2006 Pontiac G6 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Expert review
The 2006 Pontiac G6 makes up for so-so cabin quality by offering performance-oriented trims and a unique power hardtop convertible.
The average family sedan is efficient, reliable, and perfectly inoffensive. If you seek a bit more excitement in your daily commute, the 2006 Pontiac G6 is capable of delivering it, provided you select the top-tier GTP trim. The G6 is offered as a five-passenger sedan, but now, for 2006, a stylish coupe and a new convertible are also available, the latter showcasing an innovative retractable hardtop to combine open-air driving with year-round protection from the elements.
The G6 was introduced as a new car for the 2005 model year and is based on the same platform as its GM corporate cousin, the Chevrolet Malibu. Despite its unique variants, sharp styling, and available performance trims, the G6 is generally a middle-of-the-road sedan and is likely to underwhelm the lifelong Honda Accord and Toyota Camry owner. But if you have grown tired of the same old options, the G6 is a fun alternative.
out of 10 expert review
Look & feel
When the G6 arrived in 2005, it did so as a replacement for the Pontiac Grand Am, itself a midsize car with bold styling. The G6 ratchets that up by taking Pontiac styling cues to the extreme. The aggressive headlights are stretched out to the front corners of the car, framing up the brand’s signature twin-intake grille.
The cabin design channels Pontiac’s sports-car persona with a focused layout, a three-spoke sport steering wheel, and a performance-minded instrument cluster. Though it looks smart enough, the cabin of the G6 lacks a general fit-and-finish that you’ll find in the Camry and Accord. There is heavy use of hard plastics, and those materials that are soft-touch don’t feel up to par. Leather seats and larger alloy wheels are optional.
Performance
There are three trims of the G6, each defined by their drivetrains. The base G6 is powered by a 167-horsepower, 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, while the Pontiac G6 GT receives a 201-horsepower, 3.5-litre V6 engine. The top trim is the GTP, and it is equipped with a 3.9-litre V6 with power specs of 240 horsepower. All engines route power to front-wheel drive (FWD) through a four-speed automatic transmission, while the GTP is also available with a six-speed manual (coupe and sedan body styles only; this powertrain is not offered in the convertible).
The four-cylinder engine is utterly underwhelming, and the 3.5-litre V6 doesn’t do much to impress, either. The only engine here worth its salt is the 3.9-litre V6 in the GTP, which provides plenty of low-end power but will also get up to highway speeds with ease.
No matter which engine you select, the G6 provides power steering and rewarding handling characteristics. It’s no sports car, but it is pretty respectable, and it somewhat lives up to Pontiac’s performance heritage. This is further enhanced in the GTP, which receives a stiffer sport suspension. Power-adjustable pedals are optional.
Form & function
The G6 sedan has seating for five, while the coupe and convertible lose the rear middle seat in favour of a fixed centre console with integrated cup holders. The rear seats of the two-door variants are acceptable, especially for a coupe and convertible, where the expectation is limited usability. If you need true adult-friendly rear seating, look to the sedan, which has plenty of backseat legroom. Heated front seats are available.
The sedan body style also offers the most trunk space, providing 396 litres. The coupe isn’t far behind, with 382 litres. Meanwhile, the trick mechanical bits of the power-folding hardtop take up quite a bit of cargo space, leaving only 62 litres of usable trunk space in the convertible when the top is down. Raising the top will expand that space to a still-paltry 164 litres.
Technology
Despite how much real estate it takes up in the trunk when stowed, the convertible's power-retractable hardtop is truly something special. It folds like some sort of Transformer, and it stows neatly beneath the rear deck, though it does leave something of a hunchback to the styling.
If you don’t need all those moving parts but you still want a bit of fresh air, the sedan is available with a small moonroof or a large panoramic sunroof. It should be noted that the components that allow this larger sunroof to slide aft do cut into rear-seat headroom.
Other tech options include a premium stereo with SiriusXM satellite radio (subscription required), OnStar connectivity services, keyless entry, and a premium stereo. Air conditioning and a CD player are standard.
Safety
The G6 comes standard with traction control and seatbelt pre-tensioners, as well as front-impact airbags for the driver and front passenger and a front passenger seat occupancy sensor. Side-curtain airbags and side airbags for head protection are also available. They’re a good option to choose as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rates the G6 as Poor in side impact protection without them and Acceptable when they’re equipped. Seats and headrests are rated at Marginal. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the 2006 G6 a five-star rating in most crash tests. The coupe’s side impact rating is lower, at three stars.
It should be noted there are varying levels of traction control, starting with the minimal system in the base trim. The GT features a more robust traction control system, while the GTP model features GM’s signature StabiliTrack stability control system that has been co-developed with Delphi. Anti-lock brakes are standard.
Cost-effectiveness
The base four-cylinder engine is the most efficient version of the G6, returning fuel economy of 10.0 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving and 6.4 on the highway. The 3.5-litre V6 is almost as good, returning 11.7 L/100 km city, 7.7 highway. The larger 3.9-litre V6 returns between 13.1 and 13.3 city and from 7.6 to 8.6 highway, depending on the transmission.
