2005 Pontiac G6 SE review from North America

Rubber windshield wiper split, and was replaced under warranty.

Rubber weather stripping on driver side door, cracked and split- replaced by dealer.

Hot start problems in summer - fixed.

I didn't want to buy a new car the year it came out, but my husband talked me into trying the G6 as it looked so sharp (3.5 L, 6 cylinder, 200 hp, 270 torque).

The test drive was amazing as it had more torque that either a 2004 Grand Am or a 2005 Grand Prix.

(The latter seemed a little sluggish in comparison).

We were sold on the ample roominess of the vehicle. My husband's 6' plus frame fit easily into both the front and back seats with lots of leg room and head clearance. Getting in and out has been easy despite his height and my age (over 50). Lots of room for transporting passengers and easy to get people in and out of the back seat.

The trunk is a little hard to fit some objects into. Trying to get past the opening can be a little tough, but the 60/40 split in the back seat helps to conquer that.

We had a long drive back to Yellowknife with a brand new engine, so had to wait until spring to take it up to maximum revs to see how it accelerated.

I was not disappointed! It took off like a rocket and had a satisfying throaty sound. I was so impressed that all of my friends who came along for some of my acceleration tests raved about my car and how it handled. It was not long until this car started popping up all over town (much to my delight and chagrin - it was fun to have the only one in town for awhile).

It holds corners better than expected. At 130, it hugs the road, feels completely in control and does not feel like you are really going that fast around the curve. (This was the first time I ever experienced this sensation in all my years of driving- 27.)

On a straight the highest I dared take it was 150 due to northern highways being a little bumpy and due to the fear of hitting animals. (I've only done that once as it is illegal to do those speeds on the highway and I'd like to live to enjoy the car for a few years!) Again, it hugged the road and one didn't feel like the car was driving you.

The ride is quiet. The very best is that the 4 speed automatic has the smoothest and quietest shift, by far, of anything I've driven including a Honda Prelude!

My tests satsified my desire to know how quickly it could accelerate. I rarely have opportunities to push it hard due to northern roads. That's why the roominess and comfort are so important.

It handles well on the bumpy road conditions of the north (winter is 8-10 months long and lots of gravel mixed with snow to make a substance that is worse than frozen gravel roads).

The large interior, comfort, torque, quiet ride and responsive handling make it the best car I've driven in it's class. I drive quite a few rentals when I go south of 60 every two months, and haven't found another vehicle that I like as well as the G6.

GM did a good job to make a car that can handle a family and still satisfy the desire for something sporty when the kids and grandkids are not around!

I can hardly wait to drive the newer models, although this has enough torque and speed to satisfy the latent drag racer in all of us (and still stay alive on the freeways)!