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Like the larger Pontiac
Grand Prix, the G6 is a family sedan with sporty pretensions that compromise
its family-sedan usability without benefit. It outscores Pontiac’s
more-expensive sedan even without its price advantage thanks to
more-comfortable seats, superior crash test results, and better gas mileage.
However, its stiff ride and lack of real driving enjoyment, as well as
relative lack of rear seat space, are distinctly similar to the Grand Prix,
and both vehicles have more-practical variants that are just as fun to
drive. The 4-cylinder G6 has a more comfortable ride, better gas mileage,
and a lower price than the V6, at the expense of acceleration and quietness
and a small benefit in steering and handling.
The G6 has a rather
stiff, uncomfortable ride that is unsettled over uneven pavement and not
absorbent. The V6 model’s “sport suspension” makes matters even worse.
Despite this, neither G6 is particularly agile. It performs capably in fast
cornering, but it doesn’t feel nimble or fun to drive. Body roll is at least
well-contained. The 4-cylinder’s numb, overly-light, and rather vague
steering further hinders the driving experience; the V6’s is a bit better.
The 4-cylinder G6 has sufficient power for most situations, but the
3.5-liter V6 offers much more usable power, particularly at highway speed
passing. A 3.9-liter V6 is also available on the sport-oriented GTP, above
this group’s price bracket. Road noise is excessive however, and both
engines can sound harsh under acceleration. The 4-cylinder offers better gas
mileage than the V6.
Inside, the G6 has
comfortable and supportive front seats, but rear is too low and hard, and
though the seat is reasonably well-shaped, headroom is insufficient for
taller drivers, limited by the car’s sloping roofline.
 The
interior uses too many hard, cheap plastics on the center stack, and some
trim pieces Accessing the rear around the sloping roof requires care.
Drivers sit comfortably enough, and the coupe-like styling doesn’t interfere
with rearward visibility as one might expect. The trunk is small by this
group’s standards, and it is somewhat narrow as well.
The 4-cylinder G6
reviewed here came in at $18,622, and the V6 version at about $1,200 more.
Both came well-equipped, including GM’s OnStar driver assistance system,
power-adjustable pedals, satellite radio, a 4-way power driver’s seat, and
automatic headlights. The V6 adds alloy wheels. Stability control is only
offered on the top-of-the-line GXP.
Overall, the G6 is
superior to Pontiac’s own rather similarly-designed Grand Prix, even before
its lower price is a factor. And while it has the strong points of
reasonable pricing, decent safety ratings, and good gas mileage, GM also
sells a version of this car as the Chevrolet Malibu, which combines those
strengths into a more well-rounded package that only looks any less sporty.
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