The 2006 G6 lasts only around 150,000 miles with steering and engine problems. Prices are cheap at $4,325 – $5,475, but ownership costs are high with a lot of breakdowns.
Is the 2006 Pontiac G6 a Good Used Car?
- No, 2006 is the worst year for the G6. Owners complain about worn-out brakes, lighting issues, and transmission failures.
- Reliability ratings are terrible. G6 models from 2005–2008 are all bad, with some mechanical improvements for 2009.
- Performance is average from the base 4-cylinder, but the largest V6 is quick.
- The G6 is a safe car, getting a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests.
- Fuel economy is good at up to 24 MPG combined.
What Do Critics Say About the G6?
- Consumer Reports says the G6 has an overly stiff ride, with average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the G6 a 4.4/5 and likes the responsive engine, but dislikes the steering feel.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the G6 4.1/5 and enjoy the exciting driving experience, but say it spends a lot of time in the shop.
What Common Problems Does the 2006 Pontiac G6 Have?
Problems with the 2006 G6 are fairly serious including power steering failures, the engine being unable to start, and broken CD players.
Power steering failures are the most common complaint from owners at around 72,000 miles. The problem is caused by the electric power steering motor wearing out. There are recalls related to the problem, but usually only address sensors. Replacing the entire motor costs about $1,400.
The engine turning over but not starting shows up on many vehicles at roughly 65,000 miles. A dirty throttle body is the main source, and replacing it costs around $500.
CD players not working is another regular issue in the first 60,000 miles as well. The only way to fix the issue is by installing a new CD player, costing around $300.
There are 7 fairly serious recalls which include the power steering system, broken steering shafts, and transmission shift cables, which all increase the risk of an accident.
How Long Will the 2006 Pontiac G6 Last?
A properly maintained G6 should last around 150,000 miles, which is roughly half as long as top competitors like the Toyota Camry. Regular annual maintenance costs are more expensive than rivals, according to Repair Pal at $403 per year.
Most used 2006 G6 models will have over 100,000 miles, so buyers should be prepared to replace alternators for $500, oil pumps costing $700, and exhaust manifolds which cost around $775.
How Much Is the 2006 Pontiac G6 Worth?
Blue book values range from $4,325 – $5,475, making the G6 $1,000 cheaper than a Mazda6 or VW Passat. When new, the price range was $16,365 to $29,365. Depreciation is worse than average, losing around 12% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the G6?
There are three models of the G6 available. Technology is okay with the last update in 2005, and was discontinued in 2010 when the Pontiac brand was shut down.
Base is the entry-level model and comes standard with:
- 16-Inch Steel Wheels
- Remote Keyless Entry
- Cloth Seating
- AM/FM Stereo System With 6 Speakers
GT is a step up adding features including:
- 17-Inch Aluminum Wheels
- Premium Cloth Seating
- Anti-Lock Brakes & Traction Control System
- 8-Speaker Monsoon Stereo System With CD Player
GTP is the flagship performance model and adds:
- 18-Inch Aluminum Wheels
- Leather Seating
- Power Driver’s Seat
- Satellite Radio System
What Engines Come In the G6?
- The base engine is a weak 2.4L 4-cylinder with 167 horsepower that gets up to 24 MPG combined.
- A step up is the more powerful 3.5L V6 which has 201 horsepower and gets up to 23 MPG combined.
- The most powerful engine is the 3.9L V6 which has 240 horsepower and gets up to 19 MPG combined. Performance is good, taking only 6.1 seconds to go 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the G6 Come In?
How Big Is the G6?
The 2006 Pontiac G6 is an average midsize car similar to the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima. It is available as either a 2-door coupe or 4-door sedan. Passenger room is good in the back of the sedan, but the coupe is very cramped for adults.
Cargo space is similar to rivals, with 12.6 cubic feet of room in the trunk of the coupe and 14 in the sedan.
How Does the G6 Compare to the Competition?
The Toyota Camry is the top rated competitor costing roughly $1,500 more. Where the Camry stands out is with better reliability ratings, but the G6 is more engaging to drive. We recommend the Camry since they last much longer.
The Honda Accord is another rival available as a coupe and sedan, which costs around $1,000 more. Performance is better in the Accord, but the stereo system is easier to use in the G6. We recommend the Accord because it’s more reliable and cheaper to own in the long run.
