2005 Pontiac G6 & 2006 G6 GTP Specs, Price, Fuel Economy, Engine, & Performance

In the base and GT models, the electric steering is more precise and communicates better than the Malibu's and Saturn Ion's, but surprises when it switches from a light to heavier feel halfway through a corner. The sportier GTP trades electric assist for conventional hydraulically boosted steering, pursuing a more European manner. Electric- assist steering is good for 1/2 mpg, significant for corporate-average fuel economy on a car with projected annual volume of about 240,000. Buyers had better find the G6 appealing if GM hopes to sell that many cars without incentives.

Unlike the straight-to-rental Grand Am, the G6 is a credible competitor for the Accord/ Altima, et al. crowd, with clean lines, a spacious interior, and a simple, elegant center stack. The G6 offers some distinctive features, such as a choice between two optional sunroofs--one that slides over the roof, saving headroom, and a large, panoramic one that accordions when opened. Kudos for the supportive power driver's seat (with, unfortunately, a mechanical lever for the reclining back), tilt wheel that also telescopes, and power adjustable pedals. Niggles include a lack of automatic-up power driver's window and implausible, though minimal, fake wood trim. On that level, Pontiac's "value proposition"--midsize-V-6 power for the price of a four--works. The G6 represents a giant leap in sedan refinement for GM's excitement division. But there's room for growth, something we hope to see in upcoming models, likely to be called G4 (Sunfire replacement) and G8, the next Bonneville.