Pontiac G6

m1miata

Will the G6 be reliable, or have new model woes? That is a good question. We all will know in a couple or more years. As a whole, ALL car makes are getting better since 2001. If you look at Consumer Reports, most all the cars have good ratings in model years 2002 on. Some may still see a VW as a leap of faith to buy, but who knows, maybe they are OK by now. As for GM it appears that they are getting the act together since the year 2001. Some cars made by GM were just fine dating back pre-2002 as well. The odds are certainly better that the G6 will be a good car, though in the past, the first two years have been shake-out years for getting pesky troubles worked out of the cars. As for engines, a 4 cylinder is on the way, and thus an even less expensive model. At around 200HP, I am sure the V6 3.5 is a good value for the dollar compared to much more expensive Japan models. If handling is the major concern, Mazda6 is the way to go. The Altima, at 170HP has the biggest 4 banger. That said, the G6 gets great gas mileage with the V6, and costs less than some 4 banger Honda and Toyotas, with this new pricing plan. The new inline 4 cylinder G6 will have good gas mileage too. I have had some bad luck with GM cars in the past, but never had any gas mileage problems, or lack of adequate power. It appears the cars are more reliable, but we all realize the reality here - new models, USA, Korean, or Japanese, are but a leap into the unknown for reliability. Resale value will be low, or I should say, will likely be low, so you buy the GM, you keep it 7 to 10 years. Another wonderful option is to buy used in a couple years. In 2 to 3 years, you save about 50%.
Loren

vanman1

3.5L has been around for a couple of years now and I have heard of no issues.

The G6 has had no major issues, people seem happy so far.

3.9L 240 hp GTP will start (pretty loaded) at $29,895 Canadian which is pretty reasonable.
5 speed manual is available and it's available in coupe version.

Personally I like the 3.5L just fine but I am not a 0-60 guy, I prefer good mileage.

1487

This car is the same as the Malibu underneath and I have heard of no problems with the Malibu. GM's quality problems are largely a thing of the past and you are better off with a GM product than any European or Korean product based on the surveys. As far as the interior, I think you need to sit in the car for yourself. In my opinion, the interior is no worse than the Altima (even the revised '05) or the Camry. I think the Accord has the best interior in this segment but anyone puts the Camry/Altima above the G6 isn't being objective.

You cannot compare the reliability or build quality of a '96 GM product to the G6. BTW, my parents have a '98 Olds and they have had few problems after 82K miles. Only wear and tear and normal replacement items since warranty ended four years ago.

tara182

I have a G6 and I LOVE IT! So far in my area I've seen like five of them driving around. I'd like to personalize my G6 with some euro taillights and other cool stuff. Does anyone know of any sites that sell parts and accessories for the G6's? I can't seem to find any! Thanks!

ericjohnsoncpa

I bought a 2005 G6 about one month ago and it has 2800 miles, I love it. I also have a 2003 Accord ex 4 cy. that my wife now drives(I got the new car this time). I definitely choose to drive the G6 over the Accord. Better ride, more power and handles better. I also just drove to the mountains about 600 miles around trip and got 36.8 miles to the gallon driving at 75 miles per hour. I could not hardly believe it.

The V6 has more torque and compares to the v6 for Honda in 0-60 and quarter of a mile time, maybe a 1/4 of second difference. The Cabin is much quieter and the ride takes bumps much better than the Accord. I personal would buy this car again, I've never driven a better car except for my uncle's $63,000 BMW. I couldn't tell you how it compares to a Camry because I've never owner or driven the Camry but it beats the Accord. I certainly, just love my G6 and this is the first GM car I've owned.

