From the logbook: Pontiac G6 V6

Remember when Pontiac ads used to shriek "We Build Excitement"? Those ads rang true in the days when you could still get a Firebird Trans Am, but that slogan lingers now like a forgotten promise.

Nowadays, all the rear-wheel "excitement" Pontiac can muster is with its Solstice roadster. And even with its slick good looks, the anemic engine, poor gear ratios, and other shortcomings caused us to say that it was "disappointing as a sports car." (In fairness, the turbocharged GXP version is a whole lot more exciting, and the brand has promised a 2008 Torrent GXP.  Really.)

So, until the rear-drive G8 sedan goes on sale, Pontiac delivers four-door "excitement" with the G6, available in coupe, retractable hardtop convertible, and sedan forms. We tested both a 4-cylinder and V6 GT sedan. Our GT, the jazzier of the duo, rang in at $25,989 with a heavy load of options. It's not exciting but it's at least adequate. Read on for candid notes from our testers' logbook:

"Engine is quite powerful and smooth, but it sounds unrefined."

"Good handling and cornering grip."

"Stiff unsettled ride with no benefit to handling agility."

"The steering wheel is too large and on-center feel is vague."

"Seat cushion is too thin and hard, making the seats very uncomfortable."

"Lots of wind noise from driver's door."

"There's nothing about the steering and suspension that suggest 'GT.' Where's the sportiness or grand touring feel?"

"Interior is mostly cheesy with sharp, unfinished edges."

"Switchgear is unbelievably cheap: the volume and tuning knobs feel like they're going to come off in my hand."

"XM reception is among the best."

"Steering wheel radio controls are almost perfect; you can scan presets and go station by station."

"A real easy car to live with."

As you can see, the G6 is ho-hum, or average at best. And owners agree, as it scored average in our reliability and owner satisfaction surveys. It's a car for people drawn to its styling, feature content, and who likely have some brand, or corporation, loyalty. If GM's goal was to aim for mediocrity, it nailed a bullseye. Shame it doesn't meet the higher standards set by the Saturn Aura, built on the same platform.

--Mike Quincy