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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Fun in the Sun - 2007 Pontiac G6
By Tom Sully - November 20 - 9:33 pmThis car has been nothing but all fun. The only problem that I have had with this car is that when it was only 2 weeks old the top wouldnt go down. The dealer said that it was a broken hinge.
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G6 Convertible 3.9 6 cyl. great car - 2007 Pontiac G6
By S. Ennis - November 19 - 4:50 pmThis car is great for older people. Gives you the feeling of being young again. Drives very well, good gas milage and gets lots of attention. Roomy interior. The 3.9 has plenty of power. Easy to get in and out of. Always wanted a convertible and now have one plus a coupe all in one. I tried several sports cars and had to have help getting out until the G6.
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pontiac g6 vr - 2005 Pontiac G6
By joe - November 17 - 6:43 amhave had car for only 1 month but am extremely pleased with comfort driving. It is great driving over rough roads as our city streets are torn up replacing water pipes. Interior is comfortable and everything within reach. Most room in interior of any 6cy. cars I have seen.
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Over 2,000 miles and still happy - 2005 Pontiac G6
By prm342 - November 8 - 12:26 pmNo problems so far. Got the GT primarily for the wheels and nicer cloth. My 97 GrandAm had been a great car since new. The 6-way seat with leather doesnt give you much more angle/height adjustability than the 2- way with cloth. Id like a steeper seat angle adjustment and lower tiltability for the steering wheel, but probably both are by design to prevent the driver being launched OVER the airbag! Thankfully, much less interior chrome (taupe interior) than most supposedly nicer cars. To each their own, but I like its looks inside and out better than GTO or Grand Prix.
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best 4 dr hot rod yet! - 2005 Pontiac G6
By s nemeth jr - November 4 - 9:46 am200 h.p hot rod 4 dr - best car i have ever had -beats my 01 olds aurora v-6 electronic power steering - electronic throttle control - very very smooth ride "long wheel base" no wind noise, no engine noise,also has "remote start" from 200 feet away. looks sort of like a "audi" sedan . go drive 1 and you will buy it!!!!
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nice car - 2006 Pontiac G6
By dave - November 2 - 7:10 ami bought the 06 g6 in 2007 it rides very nice a lot better than my girlfriends accord and my brother in- laws Camry. i travel 50 miles one way to work it averages 31mpg thats about the same as her accord with its 4 cylinder. i dont understand why it gets bad reviews
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i love my car - 2006 Pontiac G6
By kmae1223 - October 29 - 5:23 pmmy seriously.... lets start here.. i bought a grand am and they lemon lawed it back and gave me a G6, i wish i could have just afforded this car from the get go.
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Should Be Criminal - 2006 Pontiac G6
By EG6 - October 14 - 5:43 amA vehicle with this fun factor should be a crime. I drive lots and this car absolutely does it for me! The stereo rocks, engine is nice n peppy, handling is superb, and gas mileage is great! It is rated at 29, I get 35 easily going uphill! This is a tough cookie to beat!
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WOW!! - 2005 Pontiac G6
By GTOguy - October 5 - 10:00 amIve been a huge Pontiac buff ever since my first car, 1986 Pontiac 6000 STE, Special Touring Edition, and then I thought Pontiac couldnt outdue themselves until the G6 came my way. This car performs like a BMW, handles the turns like and Audi, I love driving this car, I cant get enough of it. Well done Pontiac, you have another winner under your belt. Any chance of bringing back the 6000, that was a popular car.
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A Real Car from Pontiac - 2005 Pontiac G6
By Russell Ruggiero - October 5 - 10:00 amThe Epsilon foundation is solid and the 17" wheel and tire package is quite stable. The 3.5L is strong off the line and should deliver 25 mpg overall. The seats and build quality of the interior is the best of any Pontiac including the GTO.