I wasn't going to buy a GM but went in because of the employee pricing and couldn't pass up the great price. I was looking at a Nissan or VW.

mrdisco1

don't get me wrong..i want to believe. i've only driven american and i refuse to blindly follow the 'import is better' rhetoric. heck i even signed up for the GM visa card. just given all the problems i've had and the repeated dominance of toyota and honda in nearly every single review year after year kind of makes you sit up and start wondering. i mean for example at nearly $30k (cdn) for the GTP is a little nuts given the breadth of cars out there in that price range.

but anways please keep the comments rolling in. i love hearing stories from G6 owners!

vanman1

I dunno, what other cars out there will give you 240hp and 240 ft lbs of torque for under $30K CDN?

exalteddragon1

30K, its under 26K

G6 GTP
Base MSRP: $25,735* before incentives
As shown: $27,785* before incentives


and thats BEFORE the employee pricing! You could probably get a 240hp GTP for the same amount as a loaded 4cyl accord. I'll take 240 American horses and quality any day.

And remember, the best reviewer is you the driver, not any publication including this one. Just asericjohnsoncpa on post 1606 has shown, its all about what the individual buyer expiriences for themselves.

BY THE WAY, THE WEB SITE IS UPDATED WITH THE G6 COUPE!

yurakm

$CND < U$.

1487

Again you can't compare a 10 year old GM car with current models. The platforms aren't the same (in some cases) and the overall quality definitely isnt the same. Saying you should buy a Toyota or Honda because they finish first in surveys is a little simplistic. Magazines have a habit of avoiding comparisons with imports if those imports are dated. The camry lost to the Malibu and Galant in a MT comparison last year because the Camry is dated at this point. The G6 hasnt even been in a comparison yet as far as I know but it will probably lose if it is entered. The complaints will be the interior is too dark and the pushrod engine isnt as refined as an import. You have to determine if those issues are turn offs for you, if they are even valid. Most of the time GM vehicles are discounted for things such as ergonomics, performance or even styling. It typically comes down to interiors and OHV engines. Even the interior complaints are starting to get a little old because GM is doing better interiors now.

bporter1

Even though GM has made some major strides in the last year, they still lag behind the competition. If GM offered the 2.8L DOHC engine that is currently in the base CTS, that would be a start. And GM has to get their handling a little better too. Other than that they have a very competitive car. It just needs a little tweaking. Unfortuneately everybody else gets it right at the vehicle launch. It takes GM a little while longer to "get it". I can't understand that for the life of me. I have driven a G6, and did like the way it drove and how it rode. A good car, one that is on my short list.

exo425

I am considering a G6 as a work car. i have owned 2 previous GM cars a monte carlo and a regal (which my son drives). to me the G6 is a very good car as far as performance and quality. My sons 91 regal has held up well in terms of reliability and it is very fast. it has a 3.1 liter V6 which is the older version of the G6's 3.5 so i would think the G6 deffinately has enough power. So for people who are considering this car im very sure that it would be a good choice especially with the low prices right now.

vanman1

The base G6 coming next month will have a 170hp 2.4L which may give you a lot of what you desire for less money. Don't think you will see the 2.8L in the G6 (unfortunately) but I think the 3.5L is a decent mill.

bporter1

No I do not think that the G6 will be offered with the 2.8L anytime soon. At least I am not holding my breath. No argument that the 3.5L is a very good engine, powerful enough for most people, and the fuel economy is excellent for a V6. I will definately be looking at the G6 with the 4cyl. Like you said maybe just what I am looking for.

1487

Th 2.8 isnt a superior engine to the 3.5. Considering the G6's mass, using the 2.8 wouldn't be a great idea because of it's lack of torque.

I think it's a stretch to say the competition gets it right on the first time. Ever heard of the Ford 500 or Honda's first Odyssey or Toyota's first two full size pickups? The only problems with the G6 are its 4 speed auto and the fact that the 4 banger wasnt available at launch. One issue is being resolved as we speak and the 6 speed auto is on the way. Honda and Toyota always improve their cars during their lifespans and the G6 is no different. The staggered launch of the G6 is no different from what BMW does when it launches a new cars. The coupes, convertibles and performance versions are never available at launch.

bporter1

I was more refrring to the Japanese competition, than the domestic ones. Yes I know that every car maker has their screwups, but it seems that Honda, and Toyota have far less than GM or Ford. A real good point about the 2.8L having less torque than the 3.5L. I guess I would like to see GM start to put some DOHC engines in their mainstream cars, and not just in the Cadillacs and higher priced Buicks.

