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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Great Car! - 2007 Pontiac G6
By Birdman - April 25 - 9:50 pmI traded in an 05 Corvette Coupe for this car, due to relocation and change of jobs. (Yeah-huge task of competing with a Vette!) But seriously, this car has beat all my expectations. The gas mileage is great! I bought the electric blue color, and love it. I knew it would be an adjustment going from a vette, to a G6, but this car has made it pretty easy! Im very pleased with the way it drives and handles, and the leather seats (in my opinion) are better than the vettes were! Very Happy!! and i would recommend!!
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2007 Pont g6 gtp - 2007 Pontiac G6
By occupational_hazard - April 4 - 6:06 amPicked out the GTP on test drive. Nice handling car. Kinda cramped for a tall person. Im 64" and can drive in it somewhat comfortably. Headlights maybe need a little more power or maybe adjusted to cover more range. Moonroof and Monsoon radio were nice add-ons.
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new 06 - 2006 Pontiac G6
By Theresa - March 10 - 6:53 amI have only had my 2006 pontiac G6 for a month so still working out some things but its very comfortable and fun to drive rides well have not taken a trip yet. but around here getting 25.6 miles to gal which is nice. there are blind spots but really like back windows that go all the way down.
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Has anyone had this problem? - 2007 Pontiac G6
By John - March 1 - 9:03 pmLove the car, but...there is a rattle noise in the right rear quarter. Very annoying. Rear back seat rattles also. Sounds like Im driving a popcorn machine. Rattles occur whether or not top is down. Makes no difference. If youve had this problem and it was fixed, let me know what was fixed. First dealership I took it to had no clue. I now have it at another dealership. Another issue is torque steer. When I get on it, hard to control the steering wheel. Anyone else experience this. Remedy, or than not getting on it? LOL.
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Now that its gone, I miss it! - 2008 Pontiac G6
By Nate - February 20 - 7:53 amI am updating my review for my G6 GT sedan. I bought it with 18k miles and it was a rental before. It had about 49k miles on it when i recently got in an accident, and it is now totaled. I had my entire family, wife, 2 kids under 18 months and a dog in the car when the accident occurred. No one was injured and air bags did not go off due to the fact that i wasnt going fast enough i think. MPG in city was around 22, and highway was around 30. I never had any big problems with it, was never in the shop for repairs, except when i hit a deer. other than that, very reliable and when friends drove it, they were impressed with it. I would get another one, but we decided on an SUV with 2 kids.
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Great hard top convertible - 2007 Pontiac G6
By Tim - January 26 - 5:33 pmIve loved the Lexus SC but felt $65,000 out of my price range for what I wanted. Security and wondering if and when someone would cut a hole in the top was my hold back on a convertible and having it for winter. Just happened to see a G6 in a parking lot and checked it out on line and found a car for $31000 that did just what I needed. It really needs a place to lock items in when parked and one touch button top operation would be great. Liked the electric blue but found it was only available in 06 and put out the blue gold which I dont care for color wise. Odd they made the prototype electric blue and cancel the color for 07. I love the car anyway.
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Return to American - 2006 Pontiac G6
By Jon Meine - December 30 - 4:50 amAfter more than 12 years in Japanese Sports Touring upscale cars I have returned to domestic and am astounded at the degree of technical sophistication and build excellence that have been incorporated at a very reasonable price point. Viva American!
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love my car - 2006 Pontiac G6
By j - December 23 - 5:03 pmI love the performance and the look of my car, it really turns heads. I have had strangers come up to me and ask about the car. They have all been impressed, no one else in my little town has one yet.
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Loving it - 2007 Pontiac G6
By jen - December 10 - 10:53 pmI did my shopping around and the G6 is the best overall buy I could find. I test drove a lot of cars out there. The G6 won. I got a great price, haggled and got leather for free. Totally loving the XM! I only wish that it had radio options on the steering wheel.
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Good value for your dollar - 2008 Pontiac G6
By Greg - December 3 - 11:43 amPurchased for $12,000 (Thanks, GM Card dollars!). At that price nothing really competes. I was able to get the dealer to add cruise, and for those that really want remote locks that can be added as well. Note the gas mileage will be less if the car has the 3.91 axle ratio, but will have more pep. So if you are shooting for 30 MPG be aware of the "optional" axle ratio issue. Easy to drive, but a little hard to get in and out of as doors are narrow top to bottom. I do 90% highway cruising, and this is quite and very smooth for its size. I understand wiper blades are expensive, so try and get covered under bumper-to- bumper warranty. Also, no key hole on passenger door, seems odd.
