Acceleration

Base V6 sdn w/ABS, sunroof	GT sdn w/leather, panoramic sunroof	GTP cpe, man.	GT conv	Class Average
6	6	7	5	5.6

No opportunity yet to test 4-cyl G6. Models with 201-hp V6 have good acceleration from any speed, helped by smooth automatic transmission that downshifts readily for impressive passing response. GT convertible 400 lb heavier than coupe, feels slower at all speeds. Manual-transmission GTP doesn't leap off the line, but steadily builds power, answers throttle eagerly at higher rpm. Manual-transmission shifter has positive engagement, but also a scraping metal feel during gear changes.

Fuel Economy

Base V6 sdn w/ABS, sunroof	GT sdn w/leather, panoramic sunroof	GTP cpe, man.	GT conv	Class Average
5	5	5	5	5.2

Test GT V6 averaged 19.5 mpg. Test manual-transmission GTP coupe averaged 19.1 with slight majority of highway driving. Test GT convertible averaged 19.5 mpg. All G6s use regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

Base V6 sdn w/ABS, sunroof	GT sdn w/leather, panoramic sunroof	GTP cpe, man.	GT conv	Class Average
6	6	6	6	6.1

Not as composed as Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, but compliant base suspension readily absorbs most bumps with minimal bobbing, moderate tire slap. GT, GTP only a bit stiffer, slightly better controlled, but not as unruffled as sporty imports over high-speed dips, swells. Convertible shows modest body flex, shudder over bumps.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base V6 sdn w/ABS, sunroof	GT sdn w/leather, panoramic sunroof	GTP cpe, man.	GT conv	Class Average
6	6	7	6	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 and handling a bit sharper, with GTP the sportiest of all. All have slightly dull brake-pedal feel.

Quietness

Base V6 sdn w/ABS, sunroof	GT sdn w/leather, panoramic sunroof	GTP cpe, man.	GT conv	Class Average
6	6	6	5	6.2

Suppression of road, wind noise not up to Accord/Camry standards, but acceptable. Bumps caused slight knocking in front end of test sedans. Opened panoramic roof generates less noise but more buffeting than regular sunroof. Convertible nearly sedan-quiet with top up, wind noise impressively low with top down. The 3.5 V6 noisier at idle than most V6s, emits guttural whine under moderate-to-full acceleration. The 3.9 V6 is quieter, more refined than the 3.5.

Controls

Base V6 sdn w/ABS, sunroof	GT sdn w/leather, panoramic sunroof	GTP cpe, man.	GT conv	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.8

Gauges clear, lit in red. Audio, climate controls easy to reach, use. Cabin has abundance of padded surfaces, available two-tone panels, bright or woodgrain trim, creating a satisfying ambience at this price level.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base V6 sdn w/ABS, sunroof	GT sdn w/leather, panoramic sunroof	GTP cpe, man.	GT conv	Class Average
6	6	6	6	6.6

Good head, leg room. Standard tilt/telescope steering, available adjustable pedals enhance driving position. Seats--cloth and leather--softer than in many rivals, and short on long-distance support. Testers divided on how well seat side bolsters hold occupants in place during fast cornering. And some drivers find bolster interferes with arm movement when shifting manual transmission. Vision blocked astern by tall front headrests, to sides and front corners by thick roof pillars, especially in convertible. Kudos for sun visor extenders. Long coupe, convertible doors a hassle in tight spots.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base V6 sdn w/ABS, sunroof	GT sdn w/leather, panoramic sunroof	GTP cpe, man.	GT conv	Class Average
5	4	3	3	5

All models have ample leg room, even with front seats well back. But sloping roofline, especially in coupe and top-up convertibles, limits head room for those over 5-ft-10. Available panoramic roof steals head room, too, forcing taller passengers to scrunch uncomfortably. Entry/exit easy in sedan, stoop-and-twist in coupe.

Cargo Room

Base V6 sdn w/ABS, sunroof	GT sdn w/leather, panoramic sunroof	GTP cpe, man.	GT conv	Class Average
3	3	3	2	4.5

Narrow trunk has small opening, tall liftover, but hinges don't intrude on cargo space. Rear seatbacks unlatch from trunk, fold almost flat, have hard plastic backs. Adequate interior storage. Note that convertible trunk volume shrinks to 1.8 cu ft with top down, from just 5.8 cu ft top up.

Value within Class

Base V6 sdn w/ABS, sunroof	GT sdn w/leather, panoramic sunroof	GTP cpe, man.	GT conv	Class Average
6	6	4	4	6.1

G6 lacks the well-toned feel of a Honda Accord, the isolating comfort of a Toyota Camry, or the raw coltishness of a Nissan Altima. But it undercuts them all on price, especially with a V6 engine. The convertible benefits from its retractable hardtop and impresses for its solidity and smart pricing. Frequent discounts and a wide selection of safety and convenience features add to its appeal. The G6 coupe is too large for the interior space it provides, making a sedan the wisest choice here.

Total Score

Base V6 sdn w/ABS, sunroof	GT sdn w/leather, panoramic sunroof	GTP cpe, man.	GT conv	Class Average
56	55	54	49	58.2

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		44
Average Score		58
High Score		70