Pontiac G6...Good, but not best in class

[01Sunfire]

2005 Pontiac G6
Auto Reviews
Gerry Malloy Bio


- Sleek styling
- Roomy interior
- Standard V6 engine
- Competitive pricing


- Lacks overall refinement
- Four-speed automatic transmission
- ABS not standard in base model
- Numb steering


Overall rating is 7.8
Based on a new global platform, with sleek new styling and better performance, the Pontiac G6 is a step-function improvement over the Grand Am it replaces.


Pontiac's all-new G6 is a direct replacement for the Grand Am, which despite being seriously long-in-the-tooth, has consistently been one of GM's best-selling cars. That makes it a tough act to follow. By any measure other than sales, the Grand Am was far from a great car, and the G6 is clearly an improvement in every respect.


A "game-changing" car
Based as it is on the company's global Epsilon platform, which it shares with the Saab 9-3, Opel Vectra, and Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, it starts with good genes. And a sleek new appearance that GM says represents the new look of Pontiac surely won't hurt its cause.

It is competing in a very tough segment, however, against such primary foes as the Honda Accord, Mazda6, Nissan Altima, and Toyota Camry. Other potential competitors include the Chrysler Sebring, Mitsubishi Galant, and Volkswagen Jetta, as well as its Chevrolet Malibu siblings and the forthcoming Ford Fusion.

Initially, the G6 is offered only in four-door sedan form and two trim levels, base and GT, both with a 3.5-litre V6 engine and automatic transmission. Over the next year, a fixed-roof coupe and a retractable hardtop-convertible will become available.

To assess the G6's "game-changing" abilities, I drove both base and GT versions (with starting MSRPs of $24,700 and $27,715 respectively), the latter being the primary focus of this report.

Looking Good!
It takes just one glance to see that the G6 looks like no Pontiac before it. Gone are the slathered-on body-cladding and over-the-top details that characterized previous models. They are replaced by a smooth, clean, tapered look that is the epitome of good taste - like an Alfa Romeo, only better!

A major contributor to the car's good looks is its impeccable proportion, which is aided by an unusually-long wheelbase, relative to its length. Its 2852 mm, shared with the Malibu Maxx wagon, is 152 mm longer than the Malibu sedan's, and more than 100 mm greater than those of its primary Japanese competitors.

With a 4802-mm overall length, however, it is longer than the Mazda 6, similar in length to the Accord and Camry, and shorter than the Altima, Sebring and Taurus. Perhaps surprisingly, given Pontiac's long-established 'wide-track' image, the G6 has the narrowest track of its competitive set, and it is narrower overall than all but the Mazda6.

Room Galore Inside
That long wheelbase pays huge dividends in interior space. Combined front-and-rear leg-room surpasses that of its major competitors by more than 200 mm!

Front leg-room, according to the G6's specifications is exceptional, and in reality it is, because of unusually long seat travel. But even with the front seat adjusted for my 95th-percentile height, real rear leg- room is far more impressive than the published numbers suggest. I can sit 'behind myself' with knee-room to spare - which is a good thing for the car's sloping roofline interferes with my head, forcing me to slouch forward. And that is without the optional (for $2175!) four-panel 'panoramic' sunroof, which gobbles up even more rear headroom. Front headroom is adequate for me, aided by a power height-adjustable driver seat in the GT.

The G6 is tighter than its primary competitors in hip- and shoulder-room, effectively limiting the 60/40-split rear seat to two adult occupants. Releases for the seatback are located inside the trunk, which, at 396 litres, is a bit smaller than in most competitors. Deck-lid struts don't intrude on cargo space, but because of the short- deck styling, the trunk opening is relatively small.

Improved Interior Quality
There are still some exposed hard-plastic bits and rough edges inside, but on the whole the quality of the G6's interior, in terms of design, materials, and fit-and-finish, is an order of magnitude better than the Grand Am's. It may not be best in class, but it is competitive within its class.

