Acceleration

Base V6	GT coupe, 3.9 V6, man.	GTP coupe	GT convertible	Class Average
6	7	7	5	5.9

No opportunity to test 4-cyl version. G6s with 3.5 V6 have good acceleration from any speed. GT convertible 400 lb heavier than coupe, feels slower at all speeds. GT coupe with 3.9 V6 and 6-speed manual 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. Refined GTP 3.6 V6 pulls smartly from any speed, has ample passing and merging punch. Automatic transmissions downshift readily for impressive passing response, especially GTP's smooth 6-speed.

Fuel Economy

Base V6	GT coupe, 3.9 V6, man.	GTP coupe	GT convertible	Class Average
5	5	5	5	5.1

With 3.5 V6, test sedans averaged 19.5 mpg. Test 6-speed GT coupe averaged 19.1 mpg. Extended-use test GT convertible averaged 21.9 mpg over 9059 miles. Test GTP coupe averaged 16.9 mpg in mostly city driving. All G6s use regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

Base V6	GT coupe, 3.9 V6, man.	GTP coupe	GT convertible	Class Average
6	6	6	5	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 suffers body flex, shudder over bumps.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base V6	GT coupe, 3.9 V6, man.	GTP coupe	GT convertible	Class Average
5	6	6	6	6.2

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 even with base versions. GT coupe, sedan steering and handling a bit sharper. GTP sharpest of all, though suffers from torque steer. All have slightly dull brake pedal feel.

Quietness

Base V6	GT coupe, 3.9 V6, man.	GTP coupe	GT convertible	Class Average
6	6	7	6	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. Open panoramic roof generates less noise but more buffeting than regular sunroof. Convertible nearly coupe-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. Polished GTP 3.6 pleasantly vocal during acceleration, hardly heard otherwise.

Controls

Base V6	GT coupe, 3.9 V6, man.	GTP coupe	GT convertible	Class Average
6	6	6	6	6.7

Gauges clear, lit in red. Audio, climate controls easy to reach, use. Cabin has abundance of hard plastic surfaces. Materials significantly trail those of most midsize rivals.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base V6	GT coupe, 3.9 V6, man.	GTP coupe	GT convertible	Class Average
6	6	6	6	6.8

Good head, leg room. Standard tilt/telescope steering, available adjustable pedals enhance driving position. Seats softer than in many rivals, and short on long-distance support. Testers divided on how well seats hold occupants in place during fast cornering. 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. Long coupe doors a hassle in tight spots.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base V6	GT coupe, 3.9 V6, man.	GTP coupe	GT convertible	Class Average
5	3	3	3	5.1

Ample leg room in sedan and coupe, even with front seats well back. Sloping roofline limits head room for those over 5-ft-10, especially in coupe and convertible. 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	GT coupe, 3.9 V6, man.	GTP coupe	GT convertible	Class Average
3	3	3	1	4.8

Narrow trunk has small opening, tall liftover, but hinges don't intrude on cargo space. Coupe, sedan have rear seatbacks that fold almost flat and 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	GT coupe, 3.9 V6, man.	GTP coupe	GT convertible	Class Average
6	4	5	4	6.3

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. Frequent discounts and a wide selection of safety and convenience features add to G6's appeal. The G6 coupe is too large for the interior space it provides, making a sedan the wiser choice of the two. The convertible benefits from the all-weather security of its retractable hardtop.

Total Score

Base V6	GT coupe, 3.9 V6, man.	GTP coupe	GT convertible	Class Average
54	52	54	47	59.2

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		47
Average Score		59
High Score		69