vanman1

A 5-speed auto and a 3.6L option would be nice but in the end, I don't care that much and the silky smooth 4-speed auto is fine and the 2.4L OHC may be more than enough for most people. More important I wonder why there is not 5 speed manual for the Ecotec. Lack of demand perhaps?

anonymousposts

considered a G6 4 cylinder with a manual tranny. Doesn't look like that will be an option though. We also noticed that the 4 cylinder models don't have LATCH?? Surely they would not have deleted LATCH as a cost-saving measure. I'm hoping that was a misprint on the website.

shadow99688

I think you need to look at the chrysler recalls , over 1 million recalled and it may hit 2 million, and I have had the misfortune to own a new 1989 Chevy S10 it had to be repanted every year because of rust they finally ran out of metal when it was 5 years old so I dumped it, then had the misfortune to own 3 ford cars all 3 used 1 qt oil every 800 miles from the day I got them,the first 2 went back to the dealer after the third time the exhaust had failed and the third one went up in flames in a parking lot none of them made it to 50,000 miles. I currently have a Kia 11 years old and 135,000 miles still running 40 mpg and isn't using any oil

shadow99688

Friend of mine bought a G6 one 2 months ago well on the way home the catalitic converter and exhaust to the muffler fell out hit the ground, 1 week in the shop he gets the car back has it for 2 weeks and has burning electrical smell in the dash, 4 days later he has his car back, Friday his left rear brake locked up.

ctalk

Ouch! Your friend going to trade it in for another car? I've never had much luck with GM cars. I use to own one, but now i own an Accord and i'm happy with it .

vanman1

All Accord and Honda owners are happy.. it's a rule.

ctalk

Who said there is a rule? I use to own an Accord 1990 and i wasn't happy with it.. JUST BECAUSE a lot of people are happy with their Honda's doesn't mean everyone is geez.

vanman1

I was being sarcastic.

mrdisco1

gm canada is now offering the employee discount pricing on nearly all '05 models. can someone help me with how to effectively bargain for a g6 gt under this plan? can you still bargain or is it like a one sticker no haggle price? can i still get 0% financing on it?
(this is all for canada btw)

vanman1

It is stackable with finance deals according to the press release on the GM site.

vanman1

http://www.gmcanada.com/english/vehicles/2006/pontiac/gpg6/

Can't build an 06 yet though.

dan165

For $23K Cdn, the base model looks pretty attractive. Wonder why the Cobalt 2.4L is rated at 170hp and the G6 is 167hp?

Adding ABS, alloys and a safety package to the base and it's a pretty nice sedan for those looking for a 4 cyl.

ctalk

Isn't the Cobalt 2.2L 145hp not 170hp (if i rmb correctly..)

vanman1

2.2L Ecotec = 145
2.4L Ecotec = 170 in the Cobalt, 167 in the G6

ctalk

Oic i didn't realize Cobalt had a big HP increase. They should raise the HP in the G6 cause its a little odd that a copact sedan has more HP then they're midsize sedans.

vanman1

2.4L is an optional engine. 2.2L is still standard on most.

160-180 is where most 4 cyl. midsize sedans start on the HP scale.

exalteddragon1

sat in a G6 coupe? What are your impressions? I bet the rear seat is smaller than in the sedan.

What about the GTP version or any G6, has anyone even taken it out on a test drive? How does it do?

lite_speed

I just purchased a new 2005 G6 and have had it for only 1-week. It's now back at the dealer for repairs because the power steering goes out while I make Left turns. This happened 3 times in one day, all three happening while driving in busy traffic. Each time it happened I managed to steer the car out of traffic (very difficult and dangerous!) to stop and inspect the car. The DIC indicated a Power Steering problem and a warning light appeared on the instrument panel. After looking for obvious damage (didn't see any), I re-started the car only to find the problem lights on the DIC and panel to indicate normal and the Power Steering was back. Has anyone else had similar problems?

triguy

Hi,

My daughter just got one over the weekend. I got the sedan. Very impressed with vehicle and was suprised to how close of a car it is to the Audi A6 2.7 Quatro I'm comming out of.

g6owner

Well, I took the plunge 3 weeks ago and bought a new 2006 G6 GT Sedan. I'll start out by saying that I've been very impressed with the my local Pontiac dealership. They've been responsive and have returned all my calls promptly.

