Having just sold my loving Firebird a few months ago, and soon to be giving my '00 Grand Am GT to my little brother when he gets his license, I am in the market for a new car.

I have had my heart set on a G6 for a long time. I want an electric blue GTP coupe with the six speed in it. I sat in a sedan with the stick, and it just felt so right, the shifter that is.

My friend Uriah likes imports. He hates "ricy-ness" but he says the GTP is low on Horsepower for an engine as large as a 3900. He suggested to me a Civic Si (redesigned for 2006), an Acura RSX (also redesigned for 06), and I've also been looking at Chevy Cobalt SS/SC.

I really don't know where to go. I want a solid quality car with good looks, interior perks, and enough performance to give me a run for my money.

Does anyone have any thoughts about this, or any first-hand experiences? I'd appreciate any comments.

There is nothing new about the 2006 RSX, it got a minor update last year- head and tailights, new bumper covers, 10 more HP for the type-s, and lowered a fraction of an inch. The new Civic Si kicks ass, thats the one I'd get.

There is nothing new about the 2006 RSX, it got a minor update last year- head and tailights, new bumper covers, 10 more HP for the type-s, and lowered a fraction of an inch. The new Civic Si kicks ass, thats the one I'd get.

i'd have to agree.....the 'new' Civic Si ROCKS!! i have owned many Hondas and not one has every let me down. so you ask, why did you by a G6? long story short, i went to buy a Honda. after looking at the Accords, i then drove the G6 i bought and felt that, for the money, the G6 was a better 'fit' for ME. from the first time i sat in it, i felt like i had owned it for years....very comfortable. the Accord, though really nice, just didn't give me the same feel.

so i would suggest you go drive the Si and then the G6 GTP Coupe of your choice and ask yourself......which one feels more comfortable? if you're like me and love to drive, to me the car has to be an 'extension' of myself....if its not, then its not the right car. again, just my opinion. :)

good luck 'Searching for Mr Good Car'!!!! ha ha

I test drive a Cobalt SS and I wasn't impressed with it. I would take my G6 GTP over it any day, it's much more fun to drive. The only car I drove that I considered seriously over the G6 was a Mitisbishi Eclipse. It was a blast to drive, but the fact that I had to pump premium and I drive 80 miles a day to work was a turn off.

My only concern on the coupe is the windows going up/down when you open/close the door and winter time. So far, it hasn't been a problem in 3 inches of snow. I keep de-icer in the trunk just in case.

I know alot of people here have problems with thier G6 so you see alot of negative posts, and rightly so. I think you will find almost all of them aren't from GTP owners. I personally don't have any to list, so instead I will list some "little" things that now that I have them I couldn't live without. :)

XM Radio - I wouldn't have picked it as an option, but after having it I couldn't live without it!! The steering wheel controls are also another nice feature that I didn't realize how much I would use. I'm spoiled.

Remote Start - I put this on my old Grand Am aftermarket so I had my mind made up. Best $150 you'll spend.

Climate Control - I didn't realize how nice this was. I haven't touched my AC or any of the controls since I got the car!! From 100F to 15F, I just get in it and I don't even think about what the settings are, it's always comfy. Coupled with the remote start, it will not turn on the defroster/heater until the temp is reasonably warm. This is handy because if you get in and turn the defroster on high as soon as you start the car you're just increasing the time it takes to get the engine warm and blowing cold air around.

So, maybe that will help you. Good Luck and let us know how it goes. :cool:

My friend Uriah likes imports. He hates "ricy-ness" but he says the GTP is low on Horsepower for an engine as large as a 3900.

Tell your friend to drive it before he bashes it. People need to stop looking at the displacement of an engine, GM has always used high displacement engines, tell your friend that the GTP makes pretty much of its torque between 2800 and 5700 RPM, witch puts the power where you need it day to day. Not at 6000-8000 RPM. And it makes it power on regular fuel. Just a few of the 3900 benefits

I dream of a day where ignorance has been eliminate!


The new civic is pretty nice but I have never been a civic fan, before long they are going to be everywhere. If you go for a test drive let us know how it is.

I test drive a Cobalt SS and I wasn't impressed with it. I would take my G6 GTP over it any day, it's much more fun to drive. The only car I drove that I considered seriously over the G6 was a Mitisbishi Eclipse. It was a blast to drive, but the fact that I had to pump premium and I drive 80 miles a day to work was a turn off.

My only concern on the coupe is the windows going up/down when you open/close the door and winter time. So far, it hasn't been a problem in 3 inches of snow. I keep de-icer in the trunk just in case.

