G6 Justifies giddy Oprah fans

[ragingfish]

Quote »G6 Justifies giddy Oprah fansPontiac got more right than wrong with the 2005 G6 GT. The 5-passenger sedan is spacious, but lacks a throaty engine.Unlike the 276 shrieking and sobbing women who took delivery of G6 sedans on Oprah last September, I didn't embrace my Pontiac G6 GT test car.Rather, I circled it with a skeptical eye. If Pontiac gave away 276 of these cars, something must be wrong with it, right?As it turns out, Pontiac got a lot more right than wrong with the new G6.With its slippery skin and rakish roofline, this four-door looks far more sophisticated than the Grand Am, which it will succeed as Pontiac's volume leader when the Grand Am ends production in a few months.The interior is a definite step up. The cockpit is clean and refined, the materials tastefully textured, and the fit and finish tight. Positioning myself in the firm, comfortable driver's seat - aided by adjustable pedals and tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel - I was struck by the spaciousness.Owing to its 112.3-inch wheelbase, the G6 is much roomier than it looks, and rear-seat passengers enjoy class-leading leg room. My daughter and her friends also enjoyed the Panoramic roof ($1,500 option), a sunroof that extends over the rear seat.The G6 is offered in two trim levels, base and GT. Both are powered by a 200-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Prices start at $21,300 for the base and $23,925 for the GT.The base serves up a generous helping of standard features, including cruise control, power windows/locks/mirrors, CD player, AC and 60/40-split rear seats. The GT adds power-adjustable pedals, 17-inch aluminum wheels, an eight-speaker Monsoon sound system, a rear spoiler and a sport suspension. Noteworthy options include a remote-start system ($150), chrome alloy wheels ($650), XM Satellite Radio ($325) and OnStar telematics ($695).Poised performanceRiding on the Epsilon platform that underpins the Saab 9-3 and Chevy Malibu, the G6 features Macpherson struts up front and a four-link independent setup out back. Coupled with the long wheelbase (5 inches more than key competitors offer), the chassis delivers a smooth, stable ride. The GT's sport suspension is firm enough to minimize body roll, yet compliant enough to absorb bumps without waking slumbering kids.The interior is impressively quiet, but then (unfortunately) so is the engine. The exhaust note is barely audible even at high rpms, and most of us expect more lust from a car with "GT" in its name. Power-wise, the engine feels a tad shy, but using the transmission in manual-shift mode improves things measurably. Steering is accurate, but remote in feel.The G6 is a stylish, spacious and sophisticated new entry in the midsize segment, where it contends with the Mazda 6, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima. I'd call the G6 the first truly good Pontiac in years.There's more Buyers who hanker for more power should wait until spring, when a 240-hp, 3.9-liter GTP debuts. Scheduled this summer are a 170-hp four-cylinder G6 and a two-door coupe (GT or GTP). A convertible debuts next year.Seriously stylish midsize contender. Cool: Sleek styling, classy and capacious interior, loads of standard features, decent gas mileage. Uncool: Numb steering feel, no manual transmission, a tad shy on power. (out of 5)Pontiac G6 GTVital statisticsBase price: $23,925As-tested price: $28,280 (with destination and options)Drivetrain: Front engine, front-wheel drive, 4-speed automatic transmission with manual shifterEngine: 3.5-liter V-6 producing 200 horsepower and 220 lb-ft torqueWheelbase: 112.3 inchesWeight: 3,420 poundsEPA mpg, city/highway: 21/29Safety: Dual front air bags, antilock brakes, traction control, LATCH child-seat anchorsContact Carol Traeger by e-mail at ctrigger@aol.com