Pontiac G6

regfootball

it would be nice if they could lead one or two segments for a change (besides SUV's or pickups)

1487

what is up with this vendetta against GM? If you don't like the G6 go buy an altima and relish its cheap interior and try not to cut yourself on the plastic edges you'll find inside. The G6 is a car that will start at $20K, it's not a BMW, it's not an Audi. That said, I like the interior and I should know because I saw it in the flesh. What is GM supposed to do better in a $25K car? I would be nice to have Xenon, but other than that the car is loaded. Certain people talk about features that are missing but forget about features missing from other cars. The G6 has remote start, 18" rims, quality interior, onstar, panoramic and other features not available on the Altima. But everyone seems to forget those things. If you like the Camcord or Altima better than buy it, but for me the G6 is better looking inside and out than those cars. I like the Accord's interior but the exterior is horrible.

"Why then doesn't GM admit their cars are second tier and not try to marekt them all as being competitive with the top tier?"

What is this car second Tier to? The Galant? The altima? Please spare me. It offers all the performance and styling of any comparable car and it will offer more body styles.

"We all know that Pontiac should've done a better job with the G6, but hey! - It's GM!! What did you expect? Features that were found in the other midsizers?? LOL "

Very funny!! Just kidding. What exactly were you expecting from this car? A V8 maybe? 19" rims maybe? Oh I know, a 7 speed auto. Let me guess you wont buy this car because it's lacking a 6 speed auto, Xenon and heated rear seats. All key features in midsize segment of course. You're right, this car is way short of the bullseye, what was pontiac thinking?

vpp6

I just went to the Philly AutoShow and was stoked after seeing the G6 exterior and interior!!!! It was awesome! Sure the center stack could even be better and the steering wheel and I could go for black leather too but the dark charcoal interior was very cool and the charcoal exterior color just awesome!!!! The car looked way better than in pixs. I will wait a few mos. after it comes out due to high cost and reliability and get one in early 2005! It was even better than the Mazda 6! No sharp stuff to cut yourself inside like the Altima that is for sure!!!

theo2709

Ah, good to hear. I have yet to see one in person. Who knows, perhaps a GTP 6-speed is in my future.

ruski

it would be nice if they distinguished the GTP version by putting a nicer steering wheel into it.

Just like BMW or Audi - their normal steering wheels are OK, but the sportier models get upgraded steering wheels which are quite nice.

chavis10

Why are you even on here? What cars do you like? You say the same thing over and over again so why do you even post? We all know that with your expertise, you could single handily fix GM with your infinite knowledge. So until that happens, why not spare everyone your babble?

z9z9z9z9

>This G6 will sticker in the upper twenties for sure.

Maybe loaded. A loaded GP GTP is around 31K, so this seems about right for a loaded G6 GTP. It might even hit 30K with that fancy sunroof. But I expect the base price to be around 22K.

rctennis3811

At least Mazda fixed the rust issue in the 04 models. Whew! That could've been a fiasco!!

Kirstie_H

important notice: If you don't like someone's posts, please ignore them. Attacks on another member's integrity, or that center primarily on another member's conduct, do not add to this discussion and will be deleted. Thank you.

dindak

rctennis3811 : Mazda rust is all bad. Mazda 6 needs all the good news it can get. Sales have not been great from what I see.

ruski : You may see some changes before the G6 goes into production. An upgrade wheel could happen.

carguy58

It did sell well in last half of last year but with the 2500 dollar factory rebates. I think Mazda is going to take care of the rust problem. The rust problem does not effect 04 6's.

Ok the verdict on the G6: Ok the front end is decent. The back end is what dissapoints me. This looks like Nissan 1996 with the back ends. I just do not like the current back ends of the G6 and 04 GP. The designers aren't doing something right. On the plus side the 04 GP and G are exterior styling improvements over the 03 GP and current Grand Am.