I know alot of people here have problems with thier G6 so you see alot of negative posts, and rightly so. I think you will find almost all of them aren't from GTP owners. I personally don't have any to list, so instead I will list some "little" things that now that I have them I couldn't live without. :)

XM Radio - I wouldn't have picked it as an option, but after having it I couldn't live without it!! The steering wheel controls are also another nice feature that I didn't realize how much I would use. I'm spoiled.

Remote Start - I put this on my old Grand Am aftermarket so I had my mind made up. Best $150 you'll spend.

Climate Control - I didn't realize how nice this was. I haven't touched my AC or any of the controls since I got the car!! From 100F to 15F, I just get in it and I don't even think about what the settings are, it's always comfy. Coupled with the remote start, it will not turn on the defroster/heater until the temp is reasonably warm. This is handy because if you get in and turn the defroster on high as soon as you start the car you're just increasing the time it takes to get the engine warm and blowing cold air around.

So, maybe that will help you. Good Luck and let us know how it goes. :cool:
Shifter cable is my only problem, but i didnt expect the car to be issue free. new engine mated to new tranny you are bound to have problems.

It all depends on what you need. The G6 offers beautiful styling (I'd say it's the best looking of the 3 you mentioned, followed by the RSX), a LOT of room for a 2-door, and average performance, although the 6-speed could definitely rock an RSX-S, Civic Si, and probably keep up with a Cobalt SS.

If you want raw power, I'd take the Cobalt SS. With the RSX there is a better aftermarket, not sure if you're into that stuff or not. And GM offers a few performance parts to boost the SS to a much higher power output. But with the smaller coupes you're sacrificing interior comfort for sportier and more better handling since you're not tossing around a 3500+lb car. You're coming from a firebird so I'm sure you're used to that.

Of course the Honda is known for reliability as well as a huge aftermarket...but I like to be different and not just one in a thousand civics on the road. I go for the type of cars that make people say.. "oooo what was that?". I like to think of the GTP as a more 'luxury' type coupe than sports car. You know? It's just not in the same class as the others.

As for the window issue, yes mine have frozen once on me this winter. But I find that if you keep the car garaged overnight, they won't freeze. As long as you don't expose them to any rain or snow the night before they'll be fine. And if you have to keep it in the driveway, just keep the heat on full blast and aim the vents towards the windows and let the car warm up for a few minutes before getting in. Remote start is a necessity on this car. Good luck!

Mike

Thank you for all the comments everyone. Keep them going.

I did drive a Firebird, and it wasn't all that special of a drive, except for the look of it.

The GTP just felt right when I sat in it, though I've not driven a 6 speed tranny or a coupe yet to see how I like the feel of that yet, but the shifter just felt right on the manual I sat in.

The Civic Si looks impressive, but I cant bring myself to say "I drive a Civic". The RSX is impressive, but not as much as I'd like it to be. I definately have more problems with the flat back of that than the G6 coupe's "odd" backend.

Any perks on your G6 besides those listed?

MP2 already mentioned the XM radio.....i was the same way. thought, oh well its on there and maybe will have some 'resale value' when i trade, but after using it for a while, i now listen to it 90% of the time. the other 10% is searching for an Indiana Pacer broadcast on "AM" or trying to find the local weather or news. also, ditto on the steering wheel radio controls...SUPER!!

i have the GT Sedan and even though i'm somewhat tall (6'2") i still prefer the sedan over the coupe. i never thought i would say that, but there it is. guess its my old age catching up on me. but with the adjustable pedals and power seat, i don't have to put the seat all the way back so that rear seat passengers still have plenty of leg room. i just move the pedals all the way forward.

also on my GT i chose the Ebony Leather. again, was never a fan of leather seats, but after sitting in this one, they couldn't have given me a G6 with cloth!!! definitely spoiled me!

another thing with the sedan, if you DO ever have anyone in the back seat, the doors are very big and its really easy to get it and out.

as for problems, yes everyone seems to have experienced SOMETHING with their 'G'. my issue is the steering lock-up deal, even though it has only happened to me TWICE and that was a couple months ago. i now have about 15,000 miles on it and, except for that, its been really free from defects (knock on wood). i wouldn't trade my GT for anything, PERIOD! well, except maybe a GTP 6sp Sedan..... :cool:

He suggested to me a Civic Si (redesigned for 2006), an Acura RSX (also redesigned for 06), and I've also been looking at Chevy Cobalt SS/SC.

Those are all based on compact car platforms. At least with the G6 you have a larger car with more interior (comfort) space. What about an Altima 3.5 or Dodge Charger? Speaking about the Charger, anyone test drive one? My local Dodge dealer doesn't have any yet, but they mostly sell Mitsu's now a days.

