My G6 Experience....

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Thu Dec 30, 2004 1:55 pm

I decided I should start a new thread...So as you all know by now, my parents picked up their new 05 Pontiac G6 last night. First off, initial pictures.The panoramic moonroof! Hot wheels!ONE BAD THING!!!DASH mounted ignition! These are just highlights...All pics available at: http://photos.ragingfish.com/G6Tonight, I got to drive it for the first time. I have to say, this car has PEP! I barely touch the gas and she takes off. Manual shift mode is freakin AWESOME! Unfortunately, we're still in break-in, and my parents were in the car -- two big factors that kept me from opening it up and seeing what it was really capable of. My suspicion is, however, when I do get the opportunity (hopefully soon!) it will be fantastic. The ride is smooth. Comfortable doesn't begin to describe the seats! It has two way power driver's seat (up and down) but manual front/back adjustment. How odd. Also has ratcheting lumbar adjustment which is nice. Power gas/brake pedal adjustments, tilt/telescoping wheel, power mirrors, windows, power panoramic moonroof with power sunshade, monsoon stereo system, remote keyless entry with factory remote start, front and head-curtain airbags, ABS, 17" ChromeTech cast alumnium wheels, and OnStar. Only a few small gripes.(1) The dealer striped the car. It looks bad. The white stripes (insert joke about "The White Stripes" band here) stand out like a sore thumb and take away from the "stealth" look of the paint colour...(2) Headlights are bright...but they ain't no HID! That would be a mod I'd definitely consider if the car was mine!(3) Monsoon stereo isn't bad. But it also suffers from the "white noise" problem I have in my Vibe. Must be an inherent design flaw with Delphi stereos and/or amps...(4) There is a bit of a lack of storage space. One pocket, similar to the Vibe's, to the left of the wheel (but smaller). A tiny pocket in front of the shifter. The glove box (smaller than the Vibe's) and the arm rest (wider than the Vibe's, but not as deep). No big deal to me, but would be nice to have an extra space or two in there.(5) The radio is SO tightly integrated into the car -- i.e. all customization settings are done in the radio display (programmable door locks, enable/disable remote start, reset oil life monitor, even the trip odometers are in the radio) that you pretty much cannot change out the radio. You could probably put a new amp in and new speakers, but what fun is that with a stock radio?(6) My parents weren't able to find one with XM in the entire state of NJ with the features they wanted -- so they had to give up, because their rebate had to be used by the 3rd, and on dealer stock only. Thus, building was not an option.(7) And my last and final gripe -- a manually-shiftable auto is fun, but a stick would be FUNNER! Now, these are all VERY minor gripes. Having driven this car once, I must say I'm truly in love! From the outside, she is beautiful. I caught myself staring from pretty much any visible point tonight. The car is QUIET! I remote-started it, walked up to it, barely could tell it's on! Certainly not like my Vibe with the intake in it......she is POWERFUL! I bet if I floored it that car would rocket off...This is all from just a 20 minute drive to the food store tonight. Hopefully saturday I can get daytime shots and some videos of the panoramic roof.Keep tuned in to this thread for more pics and feedback!Oh, and I hope to talk my parents into letting me take it to the next Jersey area meet, so if you wanna see one firsthand, you're just gonna have to come!!!

kostby · Post by **kostby** » Fri Dec 31, 2004 12:42 am

1. Hard to believe that Pontiac has FINALLY designed a car without any hint of cladding!(They've had it FOREVER, since 1982 or so the 6000 and 1985 on the original Grand-Am?)2. Yeah, if it was my car, I'd be peeling the white stripes off quickly, but the dealer probably charged $150.00 for those two thin strips of tape.3. What was the list price? I saw one GT at the auto show that was over $27,000, and it didn't have the panoramic moonroof, just the single one.

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ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri Dec 31, 2004 12:24 pm

We got it for 500 over invoice...Not sure what it came to, something like $21-something...

