2009 Pontiac G6
- 2008 Pontiac G6
- Used Pontiac G6
Based on analysis of 51 G6 reviews and test drives.
Pontiac G6 - What the Auto Press Says
The 2009 Pontiac G6 ranks 21 out of 23 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 51 published reviews and test drives of the Pontiac G6, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Pontiac brand is due to disappear from American roads this year, and the 2009 Pontiac G6 with it. The automotive press was neither impressed nor offended with the G6. Underpowered, with a substandard interior, it trails most of the midsize class -- but is often available at a considerable discount.
Available as a coupe, a sedan or a hardtop convertible, with three engine options, the G6 can be ordered in many different configurations. But reviewers say all but the most expensive engine make the car feel sluggish off the line. Some like the handling of the G6, though not in convertible form. And few consider its interior class-competitive.
Those interested in an American-made midsize sedan might want to consider the more refined Chevrolet Malibu or Ford Fusion instead. In the current economic climate, those cars can often be found at a discount. See our best car deals page for current offers.
General Motors has declared bankruptcy and announced plans to eliminate the Pontiac brand in the process, so the G6 models currently on dealership lots are the last that will be built. That shouldn't necessarily scare away buyers, however. Other GM dealers will service this car. It shares parts with other midsize cars like the Chevy Malibu and Buick LaCrosse -- so it should be relatively simple to maintain a G6 even after the model leaves showrooms. A new G6 is likely to depreciate quickly now that the model has reached the end of its lifecycle -- but for just that reason, the purchase price of the car is likely to come down. If you are planning on buying a car to hold onto for a long time, the end of the G6 line may actually represent a great buying opportunity.
The 2009 G6 sedan is available in three trims -- a stripped-down base trim, a GT featuring more common equipment, and a more powerful GXP. The G6 two-door is available in GT and GXP trim. The convertible comes only as a GT. Pontiac plans to replace the G6 with an entirely new model in 2010, which rumors say may be a more performance-oriented rear-wheel-drive car.
- "G6 lacks the well-toned feel of a Honda Accord or the isolating comfort of a Toyota Camry. But it undercuts them on price, especially with a V6 engine. Frequent discounts and a wide selection of safety and convenience features add to G6's appeal." -- Consumer Guide
- "Although one of the few midsize nameplates to offer sedan, coupe and convertible body styles, the 2009 Pontiac G6 fails to stand out in any of the classes in which it competes." -- Edmunds
- "As it sits, the G6 is a car with many good pieces that don't quite realize their potential as a whole." -- Road and Track
- "G6 fails to connect, coming across as just an average car with little to make it stand out." -- Arizona Republic
G6 Performance - 6.8 (Mediocre)
Some reviewers find the handling prowess of the 2009 Pontiac G6 to be above the class average. But its engines, with the exception of an expensive top-of-the-line V6, are weak compared to its peers. Kelley Blue Book says, "If you settle into the GT's driver's seat expecting the performance of a sport sedan, you might be somewhat disappointed by a 219-horsepower pushrod V6 and four-speed automatic transmission, with performance that is decidedly underwhelming." Fuel economy has improved for 2009. continue
G6 Exterior - 8.1 (Very Good)
The Pontiac G6's sharp looks are a selling point for the car. In a typically uninspiring class, reviewers like the G6's aggressive stance and sleek wedge shape. The G6 also offers sedan, coupe and convertible body styles, a rarity in this segment, and all are sold at reasonable prices. continue
G6 Interior - 7.6 (Good)
Unlike the exterior, the the 2009 Pontiac G6's cabin does not impress. Many say fit and finish is below the class norm, and too many hard plastics ruin an otherwise spacious interior. Edmunds notes that, "Available metallic or wood trim, or tan upholstery, can brighten things up a bit, but there's no escaping that Avis ambience." continue
G6 Safety - 8.2 (Very Good)
The 2009 Pontiac G6 receives respectable crash test scores from the federal government and insurance industry. continue
G6 Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2009 Pontiac G6 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2009 G6 is backed by GM's three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. Powertrain coverage is offered for five years or 100,000 miles. continue
