Pontiac's midsize model replaced the long-serving Grand Am that had been around since the 1985 model year.
The front-wheel-drive 2005 G6 sedan was joined by a coupe for 2006 as well as a unique-looking convertible with a retractable metal roof. Sedans originally arrived with a 164-horsepower four-cylinder engine, or an optional 200-horsepower (later 221) V-6 , while coupes and convertibles offered 3.5-and 3.9-litre V-6s with up to 240 horses on tap. A 252-horsepower 3.6-litre engine joined the coupe/convertible lineup for the 2007 model year and eventually migrated over to the sedan option list. The G6's fate was sealed when Pontiac's lineup ceased production in late 2009.
The G6 was an attractive mid-size vehicle that, after a slow start, seemed to catch on with buyers. Styling was top notch, and both the four-cylinder and V6 powerplants provided excellent service.
For the first three model years you could equip your G6 with a six-speed manual gearbox, but all 2007-'09 vehicles were equipped with either four-or six-speed automatics, depending on the engine. Ride quality was firm, but compliant and the variable-ratio power steering made negotiating tight parking spots relatively easy. The convertible's folding hard top made for a quiet cabin that also offered better protection from the elements. It dispelled the myth that convertibles are only for summer or fair-weather days.
Although the good-looking G6 coupe and convertible tempted many showroom tire kickers, access to, or exit from, the rear seat of either two-door vehicle was fairly restrictive. Once aboard, full-size adults likely had head-clearance issues when seated in back. For practical sedan buyers who needed to travel with a full load, or for those who undertook lengthy highway trips, the V6 was clearly the better all-around performance choice over the base four-cylinder. Overall, G6s tended to transmit more wind and road noise into the cabin than top competitors such as the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry.
Some pre-owned Pontiac models have taken a hit since the cancellation of the brand. That applies to most G6s, however convertibles and hard-to-find GXP versions appear to be holding their own.
Year Approx. price range*
2005 $8,000-$9,500
2006 $9,000-$15,000
2007 $10,500-$17,000
2008 $12,500-$19,500
2009 $14,000-$21,500
*The higher end of a given price range represents vehicles with more options and fewer kilometres.
Talk-show host Oprah Winfrey gave away hundreds of G6 sedans to her audience as part of Pontiac's promotional strategy. What her fortunate fans (plus those who paid between $25,000 and $30,000 in Canada to buy one) received was a smart-looking, spacious car that, in four-door format, was ideal for a typical family plus their belongings. Coupes and convertibles weren't as family oriented, but they looked sportier and sold relatively well despite their higher price tags.
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