Pontiac G6
Overall Score - 7.2 (Good)
The G6 delivers style and good passenger space for the midsize car class, but is slightly lacking overall refinement and engine power.
The 2007 Pontiac G6 is generally viewed by auto experts as a middle-of-the-road midsize car with a few good aspects -- handling, exterior styling, and cabin space -- but no one exceptional aspect to distinguish it from competitors in its crowded class. As Road and Track puts it, "The G6 is a car with many good pieces that don't quite realize their potential as a whole." While Edmunds feels that the G6 has "strong performance from its V6 engines," most test drivers report underwhelming performance from the base four-cylinder engine, and even the smaller of the two V6 engines. "The Pontiac G6 Sedan proves itself a useful and sometimes entertaining tool," according to Autobytel, but it's "far from class-leading."
While the G6 lacks in refinement, it attempts to win hearts with its value pricing. Consumer Guide finds that the G6 "lacks the well-toned feel of a Honda Accord or the isolating comfort of a Toyota Camry. But it undercuts them on price, especially with a V6 engine." Long-term value is uncertain. Kelley Blue Book says, "The G6 is projected to hold only average residual values, retaining slightly more than half its purchase price after the first 24 months." IntelliChoice gives the G6 a rating of "worse than average" for its predicted five-year total cost of ownership, compared to other vehicles in its class. The G6 is availible as a four-door sedan, a two door coupe, and as a convertible. The convertible option allows buyers to choose between a retractable hard top or a soft top.
G6 Performance - 6.3 (Mediocre)
Although reviewers are generally pleased with the Pontiac G6's handling, they generally find its power lacking. "While the G6 offers decent handling," says Kelley Blue Book, "the base and GT models are not terribly quick and feature slow-shifting automatic transmissions as standard equipment." continue
G6 Exterior - 7.9 (Good)
In the typically bland class of affordable midsize cars, critics rave about the Pontiac G6's sporty, stylish look. U.S. News reviewer Rick Newman writes, "Crisp lines and a taut stance give the G6 some panache in one of the auto industry's most sedate markets." continue
G6 Interior - 6.9 (Mediocre)
Reviewers like the spaciousness and simplicity of the G6's interior but don't find it to be particularly luxurious. "On the one hand, the amount of sheer space is amazing," says Road and Track, while ultimately deciding, "As a whole the interior is uninspiring." continue
G6 Safety - 8.7 (Very Good)
The G6 is best equipped for safety at its higher trim levels. For the base models, Edmunds says, "Safety features are a mixed bag." The sedan and coupe perform well in both front and side impact government crash tests. continue
G6 Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)
The 2007 Pontiac G6 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2007 Pontiac G6 is backed by GM's three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. continue
