1
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Midsize car; Built in USA
  • 2-door convertible
  • 2-door coupe
  • 4-door sedan
  • transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $5,900 – $17,000*


2005 Pontiac G6


2005 Pontiac G6


2005 Pontiac G6


2005 Pontiac G6

Pros:
  • Control layout
  • Passenger room
Cons:
  • Engine noise

G6 lacks the well-toned feel of a Honda Accord, the isolating comfort of a Toyota Camry, or the raw coltishness of a Nissan Altima. But it undercuts them all on price, especially with a V6 engine. The convertible benefits from its retractable hardtop and impresses for its solidity and smart pricing. Frequent discounts and a wide selection of safety and convenience features add to its appeal. The G6 coupe is too large for the interior space it provides, making a sedan the wisest choice here.

Overview

Pontiac replaced its best-selling Grand Am during the 2005 model year with the G6. It shared a basic front-wheel-drive design with the Chevrolet Malibu and the 9-3 from GM-owned Saab. G6 had a slightly longer wheelbase than Pontiac’s other midsize car, the Grand Prix, but was 9.3 inches shorter in overall length. G6 offered base and sportier GT models. Both used the 200-hp V6 and 4-speed automatic transmission offered in Malibu. The GT added a manual shift gate and a firmer suspension. Both versions had 4-wheel disc brakes. The GT came with antilock brakes, traction control, and power-adjustable pedals, all of which were available for the base G6. Front side airbags and curtain side airbags were available as a single option. Leather upholstery and OnStar assistance were exclusive GT options. Satellite radio and remote starting were available on both models. So were a conventional sunroof or a “panoramic” power sunroof with a tilt-up front section and three rear-sliding panels that opened to near the full length of the passenger compartment.

Yearly Updates

2006 G6
Pontiac completed its rollout of the G6 lineup by adding body styles and new engines. Coupe and power-retracting hardtop convertibles joined the G6 stable. A price-leader 1SV sedan arrived with a 167-hp 4-cyl engine. At the top of the G6 roster, GTP coupes and sedans had a 240-hp V6 (GTP convertibles had 227 hp) and optional 6-speed manual transmission.
2007 G6
Pontiac’s best-selling car got some new and more-powerful engines for 2007. GTs had a 3.5-liter V6 rated at 224 hp in sedan and coupe, 217 hp in the convertible; it up from 201 hp in 2006. For ’07, GTPs traded the 3.9 for a 252-hp 3.6-liter V6. Curtain side airbags were now standard instead of optional on sedans and coupes.
2008 G6
The 2008 Pontiac G6 lineup got some minor trim and detail changes. A manual transmission was no longer available.
2009 G6
Early in the 2009 model year, 4-cylinder models added an available 6-speed automatic transmission. Midyear, the “2009.5” models got freshened styling, and a Base coupe was added to the existing GT and GXP versions.
2010 G6
The 2010 Pontiac G6 lineup was trimmed to a single model. G6 came as a 4-door sedan in a single Base trim level.

Engines

transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

2005 G6 models had a 200-hp 3.5-liter V6 and 4-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain carried into 2006, joined by a 167-hp 2.4-liter 4-cyl engine and automatic transmission on 1SV and base models. The 2006 G6 GTP had a 240-hp 3.9-liter V6 and standard 4-speed automatic transmission or optional 6-speed manual. For 2007, GTs have a 3.5-liter V6 rated at 224 hp in the sedan and coupe, 217 hp in the convertible. It had 201 hp for 2006. For ’07, GTPs trade that 3.9-liter for a 252-hp 3.6-liter V6.

dohc I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.4/145
Engine HP 167
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 162
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic

 23/32
ohv V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.5/213
Engine HP 200-224
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 221
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic

 21/29

 19.5
ohv V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.9/237
Engine HP 240
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 241
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed manual
4-speed automatic 		18/26
18/24 		19.1
ohv V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.6/217
Engine HP 252
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 251
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

 20/28

Road Test

Models with the 200-hp V6 have good acceleration from any speed, including the convertible, which weighs some 400 lb more than the sedan. A test manual-transmission GTP coupe steadily builds power with smooth throttle response. Automatic and manual transmissions are responsive, though the latter suffers from a scraping metal feel during gear changes.

A test GT sedan and convertible averaged 19.5 mpg, and a manual GTP coupe averaged 19.1. All G6s use regular-grade fuel.

No G6 matches the refinement, composure, or quietness of the class-leading Honda Accord or Toyota Camry in ride and handling, but these Pontiacs don’t significantly trail them either. G6 is competent in these measures with respectable ride control and good grip in fast turns. Steering feel is overly light at low speeds, which helps in parking maneuvers but causes numbness on the highway. The hardtop convertible is stiffer than competitive soft tops from Chrysler and Toyota, but body flex is still noticeable. The hardtop makes the convertible nearly as quiet as the sedan, but all G6s still allow some engine, road, and wind noise to get into the cabin.

