the front grill looks great. This car is a head turner and it doesnt look like the million Nissans, Hondas and Toyotas I see everyday.
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Very Pleasant Surprise! - 2005 Pontiac G6
By MikeG - August 23 - 5:16 amI paid $15,700 for this car with employee discount and crazy rebates. All in all, a great new car for a price range in which I was only finding 40-60,000 mile 3.5L Altimas. Engine powerful, but needs a little more oomph against competition. "Touring" suspension in base models make car feel bigger than it is, only reason to pay more for GT. Overall the ride is very good. "Value leader" automatic brings back memories of my Olds Intrigue, not really a sporty feel. Back seat looks huge. Body styling looks import inspired, slightly generic but very sharp. Fit and finish seem great, especially for the price range. Something a little different from GM, and Ive had a lot of GM cars.
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A few dissapointments..but overall happy - 2006 Pontiac G6
By pr0gr4m - August 21 - 3:20 amI really dont like the monsoon sound system, its too boomy. I dont know if thats just mine or if all the monsoon systems sound like that. As Gib mentioned there is a leak problem but its the sunroof, not the windows. The sunroofs drainage hose pops loose. Once reconnected, all is well. I love driving the car but wish it got better mileage. My old V6 (Dodge Avenger) would get 300+ miles per tank full. This one just gets 240-280, unless I take a long highway trip, then the mileage jumps. I like automatic but wish it were a 5 speed, or 4 spd w/overdrive. Theres always gonna be problems, but these arent deal breakers for me. I really do enjoy this car and recommend it. Its FUN!
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My G6 Lemon - 2006 Pontiac G6
By jandkds - July 15 - 5:53 amI bought my G6 a little over a year ago and was very happy with it even though it had some odd noises. Now if you try to accelerate the engine cuts out and the light comes on. Almost killed when engine cut out while passing someone. Dangerous! Has been in the shop 5 times for the issue (and others) told it just isnt meant to accelerate? (what, no highway driving or passing?) I dont believe it. I am ready to voluntarily have it reposessed and ruin my credit. I now officially hate this death trap. Whats up GM, why no recalls on the faulty computer?
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Happy with my Pontiac - 2007 Pontiac G6
By tad0729 - July 10 - 5:46 pmI have had my Pontiac for almost two years now and have had no issues with the car. It runs well, has power, and is fun to drive. My average gas mileage is about 22 miles per gallon which is decent considering that fact that this is a 3.5 liter 6 cylinder engine. With almost 95K miles on my car, stills runs perfectly.
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Low Fuel Eonomy in town. - 2008 Pontiac G6
By krazzyh27 - July 8 - 10:00 amI just bought this car used from a rental dealership. I love the car except that I am getting terrible gas mileage in town! Only 13-15mpg. (I have an occasional lead foot.) On the highway, this car is superior, getting between 25-35mpg. I do 90% town driving though, so this is a little frustrating for me. I owned two older Ford Taurus before and this car handles much better but it is getting about the same game mileage as the dinosaurs I traded in on it. My husband and I are 58" and 59" and we have decent room in the front seat and my daughter is 510" and has just enough in the back seat. Not much room for extras. Car seats 4 comfortable, a 5th smaller person "touching arms".
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Hate this car! - 2007 Pontiac G6
By Hate this car!! - June 20 - 7:26 pmI bought this car brand new in 07. I LOVED it until winter came. This car does not hold to the road in snow or rain. It is DANGEROUS! I drive 88 miles each day and dread winter because I know my life will be spent in the car driving 20 miles/hour so that I do not wreck. At 72,000 miles today, I have had to replace the brakes, rotors, and now I have a leak somewhere between the sunroof and floor board. (Car flooded overnight during rainstorm- what a nightmare to wake up to!) Interior is cheap, cheap, cheap! Take my advice- choose a different car!
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Pontiac G6 - 2007 Pontiac G6
By Al. - May 28 - 6:56 pmIm a young male so i needed a car that had speed and comfort and this fit the picture very well. It is very nice interior inside with wood grain and leather, and is comparable to a Cadillacs interior. The gas mileage is great but all depends on how you drive. Its very quiet and the sound system is excellent. plenty of room for me and all my buddies. Never have to worry about pulling my seat up and im 63. Trust me if youre looking for that sporty look sedan then a g6 is for you.
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Great car after rattles fixed - 2007 Pontiac G6
By JimV - May 16 - 5:20 amMy dealer located the car I wanted, granite grey with ebony-morocco interior...sharp! The day I drove it off the lot though, the roof rattled loudly and didnt retract. I returned it immediately and I have to give the dealer credit. They apologized profusely, gave me a loaner, and repaired/adjusted everything in a few days. On top of that, the dealer worked w the Pontiac factory rep and extended my bumper to bumper warranty from 36K to 60K and even picked up the cost of the rubber mats I had ordered. The car is now totally rattle free and rides much smoother than I had expected and is quite quiet. Power is adequate and mpg is livable. (Im used to an 350 hp Accord with 29 mpg).