On the interior the interior in the G6 is actually good. I like it better than the Camry. Its not better than the Accord though. Marginally beats the Mazda 6 interior and clearly beats the interior in the Altima although I hear rumors about Nissan reworking the Altima's interior for 05.

All in all a good car on paper.

ateixeira

One could argue that the 'vette leads the bang-for-the-buck segment.

What was Mazda's "fix"? I'm curious as to why a lubricant would create rust in the first place, don't they use galvanized steel?

I would settle for no less than new door panels if mine had staining.

-juice

gearjammer62

Just watched the short video @Pontiac.com. The G6 kinda reminds me of the little Audi - the 4? Maybe it's just the angle it was photographed from.

Anyway, I think the G6 is one one of GM's better recent designs. Cadillac has gotten very good - sales are soaring even with high prices -, Chevy's new designs - especially the Malibu and Equinox - leave me indifferent, and poor Buick needs a blood transfusion and a pacemaker - like most of it's owners.

Looks like the main excitement (?) at GM will come from Caddy and Pontiac in the short term, with Chevy/GMC providing the bulk of GM's profits with their trucks and SUV's.

1487

You are entitled to your opinion but I think the rear of the car looks clean. I like every angle of the car, and that is rare. It the best looking GM sedan right now if you ask me. There is no way in hell anyone could tell it is the same as the malibu underneath.

vpp6

Yes the back of the G6 is very clean and cool. It looks way better than the pixs for some reason. All in all, it does remind of the Audi like another guy wrote and thankfully only the slightest bit like a Neon back end if you squint real hard! The GTP had chrome dual exhaust that looked great, so will the GT have shiny chrome exhaust too? Also, the 18in alloys/wheels looked awesome and I am usually not a fan of the shiny chrome I like the brushed alloys better but not on this baby! I hope the 17in alloys look as good! The shifter had a chrome top on it instead of a leather tip. Again, this car was awesome! My dad age 78 loved it as did my young friend age 21. I am 38 and it is a classy but tough looking car!!! This car will sell big-time there is no question about it!!!

carguy58

It just don't look right. I am a big Honda fan and it does look better than the Accord Sedan I'll give you that. The concept they came out with for the G6 as I saw it in Motor Trend last year and it showed promise. It doesn't wooh me like a Mazda 6 or a VW Passat. It just doesn't.

I didn't say it looked like Malibu underneath. You must have me mistaken for another post.

Finally, GM did good with this car from what I am seeing with the interior and the front end. The back end bothers me. I didn't like the Mazda 6 or 04 Acura TL at first either so I'm just giving you my first thoughts on what I think. This is definately a right step for Pontiac though. Its an alright looking car but the back end could be better.

dindak

Can't see how the exterior could be much better. Car looks great from all angles IMO.

No car will make everyone happy in terms of style. We all have slightly different tastes.

z9z9z9z9

> I like every angle of the car, and that is rare.

Yeah, I think it's nearly perfect too, but I think the way the beltline drops under the mirrors will get old in a few years. Pontiac can deemphasize this by removing the chrome strip on future model years if they have to, but right now it's cool, and it sets the car apart.

I really like how the headlights look good from any angle (see first pic on pictures page), especially compared to the Accord, which has headlights that look awkward from any angle but straight on.

bretaa

Exterior: Very nice. Very Audi-like. Certainly better than 95% of its class. It'll look even better with larger tires and some different rims. Can't wait...

Interior: As has been stated by many others, the Malibu stack really, really lets it down, as does the wheel. It's merely "OK." Doesn't kill the design, but it is a letdown. Too bad, as the instrument cluster and door panels are really nice.

Summary: If the price is competitive, as I'm sure it will be, I think it'll do very well and I bet it will be a big aftermarket mod'ed car.

- Bret

1487

I dont see the big let down in terms of using the maliby center stack. I like the center stack, I think it's different from most other cars in the segment. Then again, I like the interior of malibu so it makes sense.

rctennis3811

Yea, it does make sense....