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Fri Dec 31, 2004 1:05 pm

Man, sounds like a good deal to me... I would probably end up paying $27K for a base G6 knowing my luck. Hey Mike, get us some more pics of the inside of that thing at night - I bet it lights up pretty schweet!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri Dec 31, 2004 1:10 pm

It does...but sadly, my digicam SUCKS rear end!I'll swipe my dad's cam and see if it does better...Also look for daytime shots this weekend!

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Fri Dec 31, 2004 1:25 pm

Do you still have the 2650? If so, I can see how that can be very difficult... I usually have so-so luck with mine by playing around with the manual mode and changing the EV setting... Still tricky though.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri Dec 31, 2004 1:26 pm

Yup, still have the 2650...Forgot all about manual mode! WIll have to give that a shot!

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Fri Dec 31, 2004 1:28 pm

Yep, if you take EV to a + value, that may help. Also tweak the white balance settings, that may help too... I'll actually use the incandescent light settings sometimes for this stuff. And macro mode if you're close up... Good luck!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri Dec 31, 2004 1:41 pm

Yes, macro mode is by far my best friend!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri Dec 31, 2004 2:45 pm

New pics from tonight...Click on each for a large-as-heck size, or just go to: http://photos.ragingfish.com/G6?page=3

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Fri Dec 31, 2004 3:04 pm

Looking good! Ahh, nothing like the interior of a Pontiac after dark! Really like the looks of the G6 at night.We just don't have enough stuff that lights up in the Vibe. Looks like manual mode worked for ya!

simon · Post by **simon** » Fri Dec 31, 2004 3:15 pm

Great pics, great car. The interior night shots are brilliant. In the larger pics it feels like you're sitting right inside the car.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri Dec 31, 2004 3:51 pm

It simply is spectacular!Just wait for the day shots!

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Fri Dec 31, 2004 5:06 pm

Can't wait to see that thing in the daylight... *drool* I'm liking the "Electric Blue Metallic" color available on the GT that I saw in the book.... Any sightings of one of those yet? All I've seen so far in person are the maroon-ish "Sport Red Metallic" color and black...One of these days I'll convince myself to take one for a spin when the Vibe's at the shop for repairs... That may turn out to be devestating for my wallet though. Would the G6 be good enough for a $500/month payment? hehehe...

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sat Jan 01, 2005 2:08 am

Quote, originally posted by silverawd26 Â»Different little car.... Same Climate Controls, HU, and Steering Wheel as the Malibu Maxx. Same platform.They're both epsilon.

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Sat Jan 01, 2005 8:55 am

Also, don't forget the Saab and Opel that ride on the Epsilon. This is a good example of platform sharing done fairly well - none of the cars really seem to have much in common. Contrast to *ahem* those new GM minivans. lol!Although the Malibu is definitely the closest relative to the G6, the difference in "personality" between the two is amazing. I definitely think the G6 is far ahead of the 'bu in terms of interior and exterior design, which that's strictly MHO of course! I wouldn't consider buying a Malibu, but the G6 has jumped onto my shopping (er, more like wish) list... Too bad I probably can't afford one. *sigh*Can't wait to see the coupe and the ragtop!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sat Jan 01, 2005 9:30 am

Quote, originally posted by ColonelPanic Â»Can't wait to see the coupe and the ragtop! You'll be waiting a long time for the ragtop.The convertible coming out will be hardtop! Got great day shots today...uploading now...stay tuned!

kostby · Post by **kostby** » Sat Jan 01, 2005 9:58 am

So you were taking photos at 1:15 a.m.? You're as bad as I am when I get a new toy! LOLI do have a new rule since I turned 50. I don't open new toys or start hardware installs after 10 p.m.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sat Jan 01, 2005 12:36 pm

Quote, originally posted by kostby Â»So you were taking photos at 1:15 a.m.? You're as bad as I am when I get a new toy! LOLGuilty as charged!!!! Anyway, as promised, here are daytime shots!As always, all photos viewable in mega-big size at http://photos.ragingfish.com/G6-2Here are my favorites: The whole family! PANORAMIC ROOF MOVIESRight click save as PLEASE! Don't kill my bandwidth!!!All files AVI format.http://movies.ragingfish.com/G6/G6-M01. ... G6-M05.AVI

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Sat Jan 01, 2005 5:30 pm

Ahh yeah... Never mind.. I shall revise and say drop-top. What can I say, lack of sleep makes me kinda stupid sometimes. LOL!Anywho... Those daytime pics really look GREAT!!!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sat Jan 01, 2005 5:44 pm

Don't forget to enjoy the panoramic roof movies!

