NSAP Drives: 2006 G6 GTP Sedan

[nsap]

NSAP Drives: 2006 G6 GTP Sedan
April 4, 2006
www.gminsidenews.com

(Actual car!)

I’ve been pondering the idea of purchasing a Pontiac G6 GTP Sedan, so yesterday I finally broke down and test drove one. Of course the one I wanted to drive was sitting so proudly on the showroom next to an orange Corvette Coupe. Nonetheless, the dealership insisted that I drive that one (they had another on the lot), so they backed it out of the showroom and told me to keep it overnight (a perk of living in a small town where everyone knows everyone). After checking out that $57,000 ‘Vette, I went to the G6, who was waiting on me. The car was nearly fully loaded, lacking only the side-curtain air bags and Summer-only tires.
A wide variety of reviews have been written about the G6 GTP. Some have loved the car, while others say its only a small step in the right direction for Pontiac, so I came in to this with an open mind.

First Impression

The first thing you notice on the GTP are the 18” polished aluminum wheels. Those are quite possibly the best looking factory wheels on the market. They truly fit the car well, and fill the wheel wells nicely. Another thing that stands out is the car’s stance. I hear so many comments that the G6 looks like an Accord. NOT. The Accord doesn’t have this stance that makes it look like its about to pounce on something, nor does it have the wheels extended out from the body, which is a major design cue on the G6.

As an owner of three other past Pontiac products, I must say, the interior of the GTP screams Pontiac! The monochromic schemed dash with chrome accents in several places, combined with the sharp corporate three-spoke steering wheel really give off a major Pontiac vibe (no pun intended). Not to mention the red-backlit IP and gauges gives it away that you are in fact, in a Pontiac. Many people complain about the interior of the G6, and to them I say this; it’s a Pontiac, with a true Pontiac interior. If you don’t like it, Pontiac is probably not your brand.

Interior

(Panoramic sunroof...open wide!)

Since the interior is where you spend the most time in a vehicle, I feel it is one of the most important aspects. Contrary to what you may read, the dash in the G6 is soft to the touch (at least it was in this tester). The center-stack is the only part of the dash/IP that is hard plastic, which is usually the case. Interior quality is good, however the car could use some better grade materials on the door panels and center console.

The rear seat was very comfortable, and not the usual Pontiac “dark-hole” back seat that can be found in the Grand Prix. GM even took the time to emboss “GTP” in the rear seats (like the front). Leg room in the rear seat is very abundant, as it should being based on the Malibu Maxx platform.
My one complaint with the interior are the seats. They aren’t bad, but I had some people riding in it that were shorter, and the seats bothered their back after awhile.

I should also note that GM has made great strides with the panoramic sunroof. I drove a 2005 about a year ago and the difference in this 2006 was very noticeable. There aren’t any noises coming from it and it just operates in a much smoother fashion.

Performance

(Ahh..the 3900 V6! That thing is CRAMMED in that engine bay!)

Arguably the best part of the G6 GTP is the high-tech 3.9 Litre V6 that resides under the hood. The engine utilizes variable valve timing, which does wonders for engine refinement, and the 3900 is proof. At high-revs the engine still remains rather quiet and, as Buick61 put it to me earlier, “it doesn’t sound like it is going to commit suicide like other GM V6’s.” Acceleration is tuned well too, its not so jumpy that you break your passenger’s neck, but put your foot down and the car will abruptly launch (as I found out at the first stop light).

The car was equipped with GM’s familiar 4T45 4-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. In typical Hyrda fashion, it shifted very smoothly and usually shifter when I wanted it to, but the car is in dire need of the new Hydra-Matic 6T70. The current automatic does allow the drive to go into manual mode, which is fun, but the fun stops at fourth gear.
Driving a vehicle that utilizes GM’s electric steering system everyday, I was very fond of the GTP’s hydraulic steering. It’s very accurate and has much more feel than the GT’s electric steering. It could use more on-center feel at highway speeds, but overall it’s a welcomed change to the GTP.

