2009 Pontiac G6 Review

June 3, 2009

STYLING | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

the G6 convertible looks much like the G6 coupe
Car and Driver

[appeals to] "import buyers who want a bit more flair but don't want to break the budget
Kelley Blue Book

sporty controls and racing-style gauges
Cars.com

the audio and climate controls are easy to reach and use
ConsumerGuide

The styling of the Pontiac G6 line of vehicles, which stepped in to replace the old Pontiac Grand Ams, has proved to be a critical and commercial success. The 2009 Pontiac G6 Convertible manages to maintain the general appearance of the 2009 Pontiac G6 Coupe, with the added benefit of the hardtop convertible roof.

The exterior of the 2009 Pontiac G6 Convertible represents a huge visual improvement over previous Pontiac cruisers. Car and Driver reports that "the G6 convertible looks much like the G6 coupe, and since styling is the coupe's strongest suit, this is not a bad thing." Cars.com reviewers happen to disagree, saying that the Pontiac G6 Convertible shares "the same uneasy shape as the G6 coupe," but most testers give positive reviews to this 2009 Pontiac.

The exterior styling on the 2009 Pontiac G6 Coupe is decidedly performance-oriented, reflecting Pontiac's renewed emphasis on building fun-to-drive vehicles. Kelley Blue Book considers the G6 Pontiac Coupe both "sleek" and "sophisticated," and notes that Pontiac targets "import buyers who want a bit more flair but don't want to break the budget." The 2009 Pontiac G6 sedan features Pontiac's low, wide styling, and reviews read by TheCarConnection.com indicate that it works quite well. Kelley Blue Book proclaims that the "exterior styling is a giant leap forward for Pontiac," and some reviewers there think it's "one of the most attractive cars the domestic manufacturers have ever delivered."

Sitting down inside this 2009 Pontiac sedan, you can expect to find a handsome and well-planned interior. Cars.com reviewers list the "sporty controls and racing-style gauges with red LED backlighting" among their favorite interior styling touches, while Edmunds praises the "attractive and brightly ringed cluster" that houses the gauges.

Reviewers at Cars.com approve of the "sporty controls and racing-style gauges with red LED backlighting," which are surrounded with "brushed metal accents and chrome trim," of the G6 Coupe. The typically conservative reviewers at ConsumerGuide find little to fault with the interior controls of the 2009 Pontiac G6, saying that the "audio and climate controls are easy to reach and use."

The Convertible scores moderately well with reviewers, thanks to a clean layout. ConsumerGuide says that "the audio and climate controls are easy to reach and use," and Cars.com testers add, "the recessed red gauges are contemporary and sporty." Edmunds also approves of the "chrome and faux metal accents" that serve to "brighten things up inside."

Conclusion

The 2009 Pontiac G6 coupe and sedan offer solid styling without breaking the bank, but the jury is out on the Convertible.

