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2005 Pontiac G6 Road Test

A Serious Domestic Threat to the Imports

Other than an intense curiosity, I cant say I was looking forward to driving the G6. Dont get me wrong, I think it looks superb and expected it to drive pretty well considering Pontiac derives its general framework from GMs Epsilon architecture, that also underpins the sensation Saab 9-3 and commendable Malibu among others.

So why the hesitation? I guess it comes down to the fact that I hate cheap interiors, and in this regard Pontiac has hardly impressed me in recent years despite a promise to improve. After all, if the top-of-the-line Bonneville and Grand Prix models deliver bargain-basement interior quality, then what could I honestly expect from a lesser model?

As it

In all honesty, I cant say I was initially looking forward to driving the new Pontiac G6. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

seems a heck of a lot! Pontiacs future looks promising as sub-grade interiors appear to be a dark memory buried deep in the past, at least when it comes to the G6. I kept touching and tapping the dash, window surrounds, center console and just about everywhere else, amazed at how this domestic brand had somehow morphed its Grand Am from one of the worst offenders in its class to one of the best in cabin execution.

Pontiacs future looks promising as sub-grade interiors appear to be a dark memory buried deep in the past, at least when it comes to the G6 (base model shown). (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

Its also important to consider that the cars I drove were preproduction, usually lower quality than production models. Nevertheless the shiny, brittle plastic of the Grand Am was nonexistent, replaced with low-gloss, impressively textured surfaces throughout. GM made sure the journalists at the event understood that the G6 interior would improve even beyond what we were experiencing ahead

While the G6s higher quality materials are much appreciated, the cars fit and finish is also impressive (base model shown). (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

of the game, with additional aluminum trim on the center stack components. The red-on-black backlit gauges would also be white-on-black during the day, a change that I believe will improve instrument visibility.

I should mention that while the G6s higher quality materials are much appreciated, the cars fit and finish is also impressive. All interior surfaces butt up against each other in near perfect alignment. Its dash layout is refreshingly simple and straightforward,

I appreciate the high-end ambience created with the G6s aluminum-like accents. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

especially compared to the "look at me ma no hands" boy-racer meets Las Vegas lightshow that most Pontiacs suffer from. In preproduction trim its an all-black affair, with attractive chrome rimmed circular vents that fully close when not in used for a finished appearance. The chrome rimmed theme transfers over to the instrument cluster, which effectively shrouds the gauges to reduce glare. The center stack is once again no-nonsense, featuring a single-disc interface in base trim and a 6-CD equipped Monsoon audio head unit as part of the GT package. Simple three-dial heating, ventilation and

The 4-speed automatic transmission doesnt come across quite as sophisticated as some of the G6s 5-speed competitors. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

air conditioning (HVAC) controls are positioned underneath, within easy access of the driver and front passenger.

Driver specific controls are also pleasantly upscale, with the steering wheel ergonomically designed for optimal hand placement. It incorporates thumb-controllable cruise control buttons as standard equipment, but none for the audio system in base trim. Buck up a little more change and the same spokes are occupied with six switches for cruise and audio, much more convenient. The column stalks are also well placed for easy access even for my smallish hands, and they clicked up and down with

The base model gets what some may consider a more sophisticated electric power steering setup than the GT. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

a more positive engagement than in the Grand Am, at least to my memory. Although metal brightwork is starting to be pretty commonplace, I still appreciate the high-end ambience created with the G6s aluminum-like accents, especially surrounding the automatic transmissions shift lever.

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