Features

Everyone has their own personal list of features they like about the car, but here’s mine. By-far the panoramic sunroof is my favorite option and the power-operated sun shade just adds to the coolness of the sunroof. Remote start is another favorite of mine. I would utilize that feature a lot in the unpredictable Midwest weather.

Conclusion

Am I going to buy it? Who knows? The car is a great ride and for anyone who wants a sedan that is exciting to drive, I recommend you look at the GTP. With 240 horses under the hood, it will get you from point a to point b in an entertaining commute. And with GM’s new pricing, it’s worth the look!


Pros:
* Sharp looking ride, inside and out.
* Great powertrain.
* Best rims on the market!

Cons:
* Needs the 6T70 terribly.
* Lacks interior refinement in door panels, pillars.
* Small glove box.

[giagastormer]

Fantastic review.

[DuSpinnst]

You forgot about the BLAH radio.

[Buick61]

That pinstripe is foul. Great review. You already know my feelings on the car. It needs to go to finishing school.

[ChevroletMan]

You did a good job reviewing the car; but there is one thing I'd like to point out. There is a fix for that 4 speed auto; opt for the 6 speed manual.

[nsap]

Originally Posted by ChevroletMan

You did a good job reviewing the car; but there is one thing I'd like to point out. There is a fix for that 4 speed auto; opt for the 6 speed manual.

I've heard so many negative comments on the F40 manual, that I think I would prefer the 4-speed auto over it. Plus remote start isn't available with the 6-speed...and I love my gadgets.

[Carver]

It great to see a thoughtful and unbiased review like this. I think you hit the pros and cons as I see them. But the G6, and Malibu, need MP3 compatability now!

Can you tell me exactly what beef the short ppl had with the seats? I mean, how did it bother their back? Was the seat cushion so long that it prevented their entire backs from lying against the seatback?

[Quickening]

Is the 6 speed offered on the G6 the same as the 9-3 Aero?

Nice review I was looking at a G6 also but opted for the used 9-3 Aero.

[5 watt]

Sounds like you like the G6 GTP. I would recommend waiting to see if GM makes the G6 GXP and what it includes. It’s good to hear that the panoramic moon roof has been improved.

[autofan]

>>The first thing you notice on the GTP are the 18” polished aluminum wheels. Those are quite possibly the best looking factory wheels on the market.<<

I completely agree. They are incredibly handsome and the flangeless design makes them appear even larger than 18". I've had a 2005 G6 GT for over 18 months now and I really do love the car but would happily trade up for a GTP. However, if GM doesn't fix the horrid center stack and unsightful gap between the center stack and console for 2007, they clearly have no clue about competing or about refinement. It's something that bugs me every time I drive my car because it looks so bad. The same goes for the 4-spd automatic. The 3.5 with that 4-spd is so sluggish and slow reacting, it drives me nuts sometimes.

If they just do an appropriate mid-cycle refresh that fixes those things, I'd definitely get another one, but a GTP instead.

[nsap]

Originally Posted by Carver

Can you tell me exactly what beef the short ppl had with the seats? I mean, how did it bother their back? Was the seat cushion so long that it prevented their entire backs from lying against the seatback?

They acted like their upper back was more on the lumbar portion of the see, molding their back into an uncomfortable position.

[CobaltSScrazy]

quality review and you ended up getting the car...wish pontiac offered a gxp this yr though.

[nsap]

Originally Posted by CobaltSScrazy

quality review and you ended up getting the car...wish pontiac offered a gxp this yr though.

I haven't bought it.

[asim]

Originally Posted by nsap

...so they backed it out of the showroom and told me to keep it overnight (a perk of living in a small town where everyone knows everyone).

A dealership here in Houston offered my mom to keep the car overnight. =]

Nice looking car.

[Ghrankenstein]

Great writeup.

My full-lineup G6 review is well underway. You'll find that I'm at odds with your opinions on quite a few things. One thing is for sure though: the 3.9 has it where it counts.