The Pontiac G6
My First Official Road Test
Rob Whittier, MBA 1
Issue date: 2/7/05 Section: Automotive
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This last Thursday provided me with the rare opportunity to rent a car for a quick foray to East Lansing, MI for my sibling's birthday. Not one to fall for the typical skullduggery at the rental car counter, I strangely found myself considering the "suggested" upgrade to a mid-size and then with atypical aplomb, I up sold myself on the shiny new Pontiac G6 I had noticed in the lot....the things I do in the name of journalism.
The G6 is built on the same chassis that also underpins the Saab 9-3 and Chevy Malibu and shares a similar suspension. That being said, the ride is compliant enough to soak up bad roads but stiff enough to stop any unnecessary bobbing. On the street, the G6 is a vast improvement over any previous Pontiac that I have driven. The car stayed firmly planted despite aggressive efforts to goad the rear wheels loose.* The G6 features an electronic steering control, and not surprisingly the steering feel is a little dull. Also, it can be difficult to get adequate feedback about what the front wheels are doing.
Under the hood, the G6 gets a 3.5-liter V-6 with 200-hp, a small jump over the Grand Am that it replaces. However, acceleration was disappointing probably due to the archaic four-speed automatic. If you are patient and would like something a bit faster, Pontiac will offer the '06 GTP version of this car in the spring. The '06 GTP version will feature stability control, an optional close-ratio six-speed manual, and a bored-out 240-hp version of the 3.5-liter engine. Unfortunately, Pontiac is a little late to the party as the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima already offer V6 sedans with better horsepower numbers.
Inside, the overall design is restrained and is similar to that of several of Pontiac's new releases. Chrome rings surround the gauges and round air vents, and the plastics seem to be of good quality overall. I was concerned by spotty use of questionable faux wood trim, but the G6 certainly has one of GM's best interiors. Again, this is all relative, as this step up is obviously better than the Grand Am. However, it probably won't help the G6 when customers cross-shop the more contemporary Japanese competition.
The G6 is built on the same chassis that also underpins the Saab 9-3 and Chevy Malibu and shares a similar suspension. That being said, the ride is compliant enough to soak up bad roads but stiff enough to stop any unnecessary bobbing. On the street, the G6 is a vast improvement over any previous Pontiac that I have driven. The car stayed firmly planted despite aggressive efforts to goad the rear wheels loose.* The G6 features an electronic steering control, and not surprisingly the steering feel is a little dull. Also, it can be difficult to get adequate feedback about what the front wheels are doing.
Under the hood, the G6 gets a 3.5-liter V-6 with 200-hp, a small jump over the Grand Am that it replaces. However, acceleration was disappointing probably due to the archaic four-speed automatic. If you are patient and would like something a bit faster, Pontiac will offer the '06 GTP version of this car in the spring. The '06 GTP version will feature stability control, an optional close-ratio six-speed manual, and a bored-out 240-hp version of the 3.5-liter engine. Unfortunately, Pontiac is a little late to the party as the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima already offer V6 sedans with better horsepower numbers.
Inside, the overall design is restrained and is similar to that of several of Pontiac's new releases. Chrome rings surround the gauges and round air vents, and the plastics seem to be of good quality overall. I was concerned by spotty use of questionable faux wood trim, but the G6 certainly has one of GM's best interiors. Again, this is all relative, as this step up is obviously better than the Grand Am. However, it probably won't help the G6 when customers cross-shop the more contemporary Japanese competition.
