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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  Check Engine Light - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Karen - November 29 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Pontiac for a year and a half. I love it. I do not love the problems. My check engine light goes on and off and the engine machines says it is fuses. We have had all those changed check eng light still on and still says fuses. Also my wipers stopped working and we do not know why. I have always bought a GM but now I am not so sure. My seat has already broke the water pump went what problems I am having. Should have bought a 1000 car instead of a 12000 car

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  NOT TO SHABBY - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Ray - October 29 - 12:10 pm

  I bought the car online and after i paid i read all the bad reviews. my experience with the car has be mostly positive the only problem i had was with the brakes. i replaced the brakes myself(ceramics of course)and i replaced the rotors at the same time because of all the reviews about them. i feel if pontiac is more sport orientated they would use some decent rotors. a few other problems ive encountered is my throttle body keeps getting dirty and the car clunks and rattles. for a car with such a big engine it get between 33 and 29MPG (60-90 MPH).the sound system is great. i had to replace the radio(6 disc)and just got an aftermarket and got a device to replace the DIC.all in all a good car

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  Great Value - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By BRMike - October 13 - 11:53 pm

  My wife and I replaced her 2000 Grand Prix GTP coupe with a a 2007 Blue-Gold Chrystal Metallic G6 GTP sedan. Through the first 7200 miles weve taken it on one road trip thus far and achieved an average of 30.6 mpg. Overall my wife and I are happy with the G6 GTP. However, the steering rack had to be replaced (warranty). The steering rack replacement was painless and took just one day (great local dealer).

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  6th Pontiac - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By John Berszoner - October 2 - 5:20 am

  I have driven 5 Pontiac Bonnevilles before I bought my G6 GT. I loved my Bonnies. They always met my driving needs as far as performance, handling and comfort was concerned. I test drove the G6 and was amazed that while the G6 was smaller, the performance and comfort was on par with the Bonnies. The handling was even better than what I was used to.

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  Uh oh - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Holly - September 6 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car with 19,000 miles on it. Replaced mirror covers several times. Uncontrollably shakes while breaking. Clicking sound when turning and now with 61,000 miles on it my engine smells of burning and a metal rubbing sound with acceleration. Highly upset and do not recommend to anyone.

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  Not perfect, but very good! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By sailorbeavis - August 21 - 7:35 pm

  Bought one of these cars off-season last year, fully loaded with the Monsoon stereo, heated leather and low mileage on the 3.9L upgraded V6. This is my mothers "fun car," replacing a workhorse S10 pickup. We test drove all sorts of cars, and were looking at a Miata when I found this at a local dealership. She fell in love with it at first sight and after driving it, had to have it. This thing moves like a scalded cat and the touring suspension soaks up the bumps great, even with the 18" wheels. The transmission is smooth and you can "row" the automatic if you want. We got it as a CPO with extended warranty, to hedge against any mechanical or electrical gremlins.

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  Great car - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Brian in Dallas - August 15 - 7:26 pm

  Ive owned my G6 3 years now. Purchased a fully-loaded GT with leather, panoramic roof, chrome wheels, etc. Closing in on 66k with nothing but routine maintenance. Daily driving is highway driving in Dallas rush hour 22 miles each way and average 29 mpg. Extended trips average 32 mpg as long as I stay below 70 mph. Panoramic roof is great in spring/fall.

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  Nice Ride - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Scott - June 15 - 5:10 pm

  This car rides smooth and engine is high performing. Its easy to do much higher than speed limit due to how smooth ride is. Handles very well. Sporty feel while still able to bring the kids along with four doors. I checked on Nissan Altima but no head room for a 62" person. I had a 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix GT for 7 years before I bought this car. I was not impressed with new Grand Prix models and the engines offered. Was very impressed that I could get the 224 HP engine in the G6. I get compliments on the look of car all the time. Real sharp with the nice alloy 17 inch rims. Only wish this version had the manual shift option like the GTP. Sporty car with plenty of style.

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  Love my G6 - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By dobbins8394 - June 2 - 2:06 pm

  I was sorry to hear all the bad reviews! I bought my 2007 G6 brand new and I havent had any problems out of it! It drives great and I get great gas mileage! I love the interior and the exterior. The lighting inside is great. The car has a total of 52000 miles and is still going strong! I have even been rear ended and the car was repaired and I havent had any problems still! This was a wonderful investment!

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  No wonder they stopped making pontiacs - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Brian - May 29 - 9:26 am

  I brought my car to the dealership to get 4 things done. Oil change, replace windshield, fix my back seat b/c it wasnt going down, and fix my break lights. My break lights were reversed. They would always be on and when I hit the breaks they would go off. Really safe. They had my car for over a week and didnt give me a rental. When I got it back 2/4 things were done. They forgot to replace the windshield and never fixed the back seat. A couple months later, the break lights reversed again. Im a school teacher and if 25% of my students were passing Id be fired.