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Sat Jan 01, 2005 6:29 pm

That's just cool...

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun Jan 02, 2005 12:07 pm

It's even more fun to play with.My dad is afraid we're gonna burn out the motor before the first oil change!

BlueCrush · Post by **BlueCrush** » Sun Jan 02, 2005 12:13 pm

Very Nice, Mike!I like the reflection of the Vibe on the G6 in your sig. Very Cool!Brian

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun Jan 02, 2005 12:20 pm

Quote, originally posted by BlueCrush Â»Very Nice, Mike!I like the reflection of the Vibe on the G6 in your sig. Very Cool!BrianThanks!A lot of people don't see it for a while...Took me about 30 minutes to get it "just right..."

millster · Post by **millster** » Sun Jan 02, 2005 12:50 pm

That has to be about the slickest moonroof I've ever seen. Question though, with a hole that big in the roof, how's the wind noise or have you had a chance to drive it with the roof open yet?

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun Jan 02, 2005 1:36 pm

I haven't had a chance to drive it with the panoramic open...My parents did, they said it was loud. But then again, they've NEVER owned a car with a moonroof, so I can't use their opinions as basis.Guess I'll just have to steal the car one day and head for the highway!

kostby · Post by **kostby** » Sun Jan 02, 2005 2:03 pm

Finally finished downloading those great panoram-ovies!I guess you could say they're truly filmed in Pano-vision! LOLRegarding 'wearing the roof out' isn't THAT what the 3year/36,000 warranty is for???

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Mon Jan 03, 2005 12:32 am

I just have to ask...do the 'rents think you're nuts yet? LOL

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Mon Jan 03, 2005 1:29 am

Quote, originally posted by kostby Â»Regarding 'wearing the roof out' isn't THAT what the 3year/36,000 warranty is for???Ha! Now that's how I view warranties! So raging, keep on playing around with the roof all you want, when it dies GM's gonna have to pay for the $10K worth of replacement parts that thing has to have, not you guys. Then you have a brand-new roof to leave alone! lol!One thing I've been meaning to ask... Have the parents jumped into their G6 yet and found the speedo, driver info center, etc. have all been changed to metric eh?

Pablo1669 · Post by **Pablo1669** » Mon Jan 03, 2005 1:56 am

Quote, originally posted by kostby Â»So you were taking photos at 1:15 a.m.? You're as bad as I am when I get a new toy! LOLwe have a saying in the automotive industry...you don't wake up at midnight to go to your garage and stare at your boring (removed) Camry.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Mon Jan 03, 2005 3:39 pm

Quote, originally posted by Pablo1669 Â»you don't wake up at midnight to go to your garage and stare at your boring (removed) Camry.AMEN brotha!

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Mon Jan 03, 2005 10:58 pm

too bad some vandal has already defaced that pretty new car with "razz (removed) pontiac" grafitti

ToolGuy · Post by **ToolGuy** » Mon Jan 03, 2005 11:29 pm

First, remove the Rassas sticker! Yuck!Second, cool review!Third, yeah I HATE pin strips too. They had their time and place, in the 1970's!!Fourth, auto sticks or manual autos are kind of a joke. My PT has it and came with it, I had no choice but I would never get a car with it. It can be fun, I use it driving home from work to pass the time. Have some fun with it...Nice wheels!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Tue Jan 04, 2005 1:10 pm

Quote, originally posted by MiVibe-ToolGuy Â»First, remove the Rassas sticker! Yuck!The dealer IS great, but if it WERE my car, that would be the first thing to go.I'm gonna stick with you guys, I tried to share my happiness with the matrix owners crowd and got bashed by some guys......really put me in a crappy mood!!!!:'(

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Tue Jan 04, 2005 6:52 pm

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish Â»I'm gonna stick with you guys, I tried to share my happiness with the matrix owners crowd and got bashed by some guys......really put me in a crappy mood!!!!No love for the G6 over there eh? That's alright, there are at least a couple of us here that like the car.

