2009 Pontiac G6

In Pontiac's lineup it may be the tire-smoking G8 GT or open-air Solstice roadster that draws the attention of enthusiasts, but in truth the humble Pontiac G6 serves as the bread and butter vehicle for GM's "excitement" division. Pontiac's first model to dump plastic cladding, the front-wheel drive Grand Am replacement bowed in 2005 and has soldiered on quietly ever since, spawning coupe, convertible, and high performance variants along the way. Now for 2009 GM is giving the midsize G6 a second look, adding extra convenience features, new colors, and a four-cylinder/six-speed auto combination delivering up to 33 mpg on the highway.

Still available as a sedan, coupe, or hardtop-convertible, the G6 offers a diverse lineup with four different engines and two transmissions to choose from. Base models feature a 2.4-liter, 164 horsepower four-cylinder mated to a four-speed automatic, while stepping up to GT-spec adds a standard 3.5-liter, 221 horsepower OHV V-6 (219 horsepower in PZEV form for states such as New York and California). Despite the increase in displacement, a four-speed auto remains standard. For those who prefer a little tire smoke in their commut,e a GXP variant was introduced for 2008, including the General's "high feature" 3.6-liter, 252 horsepower DOHC V-6, a Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic transmission, sport-tuned suspension, and some memorable styling tweaks that guarantee people will notice when you drive by (we're not sure if that's a good or bad thing). A 3.9-liter OHV V-6 is also optional on the G6 convertible (the 3.5-liter is standard), coupled with the four-speed and good for 222 horsepower.

For 2009, the G6's most prominent upgrades are two powertrain changes designed to make base models more enticing. Four-cylinder buyers can now opt for the Sport Package1, which adds the GXP's six-speed transmission to improve engine performance and raise fuel-economy to 33 mpg on the highway (up from 30). City gas mileage remains the same at 22 mpg. The base G6 can be had with a Sport Package2 upgrade, adding the 3.5-liter V-6 and a rear spoiler but not the six-speed Hydra-Matic. Additional tweaks to the lineup are mostly small, but numerous -- XM radio is now standard across the range, GT models receive a rear spoiler, and the GT and GXP come with a remote starting system, which is also optional on the base G6. Pontiac has also added four new shades of paint -- Quicksilver Metallic, Summit White, Gold Mist Metallic, and Silver Green Metallic -- as well as a Sun and Sound Plus package that includes a six-disc CD changer, sunroof, and 17-inch cast aluminum wheels for the GT. GXP shoppers receive a set of 18-inch, flangeless Black ChromeTech rims instead.

All G6 models also come with an array of safety features, including standard ABS and traction control, six airbags, and a safety cage with reinforced rocker sections. Also new for 2009 is GM's OnStar 8.0 technology, which includes features such as free voice recognition capabilities and more intuitive continuous digit dialing, as well as the standard pay services like hands-free calling, turn by turn navigation, and Advanced Automatic Crash Notification which sends data to 911 to help emergency personnel reach you faster in the event of an accident.

Apart from these upgrades the G6's basic lineup remains the same, with a base, GT, or GXP sedan, coupes in GT and GXP trim, and the convertible available only as a GT model, though with an optional engine upgrade. All versions use a MacPherson strut suspension up front and a four-link independent setup in the rear, and except for the GXP (which comes with 18s) 17-inch wheels are standard across the board. In the cutthroat midsize sedan market, cars like the Camry and Accord tend to get all the love, but Pontiac continues to offer a combination of good value and (mostly) attractive looks, though it loses ground to the competition on power and the lack of available GPS navigation. GM's changes for 2009 improve the G6's overall package and should help it stay competitive in the near term, especially for drivers who don't mind blending into the crowd. Unless of course, they get a GXP.