|
 |
I picked up a 2006 G6 as a rental car following an auto accident. It proved to be a decent car that felt safe and was easy to drive, even with my limited physical ability. It is however definitively plain in it's exterior personality. This could be considered a good or a bad thing, depending on your tastes. In my opinion, it was quite refreshing considering the trend as of late to cram a car full of every option you might ever want to the point of distraction. Mechanically, the car is rock solid and possesses a dependable reserve of power that's on tap instantly and without complaint when needed.
|
| CarForums.net Review of the 2006 Pontiac G6 |
Price as tested- $19,265
Exterior
My first impression of the G6 sedan is that of a basic inexpensive suit that is unexpectedly flattering and well tailored. It is remarkably simple and understated, yet well proportioned and quite handsome. This may bother some who are looking for a flashy car, but this was definitely to my tastes. Even with the basic hubcaps on the rental car, it didn't look cheesy and cheap. The doors, hood and trunk all had a rock solid feel, closed solidly, and had perfect fit and finish, as did the rest of the body.
Interior
After my first impression of the exterior, I wasn't expecting much from the interior. My expectations were blown out of the water when I sat down in the car. It looks as if you received substantially more than you paid for. Every control seems to be where it should be, as well as being easy to use and read. The gauges are perfect; 100% intuitively and instantly useable, yet quite sharp and stylish with a soft red backlighting. The seats were very comfortable, even for my 6'5" self. I didn't feel cramped in the slightest, even in the back seat.
|
|
|
My one complaint about this car's interior equipment is the stereo. For your average owner's everyday use, it would be sufficient. However, it's display was utterly basic, one line of dot/grid output. The vehicle's information center comes through the radio as well, which introduces two problems. The first problem is in the display formatting. The clock, radio station, estimated fuel economy, estimated range, oil change interval, etc, was nice to have but you could only have one displayed at any given time on the single line display. There was also no RDS capability on the base unit, which is available on other GM vehicles. Equally frustrating is how you select this information; you have to cycle through the items with a single button. The second problem arises in that if you replace the head unit with an aftermarket deck, which would personally be an upgrade I'd make within the first month on any vehicle, would eliminate your information center entirely. In short, I would not get the standard head unit. I would have to decide what was more important to me: ability to use aftermarket audio/video upgrades, or retaining the information center. It would be a hard decision, as sound quality was excelent with even the base head unit.
Performance
This car isn't a muscle car, but it has an above adequate reserve of quick and nimble waiting on tap when you need it. Entering the freeway and passing are fairly effortless with this vehicle. Gas mileage seemed to stay steady and in the 27's according to the information center. Braking was also decent. I felt very safe in this vehicle, it was very stable and its performance can get you out of trouble as it arises with attentive driving.
|
|
EPA Observed Fuel Economy (miles per gallon): 20 city 30 highway
Overall Score: 9 out of a possible 10
---------------------------------------------
High points: This car is solid and of high quality construction. The interior has a high-class look to it. The engine is surprisingly peppy. There is lots of usable interior/trunk space.
Low points: This car has a frustratingly limited base stereo. For some, its unremarkable appearance might be a turn off.
Spec Sheet
Manufacturers Specifications
Acknowledgements
Enterprise Rental Cars
Pontiac: Specifications and Photos
|
|
|
Talk about the Pontiac G6 on the Forum!
|
|
|
All times are GMT -7. The time now is 05:42 AM.
Powered by: vBulletin | Copyright © Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright © 2005-2008 CarForums.net. All rights reserved
Best viewed at 1024 X 768
|