In appearance, it remains avant-garde, though now more tastefully so. Ergonomics, with the washer/wipers on a right-hand stalk and HVAC controlled by three round knobs, are without major fault. Unfortunately, the G6 continues Pontiac's obsession with red instrument lighting, thus blurring their images for middle-aged eyes.

Front seats are big and on the soft side, with sufficient side-bolstering to keep occupants in place without restricting access. A standard tilting and telescoping steering column aids in finding the right driving position, as do adjustable pedals in the GT. All models feature air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, remote locking, an AM/FM audio system, with CD player, and cruise control. A novel, Canadian-developed remote starter is standard on the GT, as is a premium Monsoon sound system.

Front side-airbags and front and rear head-curtain airbags are available options.

Under the Skin
GM says the G6's high level of body rigidity is in typical luxury-car range, and enables big improvements in crash safety, NVH, and ride and handling. Suspension is via struts and aluminium control arms up front, a four-link independent layout in back, with anti-roll bars and isolated cradles at both ends. Brakes are discs all around, with ABS and traction control on the GT, and steering is electrically-assisted on the base car, hydraulically on the GT. Its 225/50VR17 tires, on alloy wheels, are the biggest in its competitive group, but push the GT's turning diameter to 12 metres, the worst in the group.

Both initial models are powered by the same 3.5-litre, pushrod V6 engine used in the Malibus, rated at 200 hp at 5600 rpm, and 220 lb-ft of torque at 3200 rpm. That is less power than any of its primary Japanese V6 competitors, but more torque than all but the Camry, at a lower, more useful speed.

Both models get four-speed automatic transmissions, while most of their competitors offer five or six-speed automatics. The GT's includes a manual-shift mode, and is mated to a lower-ratio final drive, which accounts for an increase in composite fuel consumption (NRCan figures) from 8.8 litres/100 km, which betters its major competitors, to 9.9 litres/100 km.

A 2.4-litre OHC four, coming in the base car next year, will be rated at 175 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. A new GTP model gets a 3.9-litre pushrod V6 with 240 hp and 245 lb-ft of torque, and an available six-speed manual transmission.


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[big swede]

I think this is an accurate assessment but I hate when people review a car and then do not give any feedback on what the driving experience is like. I can read stats from a column just like anyone else but once you get a car on the road some of those stats that look good on paper don't show as a positive and vise-versa.

Anyone could have written this review without ever seeing this car.

[amsnare]

I'd say this new Pontiac should be more economical to maintain than its Japanese competition, but with its "obsolete" pushrod engine..
Go price a timing belt change at the dealer ..
Being a bit narrow, apparently Pontiac has given up on the silliness of 5 passengers; A roomy 4 passenger car is much nicer and more practical..
Such a minor point, no ABS on the base model, - no even worthy of comment..
**************** boiler room writers..
The lack of headroom in the rear can be a problem, maybe this car should have been a bit taller....
******************Victorian era censors

[dindak]

Actually many OHC engines have chains now that never need replacing.

I agree with you otherwise.

[Road Kill]

Both types of engines have been around for ever and both have their good and not so good points.The average person really doesn't care and only realize OHV engines are something the car snobs don't like after being bombbarded with negative write ups. I like this car and think it will do well and I'm seeing more of them all the time. Not too many weeks ago the writers were calling it a failure. Fortunately they're usually wrong.

[AdmiralViscen]

I don't know why every report points out that the G6 V6 puts out less power than its competitors, but it's never mentioned that you can get the V6 for only 20 grand, and there is another V6 for 24 grand that competes with competinv V6s.

[Darc Requiem]

Originally Posted by AdmiralViscen

I don't know why every report points out that the G6 V6 puts out less power than its competitors, but it's never mentioned that you can get the V6 for only 20 grand, and there is another V6 for 24 grand that competes with competinv V6s.

