2009 Pontiac G6: Road Test
2009 Pontiac G6 ▼
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- MSRP: $19,275 - $32,300
- Invoice: $18,890 - $30,524
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Our road test for the 2009 Pontiac G6 includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Pontiac G6 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Pontiac G6, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Pontiac G6 help you decide if a 2009 Pontiac G6 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base V6 | GXP coupe | GT convertible w/3.5 V6 | GT convertible w/3.9 V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 5.4 |
G6s with the 3.5 V6 have good acceleration from any speed. GT convertibles are about 400 lb heavier than coupes, and they feel slower at all speeds with the 3.5 V6. Convertibles with the 3.9 are noticeably quicker in highway passing, despite having nearly the same horsepower as the 3.5. The GXP's refined 3.6 V6 pulls smartly from any speed and has ample passing and merging punch. The transmissions downshift readily for impressive passing response, especially GXP's smooth 6-speed. No 4-cylinder models have been available for us to test.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base V6 | GXP coupe | GT convertible w/3.5 V6 | GT convertible w/3.9 V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
In Consumer Guide testing, we averaged 19.5 mpg in a base V6 sedan. Our extended-use test GT convertible with the 3.5 V6 averaged 21.9 mpg in 9059 miles of mostly highway travel. Convertibles with the 3.9 V6 averaged 20.8-21.4 mpg. A GXP coupe averaged 16.9 mpg in mostly city driving. All G6s use regular-grade gas, and the 3.5 V6 can be equipped to run on E85 ethanol.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base V6 | GXP coupe | GT convertible w/3.5 V6 | GT convertible w/3.9 V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 6 |
No G6 is as composed as a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, but the compliant base suspension readily absorbs most bumps with minimal bobbing and moderate tire slap. GT and GXP are only a bit stiffer, slightly better controlled, but are not as unruffled as sporty imports over high-speed dips and swells. Convertibles suffer body flex and shudder over bumps.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base V6 | GXP coupe | GT convertible w/3.5 V6 | GT convertible w/3.9 V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5.9 |
The base model's steering is very light at low speeds for easy parking and firms up at higher speeds. It feels numb on the whole, though. Body lean is moderate, and grip is good across the entire G6 model lineup. GT coupe and sedan are a bit sharper, with the GXP being sharpest of all, though it suffers from torque steer. All have slightly dull brake pedal feel.
QUIETNESS
| Base V6 | GXP coupe | GT convertible w/3.5 V6 | GT convertible w/3.9 V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6 |
Suppression of road and wind noise are not up to Accord or Camry standards but are acceptable. Bumps caused a slight knocking in the front end of some test sedans. Convertibles are nearly coupe-quiet with top up, with wind noise impressively low with the top down. The 3.5 V6 is noisier at idle than most V6s, emitting a guttural whine under moderate-to-full acceleration. The 3.9 V6 is quieter and more refined than the 3.5. The GTP's 3.6 is pleasantly vocal during acceleration and hardly heard otherwise.
CONTROLS
| Base V6 | GXP coupe | GT convertible w/3.5 V6 | GT convertible w/3.9 V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Gauges are clear and lit in red. The audio and climate controls are easy to reach and use.
DETAILS
| Base V6 | GXP coupe | GT convertible w/3.5 V6 | GT convertible w/3.9 V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.5 |
The cabin has an abundance of hard plastic surfaces, with overall material quality that significantly trails those of most midsize rivals. While our extended-use G6 GT convertible had no mechanical malfunctions, numerous squeaks and rattles developed over the course of its 9059-mile stay with us.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base V6 | GXP coupe | GT convertible w/3.5 V6 | GT convertible w/3.9 V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.7 |
Good headroom and legroom. G6's standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel is a comfort plus, though it's disappointing that power-adjustable pedals are no longer available. The seats are softer than in many rivals and are short on long-distance support. Our testers are divided on how well the seats hold occupants in place during fast cornering. Vision astern is blocked by tall headrests, to the sides and front corners by thick roof pillars. Long doors in the coupe and convertible are a hassle in tight spots.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base V6 | GXP coupe | GT convertible w/3.5 V6 | GT convertible w/3.9 V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 5.1 |
Ample legroom in sedan and coupe, even with the front seats set well back. G6's sloping roofline severely limits headroom for those over 5-ft-10, especially in the coupe and convertible. Entry and exit are easy in the sedan, stoop-and-twist in the coupe and convertible.
CARGO ROOM
| Base V6 | GXP coupe | GT convertible w/3.5 V6 | GT convertible w/3.9 V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 4.1 |
Narrow trunk has a small opening and tall liftover, but its hinges don't intrude on cargo space. Coupe and sedan have rear seatbacks that fold almost flat and have hard plastic backs. Interior storage is just OK. Note that convertible trunk volume shrinks to just 2.2 cu ft with the top down. Top up, Pontiac claims the trunk holds 12.6 cu ft, but the space is difficult to utilize due to the position of the spare tire.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base V6 | GXP coupe | GT convertible w/3.5 V6 | GT convertible w/3.9 V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 4 | 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 | GXP coupe | GT convertible w/3.5 V6 | GT convertible w/3.9 V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 58 | 57 | 51 | 53 | 62.9 |
Total Score: 55
Scores for all Midsize Cars
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