It looks like Pontiac is trying to please everyone with its G6 midsize car. Style choices range from family sedan to two-door coupe or hardtop convertible. Trims start at the budget-oriented 1SV all the way up to the sporty styling and performance of the GTP convertible. Based on a Malibu body, the G6 is part of Pontiac's effort to shift emphasis back on performance. Its hardtop convertible is supposedly one of the longest open-air roofs on the market, but also gives you the convenience of four-season driving.

The 2007 G6 comes as a base sedan with either a standard 2.4-liter, 167-hp inline four or an optional 3.5-liter V6, which gets an upgrade to 224 hp this year. A 1SV sedan is the budget G6, and although it doesn't come with ABS brakes, it does feature cruise control, a power driver's seat, and power windows, locks, and mirrors. The GT and GTP trims come in either sedan, coupe, or convertible form. While the GT gets the new 3.5-liter V6 or an optional 3.9-liter, 240-hp V6 (in a Sport Package), the GTP receives a new engine in 2007, a 3.6-liter, 252-hp V6. Convertibles receive a little less horsepower across the line. All are mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission, except for the new GTP V6, which comes only with a 6-speed automatic. A 6-speed manual option is available with the 3.9 V6.

Other changes in the 2007 G6 include standard side curtain airbags in the coupes and sedans, and hydraulic steering replacing electronic steering in the GT. GT and GTP trims feature more sports-tuned parts and bigger wheels than the base sedan. While the sedan seats five, the coupe and convertible are built for only four. A folding rear seat expands on the decent-sized trunk capacity.

The 2007 G6 is still new, and owners are just getting used to its features. So far, they feel it's energetic, a good highway cruiser, and a lot of fun to drive. Gas mileage is good, and the ride is smooth, yet sporty. They love the looks and all the standard features, and particularly like that the convertible is a hardtop and retracts quickly. Downsides include a potentially leaky sunroof, rattling by the roof when it's in the trunk, less headroom in the sunroof models, and poor rear visibility.