Never catch me in a landbarge. :) ha ha

G6 GTP-- everyone has a honda and acura- I think the g6 looks better - plenty of power where and when you need it - unless you race it-it competes with all the others in my view - more options? like memory seats etc--yes-but one day-its only 2 years old --

I don't really care about racing in real life, but rather in statistics.

I'm tired of my friend always saying, "The G6 GTP coupe would be smashed by the RSX or Civic Si".

The G6 GTP weighs a lot. There's no getting around that. But overall, what I want is a car that performs well (with a manual), looks good, and is going to last me, and has a memorable interior.

It's your money, buy what you want to. The G6, in V6, GT, or GTP form, is a nicer car overall than the Acura or Honda with a hell of a lot more features to boot! Who cares if it's a second or two slower.

I'm tired of my friend always saying, "The G6 GTP coupe would be smashed by the RSX or Civic Si".

haha, but that's just not true! Just look at the statistics.

Civic Si: 0-60 in 6.7seconds. The manual GTP does it in the low 6s. Quarter mile in 15.7seconds! whoa! The GTP is what, mid 14s???

The RSX-S would probably be a driver's race, but I think the GTP will come out on top. Those little imports have no torque!

Mike

Interesting stast, GTPGuy82.

I'm no good at math, but he said that because of the weight disparity, the RSX and Si are comperable to the GTP, because its heavier.

He was very impressed with the 240 pounds of torque, though. I just can't get him to say otherwise.

He says the interior of the G6 looks cheap, flimsy, and the coupe looks awkward in styling.

Not that I give two shits about what he says, but it's interesting to see other's opinions.

Different strokes for different folks.
G6 fits me at 6'4" and the wife at 5'6". The "child" at 5'10" is comfortable in the backseat.
Haven't driven the Si. Did get a Civic as a rental (2004 model, I believe) and I thought it would cripple me. The seats didn't fit me. After about 10 miles, I was in pain. Not meant to beating on Civic specifically, really meant to further that what is "best" for one is not one-size-fits-all. Whichever you look at, drive it long enough to know it is really what you want for your kind of driving.
Do you highway cruise? Or stoplight race? Drive alone? or with passengers? luggage/freight?

Wow. This is a great thread. I'm considering pretty much the very same decision. Either a new civic (likely an Si), or a GTP coupe. I have been thinking about this for months and still can't make a decision. Here are my impressions so far:

GTP Coupe:
The G6 coupe wins me over with its dead sexy styling. I like the interior, even though the fit and finish isn't quite at Honda levels. Even though the engine is a pushrod it still feels pretty refined and I do love the torque down low. My only concern is the poor gas milage the 3.9 gets. I'm also not to thrilled about the 6 speed, I want a manual, but I don't think this transmission even comes close to the smoothness and refinement of a Honda manual. The G6 lacks the "little touches" that make a good car a great car. I like the G6 because its bigger, and more luxurious. More of a touring coupe rather than a a nimble sporty car.

Civic:
With the civic you get ALOT for your money. The sweet high revving sounds of a Honda 4 cylinder can't be beat. Gas milage is good. Lack of torque kind of sucks. Working in the upper rev bands can get tiring and annoying when not in a spirited driving mood. I'm not thrilled about the interior, especially no leather. A huge upside is that it would likely be much cheaper to own, and have excellent resale. Honda pays attention to the details which in my experience makes all the difference. I have an 04 civic and for a cheap car the quality is outstanding.

I'm afraid that since I've always driven Honda's that my expectations won't be met by the G6. The G6 does however provide a big dose of emotion for some reason. As some other people mentioned, it just feels right as where the others are nice but you don't feel a connection.

How do people like the G6 6 speed? Is it smooth, fun and easy to operate?

Hey subtle_cynicism, I just noticed your in Minneapolis. Me too. Let me know if you find any good Pontiac dealerships around here. I've been to a couple and would never buy a car from them because they are such huge idiots and treat customers like crap.

Yet another reason I'm scared to take the Pontiac plunge. My Honda dealership is amazing.

The sweet high revving sounds of a Honda 4 cylinder can't be beat.

until the tuners get ahold of it and make it sound like a weed wacker..haha...sorry, I just had to because you know it's coming :)

Mike

until the tuners get ahold of it and make it sound like a weed wacker..haha...sorry, I just had to because you know it's coming :)

Mike


I love Hondas, but I agree with you 100%. Most aftermarket exhausts for civics sound like crap and produce no power.

The sweet high revving sounds of a Honda 4 cylinder can't be beat.

See complete opposite.. I find it to be annoying. The G6 produces enough of a note to make you curious ... (as in 'i wonder what it would sound like with exhaust') It definately doesn't sound like it struggling (4 cylinder high reving motors always sound like they are struggling to me).

