Quick review of the G6 GTP coupe (no test drive)

[Vintalage]

Originally Posted by GrahamKracka

while i had my GA the cost to the warranty company for repairs over the time i had it pretty much exceeded the value of the car

Just like mine. Warranty goes only so far. It doesn't take care of the inconveince, for instance, of taking the car to the dealership and losing it for an extended period of time for repair work. It gets old after a short while.

But I digress...

[Mike Jung]

Toronto Star newspaper


Within 50 metres of driving out of the parking lot, the Star’s Laurance Yap found that his preconceived notions about the Pontiac G6 GTP coupe were wrong.
Although its spec sheet didn’t show it to be much different than the G6 sedan, the GTP Coupe was a car transformed.

Way more fun with two less doors

Pontiac tweaked its G6 sedan to make GTP Coupe

Smothers bumps, ride is decidedly European feeling
Nov. 26, 2005. 01:00 AM
LAURANCE YAP


I wasn't expecting to be excited by this GTP coupe version of Pontiac's G6.

While I'd enjoyed the sedan version enough, a glance at the GTP's spec sheet didn't suggest it would be much better to drive (though it was certainly better to look at).

Yes, its 3.9-litre V6 produces 240 hp, but Honda can pull the same amount of power out of a 3.0.

Sure, it had bigger wheels and tires, but that could ruin the ride of a car that was already on the stiff side of comfortable. And previous experience with GM manual transmissions had left me a bit cold.

I discovered just how wrong I was within, oh, the first 50 metres' worth of driving. Whatever the Pontiac people had done between the introduction of the G6 sedan and this coupe, it was a car transformed.

Pulling out of a roughly paved GM parking lot, I was expecting the sports suspension to clomp and creak, but it glided out onto the road with barely a twitch. While the GTP's ride is taut, as you would expect of a Pontiac, it has a superbly damped feel that's new to the brand.

It should always have been that way: the G6 shares components and its basic platform with the Saab 9-3, which has always juggled ride and handling pretty well; perhaps it just took some time for the Swedes' chassis tuning to filter down to Lake Orion, Mich., where the G6 is built.

Indeed, out on the highway, the GTP behaves like a much more expensive car than it is. The ride is decidedly European-feeling in the way it smothers bumps in one suspension motion (and without any excess float).

The nicely weighted steering offers enough road texture to feel connected without being distracting.

Most impressive, though, is the engine's refinement. While the big V6's specific power output might be unimpressive, it is barely audible at cruising speeds and only emits a gentle burble even at full throttle. It's flexible, too, with most of its substantial torque available right from idle, which means you seldom need to downshift the six-speed manual to execute a passing manoeuvre.

Not that you'd mind doing so: this six-speed is slick, with well-defined gates and a nicely shaped shift knob.

The GTP badge attached to the back of the coupe's clean-cut body, then, might be a bit of a red herring. Previous GTPs were notable for their lack of subtlety: outrageous styling addenda like side strakes and roof rails, abetted by raucous engine noises, stiff rides and huge tires.

The G6 version is a more refined, well-rounded car than that, but it may be lacking the expressiveness that Pontiac buyers are looking for.


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Stability is never an issue; stiff structure, suspension keep 4 wheels on ground
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It's also less exciting in the corners than its badge — and those huge 18-inch tires — might suggest. While the grip is there to achieve high cornering speeds, the steering feels kind of numb when you've cranked it all the way over in a hairpin, and it's easily upset by bumps.

The brakes work fine in normal driving conditions, but feel wooden when you're pushing a bit harder, and the GTP exhibits a fair amount of body lean. Still, stability is never an issue: the car's stiff structure and independent suspension mean it always keeps all four tires firmly in contact with the road, and will tolerate pretty much everything you throw at it.

A standard stability-control system is there to save your bacon, should it need saving, too.

The GTP's interior reminds you that this Pontiac exists as much to cruise as it does to carve corners.

Sure, the seats (leather in my tester, with GTP logos embossed on the seat backs) may have big side bolsters, but they only go three-quarters up the side of the seat, meaning they're also comfortable over the long haul.

Standard equipment includes a fine-sounding, 200-watt Monsoon audio system (whose display doubles as a trip computer), automatic climate control and a tilt/telescope three-spoke steering wheel with remote audio controls.

Thanks to the aggressively raked side windows, the front cabin is airy and spacious. The rear seats are quite commodious for a two-door coupe, but tiny side windows and rear glass create a claustrophobic feel.