So far, I can say I love the car. (I should add that I was driving a venerable old '97 Ford escort prior to this for about 6 years, so I may be easy to impress.) I got the car decked out with leather, panoramic moonroof, extra airbags and remote start. The car drives competently, the interior is as nice as most other cars of this price range, and I have to say that the appearance is superior to most others out there at this range. I park next to my neighbor's new Acura (?TSX, I think), and it looks as good or better. I confined myself to buying an American-made, American-company car, and so I didn't actively compare to Accords, Camrys, etc., but this car is superior at least in appearance.

The performance is good, not great, and the 4 speed, while smooth and competent, would have been better as a 5-speed. People have complained about the electric steering, but it hasn't really bothered me. Haven't noticed it. Problems I've had so far:
-Driver's side visor mirror cover was broken. Dealer is ordering new visor for me.
-Occasionally when parking and using the e-brake, the car won't let me remove the key from the ignition. I think this has to do with the order that I am applying the regular brake, the e-brake or putting the car in park. Haven't determined yet, but it's only happened twice, and is resolved by shifting out of park and back again.

The moonroof is about the coolest part of the car. Was hesitant to get the panoramic, but I opened or closed, it approves the appearance from the outside, and makes for a convertible-like experience from the inside when open.

I've been doing my homework on buying a new car for almost 9 months, and I have to say that I made a good choice. I strongly recommend...

rdeschene

I've been driving around in a rented Pontiac G6 since yesterday: 3.5L V6, 45,000km, about 250km of highway, and 50km city driving. In terms of responsiveness, it's very similar to our 2000 V6, Alero -- steering, handling, braking, acceleration. I'm very happy with our Alero in that regard, so that's positive.

I do like the telescoping steering wheel, and the info center in the radio (e.g. fuel economy, miles until empty, etc.) is pretty neat. Outward visibility is far worse than in the Alero though, in particular when you glance over your shoulder out the left rear window prior to a lane change. I've had a few surprises there already. I think this is compounded by the relatively small sideview mirrors, and the narrow (top to bottom) side windows, which also are higher from the front of the vehicle to the rear -- I kinda feel like I'm sitting in a bucket.

Road and engine noise seem to be more muted than in the Alero though, presumably through more sound insulation.

I'll try to remember to keep track of mileage and calculate the fuel economy, then I'll report back later. Would I buy one ? I'm not sure. That visibility issue could be a deal killer, and my wife (who's shorter) would probably have an even harder time of it.

Rick D.
Brockville, Canada

exalteddragon1

Have you tried adjusting your seat position?

The G6 is a bit different than the alero in that it follows the modern trend of having more meat (read "metal") on the doors and less window. I think it looks good and gives a feeling of safety, although i can understand the whole sitting in a bucket thing.

It may also be that you are so accustom to your regular car, you find it difficult to adjust. g6owner moved from an escort and seems to be good.

Hey, G6owner, when you were looking, did you spot the G6 coupe? Im anxious to hear what people think, especially of the new 3.9L 240 hp v6 in the GTP versions. The wheels and dual exhaust alone make the GTP a nice pick. Wonder why more owners don't come forward. With all those discounts there have to be people who bought the GTP

vanman1

I doubt there are too many discounts on GTPs as they are 2006 models and not covered under the "employee pricing".

exalteddragon1

on the coupe version as well. I saw one on Ebay recently... looks better than the GM photos...


The panel gaps are tight, the fit and finish looks well executed...

