Picture Gallery: 2007 Pontiac G6 Convertible
 Click Image to Enlarge |
I was walking through the greenhouses at Ottawa’s Carleton University, checking out an exotic butterfly exhibit, when it occurred to me that these fragile creatures could have been inspiration for the concept of the hardtop convertible.
See, both can change from one distinct form into another, although the hardtop convertible can also change back, which I suppose is a good thing. You know, in case it rains. Anyway, it was purely coincidence that I’d driven to the butterfly exhibit in a Pontiac G6 convertible, which holds the dubious honour of being the least-expensive four-seat hardtop convertible on the market.
Maybe the link between butterflies and any car is a stretch, but the idea that the 2007 G6 convertible’s starting price of $35,960 makes this car affordable for many drivers isn’t so tenuous a notion.
 Click Image to Enlarge |
Offered only in GT trim, the basic G6 Convertible is motivated by GM’s 3.5-litre V6. While this motor makes 224 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque in the G6 sedan, output drops to 217 hp and 217 lb-ft in the convertible. No matter for me, though, as my tester had the GT Convertible Performance Package, which brings with it the 3.9-litre V6. Naturally, the bigger engine is more potent, offering up 240 horses and 241 lb-ft and a continuously variable valve timing system helps the engine breathe better. The 3.9-litre also comes bundled with a shorter final-drive ratio in the transmission for better acceleration.
 Click Image to Enlarge |
Of course, given my druthers, I’d have preferred the 3.6-litre Cadillac-sourced V6 fitted to GTP models. That engine and its attendant six-speed automatic transmission sounds like a far sportier proposition than a pushrod motor and a four-speed automatic, but hey – I don’t get to choose what I drive.
All the same, the 3.9-litre engine is more than enough to move the G6 around. That 241 lb-ft of torque peaks at a useful 2,800 rpm, so throttle response is quite good, and the torque helps make up for the lack of a fifth gear in the transmission.
 Click Image to Enlarge |
It became apparent early on that this G6 was better suited to cruising than hard cornering, as understeer is the order of the day. The chassis flexes more than your hot yoga instructor, except in this case, it’s not so nice to watch. While it’s tough to turn a coupe into a convertible without compromising some of the chassis’ structural integrity, the amount of cowl shake in the G6 verges on the ridiculous. At least my G6’s top worked smoothly, though I noticed a couple of (very) small leaks while going through a touchless car wash.
Thankfully, the body bending is less evident with the top up. Headroom is surprisingly good too, at least in the front seats. The steep rake of the rear half of the roof cuts into rear-seat headspace; GM Canada’s website says the convertible only gives up five millimetres of headroom to the G6 sedan, but it feels like far more than that to us. Rear legroom is okay for cross-town trips, so long as the person in front of you doesn’t need to sit too far back.
Cargo space is reasonable –with the top up – with a trunk that can accommodate 362 litres worth of stuff in a wide and long, but fairly shallow, space. With the top down, however, the cargo hold shrinks to a very shallow 63 litres worth – but you have to pack that space while the top is up, as the roof will fold down overtop of it. The VW Eos – another affordable four-seat convertible with a folding hardtop – offers enough cargo space for a good-sized suitcase, even in topless mode.
 Click Image to Enlarge |
G6 GT models, like my tester, come standard with a terrific-sounding 200-watt Monsoon sound system. Sadly, there was a persistent vibration in the right-side door that rattled along with the bass line and took away from the listening experience.
I would have liked some more small-item storage in the interior; there’s a change compartment to the left of the wheel and a small cubby in the dash in addition to the glove box and centre console bin.
While the G6 convertible is indeed the least-expensive four-seat folding hardtop around, it’s also the cheapest (in the less complimentary sense), and the starting price is only about $1,000 less than that of the Eos. Even though the G6 offers more standard equipment, I’d argue it’s a better package, even if it’s only available with a 200-horsepower turbo four, where the G6’s V6 engines offer more torque. But factor the VW’s stiffer structure and much better cargo flexibility and the Eos looks like the winner.
 Click Image to Enlarge |
Fitted as my G6 was – with the aforementioned GT Convertible Performance Package – the bottom line came to $40,625. Pack an Eos with the Sport Leather Package (which brings more features than the G6 package, though the G6 droptop has more standard kit) and six-speed clutchless manual (the base Eos tranny is a true six-speed stick) and the price is $42,850 including freight. The Eos also comes with standard side airbags, which include an extension to provide head protection; seat-mounted side airbags are a $515 option on the G6 (which my tester didn’t have).
Taken on its own, the G6 convertible is a nice-looking package, both on paper and in the flesh. Its downfall is the driving experience, which simply isn’t as pleasant as in the Eos. How do you say butterfly in German, anyway?
to our site.
November 02, 2006, 12:19:27 am
A sexy black, California Special point.
PS - still driving 'er.
November 02, 2006, 12:23:42 am
A sexy black, California Special point.
PS - still driving 'er.
Rub it in. It's -10C right now.
November 02, 2006, 12:52:54 am I agree with logansowner. If it comes from VW or Audi it must be amazing. Seriously people, I read these reviews and wonder who sponsors the website and how much have the reviewers been spoonfed by European and Asian propaganda. We all know the general is just getting back on its feet, but that is not a reason to join the bullies and throw mud at the efforts. BTW, I have read that the G6 convertible is sold out. So much for people not liking it. Truth be told, this car isn't exceptional, but a step in the right direction. Given it's price and performance I believe that it is a good choice for someone looking for a hard top convertible.
November 02, 2006, 01:56:13 am I like how the writer quantifies his reasons for stating he prefers the VW over the GM.
"The VW Eos – which also sports a folding hardtop – offers enough cargo space for a good-sized suitcase, even in topless mode."
"But factor the VW’s stiffer structure and much better cargo flexibility and the Eos looks like the winner."
I've driven neither, both look a bit awkward to me, but the writer gives reasons as to why he feels the way he does. Has anybody else driven both these cars? Has anybody else experienced the flimsy structure of the G6? How about the trunk, anybody try packing something into it with the top down? How about the Eos?
GM is moving in the right direction and I give them credit for turning their crap offerings from before into something competitive. However, what they are offering is not the top in the class, and should be called on it. I think GM has some really good cars coming down the pipe, well thought out and nicely executed. However, there are little niggles that keep it from being great. Hopefully in the years to come, they resolve the little issues and perfect the package.
November 02, 2006, 02:01:15 am
most people probably think its an ugly car.
It for me is one of the nicest rears that detroit has produced in a long time.
But I also dont see it that often.
Compared to the eos tough call the volvo is priced beyond this market.
I love the sunroof idea on the eos but the engine........... Guess I would have to sell it
before the warranty was up. I dont know if it's as bad a the 2.7V6 fr. Chrysler but
it's got to be close. My mechanic replaces almost one of these vw turbo's a week.
November 02, 2006, 08:05:04 am Actually most of the advertising on this site is from GM and Ford... isn't that ironic?
Not sure about CanadianDriver, I try not to be biased.... how about cars on CarTalkCanada that are Domestics that I didn't think were crap... Let's see...
Escalade http://www.canadiandriver.com/ctc/blog/?p=101
Cobalt http://www.canadiandriver.com/ctc/blog/?p=92
Avalanche http://www.canadiandriver.com/ctc/blog/?p=90
DTS http://www.canadiandriver.com/ctc/blog/?p=87
Fusion http://www.canadiandriver.com/ctc/blog/?p=79
November 02, 2006, 08:36:01 am I'm not sure when this article was written, but since it was published today, November First, there must be an amendment made. The author falsely mentions several times that the G6 is the least expensive hardtop convertible in the Canadian market. The Mazda MX-5 PRHT is available and starts at $31,395, according to Mazda Canada's website. Also, you don't lose any trunk space with the Mazda when the top is down, not that there is that much to begin with. I know that these are two different kinds of cars - one is a roadster and one has room either four or five people (I wish the author would mention how many seats it has in the back), but it should not say that the G6 is the least expensive Retractable hardtop in our market.
November 02, 2006, 09:23:33 am
Maybe I'm wrong, but somehow I suspect that if we popped off the Pontiac logo and slapped a Toyota badge on the identical car, we'd be hearing about how great it is.
Canadian Driver is my home page, I check it every day, but your reviews of American vehicles are so biased beyond reason that they really are becoming worthless reads. Click on a review of an American car, and you already know it sucks, no sense reading your article, we know you will pronounce any Japanese or European competitors as the winners.
The Eos is priced similarly to the G6 droptop, but it's a better car. Yes, I complain about cowl shake in the G6, and yes, all convertibles exhibit some cowl shake, but with some, it's less evident. Go drive a G6 convertible. Then, go drive an Eos. Then go drive an A4 droptop, if you like. If you don't think the Germans feel more solid, come back and I'll give you each a cookie, okay?
I complained about lack of trunk space in the G6. I did so because that's the way it is. Again: go compare a G6 and an Eos back to back. Put the G6's top down and see how much stuff you think you could get in there. Then do the same in the Eos. Again, if you don't agree that the Eos has more trunk space - top up OR down, BTW - come back and I'll give you each TWO cookies.
I compared the G6 to the Eos because they sell for similar money (granted the Eos is a couple grand more expensive) and are the same type of vehicle. There's no bias here. Personally, I want GM to build a truly excellent car. Thing is, generally speaking, they haven't progressed past building cars that are just "okay." I agree that GM now has a few cars that are indeed "steps in the right direction." There are even GM vehicles that I think are pretty cool. But overall, GM is still working towards building truly competitive cars in most segments. We can't compare imports to what we think or wish that GM might be capable; we have to compare real cars being sold right now.
Taken on its own, the G6 convert. is fine. But compare it to others in its class - as many buyers do and certainly should when they're preparing to drop $40K on a new car - and it falls short.
Sorry to rain on your conspiracy parade, guys, but that's just the way it is. Oh yeah: chocolate chip okay? I'll be sure to have some ready when you get back.
P.S. Oh - and go read some of my used car columns on Audi models. You'll see it's not all rosy in Ingolstadt when the warranty expires.
Thanks for pointing that out; I'd forgotten about the Miata hardtop. I've changed the article and the front-page teaser to reflect that.
November 02, 2006, 09:23:53 am The MX5 coupe is a 2 seater roadster / sportscar, and the author rightly does not include it as a competito.r
"Pontiac G6 convertible, which holds the dubious honour of being the least-expensive four-seat hardtop convertible on the market"
A peson shopping for either car would likely not be looking at the other very seriously.
November 02, 2006, 09:36:32 am
"Pontiac G6 convertible, which holds the dubious honour of being the least-expensive four-seat hardtop convertible on the market"
A peson shopping for either car would likely not be looking at the other very seriously.
Good point, but the Miata hardtop does bear mentioning all the same. I suspect that at least some convertible shoppers aren't concerned with the number of seats, as many probably already have another, more practical car.
November 02, 2006, 11:47:27 am I see quite a few G6s in my area, both hardtops and regular coupes. I do live near Oshawa though, in GM land...
November 02, 2006, 12:08:42 pm I've always loved the G6 sedan's looks, and after seeing so many coupes and now folding hardtops (I'm in Durham also) I have to say they look great as well. I'm not a fan of the interior, but the exterior I find very striking and stylish.
Chris/Stickshift, I wouldn't expect another GM vehicle for awhile
Also, to my knowledge I think GM (and the domestics in general) counts 'sold out' as when dealer orders have equalled or exceeded production capacity for the year. They're not necessarily sold to customers at that point, they could be piling up on lots. Kind of misleading, but I don't think Pontiac will have difficulty moving the G6's because it looks so appealing, is retailed by so many dealers, and is relatively inexpensive and comparable to other 'personal coupes', nevermind convertibles.
November 02, 2006, 12:25:34 pm I have seen a few G6 Hardtop Convertibles driving around Sudbury but when visiting the local lots for a closer look found out they are all gone and/or spoken for. This is one great looking car from GM and I expect to see more on the road.
Some times people buy/lease cars for 3-4 years and punt them back to the dealer or trade for a new one. Not all of us drive the same car for 400 years and could care less if it falls apart after 120k km. I don’t see any 2-year-old GM’s cars driving around with dead or flickering headlights.
November 02, 2006, 12:45:52 pm
"Pontiac G6 convertible, which holds the dubious honour of being the least-expensive four-seat hardtop convertible on the market"
A peson shopping for either car would likely not be looking at the other very seriously.
Good point, but the Miata hardtop does bear mentioning all the same. I suspect that at least some convertible shoppers aren't concerned with the number of seats, as many probably already have another, more practical car.
A person would look at both cars.
The wife likes the Z4, Miata she finds to be too small. Sky/ Solstice was not out yet. Mustang did not do it for us. She liked the Tbird.
Decided on 232CIC , it was less costly then a Z and you take the grandkids out for a drive.
Also I do not not know if she would have like the new 328CIC hardtop ( or any hard top) coming because of lack of trunk space.
In the 323 I can fit at least 4- 24 of beer in it .Top Up or Down
November 02, 2006, 02:12:22 pm
Very true; the Eos simply made a better first impression than the G6 did. It remains to be seen if the Eos would fare any better in the long term, but truth be told, with the complexity of the roof mechanisms on these cars, I wouldn't want to own any of them (G6, Eos, Miata HT or C70) out of warranty.
November 02, 2006, 02:39:29 pm Ignore the complainers Chris - I thought it was a fair and balanced review (always enjoy yours btw). Its nice to see an article that actually points out the flaws, makes a judgement instead of mags like C&D, MT, etc that won't really judge a car until its out of production. For the G6 its a medicore car with rather nice styling - I'll bet they sell a bunch. I wouldn't own either though - a nice fabric top is cheap, quick and gets job the done. Besides I perfer my drop tops to be inpractical, and have the power go to the proper set of wheels.
November 02, 2006, 07:30:41 pm
Yeah and Pontiac even advertises for the G6 convert on this site too.
November 02, 2006, 07:37:20 pm I think this review was fair and accurate. My parents just bought a new Eos with Sport Pkg and looked at the G6 during their purchasing process. The VW is the winner hands down.......quality, space, cowl shake, tech, looks, interior etc etc
.....not to mention the obvious much much more advanced 5 piece glass top that includes a sunroof!!!!!
I also encourage everyone to go drive and compare for themselves. You will either note the massive difference or remain in denial:)
November 02, 2006, 08:42:20 pm I rather enjoyed the article. I certainly didn't get the sense he was biased. Just telling it like it is. I was at t Pontiac dealer recently, sat in the G6 convertible and thought it was just okay. The car I sat in had an all black interior. Very, very dark and sombre. Not inviting at all. I also remembered why I got rid of my coupe, holy long doors batman! I love the exterior shape, 4 door and 2 door. The lines remind oif the G35 coupe.
Too lazy to look it up but someone mentioned 2 year old GM's with flickering headlights? My 05 Montana has them. Yay.
November 02, 2006, 08:50:04 pm There are those on these boards who believe that if one says anything negative about a "domestic" (Big Three) vehicle, it is automatic PROOF of a pro-foreign bias.
November 02, 2006, 08:56:04 pm I am glad for any criticisms which are grounded in fact, too many car reviews are just PR. That kind of info is available on the mfg. websites, reviews are information for people who maybe can't make it out to test drive themselves.
November 03, 2006, 06:26:57 am
Very true; the Eos simply made a better first impression than the G6 did. It remains to be seen if the Eos would fare any better in the long term, but truth be told, with the complexity of the roof mechanisms on these cars, I wouldn't want to own any of them (G6, Eos, Miata HT or C70) out of warranty.
Reading the review for the second time I found it to be fair but found the several references to Eos to be overdone. I would have preferred more information on the car being review not on the car you really want. Perhaps it is time or CTC to start market segment comparisons with more than one opinion expressed.
November 03, 2006, 09:53:57 am
Snowman was referring to the many Golfs/Jettas with blown-out headlights and tail lights. I think some GMs have the issue of hypnotizing pulsing lighting packages which look more like an alternator issue or something.
November 03, 2006, 10:16:26 am http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news/driving/story.html?id=f641786b-b13e-46ae-85a4-7cbaede424d6
November 03, 2006, 11:00:12 am Both GM and Ford are getting the usual feedback from auto reviewers in regards to interior quality or lack of.
From SirA posted article "As well, the interior is ordinary with a plasticky dashboard."
From Chris's write up " While the G6 convertible is indeed the least-expensive four-seat folding hardtop around, it’s also the cheapest (in the less complimentary sense), "
GM and Ford are improving the interiors to the point of being OK, which IMO is not good enough when compared to the competition.The Big 3 have to want to be better then the competition.