2006 Pontiac G6 Road Test

Walkaround

When the G6 was introduced, Pontiac was quick to point out that all of its future cars would incorporate cues from the G6, that it was the living expression of what all future Pontiacs will look like and act like. So far, this has been true, with new Pontiacs like the Torrent reflecting the G6's clean, uncluttered styling.

Gone are the massive side-cladding panels and standoff rear spoiler associated with Pontiac. Instead, there is a single spear running down the sides of the G6 with an optional delicately integrated spoiler lip on the trailing edge of the decklid. GTP models look similar to the GT, but with a standard spoiler chrome exhaust tips. The base version has almost no decoration at all, and is even a bit soulless in style when compared to the previous high-energy, hot-looking Grand Am, even duller than the Honda Accord.

The new 2006 coupe and convertible inject a little more excitement into the styling. The two share the same sleek profile, although the roof on the coupe looks much better integrated (for obvious reasons). The frameless windows are indexed, meaning that they automatically open 0.25 inch when the doors are opened, and close again when the door is closed for a tight seal. From the rear, both cars feature narrow taillights and a sloping decklid that looks similar to the Toyota Solara coupe and convertible. We think it's an improvement over the blander styling of the sedan.

The Pontiac G6 is built in Michigan on GM's international Epsilon platform, from parts and ideas used on the Saab 9-3, Opel Vectra, Chevrolet Malibu sedan and Malibu Maxx wagonette, all introduced over the past two years.

All G6 models use the long wheelbase version of the Epsilon platform (like the Malibu Maxx), which gives them ride and handling finesse, with a structural stiffness that helps the G6 achieve a 27.3 Hz bending frequency, a big number that ranks with most luxury cars. Pontiac says the car is designed with three major torque rings that add stiffness and strength without taking up too much space or adding weight. In addition to the torque rings, the G6 structure also uses high-strength steel for about 60 percent of underbody components and central tunnel. Rather than just a single layer of sheet steel, the tunnel has an extra piece of steel welded between it and the floor pan. The stiff body uses fully isolated front and rear subframes to carry the heavy stuff, and the front one is hydroformed for strength and light weight. These measures can be experienced in the smooth ride and sharp handling of the G6.

Interior Features

The G6 interior is altogether different from the somewhat excitable, frenetic soft-plastic, fat-knob theme of the old Grand Ams. It is much darker, more modern, more European.

The sporty front bucket seats are made for body comfort and body retention in high-speed maneuvers, and they are very comfortable and thickly padded.

Rear-seat space benefits from the relatively long wheelbase of 112.3 inches. In the sedan, a 6-foot, 4-inch passenger can sit behind a 6-foot, 4-inch driver with plenty of room. Those with tall friends or family may want to remember that the Panoramic sunroof is powered by a motor that takes up a big chunk of headroom at the trailing edge of the sedan's headliner. The coupe's rear seating is a little tighter, and the convertible's tighter still, especially in shoulder and hip room.

The dash is done in four major sections including a stark, ungrained plastic center stack that holds two vents, the sound system, heater controls, and a 12-volt power outlet. Instruments and controls are presented in white on black (red at night). Every single knob and escutcheon has a chrome ring around it. Very tastful, and nicely presented, with small, conservative graphics on the faces and labels. The center stack has a red-LED readout and control panel that allows every owner to use the sound system's features, and to customize the locking, lighting, and other functions, with a trip computer and driver information system that's easy, intuitive, and fun to use.

This G6 offers a remote starting system for those cold winter mornings, power adjustable pedals, and OnStar and XM Satellite Radio, which use a single integrated antenna for 2006.

The Panoramic roof available for the four-door sedan comes open in four stacking segments, front to rear, and has about twice as much open area as the conventional sunroof, which is also offered. It's remarkable how easily it works, and keeps conversation possible even at very high road speeds. It's an interesting feature and we recommend it.

The two-door convertible's top was engineered with Karmann, which specializes in convertibles. The big top opens and closes within 30 seconds, storing under the truck lid and a hard tonneau cover when open.

The trunk is still accessible when the top is down, but space is reduced from a tiny 5.8 cubic feet to a grocery-bag sized 1.8 cubic feet. By comparison, the coupe offers 11 cubic feet of trunk space, while the sedan offers 14 cubic feet. Obviously, that can limit your use of the convertible's top-down mode on long trips.