Though fully equipped, the GTP's cabin still has a way to go before it matches rivals. The tester's interior was solidly constructed, with no squeaks or rattles, but the graining of the various surfaces didn't match that well. Some pieces — the entire centre console, for instance — looked like they were designed as an afterthought.

Contrast the G6's flat console with two holes punched into it for cupholders with the Honda Accord's flowing console with its damped storage compartment lid, two-level storage box and extendable, leather-covered armrest.

There's a perceptible gap between the G6's console and its (differently grained) dashboard; the one in the Toyota Solara flows right up into the dash, and incorporates more storage, to boot.

If the interior doesn't quite live up to its price, the G6 more than compensates by the way it drives more expensively than it is.

Add to that this Pontiac's eye-catching looks, impressive highway fuel economy and a price that's more than competitive with rivals, and you end up with a surprisingly well-rounded and accomplished coupe.

[2003SCT]

Ill say it again....I like how everyone forgets other cars that are WAY less realiable..like that good old RX-8. People having issues like creaks, rattles, bad cranks sensors, overheated engines, malfunctioning cat converters, coolant leaks between rotors, cloudy headlights, gas tank recall, shift paddles dont work, really bad mileage, fast wearing interiors, bad A/C condensers etc....like a Ford Focus for gods sake. Nissan Titans have plenty of rattles and brake issues...not all..just most it seems. I think its funny how people complain about our brakes being weak BUT they are the same brakes that Pbr supplies to Toyota....you never hear issues with them though I was just reading the post of how the Toyota Matrix is tops for reliability but the Vibe wasnt mentioned anywhere. I bet its rated at Marginal or something. "My matrix is reliable as the sunrise but stay away from that Pontiac Vibe...nothing but issues" Como what?


CHRIS

[Nikki]

Heh...

I haven't heard of anyone having problems with the GTP yet. The regular GTs yes...they also don't have the same steering system the GTPs do.

Regardless, my GTP feels MUCH more stabile driving than the Accord did.

Go on any other car forums...Accords, Maximas, etc. they ALL have problems, creaks, rattles, etc. shiiiiiiiit even *failing transmissions*!!!! Go read on www.v6performance.net about all the problems ppl have with their Accords. Read how many trannys have fuked up. Read about mine being replaced by Honda America...

Its funny how some of you just throw out the fact that imports are having same/similar/worse problems and find anything you can to bash GMs quality.

[Mike3800]

Originally Posted by Nikki

Heh...

I haven't heard of anyone having problems with the GTP yet. The regular GTs yes...they also don't have the same steering system the GTPs do.

Regardless, my GTP feels MUCH more stabile driving than the Accord did.

Go on any other car forums...Accords, Maximas, etc. they ALL have problems, creaks, rattles, etc. shiiiiiiiit even *failing transmissions*!!!! Go read on www.v6performance.net about all the problems ppl have with their Accords. Read how many trannys have fuked up. Read about mine being replaced by Honda America...

Its funny how some of you just throw out the fact that imports are having same/similar/worse problems and find anything you can to bash GMs quality.

Only thing I really bash right now is their $$ into the car (all of them) and the price. I liked my Grand Prix's 1 had 116K miles on it before I got rid of it, ran strong with no rattles, I like my Cavalier even though it is the most bashed GM car of all (thanks to the mexican built ones), my GAGT was kind of a pile but it could have been just bad luck. I will continue to buy GM, but used only for now till they pull their head out their ass, they charge too much now for what you get IMHO. That my only real issue. The Impala V8 is pretty bad ass. The idiots charge over 30G's for it MSRP. That's the problem. I am not paying 30G for a damned Chevy unless it's a CORVETTE!

Another thing not pointed out, like the GAGT with 175HP, I would wager that the G6GTP knocks down some of the imports performance-wise even if it has less HP. Axle ratio and average HP and TQ have alot to do with acceleration, not just peak numbers.

Yeah, I pointed out negatives and stood by them but no one noticed not 1 positive thing in my original post, no one argued or commented on the positives, just the negatives. Just want to clarify again I am not bashing the G6!

[Vintalage]

Originally Posted by Nikki

Heh...

I haven't heard of anyone having problems with the GTP yet. The regular GTs yes...they also don't have the same steering system the GTPs do.

Regardless, my GTP feels MUCH more stabile driving than the Accord did.

