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Like the larger Grand
Prix, the G6 is a family sedan with sporty pretensions that compromise its
family-sedan usability without benefit. It outscores Pontiac’s more-expensive
sedan thanks to more-comfortable seats, superior crash test results, and
better gas mileage. However, its stiff ride and lack of real driving
enjoyment, as well as relative lack of rear seat space, are distinctly similar
to the Grand Prix, and both vehicles have more-practical variants that are
just as fun to drive.
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 base versions of this car ride more
comfortably with no apparent handling penalty. The G6 accelerates very well
with its 3.5-liter V6, which provides sufficient power at all speeds. A
3.9-liter V6 is also available on the sport-oriented GTP. The 3.5-liter V6 is
not exactly quiet, however, and road noise is excessive. This V6’s gas mileage
exceeds even most 4-cylinder midsize sedans.
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. Avoid
the optional panoramic sunroof in favor the conventional version, which costs
less and does not rob even more rear head space. The interior uses too many
hard, cheap plastics on the center stack, and some trim pieces
 don’t fit well throughout the
interior. The 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 accessing the rear around the sloping roof
requires care. 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. It was rated Good in the IIHS offset
crash test, and it was rated Acceptable in the IIHS side crash test with the
optional side airbags included here, a good score. Its head restraints were
judged to be only Marginal, the second-lowest of the four IIHS ratings.
The G6 reviewed here came in at $24,286. The
3.5-liter V6 versions do not offer stability control or automatic climate
control, and no G6 includes a power passenger seat. The car does include the
GM-exclusive OnStar system, power adjustable pedals, and a remote starting
system.
Overall, the G6 is superior to Pontiac’s own
rather similarly-designed Grand Prix, even before its lower price is a factor.
And while it has the strong points of reasonable pricing, good safety ratings,
and excellent gas mileage, GM also sells a version of this car as the
Chevrolet Malibu, which combines those strengths into a much more well-rounded
package that only looks any less sporty.
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