ToolGuy · Post by **ToolGuy** » Tue Jan 04, 2005 9:49 pm

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish Â»The dealer IS great. I'm gonna stick with you guys, I tried to share my happiness with the matrix owners crowd and got bashed by some guys......really put me in a crappy mood!!!!:'(OK yeah right a good dlr is hard to come by now, props to the dlr! And yeah, "F" those other guys!

ArcsVibe · Post by **ArcsVibe** » Tue Jan 04, 2005 10:26 pm

Mike,The G6 is friggin beautiful Never mind what a few 10 year olds said about your car. It seems to be a popular thing to bash American cars on import forums. It is not their fault they cannot appreciate something other than their own.PONTIACS RULE BABY!

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Tue Jan 04, 2005 10:46 pm

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish Â»I'm gonna stick with you guys, I tried to share my happiness with the matrix owners crowd and got bashed by some guys...(You had a lot of good comments over there, just a couple of haters. I remember seeing people over there rant about how everything that is good about a Matrix was designed by Toyota, and every thing that was bad was a result of the Pontiac influence, so I'm surprised you only got two haters to chime in. I liked your response to them

ToolGuy · Post by **ToolGuy** » Wed Jan 05, 2005 12:17 am

Just shows they are not REAL car people!

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Wed Jan 05, 2005 8:49 pm

Uh oh... Somebody at work has a new silver G6... Not a GT, and no roof. Now, I just have to figure out who owns it, and maybe strike up a conversation with 'em!

drunkenmaxx · Post by **drunkenmaxx** » Wed Jan 05, 2005 10:13 pm

i sometimes go to MO, but it's just not the same. i feel like an outsider there. also, the "my car is very fast" crap gets old, considering no vibe or matrix is "very fast". quick, yes, but not fast. g6 looks like a pretty spiffy car! my buddies mom has a newer GP with that color, i really like it, wish my vibe came in that!

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Thu Jan 06, 2005 7:35 am

Yeah, I can't say I frequent there... First time I had been there in months was to track down Raging's G6 post, but never found it so I gave up. Probably miss out on a few things by not hanging out there, I dunno.I wouldn't fit in... My car is slooow, and I have never done anything to make it go fast, and absolutely no intentions on making it faster. If anything, all the crap I have loaded in the back of mine right now probably makes it slower than any of the Vibes and Matricies out there. LOL! Plus I really don't like hearing how Toyotas are so much better than anything else, when I have to bring mine in for something breaking every time I turn around. (removed)! Ahem, I shall try to steer myself back to the G6... It like rocks and stuff... lol!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun Jan 09, 2005 6:31 am

Ok folks, time for some REAL test driving...My dad has agreed to surrender the car for one day on Thursday. He's stuck home to wait for the new appliances to come. *SUCKA!*I'm a gonna take her out and give it a REAL test drive...Will report back...

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Sun Jan 09, 2005 8:22 am

Ha ha!! Doesn't he realize that there won't be any tread left on those Contis when the car gets back? Or maybe that will be doing the folks a favor. lol!Go put it through the paces!!

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Sun Jan 09, 2005 11:27 pm

Shall we notify the proper authorities?

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 11:16 am

Car is mine tomorrow!Any photo requests?

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 11:28 am

Take it someplace pretty. And be careful with it, I'd hate for your dad to kill you...

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 12:38 pm

Yeah, we'd like to keep you around for a while, Mike. I do have a picture request... Scroll through the functions of the driver info center and show us all the stuff it'll tell you.

kostby · Post by **kostby** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 12:56 pm

How about a pic of the 'G' jumping over your Vibe, General Lee style??? j/k of course...