I wish they copied the Mazda 6 interior by using metallic trim on the center stack instead of leaving it black.

rctennis3811

Wow, just saw the 05 Altima interior pics and boy do they look good! I wish the G6 was like that!

ruski

yeah it would be nice if they addressed some minor issues (like the steering wheel before the mass production starts)

For example back in 1998 Chrysler kept on showing pre-production 300M with the same gauges as the Intrepid, while LHS had classy white gauges with chrome rims. Then someone somewhere made a quick decision and all production 300Ms got the white gauges with chrome rims. I loved how they listened to someone last minute.

vpp6

I like it better than the Sebring, 6, Altima and Camcords. I think I am very hard to please especially when it comes to spending over $20k! I think that is why I still have my '89 Grand Am nothing has hit me hard enough to want the monthly payment! The GM card helps, sure, but I would buy this one either way. It would be great if they change a few things for sure but nothing bothers me enough to whine!

vcjumper

Altima has been refreshed mostly inside, some out.. Pics
05 Altima

dindak

It's funny how that steering wheel (also in the Nissan Quest) looks just like the one on the Grand Prix and the new GM vans. Of course the usual suspects will say that's a Nissan so it's nice. In a GP it's typical GM garbage.

Update is an improvement on a car that had a lot of potential.

regfootball

Nissan steering wheel is ugly too. FWIW.

Mazda3 steering wheel is where its at.

sirland

I just saw the pic's for the 05 Altima, I have to say that they improve on the look. But I think that Nissan knows that the G6 has a better sport design than the Altima. The G6 all round has got the sport look right, the taillamps on the G6 look very close to the Neon's, but I guest thats not to bad. The Altima's headlights are to close in shape to the G6 to make it stand out and the rear bumer is too fat. I hate to say this but the Altima's interior looks a bit better in materials than the G6, but I think the G6's control layout is going to be better than the Altima's on the road. I think that the G6's resale value will be a little bit lower than the Altima's beacuse that is base on past cars from Pontiac and Nissan. The G6 will sale more down the road beacuse it will offer more different in it's line up. Both will do there best to out do the other, it would be cool if Car and Driver and Motor Trend put the two in a test and maybe put the Mazda 6 in there too. I think the G6 would win, does anyony else think different.

dindak

sirland : It's hard to predict how these cars would come out in a head to head. The G6 will be competitive, I have little doubt about that. Otherwise, it's too soon to say which is a better car.

reg : Come on, that Nissan wheel Grand!

Kirstie_H

Hey sirland, I noticed you've recently joined us, so welcome to the Future Vehicles board!

regfootball

no, that Nissan wheel is as bad as the Ion wheel IMHO.

ateixeira

Mazda does make the best steering wheels, but I'll pass on the cheap fake aluminum painted plastic crap that'll scratch off sooner rather than later.

Make it real aluminum or just keep it plastic, don't bother pretending.

-juice

z9z9z9z9

NOTHING is as bad as the Ion steering wheel; it's hallucinatory.

regfootball

how stuff like that even leaves the factory is beyond me.

1487

Why people like football are in this topic is beyond me.

The new altima is an improvement but I cant stand overuse of fake metal in cars. I am so sick of it and the Altima is now lathered in satin nickel. It is ridiculous and I am glad the G6 doesn't have that crap all over the place. It is supposed to be a trim material, not a primary material. The altima is better but the car still doesnt look as good as the G6 or the GP for that matter. That new grille is horrible and it reminds me of the front of the maxima, never a good think. The altima looks very dated after seeing the G6, same for the camry. G6 and Mazda 6 are on top in terms of styling inside and out.

vcjumper

How can you say the Mazda 6 is on top in terms of styling when its whole center console is fake metal which you hate?

sirland

I am more than glad to get into the talks.

I have to say that the steering wheel on the Mazda 6 has the best look. I wish they could put the steering wheel from the Pontiac Sonltice on to the G6. That would fix that problem but I guest that steering wheel is not fit for the G6 Engine type?

according2me

To me, this G6 styling is very pleasing, but if they had produced the concept version with usable rear space, GM wouldn't have been able to produce them fast enough. They would have probably commanded above MSRP for a while.

