Despite a high-profile launch as a 2005 model that included giving 276 cars to an Oprah Winfrey studio audience, the G6 line of midsize sedans and coupes has performed below sales expectations for Pontiac; that places the onus of sparking showroom interest on the new-for-2006 convertible.

Our red extended-use G6 is a handsome vehicle; its sporty look suggests a racy demeanor but limited passenger space. Neither assumption could be further from the truth.

Dynamically, the G6 falls short. Handling is best described as benign, with modest grip and artificially weighted steering, neither of which encourages spirited driving.

Acceleration is similarly uninspired. Our GT's 3.5-liter V6 is sufficiently potent in most situations, but its modest 201 horsepower (raised to 217 for 2007) struggles to move a convertible that weighs 400 pounds more than the coupe on which it is based with much verve.

In routine driving, the smooth 4-speed automatic transmission does a fine job of keeping the V6 in a useful gear, but pressing the throttle for extra passing or merging muscle can net more noise than speed. Fuel consumption is relatively modest however; with our test car averaging about 21.5 mpg.

The G6's most compelling feature is its folding hardtop. It works as advertised. Top up, interior noise levels rival those of G6 coupes, and repeated runs through the car wash have been leak-free. However, raising and lowering the top means depressing an awkwardly placed overhead button for the duration of the 30-second process.

With the top down, four adults fit in surprising comfort, though the ordeal of squeezing past the folded front seatback and under a seatbelt strap is one that most rear-seat passengers will be reluctant to repeat. Additional contortions are required when the top is up.

Sadly, our extended-use G6 suffers from a fair amount of body flex, though the effect is lessened with the hardtop erected. We had hoped for stouter stuff.

Editors' Comments

Chuck Giametta: This is one of those convertibles whose principal asset is making you look good as you cruise along with the top down. It's comfortable enough, but not particularly satisfying to drive. The retractable hardtop is a nice security measure, but with it lowered, the windshield frame extends so far rearward that front seaters are robbed of a true open-air feeling. Envious onlookers aren't likely to know that, however.

Tom Appel: In convertible guise, the G6 is gorgeous, and offers exactly the low-stress open-air ride many shoppers are looking for. Being the industry's least-expensive hard-top convertible is pretty cool as well. Still, this car should be better. The power is mediocre, chassis flex too prominent, and some of the controls feel cheap and flimsy. G6 convertible is better than Chrysler Sebring and Toyota Solara. I just expected it to be a lot better.

Rick Cotta: Its greatest strength is also its worst weakness. A hard convertible top means not just any 10-year-old with a pocket knife can break into your car, noise levels are lower, and the top never needs to be replaced. Superior rear-corner visibility is an added bonus. But unlike competing ragtops, top-down trunk space is virtually nil, so any golf bags would have to go in the rear seat.

2006 Pontiac G6 convertible
2006 Pontiac G6
Bodystyle: 2-door convertible
Model: GT
Engine: 201-hp 3.5-liter V6
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Total Miles: 4468
CG® Observed Fuel Economy: 21.5 mpg
Problems During Test: None
Base Price: $28,365
Price as Tested: $30,690
Major Options:


 Premium Value Package (leather upholstery, power driver's seat, 6-CD changer, 18-inch chrome alloy wheels).