STYLING | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:the G6 convertible looks much like the G6 coupeCar and Driver[appeals to] "import buyers who want a bit more flair but don't want to break the budgetKelley Blue Booksporty controls and racing-style gaugesCars.comthe audio and climate controls are easy to reach and useConsumerGuide The styling of the Pontiac G6 line of vehicles, which stepped in to replace the old Pontiac Grand Ams, has proved to be a critical and commercial success. The 2009 Pontiac G6 Convertible manages to maintain the general appearance of the 2009 Pontiac G6 Coupe, with the added benefit of the hardtop convertible roof. The exterior of the 2009 Pontiac G6 Convertible represents a huge visual improvement over previous Pontiac cruisers. Car and Driver reports that "the G6 convertible looks much like the G6 coupe, and since styling is the coupe's strongest suit, this is not a bad thing." Cars.com reviewers happen to disagree, saying that the Pontiac G6 Convertible shares "the same uneasy shape as the G6 coupe," but most testers give positive reviews to this 2009 Pontiac. The exterior styling on the 2009 Pontiac G6 Coupe is decidedly performance-oriented, reflecting Pontiac's renewed emphasis on building fun-to-drive vehicles. Kelley Blue Book considers the G6 Pontiac Coupe both "sleek" and "sophisticated," and notes that Pontiac targets "import buyers who want a bit more flair but don't want to break the budget." The 2009 Pontiac G6 sedan features Pontiac's low, wide styling, and reviews read by TheCarConnection.com indicate that it works quite well. Kelley Blue Book proclaims that the "exterior styling is a giant leap forward for Pontiac," and some reviewers there think it's "one of the most attractive cars the domestic manufacturers have ever delivered." Sitting down inside this 2009 Pontiac sedan, you can expect to find a handsome and well-planned interior. Cars.com reviewers list the "sporty controls and racing-style gauges with red LED backlighting" among their favorite interior styling touches, while Edmunds praises the "attractive and brightly ringed cluster" that houses the gauges. Reviewers at Cars.com approve of the "sporty controls and racing-style gauges with red LED backlighting," which are surrounded with "brushed metal accents and chrome trim," of the G6 Coupe. The typically conservative reviewers at ConsumerGuide find little to fault with the interior controls of the 2009 Pontiac G6, saying that the "audio and climate controls are easy to reach and use." The Convertible scores moderately well with reviewers, thanks to a clean layout. ConsumerGuide says that "the audio and climate controls are easy to reach and use," and Cars.com testers add, "the recessed red gauges are contemporary and sporty." Edmunds also approves of the "chrome and faux metal accents" that serve to "brighten things up inside." ConclusionThe 2009 Pontiac G6 coupe and sedan offer solid styling without breaking the bank, but the jury is out on the Convertible. 2009 PONTIAC G6 STYLING | [7 out of 10] Car and Driver: "the G6 convertible looks much like the G6 coupe” Kelley Blue Book: [appeals to] "import buyers who want a bit more flair but don't want to break the budget" Cars.com: "sporty controls and racing-style gauges ConsumerGuide: "the ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

For 2009, the Pontiac G6 lineup is simply outclassed by a host of other top-performing mid-size vehicles. The Honda Accord Coupe starts at about the same price as the G6 Coupe but has an elegant interior that looks and feels in a class above the G6; the Accord performs modestly with its economical four-cylinder engine, and it's available with a more powerful 3.5-liter V-6 and six-speed automatic. The Nissan Altima Coupe is closest to the G6 Coupe in execution; it has a sportier feel like the G6 but strikes a better balance of ride comfort and crisp handling. Next to the G6 sedan, the Fusion feels sportier, with its crisp, direct steering and responsive engines—it’s also a top-performer in safety—but the G6 has a more spacious backseat than either the Fusion or Altima. The Altima stands out for its simple but very tasteful interior design and nice materials. Both the Toyota Solara and Chrysler Sebring have quite soft rides, modest backseats, and roomy interiors. The Sebring isn’t any more appealing than the G6 drop top, but both models start at several thousand dollars less than the 2009 Pontiac G6 Convertible.

Next Steps:

Get a free price quote

for the 2009 Pontiac G6 from a dealer near you

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2009 Pontiac G6

Check Financing Rates

for the 2009 Pontiac G6

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2009 Pontiac G6 near you

See the Pontiac G6 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004

Comments (1 total)

  1. By jordan #1, Posted: 6/16/2009

    You simply have to be able say 'no, thanks at that price' at least once to the dealer. This gives them a strong message that you are serious about your research.
    You should also bring a piece of paper to the dealership and make sure you do all the math of the finance calculations yourself. The point is not that they will do the math wrong. The point is you will see exactly how the deal is structured. Do not be afraid to take the time to do this or look like a fool for mapping out your car deal in the dealership.
    My dad swears by this process, http://tinyurl.com/knflt6

Post a comment

Post anonymously, or
(Required)
(Required - will not be published, sold or shared)
(Optional - your 'posted by' name will link to the URL)

Remember Me?

I have read TheCarConnection.com's privacy policy