Go on any other car forums...Accords, Maximas, etc. they ALL have problems, creaks, rattles, etc. shiiiiiiiit even *failing transmissions*!!!! Go read on www.v6performance.net about all the problems ppl have with their Accords. Read how many trannys have fuked up. Read about mine being replaced by Honda America...

Its funny how some of you just throw out the fact that imports are having same/similar/worse problems and find anything you can to bash GMs quality.

Your GTP is stock whereas your Accord was lowered with quite a bit of mods. What do you expect?

I understand that all cars have problems. But it's how many times a car has problems that needs to be analyzed.

[Nikki]

I was referring to when I first got the Accord...

[Vintalage]

Originally Posted by Mike3800

The Impala V8 is pretty bad ass. The idiots charge over 30G's for it MSRP. That's the problem. I am not paying 30G for a damned Chevy unless it's a CORVETTE!

The Impala V8 was bad ass until I discovered that the '05 Avalon Touring is only 2 or 3 seconds slower with it's V6 engine.

[Vintalage]

Originally Posted by Nikki

I was referring to when I first got the Accord...

I wouldn't know... haven't driven the GTP with it's "enhanced" suspension. I've driven a couple new Accords though and they all feel just as stable as a G6 GT.

Again, if more effort was put into the G6 I wouldn't have a problem. But as it stands, it's a ripoff. Like I said, i'd rather have a base Mazdaspeed 6 with it's AWD system and more powerful engine for 28k than the GTP loaded for that same price. However, i'd spend the extra dollars and add the nice options such as HID headlamps and Navigation (can't go without them on my next new vehicle). I'd even settle for a Nissan Altima SE with those features. But since I know a new Altima is around the corner (2007), i'd wait for that. Sorry, the G6 is 3 years too late. It sure looks that way...dated.

[iceman]

The reason I said you are a broken record, is because you say the same things over and over!!! We all know you can't accept the fact that an american car maker makes a good product. We all know you want navigation and HID headlamps on your next car, which you've been planning for about 3 years now. We all know you think Nissan/Mazda/Honda/Whatever > GM. Accept the fact that other people's opnions are different, and people's opinions can't be wrong because they are unique to each individual..

Once that gets through your thick skull you may be able to look at all cars with an impartial and unbiased eye instead of having your mind made up already.

Originally Posted by Vintalage

The Impala V8 was bad ass until I discovered that the '05 Avalon Touring is only 2 or 3 seconds slower with it's V6 engine.

1/4 mile or 0-60 ??? 2 or 3 seconds in each is a big difference!

[2003SCT]

The 4.3L V8 from Toyota/Lexus is only making 290 hp...hardly any more than the 3.5L 6 cyl....and 2 or 3 sec. is quite a bit.


CHRIS

[redramair01]

Do all the gas lid doors on american cars open the same way/direction?

[Vintalage]

Originally Posted by iceman

The reason I said you are a broken record, is because you say the same things over and over!!! We all know you can't accept the fact that an american car maker makes a good product. We all know you want navigation and HID headlamps on your next car, which you've been planning for about 3 years now. We all know you think Nissan/Mazda/Honda/Whatever > GM. Accept the fact that other people's opnions are different, and people's opinions can't be wrong because they are unique to each individual..

Once that gets through your thick skull you may be able to look at all cars with an impartial and unbiased eye instead of having your mind made up already.

3 years is about the time I bought this car dumb ass. Actually it was March of '03 when I bought it. And I didn't mention anything about HID headlamps or Navigation on my next vehicle until I had the oppurtunity to drive my stepmother's 2003 Navigator with these features for a week in August of '03... an American product no less. GO FRICKIN' FIGURE! That contradicts your statement.

Oh, and do some research before you go on a rant spewing your bull sh|t next time. I haven't talked about the G6 in months. I actually like the GTO, Corvette, Chrysler 300C/Dodge Magnum/Dodge Charger, Ford Mustang... etc. These are good american products. As much as I like the Ford Fusion and 500, I still feel more content as well as power could have been added. It's certain paticular products that I have issue with and the G6 is one of them. It does not surpass the competition, only come close. Why is it that Hyundai can beat a best in class product, the Camry but a Malibu can not?

Anyhow, you have a problem with my opinion? Tough sh|t.

1/4 mile or 0-60 ??? 2 or 3 seconds in each is a big difference!

BOTH!!! I meant tenth of a second.