I was wondering the samething Admiral. Now that you can actually get your hands on a GTP, and the 06 G6's have a lower MSRP there is even less to complain about in the G. Pontiac should be commended for offering a mid level V6 which gives 4 cylinder like gas mileage at good price. Especially now that you can get a 4 cylinder or hi-po V6. Now if GM can hurry on the 6 speed auto tranny, they will be able to eliminate every valid complaint against the G6.

BTW When did you become an LS1 Admiral?

[AdmiralViscen]

Yesterday or the day before. I just noticed it yesterday.

[gmhashope]

Originally Posted by 01Sunfire

Unfortunately, the G6 continues Pontiac's obsession with red instrument lighting, thus blurring their images for middle-aged eyes.

I like how they never complain about BMW having red instrument lighting and I think his total statement is a lie, as my dad is 50, and he bought a Pontiac just because of how much better he could see the red lighting with his poor eyesight.

[TheDoc]

Originally Posted by gmhashope

I like how they never complain about BMW having red instrument lighting and I think his total statement is a lie, as my dad is 50, and he bought a Pontiac just because of how much better he could see the red lighting with his poor eyesight.

Red lighting is used in aircraft too because it *improves* visibility at night and is less harsh to the eyes. I've always loved the red lighting both in my Sunfire and my Trans Am.

[asim]

Originally Posted by gmhashope

I like how they never complain about BMW having red instrument lighting and I think his total statement is a lie, as my dad is 50, and he bought a Pontiac just because of how much better he could see the red lighting with his poor eyesight.

Very true.

[goblue]

6 speed auto (or even 5) GM's HF engines, and a touch more class in the interior - and this would have been a real threat. OHV engines and 4 speeds will never reach class leading status in this market. Unfair - maybe, but gas mileage on GTP is awful due to 4 speed, and would be better on GT - see gearing, and the 3500 is harsh at high rpms.

Now, value must be factored in, which the car mags are downright terrible at. Thats 50% GM's fault for overpricing the car. It should have been completely loaded with the 3900 for 28, and loaded with the 3500 for 26. A GT with some features and no roof at 20 is great - but looks awful when it incentives that get you there.

[megeebee]

Lacking "overall refinement"? What DOES that mean? It's like reading all those opinions of GM cars and the "fit and finish" thing. It's like a catch phrase that dosen't mean anything specific. But it sounds plausible so people believe it.

[IAMCANADIAN]

of course it isn't class leading but it a better driving car than a camry or accord

[ByTheLake]

Unfortunately, the G6 continues Pontiac's obsession with red instrument lighting...

...and that point alone would make me avoid purchasing a Pontiac. I just cannot see the instruments very clearly at night, and I drive extensively during the dark. Can somebody tell Pontiac that red instrument lights does not equal 'sporty'!

Both initial models are powered by the same 3.5-litre, pushrod V6 engine ... rated at 200 hp at 5600 rpm, and 220 lb-ft of torque at 3200 rpm. That is less power than any of its primary Japanese V6 competitors...

Call me a traitor, but I prefer high-revving, DOHC engines to American-style lumbering low RPMs but higher torque. Get a car with a 5 or 6 speed manual and a red line at least 7500, shifting to keep the engine at 4000 RPMs or higher, and you'll know what I mean. Loads of fun.

Both models get four-speed automatic transmissions, while most of their competitors offer five or six-speed automatics. The GT's includes a manual-shift mode...

Same ol' story. I hate the looong reaches between gears in GM cars and trucks, especially when driving with cruise control in very hilly areas. Makes for a jerky ride. Also, every GM 'manual shift' auto that I've driven, even the Cadillac SRX, is a waste ... I bump the shifter to 'upshift', and you can time the actual shift with your calendar. Not much fun for spirited driving.

...and steering feel is all but absent in the base car. It is better in the GT, but well short of class-best.

So Pontiac is to be GM's 'sporty' division but its volume vehicle has numb steering feel. Great. Oh, I forgot ... 'sporty' means red instrument lights.

Certainly an improvement over Grand Am, but GM must reach beyond the competition.