Thanks to whoever reposted those concept pics.

On the production model...It will be interesting to test drive a 2.4L ecotec version. Hoping for a manual in this with the mid-model upgrade. Along with a hatch and sportwagon version. I can dream, can't I?

vcjumper

I think the plug has been pulled on that act.. After a 5 year run.

chevyguy657

Post #563 is no longer relevant. Don't ask questions.

When is the G6 scheduled to be in showrooms? I've heard July, August and October.

I'm in the market, but not until right around July/Aug., so this could prove interesting.

GM "let loose" a production date for the '04 Malibu around this time last year (maybe a month or 2 later), and managed to hold to it (it was mid-August). Anyone heard of a production start date yet?

chevyguy657

Sorry, I now recall the timing a bit better. Gm released the production start date for the Malibu when they released pricing, which was around April/May.

If any of you are interested, monitor:

http://www.gmmedia.com

That's where the press releases appear. Out of habit, I check it several times a week.

Cheers.

theo2709

You probably mean www.media.gm.com, unless you speak Korean and want database software. :-)

tgp1810

The G6 is set to start production on August 14 or 16...I can't remember which.

Edit: Pontiac G6 - Orion, MI --- Aug-16-2004 (according to GMCanada.
The 05 Malibu starts production on June 14.
 

chevyguy657

Thanks for the correction. So much for my memory. Mid-40s and it's already history. Great.

tgp: Wow, GREAT info. Surprised the Malibu is switching over that early.

Just be aware, so as not to incur some disappointment, that so that they (let's hope) get the quality control under control, that the "ramp-up" times are VERY extended these days. Even though production of the '04 Malibu began on 8/11, it took me until early Oct. to see one in person. Some folks closer to the plant saw one in early Sept. IMO, and I'm sure you'd all agree, that the "better safe than sorry" bit is worth the wait.

tomcat630

The G6, 2005 Altima, and 2004 Mazda 6 are fine cars. The G6 has only gotten poor reviews from Edmunds' frequent anti GM posters.

joey2brix

GM came out with a very hot G6 Concept with a great looking real world interior, talk of AWD Turbo V6, etc , etc and look at what we got. Exterior OK, interior average and a 30 year old OHV cast iron V6 made in Mexico! If we were never shown the concept, no one would have complained much. If the Malibu is so great, would someone explain to me why would the '05 change over comes so early? Do they have to fix the ugly duckling styling and cheap interior to keep it from flopping? Again my anger comes from high paid stupid GM management: Opel has great looking versions of this car so why develop the butchered looks of the 'Bu?

6thbeatle

i'm no GM hater. our family has had a cadillac, 3 buicks, and a pontiac, to name a few. the new G6, as i've mentioned in this forum before, is such a disappointing letdown compared to the G6 concept that was shown at last years auto show. I was crazy over that design, but of course in production form it ends up looking like another generic japanese midsize. couldn't GM have made the transition more faithfully like the solstice?the G6 is not bad, but they could have done much better with it inside and out.

rctennis3811

I agree totally!

6thbeatle

i agree totally too, it's just that you're faster typing than me! you beat me to the punch.

joey2brix

in my garage. I wanted a big sporty looking sedan and you can't beat GM lease rates. But all the car has is the "looking" part of the sport. The 3.8L is OK off the line but is dead in top end. A good highway cruiser for vaca trips, but not a "fun" car to drive. I assume the Tracker and Blazer are dead after '04. Nox production will ramp up at Cami and be able to run all summer without a new model plant switch over. Probably if Pontiac gets a theta version, it will get the nice seats and engine because the division class status: Pontiac better then Chevy. Of course, you won't see this car for another 2 years! I want to buy GM but I can't wait 3 or 4 years for these new cars to come out and then equip them right!