Review: Pontiac's G6 Compares Favorably to Accord, Passat

[Ming]

Half a dozen reasons to like Pontiac's G6
The Express-Times
www.nj.com

Car compares favorably to such mid-size competitors as the Accord and Passat.



General Motors is making a big thing out of a car with a little name, Pontiac's G6. And no wonder. Although they are currently sharing space on the showroom floor, the G6 before long will replace the Grand Am, which has been a Pontiac best-seller for years.

Right now, the G6 is available only as a sedan, which is offered in two trim levels. But Pontiac, in keeping with its corporate identity, soon will offer a third version aimed at delivering ultra-high performance. And by the end of the calendar year, it expects to offer a coupe and retractable-hardtop (convertible) version of the new G6.

That shows how much confidence General Motors has in the foundation on which the G6 is built. The same solid platform used for Chevrolet's Malibu, it is distinguished by its long wheelbase. That wheelbase, in fact, is nearly identical to that of Pontiac's Bonneville, despite the fact that the G6 body is more than a foot shorter and nearly 4 inches narrower than the Bonneville.

Based on total interior volume, the G6 is classified a compact car according to government standards. But it feels more like a midsize, and should be considered in the same class as cars such as the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Volkswagen Passat, the vehicle GM reportedly used as a benchmark while developing the G6.

After spending a week testing a G6 GT sedan, it is apparent that the new Pontiac compares favorably to those vehicles as well as other popular competitors such as the Nissan Altima and Mazda 6. Unlike the Grand Am, which seems like a decent car until it is measured against its competitors, the G6 appears capable of holding its own in a face-to-face confrontation.

Its styling, handling, comfort, overall refinement and standard features compare favorably to the competition, although the G6 isn't at the head of its class in any of those areas. However, it ranks among the class leaders in rear-seat passenger room, and it is the only car in the group that features a 6-cylinder engine as standard equipment.

The engine displaces 3.5 liters and produces 200 horsepower and 220 pounds-feet of torque. The G6's competitors offer more powerful engines, but not in their base models. And Pontiac will trump even the most potent of them when it unleashes a high-performance G6.

It's not as if the current G6 is a slug, either. Its zero-to-60 times aren't particularly noteworthy, but I never felt like I was holding up traffic when pulling away from a stoplight or stop sign. On the contrary, the G6 pulls nicely right up to and beyond typical highway cruising speed. It has plenty of highway passing power and more than enough gumption when you get on the throttle while rambling around town.

A smooth-shifting four-speed automatic transmission contributes to the power train's responsiveness. The GT's tranny offers a manual shift mode absent on the base model. It didn't seem to improve acceleration or gear selection during my test drive, but that's probably because the transmission does such a good job on its own of quickly changing gears and selecting the most efficient one. The transmission also helps the G6 earn an EPA rating of 21 city and 29 highway miles per gallon.

Those numbers could be higher and the G6 even quicker if the transmission was a five-speed rather than a four. In this class, that's not uncommon, and the result is that several of the G6 competitors deliver comparable fuel economy from their more powerful optional engines.

In addition to offering a strong base engine and automatic transmission as standard equipment, the G6 also delivers good driving dynamics and comfort. Its steering doesn't deliver as much feedback as, say, the Passat, but it is nevertheless quick and accurate. A well-conceived suspension, solid construction and brawny tires on 17-inch wheels enable the G6 GT to corner crisply. Yet it does a very good job of soaking up bumps and delivering a smooth ride, no doubt due in part to its long wheelbase.

FULL Review Here: http://www.nj.com/business/expressti...9944159220.xml

[atomicshark]

Another good review for the G6. That is great. I can't wait until all the variations are out. I really feel like the G6 is going to be a hit. It just needs some time, just like the Impala. The Impala sells way more now than it did in it's first 2 years out and the Impala is a six year old design.

[BigAls87Z28]

I also feel the same. I think that with a bit more metalic upgrades in the interior, along with engine and body choice, things could get moving for the G6.

[GM_Fanatic]

"A smooth-shifting four-speed automatic transmission"

....wow, that really is a good review.

[Squachy]

Originally Posted by GM_Fanatic

"A smooth-shifting four-speed automatic transmission"

....wow, that really is a good review.

isnt that the reputation of all of GM's auto trannies tho?

[Ming]

Smooth shifting is great, but for a "sporty" GT model, one should have more than a four-speed slushbox. Thankfully the 6-speed is on the way!

[Darc Requiem]

I agree. I think once the G6's total model lineup is available it will be a big seller. I mean the G6 is missing its 4 cylinder model, 3.9 V6 performance model, and its coupe/convertible variations. I want to see what the G6 will do with its 3.9 liter V6 and six speed manual tranny.

[citric acid]

Originally Posted by Squachy

isnt that the reputation of all of GM's auto trannies tho?

Yep. The complaint is usually that the smooth shifting 4 speed lacks at least one gear.

[Phillip]

Originally Posted by Squachy

isnt that the reputation of all of GM's auto trannies tho?

Oh yes. Even when the STS was a front-driver established as having no chance in hell against import competition, its team of the Northstar V8 and the 4T80-E received much praise.

Unfortunately for the scrappy G6, the Passat is due to be replaced with a more potent car. But that may not matter if Volkswagen can't get remedy its quality issues.

What really has me scratching my head, is why GM chose to do a Malibu SS with many of the G6's features...

[GMfan2381]

Originally Posted by BigAls87Z28

I also feel the same. I think that with a bit more metalic upgrades in the interior, along with engine and body choice, things could get moving for the G6.

I was thinking the same thing. Some brushed metal on the center stack and around the vents would do wonders for the car (same for the Grand Prix GXP). People have been really hard on the car. But it only has one model out and one engine choice. Once the line is filled out more with different engines and body syles sales will pick up. If they dont then I would say the car is a slow seller.

I think that they should offer a G6 with the lens' similar to the new vette's (where only the lamps are showing and the rest of the lens is blacked out) Only have them in black, and not the body color. I think that could make the car look more aggressive

[GM_Fanatic]

Originally Posted by Squachy

isnt that the reputation of all of GM's auto trannies tho?

No I was just more amazed that they left it at that, without the usual "...but GM still insist on using ancient techonology".

[griswold44]

Originally Posted by GM_Fanatic

"A smooth-shifting four-speed automatic transmission"

....wow, that really is a good review.

I thought the same thing. It's like saying the Aztek delivers good on road performance in a very nice and sporty design.

[AdmiralViscen]

Originally Posted by griswold44

I thought the same thing. It's like saying the Aztek delivers good on road performance in a very nice and sporty design.

GM's automatics have always been world class. Just because they are missing a gear or two doesn't mean that they aren't smooth-shifting and high-quality.

[ChevroletRevived]

This is a great review..I think in time it will be a best seller. Let all the models, High performance, coupe, convertible, ect, get out and it will sell. Remember GM, patience is a virtue.

[AdmiralViscen]

If the brand new G6 'sports sedan' can't even keep up with the current Nissan and Honda V6s, which have been on the market for years already, I don't see how it's going to be competitive against the Japanese replacements that are sure to be on the way.