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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  Cushy Car! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Robbia - March 30 - 5:10 pm

  I love my Pontiac G6! It feels wonderful to ride in--a very cushy, soft ride. I have the Value Leader and am glad I didnt opt for the higher priced model, because this one is just perfect. All I added was the spoiler, which I like. Otherwise, this is a great car. It has a lot of pep for a 4-cylinder! I previously owned a Pontiac Firebird and thought I wouldnt find anything better, but this car is sweet with great styling, and gives the feeling a luxuriousness that the Firebird did not. I feel very mellow in this car.

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  Now I own two black convertibles! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Barb - March 26 - 8:06 pm

  Started out to buy a rational vehicle, since I already own a high performance roadster--(1991 RX7 convertible). My husband declared the Civic and Mazda 3 boring. I suggested a 4 seat convertible. We chose a hardtop so wed have a car to leave at the airport without worrying. Im really pleased. Its not a sports car, or all that high performance, but it is fun. Handling is very good for a car its size and the back seat roomy enough for adults. With this car, I can have my top down and pick up the kids, take the dog to the vet, etc. Charlie Brown once said the key to happiness is to own a lake and a convertible. Convertible = fun. Now I drive one almost every day!

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  Oh what your money can buy - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Gary - March 26 - 6:03 am

  I really got into the car buying process this time. I compared this car to the Toyota Corolla and Camry, Honda Accord, and Nissan Altima. This car list at 18,875 and is very well equipped at this price: Several thousand less than Altima, Camry, and Accord. It has a smooth, responsive feel and compared to the others cars I test drove much more pep! Hands down this car out performs any foreign car in its class that is price even 2,000 to 3,000 dollars more. Not to mention the the 2,000 dollar rebate that GM was offering, the additional 1,000 loyality cash (since I have a 1999 pickup). Final price 15,400 compared to 19,000 plus for Accord, Camry, or Altima. Time to buy American.

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  Awesome car for the money - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Eric - March 25 - 4:50 am

  This car is great. The build quality is wonderful. I had an Audi A4 before this and although the G6 is not as nice on the inside, it uses very high quality materials. And of course the G6 costs about $17K less. I recently took a road trip and my highway mpg averaged 32. My mpg around town has been around 25. This car has a lot of creature comforts that I would expect to see on more expensive models. Mine came with a power sunroof, 6-disc CD changer, and power adjustable pedals for around $18K. What a great deal. General Motors should be commended for the great cars they are now making. Theyre on par (if not above for the price) with the rest.

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  Very Great Car - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Matt - March 17 - 12:53 am

  This car is great. I had a Saturn and this car is great. The design of the car is really a car that GM seems to have done right. I think that the one thing that needs to change is that keyless Remote need to come on the value package. But all in all fun to drive and looks great

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  Safe, but fun car! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By rachel - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I have had my pontiac G6 for over a year now and i absolutely love it. A month after i bought it a deer jumped onto my windshield (on my side) while i was doing 65 mph, i slammed on my brakes and my car slid off the road. I, as well as my two passengers, walked away without a scratch. I havent had to replace anything on my car since ive had it. I love love love my car and i would recommend it to anyone looking for a safe, sporty, and reliable car.

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  My 2007 G6 convertible - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By MaryAnnMiller - March 4 - 12:23 pm

  I got my 2007 convertible sept 9th and so far i just love it . my husband loves it also . it is a pleasure to drive we only got to ride with the top down on the day we got it , its rained everyday since !!!It looks and drives like no other car we have ever owned . the only thing that we have found so far that anoys us is the windows rubbing on the rubber mouldings . my husband put some silicone on them and it stopped . we love the interior its so rich looking..

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  G6 GTP 6 speed manual - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Dave - February 28 - 3:26 am

  I just purchased a GTP Coupe w/a manual trany. Love the car and the ride, not too crazy about the way the transmission shifts as its a little notchy. The car looks like a Accord and Solaria mated and the off spring took steroids. Im getting approx 23 mph in mixed driving. I just figured out the sweet spot for mileage is between 1500 and 2000 rpm. 2000 rpm in 6th gear will get you 70 mph and 30++ mpg (red line is 6300 rpm). The front seats have a lot headroom even with a sunroof, the headroom in the back is tight (Im 6) for me but the wife fits fine.

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  Great on fuel - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Gary - February 20 - 3:43 pm

  Bought this car used with 66,000 miles on it. Averaging 33 mpg on the highway, average speed about 70 mph. Plenty of power for a 4cyl. Reliability? The jury is still out because I have only had the vehicle a short time but so far so good!

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  An Excellent Choice - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By S Martin - February 17 - 12:30 pm

  I bought this car in Dec. 06 and never had buyers remorse. This car is very quick and my friends are impressed with the superb road holding. It also gets decent mileage (Im averaging 24 mpg city/hwy). The 6A is awesome (wont find that on Accord or Altima) and the trip tonic will hold gear even if you floor the throttle. 18" wheels typically scratch easily but the treadwall height on these tires is enough that the tires absorb impact upon curb contact. The 8-spkr Monsoon is awesome. Excellent cargo capacity with folding rear seats. No reliability issues so far - car has only needed oil changes and tire rotation. Heated seats work well and the two-tone leather looks great. Buy it