Many demand sportiness in their daily driver … even if they’re not buying a sports car. Two good compromises are Pontiac’s front-drive G6 coupe or its sibling, the fold-away hardtop version. The cars share mechanical bits with many other General Motor’s vehicles but the G6 is styled to exude flair. At their base prices of approximately $24,500 and $28,700 respectively they’re bargains!
Inside all G6 models are attractive and extremely comfortable. The tester’s nicely shaped, leather-faced front buckets ($1,425, part of the Premium Package) accommodate even oversize people. The rear bench has room for three in the coupe, barely two in the convertible. The coupe’s trunk is large and contains a cargo net; the convertible’s is tiny regardless of the top’s position.
As all G6’s are sporty their equipment level is moderately high. The steering column tilts and the leather-wrapped wheel, though too hard for my taste, is attractive. The instrument panel houses a plethora of analog gauges; both an oil level/wearout sensor and tire inflation monitor are standard. These aren’t frills: they add to vehicle longevity. Dual front, side and head curtain airbags help keep the coupe safe while the convertible gets by with just dual front airbags. Rear window defoggers and daytime running lights are pluses. Mediocre quality cupholders abound and there are numerous power take-offs. Vacuum-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes with standard antilock supplies better than average stopping power. Traction and Stability controls are standard on the coupe but not the convertible. Electric locks, quick ratio power steering, cruise control, electric windows and locks, adequate capacity dual zone air conditioning with pollen and dust filtration will also enhance your driving experience.
Turning to the hardtop convertible, you’ll find its body solidity, noise level and numerous other nasty convertible traits largely cured. The top completes its up/down cycle in less than a minute but regardless of its position clambering into the rear seat is a chore. No roof air leaks were detected and both standard air conditioners were adequate (they’re usually not on ragtops).
Under the bonnet (the British term for hood) the 3,487 pound coupe and 400 pound heavier convertible utilize either a 217 HP 3.5 liter V6 or a 252 HP 3.6. Zero to 60 times from the 217 HP fuel-injected, unleaded regular engine in the convertible averaged 8.6 seconds; in the coupe, the 252 averaged 6.9. Observed mileage for both vehicles was 18 city and 24 highway. The EPA rates the 3.6 at 20 city/28 highway, the 3.5 17/24. That both deliver the same mileage isn’t unusual in today’s world of bizarre smog regulations. One major difference between the cars that could also account for the identical mileage were the automatic transmissions. The convertible sported a four-speed automatic, the coupe a six-speed auto. Both shifted flawlessly.
Despite a Sport Suspension on the two-door both G6’s rode well. Families will prefer the standard suspension, hot rodders the Sport springs. Regardless both (relatively) provided rides that were smooth and supple. Potholes and frost heave were negotiated without body judder by the 4-wheel independent suspension. The rigid bodies exhibit minimal flex but don’t expect European “feel.” Both cars provide a “purely American” driving experience!
Handling rates high on this duo. Body lean through corners is minimal and the standard mud and snow radials do a decent job. The 38-foot turning circle is better than average for the vehicles’ bulk and size. Towing capacity on the pair was 1,000 pounds.
Note these vehicles are available with a dizzying array of “submodels” and options. Except for the folding roof either car can be turned into a “stripper” or fully loaded luxobarge. The number of sound systems available is huge, too but the best course is to replace the standard factory unit and speakers with quality aftermarket bits.
Both G6’s are better than average, decently priced cars with American “feel.” Even quality control was above average … for domestically built vehicles.
Whatever your needs one G6 or the other will fulfill most of them!
