20th Place: Pontiac G6

Overview:

The G6 began its life as a pseudo-sporty version of the comfortable and practical 2004 Chevrolet Malibu, offering only sporty styling but not a fun driving experience, while compromising ride comfort and interior space. The GXP version adds some sport to that mediocre package in the form of a larger engine, better steering feel, and improved handling. However, it still isn't as fun to drive as several competitors that also offer superior comfort and refinement, and the more-practical Malibu has also become sportier. There are better choices.

Driving the G6:

The G6 rides stiffly and doesn't smother road imperfections well. This suspension tuning helps it corner with little body roll, but it never feels as agile as some competitors. The steering is responsive and provides better feedback than systems in past G6s, but feels too heavy and could be quicker. The 3.6-liter V6 provides quick acceleration at the expense of some torque steer, and strikes a good balance of sounding good during acceleration and quieting down at cruise and idle. Gas mileage could be better, however. 

Inside the G6:

The G6 has comfortable and supportive front seats, but there needs to be more head room, especially on this sunroof-equipped model.  The 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, and some trim pieces fit poorly. Getting in and out of the rear seat is complicated by the low cushion and sharply sloped roofline. Drivers sit comfortably enough, and the available power-adjustable pedals help them tailor the driving position. However, while coupe-like styling doesn’t interfere with rearward visibility as one might expect, the high beltline and sloping roof do still cut into sightlines. The trunk is small by this group’s standards, and it is somewhat narrow as well.

G6 pricing:

The G6 is relatively inexpensive even well-equipped in its highest trim, by the standards of this group. In addition to the expected features in this class, the G6 has GM's OnStar driver assistance system, the afore-noted power-adjustable pedals, and a remote start system.

Conclusion:

Pontiac has offered many key improvements to the G6 since its 2005 introduction. However, minor changes cannot fix the car's inherent design flaw of insufficient interior space, have not addressed the mediocre interior quality, and have not improved ride comfort. And as the car still isn't as fun to drive as the best sporty cars in this class, it does not have a draw there either. There are better choices.

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