Just my opinion of course. :)

See complete opposite.. I find it to be annoying. The G6 produces enough of a note to make you curious ... (as in 'i wonder what it would sound like with exhaust') It definately doesn't sound like it struggling (4 cylinder high reving motors always sound like they are struggling to me).

Just my opinion of course. :)

I can understand that. What I like about it is that the engine is so smooth and in control all the way up to such a high RPM. However I get what your saying, my current 04 civic sounds sweet, the powertrain is refined and clean sounding, yet you can have it to the floor, be at 6 grand, and your not really feeling much. A V6 would be nice, and the massive amount of torque the 3.9 puts out is very appealing to me.

Hey subtle_cynicism, I just noticed your in Minneapolis. Me too. Let me know if you find any good Pontiac dealerships around here. I've been to a couple and would never buy a car from them because they are such huge idiots and treat customers like crap.

Yet another reason I'm scared to take the Pontiac plunge. My Honda dealership is amazing.

Hey, yeah, I go to the University of Minnesota. I'm in Middlebrook.

I have only went to two Pontiac dealerships. I went to Wally McCarthy in Roseville several times. I was very impressed with the woman salesperson that showed me around.

My motto is, "If you can't tell me something I don't already know about the car, you don't have my business". She showed me, with GREAT specifics, just about every aspect of the GTP, and little known perks that it has over other cars. I'd highly recommend it.

I've also heard others have had good experiences with them.

I can understand that. What I like about it is that the engine is so smooth and in control all the way up to such a high RPM. However I get what your saying, my current 04 civic sounds sweet, the powertrain is refined and clean sounding, yet you can have it to the floor, be at 6 grand, and your not really feeling much. A V6 would be nice, and the massive amount of torque the 3.9 puts out is very appealing to me.
Honestly if you are not that worried about the specific performance numbers I would always go for a larger engine with more torque providing gas mileage and all is within your comfort zone. The 3.5L in the G6 has made up for its dismal performance on paper simply by its mid range pull. So I can at least be entertain from certain speeds. LOL When you can feel the car pulling (torque) it almost makes up for the bad things.

Of course anyone who is a fan of mustangs or Fbodys knows that already. :p

Hi -

it all depends on what you're looking for.

the G6 GTP is likely going to take a bit of cash to get much more serious power out of it.

the Cobalt SSs/c can pull some serious power with VERY little in mods. aside from tuning, parts to get it to 270fwhp comes to just over $500. though i'd opt for the performance package with LSD if you are looking to mod.

the hondas/acuras will/have massive aftermarket support, but again, it's going to take some cash to squeeze a good amount of power out of them.

if you've got the money, and can wait for some form of forced induction, or likely costly N/A mods such as cams, etc., then go G6 GTP, if you want quick, cheap power, in a decent package, go Cobalt SSs/c (or look into Ion Redline, lighter and cheaper).

from the choices you give, it looks like you're aiming for performance, and there's a reason the Cobalt's been dominating the track races. there are also a multitude of companies providing aftermarket support, and first quarter GM upgrades are to be released, making it a serous contendor.

if you want some links, let me know, i'm a little lazy for that, and you may well already be aware of info relating to the cobalt.

good luck.

one more thing is resale value. if you don't plan to keep it long, the hondas are the way to go, if you plan to keep it, there really isn't a significant difference in resale value long term.

because i couldn't leave you empty handed, here (http://www.redlineforums.com/forums/performance-modifications/7329-270whp-kit.html) is a link for you.

i don't know enough about the 3900 in the GTP to say anything one way or another, but being N/A you're likely going to have to spend a good amount more to get it to where the cobalt/redline will be with such little money. but then again, you may not be dead set on performance, and want some of the creature comforts the GTP offers.

again, you need to know what you want out of the car first and foremost...

The G6 GTP. You have comfort, quality and performance in a slick package. The 3.9L V6 is a smooth,yet torquey motor. The 6 speed manual is a bit notchy, but pretty precise. The interior uses quality materials, has very good gauge placement and switchgear that features smooth operation. The exterior design is thoroughly modern with clean lines. Some, may consider the exterior bland, but it does garner attention. :)

I think so too, but like, it's funny. I don't know where my friend gets off saying that the interior is cheap looking and poor quality materials, my friend that is.

And Vita, thanks for the links.

I think so too, but like, it's funny. I don't know where my friend gets off saying that the interior is cheap looking and poor quality materials, my friend that is.

And Vita, thanks for the links.

no problem. good luck with the decision!

i take it your friend just regurgitates typical internet review crap, and has no first-hand knowledge of the car itself...