Well, I can't say that having a quiet car is a bad thing (in fact I hate the level of engine noise in my Cavalier), but is sometimes too quiet a bad thing? Especially a brand like Pontiac, shouldn't there be more engine noise to make it feel sportier? Surprisingly, a Sunfire is a bit more quiet than a Cavalier because it has slightly better materials. But shouldn't it be the other way around? Is it like we should make a Pontiac as quiet as a Buick? I remember there were reports that people complained the Porsche 996 was too quiet and in the new one they had to make it noisier.

In premium brands such as Buick, Cadillac, Saab, and now Saturn, lots of sound deadening materials should be used. In Pontiacs and Chevies it is less of a need, but you don't want to get left behind in terms of refinement by the competition. I'm not so sure the G6 should be all noisy and stuff because I'm guessing it doesn't sound that great, but stuff like the GTO and Corvette should at least have a bit of exhuast/engine noise coming into the cabin. One reason my parents always bought Olds was because they were always quieter than their Chevy and Pontiac counterparts.

Well, if a Quad4 can sound great, I'm sure the 3.9L can sound awesome. :D I'm against sound deadening material. I like listening to the engine and what's going on around the car. It's one of the true ways to be "one with the car". Go-kart-like handling is another (*cough* 88 Fiero Formula *cough*).

Sound deadening material mutes road noise and wind noise, not necessarily engine music. Aural feedback is important, but in no way should it be intrusive.