This steering wheel should have been in the G6 from the start IMO

Finally, a two tone interrior that looks as if it was designed to be so from the start


The only concern would be the lack of Nav and at least HID, and rear seat room and head room. I thought that this car sucked from the early GM shots, but now that its finally out the car looks much better, even with the solara-esque rear lamps. Looks like they detailed the interrior pretty well.

Any takers, people?

g6owner

I didn't see the new coupe in the showroom last month. Nor did I see the GTP sedan. I had actually preferred to get an '05 with the employee discount, but I was picky about my options, and so could only order an '06.

The visibility isn't great, certainly not as good as my little old Escort, but it is satisfactory once you get used to it. The seats adjust well, so that helps alleviate visibility issues.

Interesting note: That coupe above has a different steering wheel than my '06 GT Sedan.

bigdaddycoats

Interior looks very nice. Steering wheel is a huge improvement.

I wish the wood trim was a brushed aluminum instead.

exalteddragon1

ask and you shall get...errrr something :P


its just that you have a choice, either brushed aluminum or wood...

I read some place that they will change the "manumatic mode" from the shifter we see here to steering wheel paddles like in the GP's. Is that true? I must say if they do that i may not be interested in this car. Its much more fun to at least pretend your shifting with a manual.

I totally agree the steering wheel is a big turnoff in the sedan IMO. Its the same wheel they use in the vette :surprise:
This one is much better suited to pontiac's character.

vanman1

I wonder if the sedans will get the new wheel for 2006????

wvmarty

I had the exact same problem this morning. My G6 is one month old. When I got in the car this morning, the service light was on and Power Steering was listed as the problem. I took it to my dealership and it keeps quitting on them while the car is in motion on the road. VERY, VERY DANGEROUS!!!! It is literally impossible to steer these cars when the power steering goes out. Definitely not like a conventional steering system. As of this minute, they have not resolved the problem.

e2helper

Yes sedans built starting in June (I think) have the new wheel. Vehicles built earlier have the 4 spoke wheel used in 2005 model year. Not sure if those would be at dealers yet. Maybe someone will post when they see one at a dealer (in a sedan).

For those that have a chance to look at both wheels you will notice that number of radio functions is less with new wheel.

vanman1

New steering wheel certainly makes the car more attractive inside. Nice move though it should have been there at launch.

exalteddragon1

ABSOLUTLEY

I odn't know how the ugly steering wheel they currently use got through consumer testing :mad: :confuse:

You know, i think this new wheel is so good, that along with the new v6 it should bring in some more customers. Just wait untill you have the six speed auto!

You guys don't think the new six speed auto will have the maual-mode shifting on steering wheel paddles, AKA the gp, do you???

rdeschene

Well, after about 350 miles I calculate I got 32mpg (U.S.) in the G6 with V6 (mostly highway). This is comparable to the V6 Alero and past V6 Grand Am's I've rented.

Tried different seating positions and the adjusting the steering wheel, and I found the rear quarter visiblity to still be pretty poor. The seat on this model at least had no lumbar adjustment and I found this caused a fair bit of pain. I have a couple bulged disks in my lower back, so I'm particularly sensitive to this.

Altogether, not a bad car, but with the reliability issues I've had with its predecessor (N-body: both front bearings replaced before 100,000km and replace the fuel level sensor) and the rear quarter visibility and lack of lumbar support I would not consider one.

But that's just my opinion. Enjoy your rides guys.

Rick D.

triguy

I just got a G6 GTP sedan and my daughter got a G6 GT Coupe. As I mentioned in an earlier post my sedan feels, handles, corners, and perfoms very if not equal to the Audi A6 2.7T Quatro I've just come out of. Just not enough miles to judge in a final sense yet. I also drove the GT Coupe before I made a decision and felt the larger wheels and speed rated tires improve the ride and handling. Not that the GT Coupe was inferior..the GTP Sedan just was better in all the aforesaid areas. I am a little worried about some of the steering problems I've been seeing in posts. The GTP has hydrualic steering vs electric in the GT and below. I think that could very well eliminate this problem. Anyone else who has more miles on the car have any other steering or transmission problems/solutions to relate???