Impala

0-60 5.7

1/4th mile 14.3

vs

Avalon

0-60 6.0

1/4th mile 14.6

It's .3 seconds difference.

[Mike3800]

Originally Posted by Vintalage

BOTH!!! I meant tenth of a second.

Impala

0-60 5.7

1/4th mile 14.3

vs

Avalon

0-60 6.0

1/4th mile 14.6

It's .3 seconds difference.

If it meant something serious, I'd put money on the Impala to destroy the Avalon. Mag times are one thing, head to head race is another. It's not even close.

[Mike3800]

Originally Posted by Nikki

I was referring to when I first got the Accord...

... see... you should have got an Altima instead of the Accord....


*ducks head*

[Vintalage]

Originally Posted by 2003SCT

The 4.3L V8 from Toyota/Lexus is only making 290 hp...hardly any more than the 3.5L 6 cyl....and 2 or 3 sec. is quite a bit.


CHRIS

That is true and on paper it looks disappointing. However, the 6 speed in the LS, for example, makes up for it. I've driven it and acceleration is faster than you think. The powerband is strong and consistent surprisingly for such a big, heavy car. It's a nice engine that will be phased out beginning in '07.

There are a couple of GM products that deserve credit and the Corvette is one of them. It shows what GM is capable of and proves that GM can produce a product that is not only appealing, powerful, and sporty, but also technologically advanced. At this point, in the segment it plays in for the price it retails for, it can't be beat.

I'd just like to see more effort on their lower end products. And surprisingly, Hyundai is providing that with each new product they debut and release. This company is proving that they want to be labeled as a #2 or #1 automaker. GM on the otherhand is proving that they want to be dethroned.

[2003SCT]

What are their trap speeds?


I tell ya, I saw a new Impala SS in silver with just really slight tint and thought it looked really nice with the polished 18" wheels and all. It is SO much better looking than the last one. As usual though, these cars I would hope would appeal to totally different people. I would drive the Impala but would buy a GTP before that....the Avalon is a bit too AARP for my tastes. A Maxima would be sitting in my garage WAY before the Avalon.

CHRIS

[Vintalage]

Originally Posted by Mike3800

If it meant something serious, I'd put money on the Impala to destroy the Avalon. Mag times are one thing, head to head race is another. It's not even close.

Are you implying that it's a driver's race? By those numbers alone, I can conclude that the Impala would edge out the Avalon. Nevertheless, those numbers are still quite impressive given it's a V6 with a 5spd. People who have driven the Avalon state that it's a quick car so I have no doubt that those numbers are realistic. I've driven the IS350 with that engine (difference is that it has dual VVT-I and direct injection) and the engine is powerful. It's quite a treat to behold.

[Vintalage]

Originally Posted by 2003SCT

What are their trap speeds?


I tell ya, I saw a new Impala SS in silver with just really slight tint and thought it looked really nice with the polished 18" wheels and all. It is SO much better looking than the last one. As usual though, these cars I would hope would appeal to totally different people. I would drive the Impala but would buy a GTP before that....the Avalon is a bit too AARP for my tastes. A Maxima would be sitting in my garage WAY before the Avalon.

CHRIS

I don't know the trap speeds. When I find it, i'll post.

The new Impala is a softer design than the last one, but it does look better I agree. A tad more upscale in appearance.

I would much rather have the Maxima over the Avalon too, but I wouldn't argue and surely wouldn't mind driving an Avalon if it were given to me. I want something a bit youthful, but the Avalon is appealing in it's own way. The Avalon is best suited as a daily driver and it is one comfortable driver. I've sat in one and the seats are plush and soft.

[2003SCT]

I wouldnt mind any car for free either....the Avalon seems nice but Toyotas average buyer is older than most companies and the cars like the Avalon solidify that. When walking around the Toyota booth at the auto show I couldnt find anything that people were running up to and wanting to sit in. The people that were sitting in them looked like the people on the new Mazda6 commercial..the people asleep at the wheel of their boring cars. The ONLY cool thing was the FJ...and maybe the Tacoma.
Thing I noticed too: the "metal" trim in the top of the range Camry is cheesey. Its like clear coated aluminum grained plastic. The trim in the new H3 is 100 times more convincing..couldnt tell if it was metal or not. And that mousefur cloth interior that Camrys are sporting..I dont know what is high quality about it...no different than the stuff that everyone else is using (except Mitsubishi..blah)...However the interior color DOES match the hubcaps most Camrys come with nicely

CHRIS