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Pontiac was kind enough to let GM-TC take possession of a G6 GT for one week. In that week we found that the new G6 is a double edged sword that shows exactly what GM is capable of, and what it still needs to dearly work on.  Ever since the first pictures of the G6 were leaked we knew, at least stylistically, the G6 would be a hit. It looks great. The rear wheels are pushed backward and flared out for a truly athletic stance that suits this car nicely. Not to mention it allows for the rear seats to sit farther back, allowing for class leading rear leg room.  One step inside and you see the G6’s most obvious fault, its interior. While stylistically it’s sleek and pleasing to the eye, once again cost cutting has lead to a cheapness that’s not up to the rest of the vehicles standards.  Most noticeably are the cheep one texture door skins.  Not one change of texture, material or color happens from bottom to top.  It ends up looking like a huge slab of plastic. The sexy lines that adorn the interior end up being overwhelmed by the fact that you’re sitting in a Tupperware container.  The center waterfall is made of a harder/smoother plastic that if used on the upper portion of the doors would make a huge difference.  Even a slice of leather or fabric would make an amazing change in perceived quality. The seats are supple and extremely supportive while the polished lip gauges fit the bill nicely.  The radio is an obvious shared component with the Chevrolet Malibu, but still looks nice in the G6 and functions well. Our tester was adored with XM satellite radio, which was so great that we ran out and subscribed ourselves the same day we turned the G6 back in (more on that in a future article).  Pontiac signature red gauges are present and pleasant to look at.  One feature our tester didn’t have, which dumbfounded me, was the G6’s new three panel sunroof.  Pontiac has made such a fuss about it to the press, I would have expected to see it in our G6, but we only got a standard sunroof. Rear legroom as stated before is excellent. The truck is of a size you would expect in a full-size sedan.  The list of options was rounded off with factory remote start (works from 200 ft away, awesome), and heated leather seats.

 Stylistically, the G6 is a home run. It has a forward flow that a lot of sedans these days just can’t match.  The headlights have a nice aggressive look to them that says “stay out of my way”.  Too many cars today are “cute” looking, but not the G6.  Standard are 17inch rims for the GT package which again, give a nice tight look to the exterior.  Under that skin is a decent 3.5L V6 with 200 horsepower. While not weak, we feel that at least another 20-40hp would be more appropriate in order to surpass the competition. Also, the G6’s 4 speed automatic is behind the times. This car should have a 5 speed auto at the very least.  Once again, GM comes up just a little too short.

 Fundamentally, the G6 is a great little car.  It drives very smooth and sporty, has good pickup and gets good gas mileage (around 25mpg mixed).  It’s so unfortunate that so many small nit pick items have to overwhelm what is a really well designed car under it all.  Last check, the G6 was at the top of the list for vehicles on sale in the US with the highest inventory. Sales have been slow, but do show some positive movement.  I believe Pontiac’s lame “First Ever G6” tagline/campaign has some responsibility for this.  First rule of selling a car, never make up a catchy tagline that’s not catchy nor memorable. But who are we to lecture to GM?  Bottom line, you at least owe the G6 a test drive if you’re in the market for a small/midsize car.  It may not be a “best pick”, but its certainly a “must drive”…