MPG-o-Matic Pontiac G6 Review Summary: The 2009 Pontiac G6 sedan is worthy competitor in a hotly contested field. After a 500-mile review, we were won over by the base G6’s gas mileage, ride, interior comfort, and value.
The Pontiac G6 Sedan competes primarily with the Nissan Altima, Honda Accord, and Ford Fusion, along with others in the family sedan market. The G6 Sedan is available in base, GT and GXP trim. In all its forms, the G6 is more sporting then most of the competition.
Under the hood, the base G6 is fitted with 2.4 liter Ecotec four cylinder engine, producing 164 horsepower (HP) and 156 foot pounds of torque. The GT is fitted with a 3.5 liter V6 that produces 219 HP and 219 foot pounds of torque, while the GXP is equipped with a 3.6 liter V6 that delivers 251 HP and 252 foot pounds of torque.
The official gas mileage estimates for the base 2009 Pontiac G6 are 22 city/33 highway miles per gallon (MPG) when outfitted with the optional 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive that comes with the Sport Package 1 (which also includes Stabilitrack stability control and a rear spoiler).
In over five hundred miles of driving, we were able to easily exceed the official estimates with our Performance Red G6, scoring an average of 35.4 MPG on the Interstate highway, with 28.7 MPG combined. Test period temperatures ranged from the fifties through seventies, with freeway speeds between 60 and 70 miles per hour (MPH).
The base G6’s four-cylinder engine was a pleasure to drive and never felt down on power.
We used two simple techniques to achieve better mileage then the official estimates. Switching the optional six-speed automatic into manual shift mode allowed us to get into sixth gear more rapidly and to stay in overdrive for maximum economy. Watching the instant fuel consumption display in the drivers information center allowed us to quickly get the feel for the engine and keep the lightest pressure on the accelerator pedal.
The Drivers Information Center also provides two trip meters, fuel range, average MPG, average speed, and oil life, as well as individual tire pressures … and that’s an important point. Keeping the tire pressure set properly is a key to getting the best mileage.
The G6 delivers iPod integration with a simple in-dash input jack. There are two power plugs: one beneath the climate controls and one inside the center console.
In addition the Sport Package 1, our G6 sedan was equipped with the sun and sound package featuring a power tilt and slide sunroof along with a 6-disc audio system complete with steering wheel controls.
Pontiac’s intent is clear. This is a driver’s car … even if your drive is the daily commute. If the G6 takes inspiration from abroad, BMW would likely be the marquee to which the G6 aspires. Ah, but this is a purely American car, and considering the G6’s comfort, ride, fuel economy, and affordability, it’s perhaps the best family sedan that Pontiac’s built to date.
Assembly/Parts Content: The Pontiac G6 is assembled in Lake Orion, MI with a U.S./Canadian parts content of 80%.
– by Daniel Gray
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