2006 Pontiac G6 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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2006 Pontiac G6 Pricing
Trims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: door pockets
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 4
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 4
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 4
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio · 1 subwoofer
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo net
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 4
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: chrome alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio · 1 subwoofer
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: seatback
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 4
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 6
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 6
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio · 1 subwoofer
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 4
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power retractable hard top
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 6
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power retractable hard top
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent