2006 Pontiac G6 GT Convertible Test Drive

Hold down a button near the rear view mirror and watch the show. The rear-hinged trunk lid flips up. The top rises and folds into two pieces like beautiful origami, then delicately disappears into the trunk. The lid then drops down into place, leaving a sleek convertible in its wake. The show takes under 30 seconds, and is truly worth the price of admission. My neighbors and friends requested repeat performances, and refused to believe that the G6 was a Pontiac. That says something good for the convertible -- but not for Pontiac's reputation.

Pictures of the top in action: 1 2 3 4 5 6

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I wish the inside of the G6 lived up to the outside. It's well-laid out, but the monochromatic plastics are very cheap-looking and feel unpleasant to the touch. The dash is very attractive and smartly arranged, with big round analogue gauges that are easy to read, even in sunlight with the top down.

The seats (photo) are just okay, covered in a black fabric that looks and feels a little like neoprene. At least there's a tilt and telescopic adjustment for the steering wheel, so it's a little easier to get comfortable. There's plenty of legroom in the front seat. With the top up, headroom was adequate for me at 6'2"; with the top down, headroom is limited only by overpasses.

The back seat (photo) is for show when the top is up. When the top is down, it would be a fun perch for a short ride to the beach, but I wouldn't want to travel cross country back there.

I hate to hammer Pontiac about its fit and finish, but I know that they can do better. GM's quality has risen dramatically over the past few years, but for some reason my G6 was plagued with ill-fitting parts and cheap looking finishes. This is a really nice-looking car that gets torpedoed by build quality that's not up to GM's current high standards.

G6's 3.5 liter V6 sends 201 hp and 222 lb-ft of torque though its four-speed automatic transmission to drive the front wheels. There's a bit of torque steer upon acceleration -- the G6 pulls to the right when you punch the gas, so you've got to be ready.

I never really bonded with the G6 Convertible, though I usually enjoy driving around in most convertibles. I actually prefer the driving dynamics of the Pontiac Grand Am, which G6 nominally replaces, and that's not such high praise. I tried to have fun behind the wheel of the G6, but the driving experience was just too bland and not much fun. G6 left me cold.

If you want a car with a hardtop convertible, for now you have to look at the luxury brands. The Lexus SC430 (starting at $65,000), Cadillac XLR ($77,000), Mercedes-Benz SL-class (starting at $94,000) and Volvo C70 ($40,000) all have convertible hardtops. In 2007, Volkswagen will bring out the EOS (starting around $27,000) and Mazda will add a hardtop convertible to the MX-5 Miata (starting around $26,000) in the G6's price range. In pure convertible form, the Ford Mustang, Chrysler Sebring and Toyota Camry Solara are all worth looking at before you decide on the G6 GT Convertible. You should also take a look at the G6 GTP Convertible for more premium features and a bigger, more powerful engine (almost always a good thing).

Pontiac G6's hardtop convertible a good idea, and it works really well. I only wish the car underneath the top was as well-executed as its top.