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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Pontiac G6

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2010 Pontiac G6

Overview

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2009 Pontiac G6 Review

By KBB.com Editors

The 2009 Pontiac G6 is a midsize sedan built from a proven chassis developed in partnership with GM's European subsidiary, Opel. With the G6, Pontiac seeks to impart its trademark styling onto a vehicle providing the ride and handling characteristics so important to younger buyers. In order to lure buyers away from Volkswagen and Mazda, however, a manual transmission option should be made available on both four- and six-cylinder models, while pricing and content must remain competitive with domestic rivals such as the Dodge Avenger and Ford Fusion.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're in the market for a sporty domestic midsize sedan that gets good gas mileage, the 2009 Pontiac G6 is right in line with the current offerings from Ford and Dodge.

You May Not Like This Car If...

While the G6 offers decent handling to back up its sporty looks, the base and GT models are not terribly quick and feature a slow-shifting four-speed automatic transmission. Oddly, the base model can be equipped with a much improved six-speed automatic, but the V6-powered GT cannot. Interior plastics are not up to the standards set by Mazda, Volkswagen and Honda.

What's New for 2009

The base 2.4-liter engine can be teamed with a new six-speed automatic transmission producing better performance and fuel economy. XM Satellite Radio is made standard on the base model, while remote start is added to the GT trim.

Driving the G6

Driving Impressions 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. The G6 handles well enough and we appreciated the substantial side bolsters of the front seats. Electric power steering delivers minimal feedback on base cars, but the hydraulic system available on the GT and GXP definitely improves matters. The G6 feels most athletic in GXP form, thanks to its 3.6-liter V6 and six-speed automatic transmission. Unfortunately, a manual transmission is not available, sapping much of the driving character from an otherwise excellent package.

Favorite Features

Sleek Design
We hope the G6's clean, attractive exterior styling cues carry over to future Pontiacs.

Front and Rear-seat Room
The long wheelbase of the G6 results in lots of legroom and big doors that open wide for rear-seat passengers. Front seats have surprisingly long travel, a bonus for long-legged drivers.

2009 Pontiac G6 Details

Interior

If the exterior styling is a giant leap forward for Pontiac, the interior styling is at least a step in that direction. The chrome gauge surrounds are a little much, and some of the controls appear designed for a more rugged application, but those few rough spots speak volumes for the improvements. While front passengers are treated to comfortable seats with excellent legroom and nicely-styled appointments, the rear-seat passengers are the big winners, with surprisingly generous legroom and big rear doors (both benefits thanks to the long wheelbase) and windows that open all the way down.

Exterior

Take away the Pontiac badging and grille and it would be almost impossible to identify the G6 as a Pontiac – or as a GM or a domestic car, for that matter. Some of us think the G6, especially in GXP trim, is one of the most attractive cars the domestic manufacturers have ever delivered. Wheels pushed out to the corners underline a strong stance. Front, side and back, both the G6 Coupe and Sedan look great.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Standard equipment on the base G6 includes a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, four-speed automatic transmission, auxiliary input jack, air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, OnStar, head-curtain airbags, front-seat side-impact airbags, traction control, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), 16-inch covered steel wheels and automatic headlamps. The GT has a 3.5-liter V6, cruise control, XM Satellite Radio, Monsoon sound system, fog lamps, keyless entry and 17-inch wheels. The GXP adds revised front and rear fascias, 18-inch wheels, StabiliTrak stability control, power driver's seat, chrome exhaust tips, six-speed automatic transmission and a 3.6-liter V6.

Optional Equipment

Options include leather seating, remote start (base), premium six-disc in-dash CD/MP3 player, power driver's seat, power-adjustable pedals, sunroof, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, fog lamps, rear spoiler and choices of 17- and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The Sport Package 1 on the base G6 adds StabiliTrak stability control and a six-speed automatic transmission, while the Sun and Sound Package adds a six-disc CD changer, power sunroof and auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass.

Under the Hood

The ECOTEC four-cylinder engine is all about economy, not performance. Why GM didn't offer a five-speed manual on this model is a mystery, but without it the G6 has little chance of living up to its sporty image. The 3.5-liter V6 has more pulling power but lacks quickness. If you're purchasing the G6 to perform, you have to go with the GXP's new 3.6-liter V6. With its variable valve timing and relatively flat torque curve, this engine has the power and response that driving enthusiasts demand.

2.4-liter in-line 4
164 horsepower @ 6400 rpm
156 lb.-ft. of torque @ 5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/30 (four-speed auto), 22/33 (six-speed auto)

3.5-liter V6 (Bin-4 and PZEV emissions)
219 horsepower @ 5800 rpm
220 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/29 (base), 17/26 (GT)

3.6-liter V6
252 horsepower @ 6300 rpm
251 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/26

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Pontiac G6 vehicles for sale near you.

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2009 Pontiac G6 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

7.7

Out of 10

Based on 999 Ratings for the 2005 - 2010 models.

Review this car

Value

8.0/10

Quality

7.8/10
Reliability

8.2/10

Performance

8.3/10
Comfort

8.2/10

Styling

8.5/10

I love my car!!!!

By Eu (PA) on Wednesday, June 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 123,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"I love the car but it can be more comfortable and the design can be better.I hope they will be back on market because i want to buy another Pontiac but a new one.Maybe 2013?"

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overall very fun slick chick car good mpg and fast

By beeno (AL) on Tuesday, June 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 150,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "good mpg sporty reliably fun"

Cons: "stiff seats alittle tricky to ghange the back 3 SP"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"i own a 2007 pontiac g6 gt. its red, 2 door, black leather inside. i tweaked the intake a little bit and i now get 32 mpg on the highway and around 24 city running the a/c under nomal driving conditions. i put a set of high performance tires on it and it handles like a true fwd sports car. it has the 3.5 automatic, it cranks out about 230ish hp. the heated seats are nice in cold wheather, but the seats are just alittle bit harsh on your back, they are kinda stiff, but not unbarrable. at high speeds the car is very stable, aerodynamic, and stays planted to the ground. the factory radios are junk though. i thoughed mine away and put in a pioneer headunit and 1,000 watt 6x9s inthe back and a kicker amp it really bumps now. the exhaust is quiet, 2 quiet i have plans for sporty sounding pipes and another mile or 2 more mpg. all in all im very pleased with car and plan on driving it for a very long time. its very reliable and my wife loves it so it a win win situation."

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I Love this car so much i told my kids they should

By Cheri DeFlip on Saturday, May 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 144,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "fast great mileage and yes fun fun and looks hot"

Cons: "struts front went too fast and also stabilizer bar"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have had such a good time with this car and i get 34 mpg on the hwy. This is a fun car to drive a friend borrowed it to go 4000 miles and came back exclaiming it corners like it's on rails! Yay, i have a 144000 on it and have had the front struts replaced, tranny oil changed and have babied it with xtra oil changes about every 3000miles. The leather heated seats are amazing in the winter and are great with leather. I live in MT so the traction control has come in handy a few times. The cd player broke about 3 yrs in but the radio still works just great. This car does go thru tires every two years but i do buy the cheap ones so it could be that i also have gone thru two sets of brakes. Over all i would buy this car over and over again."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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great auto...fun to drive...outstanding handling

By Phil (GA) on Wednesday, May 08, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 28,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I 've babied this car for 7 years. Only took it out for short trips. Always loved the way the car handles on the hiways and county roads. The sound system is second to none. I 'll be selling the G6 in 2014. Will check the Blue Book value them"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Awesome Car

By Average Joe on Saturday, May 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 110,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Reliability, durability, low price, fun to drive"

Cons: "could use a bit more power"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have driven this car into the ground. I have continuously beat on the car and have had no issues with it. The only modification I have made was an after-market cat-back exhaust system. Phenomenal car."

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Good value and performance

By Dogbone59 (PA) on Wednesday, May 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 70,200

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Fun to drive. Won't break the bank"

Cons: "CD player slow to load is bothersome"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I get approx 20 mpg around town and 27-29 mpg on a trip using highways only. Seats are comfortable. Performance is good 50-80 response time is excellent. Front brakes replaced at 60k miles still has original rear pads with plenty of meat left. Tires ,Good Year Eagles are more than adequate for all year round driving. CD changer is slow to accept discs but sound is ok. I would recommend this model to anyone who wants a good balance between performance, economy , and comfort. I weigh 245 lbs and find the seat comfortable"

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See all 999 reviews