A worthy mid-size sedan.
The Pontiac G6 — otherwise known as
the Oprah car after the famed talk-show host gave
away a slew of them to a hand-picked audience — replaced
the stodgy old Grand Am last August. The new sedan
is definitely a step in the right direction for
Pontiac, who realized it needed to make some bold
moves to remain competitive in the mid-sized sedan
market. Still, through the first part of 2005,
despite the Oprah buzz, G6 sales lagged behind
those of its predecessor. Not a good omen for Pontiac,
but the new body styles and performance models
may help bolster sales for 2006.
For 2005, the G6 is available as a sedan in
either a base model or a GT. For 2006, the sedan
line-up expands to include a four-cylinder, six-cylinder,
GT and performance GTP. A coupe will also join
the G6 family, available as a GT or GTP, with
a convertible offering expected in the fall.
The styling on the sedan, while thankfully free
of the plastic cladding popular on previous Pontiacs,
is clean and tight yet unremarkable and unlikely
to turn heads. The coupe is a bit sleeker, with
a nicely curved roofline that lends a sportier
appearance. Interior styling is simple and straightforward,
yet attractive with touches of chrome and gauges
backlit in love-it-or-hate-it reddish orange.
Standard features on all G6s include air conditioning;
dual-stage, frontal, driver and right-front airbags;
tilt/telescoping steering; power windows and
locks; four-way power adjustable drivers seat;
and 60/40 split folding rear seats. The GT adds
a premium Monsoon sound system, sport suspension
and four-wheel anti-lock brakes with traction
control. Notable options on my GT included a
premium value package ($3,145) with the unique,
four-stage panoramic power sliding sunroof, upgraded
wheels, six-disc CD changer and OnStar; and the
leather package ($1,365) which added six-way
power drivers seat, heated leather seats, leather-wrapped
steering wheel with audio controls and leather
wrapped shifter. Front-side impact airbags and
head-curtain side airbags are another ($690)
option.
My GT sedan came with the standard 3.5-liter
V-6, delivering 200 horsepower and featuring
the standard four-speed automatic transmission
with manual shift mode. Most notable about the
G6 is its 112.3-inch wheelbase that not only
makes for a stable ride with great handling,
but also offers backseat passengers an exceptional
37.6 inches of legroom. Add the GT’s firmer
suspension, sport tires and true manual shift
mode, and the G6 really becomes fun to drive.
Overall, the G6 is a worthy entry in the mid-size
sedan segment. It offers a longer wheelbase than
competitors like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord
and the pricier Volkswagen Passat. Unfortunately,
it could encounter the same dilemma as Pontiac’s
new GTO. It’s a good performer in a so-so
package — not likely to catch the attention
of the average car-buyer. With performance models,
a coupe and a convertible available for 2006,
the G6 may gain some ground in the segment, but
Pontiac has its work cut out for it.
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