2005 Pontiac G6: Road Test
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2005 Pontiac G6 ▼
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- MSRP: $20,675 -$23,300
- Invoice: $18,918 -$21,320
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Our road test for the 2005 Pontiac G6 includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Pontiac G6 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Pontiac G6, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Pontiac G6 help you decide if a 2005 Pontiac G6 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base w/ABS, sunroof | GT w/leather, panoramic sunroof | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.3 |
Good acceleration from any speed. Smooth transmission downshifts readily for impressive passing response, reducing need for GT's manual-shift feature.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base w/ABS, sunroof | GT w/leather, panoramic sunroof | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
Test GT averaged 19.5 mpg in even mix of city/highway driving. Pontiac recommends regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base w/ABS, sunroof | GT w/leather, panoramic sunroof | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
Not as composed as Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, but compliant base suspension readily absorbs most bumps with minimal bobbing, moderate tire slap. GT only a bit stiffer, slightly better controlled.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base w/ABS, sunroof | GT w/leather, panoramic sunroof | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
Base-model's steering very light at low speeds for easy parking, firms up at higher speeds, but feels numb. Moderate body lean, good grip in fast turns. GT's steering, handling a bit sharper than base model's. Both versions have slightly dull brake-pedal feel, noticeable pulsing when ABS activates during simulated panic stops. Non-ABS model unavailable for test.
QUIETNESS
| Base w/ABS, sunroof | GT w/leather, panoramic sunroof | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 |
Suppression of road, wind noise not up to Accord standards, but acceptable. Bumps cause slight knocking in front end. When open, Panoramic roof generates less noise but more buffeting than regular sunroof. Engine noisier at idle than most V6s, emits gutteral whine under moderate-to-full acceleration.
CONTROLS
| Base w/ABS, sunroof | GT w/leather, panoramic sunroof | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.6 |
Gauges clear, with red lighting at night. Audio, climate controls easy to reach, intuitively marked. Separate stalks for wipers, turn signals. Cabin has abundance of padded surfaces, available 2-tone panels, bright or woodgrain trim, for an ambience that's satisfying at this price level.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base w/ABS, sunroof | GT w/leather, panoramic sunroof | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
Generous head and leg room. Standard tilt/telescope steering wheel along with available height-adjustable seat, adjustable pedals allow most drivers to get comfortable. Steering-wheel rim has lumpy shape at 10- and 2-o'clock positions--annoying to some drivers. Both cloth and leather seats softer than many rivals'; some may find they lack long-distance comfort. Prominent side bolsters hold occupants in place during fast cornering. Vision blocked astern by tall front headrests, to sides and front corners by thick roof pillars. Kudos for visor extenders.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base w/ABS, sunroof | GT w/leather, panoramic sunroof | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 4.7 |
Ample leg room even with front seats fully back. Sloping roofline limits head room for those over 5-ft-10 and blocks view to sides. Available Panoramic roof steals head room, forcing taller passengers to scrunch uncomfortably. Try before you buy. Large doors provide easy entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| Base w/ABS, sunroof | GT w/leather, panoramic sunroof | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4.5 |
Narrow trunk has small opening, but hinges don't intrude on cargo space. Handy side nets hold small items. Rear seatbacks unlatch from trunk, fold almost flat, have hard plastic backs. Adequate interior storage.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base w/ABS, sunroof | GT w/leather, panoramic sunroof | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
G6 lacks the top-notch refinement of an Accord or Camry, but is otherwise competitive. It costs less than most V6 rivals, and a wide selection of safety and convenience features adds to its appeal.
Total Score
| Base w/ABS, sunroof | GT w/leather, panoramic sunroof | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 59 | 58 | 56.5 |
Total Score: 59
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