You’ve got to love GM – they really are trying. They’re just not trying that hard, apparently, if the 2009 Pontiac G6 is any indication. The GM marketing guys have given us a new slogan –“Pontiac is Car.” Doesn’t that stellar command of the English language make you want to rip out your checkbook and buy the car? Yes, yes, Pontiac is Car. But the G6 isn’t a good one, unfortunately.
It’s not that the 2009 Pontiac G6 is a bad car, per se, but there are just so many other better choices out there. Giving the devil his due, the G6 is one of the few models that’s available in the sedan, coupe, and convertible body types. But none of the models are outstanding, and the sedan more than the other models is rather ho-hum. The G6 is being positioned as a sporty entry in the viciously competitive group of family sedans, but there are four other models – namely the Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and Mazda 6 series – that all drive better. The G6 coupe doesn’t have as many models going against it, but it can’t outstrip its two closest competitors, the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima two-door sedans, either of which is a better choice than the G6 coupe.
As far as performance goes, the GXP model of the G6 has a robust engine with quick acceleration. Unfortunately, it suffers from poor design choices that are… how to put it mildly… loud. Garish would be another accurate adjective. Let’s be blunt – it stands out like a sore thumb amidst its sleek, clean-lined competitors.
On a brighter note, take a look at the convertible G6. It’s the best version in the line, if for no other reason than its retractable hardtop on one of the few truly affordable convertibles on the market today. This design is better at reducing noise and you’ll have more security once the top is up. Best of all, you can accomplish the transition from roofed to roofless in a little less than half a minute. Putting down the hood will give you a roomy back seat, but you do lose a fair amount of room in the trunk in the trade.
While the basic G6 sedan features a stiff electric-steering setup, the GT and GXP’s hydraulic power steering is much more responsive and has a better feel. However, you should know that there have been some major reliability issues with it. This reason alone is enough to make some drivers seek out other options.
All of the 2009 Pontiac G6s deliver a surprisingly robust ride. The handling is tight and is made even tighter in the firmly tuned GT and GXP models. The V6 (3.5-liter) has a lot of low-end torque for quick acceleration and easy passing, but it can be a bit rough at the higher end. And, as you’d expect, the GXP offers the most performance in the line.
Of course, this might all be a little hard on the Pontiac and its marketing boys. The G6 is, indeed, a car, and it’s one that runs decently and has some performance value for the enthusiast. But, for the money they’re asking – all models start between $15,000 and $30,000 – there are better values for your money, so take the time to look around at other options.