Base MSRP for the 2006 Pontiac G6 in Canada is $23,160 and goes up to $29,885 for the Pontiac G6 GTP sedan. The G6 Coupe starts at $27,995, while the G6 Convertible starts at $34,995. The most expensive version of the G6 is the GTP Convertible, starting at $36,885.
Note: Images show a US model.
What owners say
"Overall, Pontiac G6 owners have a generally positive view of their cars, appreciating the sporty driving experience, decent performance, and spacious interiors. Many drivers liked the good acceleration and handling, often mentioning its reliability and fun factor. However, some faced issues with gas mileage and maintenance, particularly related to mechanical problems after the warranty period and handling in winter conditions."
This is the car my fiance chose when it was time to get her a new car. I'm proud of her, she did a pretty good job. There's so many good things about this car. We haven't had any mechanical problems with it yet. The all leather interior was immaculate. It comes factory with keyless entry, remote start, slap-shift, 17" chrome rims, and a sunroof so big it might as well be a convertible. The stereo system isn't bad either. Sounds great, comes with an in dash 6 disc CD changer. This is a very quick car for a V6. it comes with the bigger 3.5 V6, with loads of acceleration, great handling, and quick response. i took this car to the track and it ran a 16.5 stock. not bad at all for a bone stock V6. there's just not enough good things to say about this car. we are the second owners, only paid $11,200 with 39,000 miles and everything on the car was like we were the first owners.
September 22, 2010it is a very solid car with good performance. It handles nicely without compromising a good ride. On the streets it accelerates quickly and smoothly. It is a joy to drive with a 6-speed manual and a 3.9L V6. I would recommend this car to anybody who might show interest.
January 27, 2009This is an excellent car! It drives great and gets decent fuel economy. It's sporty, handles great, has great seats (both front & rear). It is also very well made - no shakes or rattles. This is a very reliable vehicle and has never let me down. I love this car!
June 1, 2013What owners say
This is the car my fiance chose when it was time to get her a new car. I'm proud of her, she did a pretty good job. There's so many good things about this car. We haven't had any mechanical problems with it yet. The all leather interior was immaculate. It comes factory with keyless entry, remote start, slap-shift, 17" chrome rims, and a sunroof so big it might as well be a convertible. The stereo system isn't bad either. Sounds great, comes with an in dash 6 disc CD changer. This is a very quick car for a V6. it comes with the bigger 3.5 V6, with loads of acceleration, great handling, and quick response. i took this car to the track and it ran a 16.5 stock. not bad at all for a bone stock V6. there's just not enough good things to say about this car. we are the second owners, only paid $11,200 with 39,000 miles and everything on the car was like we were the first owners.
September 22, 2010it is a very solid car with good performance. It handles nicely without compromising a good ride. On the streets it accelerates quickly and smoothly. It is a joy to drive with a 6-speed manual and a 3.9L V6. I would recommend this car to anybody who might show interest.
January 27, 2009This is an excellent car! It drives great and gets decent fuel economy. It's sporty, handles great, has great seats (both front & rear). It is also very well made - no shakes or rattles. This is a very reliable vehicle and has never let me down. I love this car!
June 1, 2013A Gorgeous car, the looks are definitely a reason to but this car but it has some disadvantages. While it has agile acceleration and good MPG it lacks firm handling especially at low speeds. The interior is comfortable and spaceous excepting rear headroom. The turning circle is a little large and the length of this vehicle makes it sometimes tricky to handle. In short if your not sold on the looks don't go out of your way but otherwise it is a solid car.
March 16, 2008This is a great car and very reliable, seats are comfortable and supportive. This car has plenty of power and has no problems merging onto the high way. The cargo space is great for a coupe and the handling is wonderful. This car is a much better deal than a camaro or mustang and does much better in the winter.
November 28, 2014I like the sports handling and the power that it had. I did not like the complaining I got from rear seat passengers that were taller than 5 feet tall. I did not like replacing the rotors. I especially like the manumatic shifting option.
January 20, 2014Have had this car since March 06. Just took it to the dealer for a break light issue. Never had any problems with it. Love the panoramic roof. A little noisy but it doesn't bother me since I had a Geo tracker ragtop for 10 yrs. V6 is fast pick up. Just love my G6V6!
July 26, 2008Good performance and gas mileage. I feel safe getting on the highway and like the xm radio. If you keep some wax on it the bugs just wipe off. Great car
July 15, 20086 speed trans is geared very high, 185+ km/h in 4th gear. 3.9L V6 seems decently strong but has a low red line. Read wheel drive would be alot more fun to drive, as front wheel tends to push in the corners
November 1, 2010I love my car. She has 74000 miles and still running strong. Gas mileage could be better...23 miles per gallon...that could be my driving though. I have not had to make any major repairs as of yet. hhmm It says i'm poetic...nice
October 6, 2009Trims & specs
Base MSRP $29,990 | Seating 4 |
Engine 3.9L 227 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 12.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $28,490 | Seating 4 |
Engine 3.5L 201 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 12.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $19,690 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.5L 201 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 14.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $18,490 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 167 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 14.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 26 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $23,690 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.9L 240 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 14.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $21,990 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.5L 201 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 14.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $21,790 | Seating 4 |
Engine 3.5L 201 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 12.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $16,990 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 167 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 14.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 26 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $23,490 | Seating 4 |
Engine 3.9L 240 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 12.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain FWD |
