How's 5th on 5-Speed Manual?

[Michael1]

How's the 5-speed manual pull in 5th gear on the freeway?

The press has made a big deal out of how the engine can't keep up with the load in 5th gear in a head wind, how it is really a 4-speed with an unusable 5th, blah, blah, blah. I test drove a 5-speed, and, yes, 5th is tall, but it seemed to pull OK on the flats at freeway speed to me. I was expecting much worse. Maybe I had a tail wind, or maybe I am just use to tall high gears with my other GM sticks. If it can keep up 75 on the level or slight grades with varying wind conditions, I would be happy.

Opinions?

Michael

[bjc]

It's adequate. I'm downshifting to pass on anything more than a slight grade, but it keeps up just fine on the flats (even towing 3,000 + lbs). I drive pretty aggressive and don't have the patience to wait to build up speed all the time, but my wife drives normal and I don't think I've ever seen her downshift on highway.