Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2007 Pontiac G6 – GT Convertible and although it isn’t terrible on fuel usage I’m beginning to believe people just don’t care all that much about the need for improvement.
It would appear they have resigned themselves to the fact it will cost about $1,000 a year more for gas and they are helpless to change that fact. That’s a bad sign, because without consumer pressure manufacturers will give up trying to improve as quickly as they might otherwise do.
I say, give ‘em hell until they find a better way for us to be transported in this fast moving world of information and high tech stuff. In a world where 7 year olds get cell phones for Christmas and all manner of technology amazes and boggles the mind we should be able to do better on fuel economy.
I continue to be impressed by all of the technical stuff in autos like XM Radio, NAV systems and OnStar communications links that are some of the most useful additions to the driving experience ever.
General Info:
Parts – n/a
Assembly – Lake Orion , Michigan , USA
Class: – Compact
Cars: – G5, G6, Grand Prix, GTO, Solstice, SV6, Torrent and Vibe.
Public Service:
Slow down… breath through your nose … Relax… Don’t worry… Be happy (song written by composer Bobby McFerrin in the late 1980s). It’s a good message and so I suggest you make 2007 a year of more peace and quiet in your life. A side effect of that prescription will be less stress on the highways and by-ways of this wonderful country – America – for all of us.
Observation:
I couldn’t resist sharing this with you. I drive highway 14 often and wonder if anyone else has noticed how heavy the traffic is Tuesday through Thursday and Monday and Friday are much lighter? Well I’ve concluded that is because there is a large number of people who just can’t get out of bed after a busy weekend, and then they have to take off Friday after a harrowing three days of work. What do you think?
Handling & Performance:
Very good feel and therefore this convertible is fun to drive for those who enjoy sporty feeling cars. This reminds me of the Camaro I owned and which I loved so much for its low profile wide track stability. Pontiac is the closest thing to that car, of course,
Styling:
Truly well done sleek lines that flow beautifully. The bad news is you bump your head on the inside of the top. “Dear, just put the seat back”. I know love, I tried that but then I can’t reach the pedals. “Then you should have bought the adjustable pedals option”. She always gets the last word.
]For the money I was a little disappointed with the interior trim. The trunk is ok with the top up but it was no surprise there is almost no room with it down. But they did find a way to make the rear seat functional for even adults. Most sport cars have unusable rear seats.
Fit and Finish:
Nothing to write home about, but good.
Cost:
Some say it is Affordable… But I say it is pricey for a compact Pontiac car. The only justification for the high cost is the hard top that turns into a convertible very nicely.
MSRP isn’t chump change at over $28,000, and when you upgrade to premium and sport packages the price quickly goes over $32,000.
Conveniences and comfort:
On the other hand, it’s worth looking at the options in the Premium Package which includes XM that is wonderful, but I can do without remote starting, heated seats, and leather isn’t a must. Now if you spend a lot of time in cold climates I take it all back. The sport package includes one very important item – Stability control. The 3.9 liter engine upgrade is not necessary. I think the auto air (climate control) is a plus.
Consumer Recommendation:
Pack a lunch because you have a lot of competition to look at.
Recognized Competition:
Pontiac G6 $17-32,000, Nissan Altima $18-28,000, Saturn Aura $20-24,000, Mercury Milan $19-25,000, Hyundai Sonata $17-23,000, Ford Fusion $17-24,000, Chevrolet Impala $21-28,000, Toyota Camry $18-28,000, Buick LaCrosse $22-27,000, Mitsubishi Galant $20-27,000, Honda Accord $19-30,000, Subaru Legacy $20-34,000, Mazda 6 $19-28,000.
Good News:
Decent fuel economy, roomy rear seat (for a convertible) and fun to drive.
Bad News:
Top is a little low in front, a bit of a rattle that seemed to be related to the convertible top mechanism and a bit pricey for a compact.
Standard Equipment:
3.5 liter 217 hp V6 engine front wheel drive, 4-speed auto trans with manual shift mode, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, traction control, dual air bags with passenger sensing system, daytime running lights, theft deterrent system with passlock system, power mirrors, fog lights, manual air conditioning, remote keyless entry, rear window defroster, height adjustable power 4-way seat, power windows and locks, stereo with 6 disc CD player w/ 8 speaker monsoon system, tilt and telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, power release trunk lid, cruise control and power retractable hard top.
Gas Stats:
$2.50/ Gal avg. Dec 06
17 City and 24 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $28,500.
