2007 Pontiac G6 GT Convertible
Arguably the coolest thing to happen to the auto industry in the last few years has been the retractable hardtop. Sure, this technology has been kicking around since the 1950's but those early models where as temperamental as Paris Hilton. With the introduction of the G6 GT convertible, Pontiac has entered into competition with more upscale brands such as BMW and Volvo. Is this truly the best of all worlds, a true four season, four-seat convertible that offers power, handling and good looks all in one shell -- and at a reasonable price? Well, kind of.
One of life's important lessons is nothing is free, especially if it has about a zillion moving parts. Our convertible tester tips the price scale at $32,500, which is far from cheap. However, you are really getting two cars for the price of one, fairly expensive car, so all in all that isn't a bad deal.
The G6 convertible shares the same platform as the standard hardtop version, and is almost identical in all interior and exterior dimensions. This is a good-looking car in both versions and was introduced with one of the greatest promotions in the industry -- don't pretend you didn't hear about the Oprah giveaway. It is not overly aggressive in stance but does look athletic. However, it seems like the designers in the Pontiac division should re-sharpen their pencils and come up with a new front-end design. They have been using the dual honeycombed grill design for far too long, and it's showing it age -- think mid-nineties Grand Am. The car's design will not knock you socks off, but it is a good-looking ride and should be a strong seller in its class.
Interior appointments far exceeded our expectations. Ergonomically sound and not overstated, the GT's cockpit makes up for some of the exterior shortcomings. Comfortable and supportive front bucket seats are ideal for spirited driving and for long hauls. A large, round red-backlit speedometer takes center stage on the instrument panel with a slighter smaller tachometer to the left and the temp and fuel gauges falling the right of center. It would have been nice to have dressed the center counsel with a richer looking material. The cheap black plastic looks, well, cheap.
Though there is a GT title in the name, the suspension is more tuned to everyday cruising, which is how this car will be driven anyway. The 3.5 liter V-6 offers smooth if not overpowering performance and offers reasonable fuel economy. All in all, the Pontiac is a nicely balanced package that has the ability to pull one of the great disappearing acts in the auto biz, going from hardtop to droptop in the drop of a hat. You won't bemoan the winters and you will bask in the sunlight all summer long behind the wheel of this sweet ride.
--Chad Doering