G6’s interior is a step up in appearance and materials quality than the Grand Am it replaces. Seats are softer than in many rivals, and testers say they are short on long distance support. The standard tilt/telescope steering wheel is a comfort plus. Vision is impeded by tall front headrests and thick roof pillars. The rear seat has ample leg room, but the sloping roofline limits head room in all models.

The narrow trunk has a small opening and tall liftover, so loading bulky items is a chore. The rear seatbacks unlatch from the trunk but don’t fold completely flat. The convertible has 5.8 cu ft with the top up, and that shrinks to 1.8 cu ft with the top down.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2005 Pontiac G6 base sedan w/ ABS

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 6
60%
Fuel Economy - 5
50%
Ride Quality - 6
60%
Steering/Handling - 6
60%
Quietness - 6
60%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Front - 6
60%
Room/Comfort Rear - 5
50%
Cargo Room - 3
30%

Other

Value - 6
60%

Total: 56

Specifications

2-door convertible
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
112.3 189.0 70.6 57.0
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
5.8 16.4 4
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
38.4 36.1 42.2 34.2
2-door coupe
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
112.3 189.0 70.6 57.0
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
11.0 16.4 4
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
38.9 36.3 42.2 35.8
4-door sedan
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
112.3 189.0 70.6 57.0
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
14.0 16.4 5
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
39.5 36.3 42.2 37.6
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2005 G6 2-door coupe

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Front Passenger Injury - 4
80%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Rear Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Cold-starting problems
Description: The power locks, cruise control, shift interlock and other accessories may not work; the engine may not go over 4,000 rpm and the check engine light may come on in cool (32-50 degrees F) after cold soak due to a problem with the transmission control module. (2007)
Coolant leak
Description: Coolant may leak from the area of the cylinder heads due to bad head gaskets or from the coolant crossover pipe gasket at the right (rear) cylinder head. (2006-08)
Engine noise
Description: The serpentine drive belt on the 3.5L engine may squeal and smell of burning rubber and a revised belt is available for replacement. (2005)
Engine noise
Description: A whistling noise from the 3.5L engine during acceleration is corrected by replacing the PCV tube. (2005)
Engine noise
Description: Squealing or vibration from the engine at startup likely due to a slipping vibration damper on the front of the crankshaft. (2007-08)
Fuel gauge
Description: The engine may not start or may stall because the tank is empty yet the gauge shows fuel remaining, or the fuel gauge will not show full after refilling due to sulfur corrosion of the fuel level sender and if after treating with Fuel System Cleaner PLUS the problem remains, the sender may need to be replaced. (2004-06)
Suspension noise
Description: Popping and squawking noises from front suspension caused by strut boot interference. (2007)
Water leak
Description: Water may leak into the driver’s door causing the doors to unintentionally unlock or deactivate the theft system and/or the trunk may release at speeds under 3 mph. The problem is corrected by reprogramming the body control module, however the key won’t then work to open the doors or trunk. (2005)
Electrical problem
Description: The PCM was being replaced for a defective chip under a voluntary emissions recall because it affected the fuel pump and EGR system. (2005)
Electrical problem
Description: When using a portable music player (e.g. iPod) there may be noise in the car’s speakers whenever the vehicle’s power adapter is used and a ground loop isolator (from Radio Shack) is required between the device and the power outlet to prevent the noise. (2005-07)
Check-engine light
Description: The check engine light comes on, accompanied by numerous trouble codes, due to timing chains stretching on the 3.7L V6 engine.
Check-engine light
Description: The check engine light may come on, and driver may or may not notice an engine stumble, due to partially clogged fuel injector(s) on the 2.4L engine. (2007)

Recall History

2005 G6
Description: Some vehicles may have a misprint in the owner’s manual regarding the position of child safety seat anchors. Pontiac will mail owners a supplement with the correct information.
2005-06
Description: The brake lights may not operate properly because of corrosion in a wiring connector. This could cause the brake lights to illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed, or the lamps may not illuminate when the brake pedal is pressed. In addition, the cruise control may not engage, and greater brake pedal force may be required to shift the vehicle out of Park. Dealers will apply a dielectric lubricant to the connector to prevent corrosion.
2006 G6 w/aftermarket leather seats
Description: Testing has indicated that the aftermarket leather seat covers can cause the passenger sensing system to malfunction. If the passenger sensing system malfunctions, the front air bag on the passenger side may be disabled when it should be enabled, or enabled when it should be disabled. GM will purchase these vehicles for the full price paid for it (not exceeding the fair market value at the time it was bought), including taxes and fees, if the vehicle is returned to GM’s possession by January 31, 2007. Through January 31, 2007, GM will also pay for the removal of any aftermarket accessories that may have been installed and return them to the customer.
2009
Description: The transmission shift cable adjustment clip may not be fully engaged, so shift lever might not coincide with actual position of transmission gear.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on July 24, 2014.
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