2007 Pontiac G6 Review

The Pontiac G6 debuted in 2005 as a descendant of the Grand Am. Based on GM's Epsilon platform, The G6 is part of GM's effort to make Pontiac a sportier brand. The G6 became a household name after Oprah Winfrey gave one to each of her audience members on her 2004 season premiere. The G6 has changed little since its introduction, though coupe and convertible models were introduced in 2006.

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

The Pontiac G6 is one of GM's strongest sedans. Its value trim has a nice array of features, and it performs solidly in crash tests. Add that to a short list of recorded reliability issues and no significant recalls, the G6 comes out as a dependable, well-priced midsize car. The only real drawback concerns the lack of leg room for rear passengers. However, for the price, the G6 is one domestic vehicle that can give the overseas competition a run for their money.

What's New For 2007:

The V6 engine in the GTP edition of the G6 now has variable valve timing for improved performance, and the GT trim now has hydraulic steering. The G6 is available in four trims: Value Leader, Sedan, GT, and GTP. The Value Leader features air-conditioning, CD player, power accessories, folding back seat, power driver seat, and adjustable steering wheel. The Sedan adds cruise control and keyless entry. The GT upgrades the sound system and adds fog lights, a rear spoiler, sporty suspension, and chrome wheels. The GTP includes climate control, XM radio, and a dimming rearview mirror.

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Vital Stats

Starting MSRP:
$20,490

Rebates & Incentives:
yes

Seats:
5

Gas Mileage:
22/30

Engine:
2.4L I4

Horsepower:
164@6400RPM

Torque:
156@5000RPM

Transmission:
4 Speed Automatic

Drive:
FR/FWD

Fuel Capacity:
16

Fuel Type:
gasoline

Basic Warranty:
36/36000

Powertrain Warranty:
60/100000

Rust Warranty:
72/100000

What is the Predicted Reliability:

J.D. Power and Associates gives the G6 three out of five stars for initial reliability. The main issue drivers have had with the G6 are some cheap interior plastics. The 2005 model was somewhat problematic, having issues with defective chips, drive belts, inaccurate fuel gauges, and water leaks. Expect average to above average reliability from the G6. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

The G6 performed very strongly in government crash tests, earning four and a half out of five stars in frontal crash tests, and five stars in side impact tests performed by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the G6 its best "Good" rating for frontal crash tests, "Acceptable" for side impacts, and a mediocre "Marginal" for rear collisions. Disc brakes are standard for all trims, while anti-lock brakes and traction control are standard except on the Value Leader and G6. Full curtain side airbags are standard on all models, except convertibles. Stability control comes standard on the GTP and is optional on the GT.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ Solid reliability
+ Good safety scores
+ Feature rich value trim

Cons
- Underpowered engine
- Smallish trunk
- Cheap interior plastic

Head-To-Head Competition:

The G6 is a very strong contender in the midsize market. It costs $1,000 less than the Toyota Camry, though the Camry comes standard with anti-lock brakes. The G6 also costs nearly $800 less than the Nissan Altima, and has standard air conditioning, a CD player, and an automatic transmission; the only advantage the Altima has over the G6 is 4 more cubic feet of cargo space. The only strong competition for the G6 is the Hyundai Sonata, which costs a couple of hundred dollars more (for a manual transmission) but includes traction control and anti-lock brakes.

What Others Are Saying:

"Inside, the G6 is more sophisticated than the old Grand Am, with higher-quality materials. There's still some of that old Pontiac jet-fighter-cockpit look to the dashboard, but it's not overdone. The mid-size-sports-coupe market isn't as populous as the sedan segment, and with its blend of competent road manners, respectable grunt, and distinctive good looks, the G6 is definitely a player." - Car and Driver

"Pontiac advertises the G6 as a comfortable, four-seat convertible. It may be - for short trips. But with the car's high belt line, a rear seat passenger can feel claustrophobic. My 5-foot, 3-inch daughter-in-law was not happy staring at the front seatback and head restraint and had trouble peeking out the side. And, if the front passenger happens to be tall, rear leg room can become pinched when the front bucket is extended backwards." - The Family Car

"Speaking of the trunk, it's listed at 14.0 cubic feet. This is a decent size for a compact sedan. However, it was difficult to load even one golf bag, so for my uses it was verging on the unacceptable. Of course, I could get a shorter driver." - The Auto Channel

Read more about the 2007 Pontiac G6 at the Pontiac manufacturer web site.

Published on Wednesday, January 24, 2007 - Email to a friend

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