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The G6, like the Pontiac
Grand Prix, is a standard family sedan hidden inside sporty styling that
compromises its utility. It is based on the more practical and comfortable
Chevrolet Malibu, and shares that vehicle’s driving experience except for
coming with a larger standard 4-cylinder engine. While this G6 outscored the
4-cylinder Malibu because of its lower price, its Chevrolet relative is a
generally superior vehicle. There are still better choices that do not
sacrifice their practicality for sporty styling, and there are those that
follow through with their look’s promise to deliver actual driving enjoyment.
Even at this price point, the G6 falls short.
The G6 has a stiff,
uncomfortable ride that is unsettled over uneven pavement and not absorbent.
Despite this, the G6 is not 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 numb, overly-light, and rather vague steering further
hinders the driving experience. The standard 4-cylinder engine is overwhelmed
in this car, unable to provide strong acceleration. Its engine note is much
rough and loud, and is noticeable in more than just acceleration. Road noise
is excessive as well. This 4-cylinder at least returns excellent gas mileage.
Inside, the G6 has very
comfortable and supportive front seats, though they are too soft. The rear is
too 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 don’t fit well throughout the interior. The red-lit gauges are clear,
but some instruments could use additional contrast. The front seat’s bolsters
improve seat comfort but are a slight obstacle to getting in and out, and the
sloping roof requires care when accessing the rear. Drivers sit comfortably
enough, and the coupelike 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 G6 did very well in
crash testing. It earned five stars for the driver and four for the front
passenger in the NHTSA frontal crash test, and five stars for both the driver
and for the rear passenger in the NHTSA side crash test. The IIHS has not
tested the G6, but the Chevrolet Malibu with which it shares its platform did
very well in their offset and side test.
The G6 4-cylinder
reviewed here came in at $19,199. It came with a sunroof, a 6-disc CD changer,
an OnStar emergency notification system, antilock brakes with traction
control, torso and curtain-style head-protecting side airbags, a remote
starting system, XM satellite radio, and power-adjustable pedals, among other
items. Leather and power seats (except for a height-adjuster) aren’t available
on 4-cylinder G6 models and stability control isn’t offered at all. But the G6
still came very well-equipped for the money.
Overall, the G6 makes
sacrifices for its sporty perception, but is still slow and no more fun to
drive than most competing family sedans. There are better choices, including
the V6 version that is only around $900 more.
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