Popeye

My last Pontiac was an '82 T/A and it was my last Pontiac too.For 26k I would opt for a TSX

GChambers

You will be able to buy one at invoice and get $1500 cash back in less than 3 months.

FCGuy

The 3.5L V6 is used in the Malibu and I believe others. As is the tranny. Both of these, and the Saab 9-3 and Opel Vectra, use the Epsilon platform. Don't know about the suspension, but I've read one review (here?) that said it was a nice sporty ride. The upcoming 3.9L-6 hasn't been used anywhere yet, nor its 6-spd manual.

Sharing parts is not uncommon. The key is to share good ones and form them into a cohesive whole. Witness the 3.5L V6 used in virtually every Nissan/Infiniti (350Z, G35, Altima, Maxima, Murano, FX35) and FM platform sharing (many of the above).

Yep, I'm afraid that the US companies are now boosting prices anticipating the need for big incentives to draw buyers. Will it eventually be like "50% off" sales at dept stores?

suvh8r

Pontiac is going to release a 240hp v6 motor in the future. How much is this going to cost when this motor comes out? Figure ATLEAST ~$2000 for the 240hp engine which would bring it up to $28k. Thats G35 and close to TL, 3 series territory.

Here is an article from forbes with another look at GM's desicion to launch wtih only 1 engine.

http://www.forbes.com/2004/08/24/cz_...int_print.html

Rob Nance

haha, I laugh EVERY time I see a boxy little Lexus ES250! I think to myself, "there goes the biggest chump ever! They bought a Toyota with the most expensive gold trim package ever!"

suvh8r

Aren't ES300s still based off of camry's?

rai

That's retarted, both the GTO and the SSR were introduced with weak engines. The GTO is aright, but not great. IMO

Meanwhile Chrysler and Dodge introduce with 3 engines for the 300 and Magnum. So most will sell with the weaker engine at least you have the choice.

BTW $26K is right in 3.5L chrysler 300 territory.

aklucsarits

Was $26,000 the MSRP price? Or is that what the dealer was telling you?

Initially, the G6 will proabably sell at or near MSRP, but after a few months the now traditional heavy GM discounts will inevitably kick in.

My friend just picked up a loaded brand new 2004 GrandAm coupe about 2 months ago - top of the line with every option. Sticker was around $26,000. He walked out the door with it for $17,000 total after tax/tag, rebates, discounts, minimal haggling with 1.9% financing. And I think he said they threw in some extended warranty too. It's a REALLY nice car for $17,000. I was blown away when he told me how much they actually sell for on the market. Looking at a $26,000 sticker price, I don't think many people would even consider a GrandAm. But at less than $17,000 to buy a loaded one, that's a whole lot of car for the money and a very compelling value...

Don't judge a GM car by its sticker price.

Andrew

GChambers

I aggree with you that it is a great deal. It might even be a very nice car for the money. But, the big problem is that most people see that sticker price and it is so high relative to what they are willing to spend for the car that they don't even realize they have the ability to get a 35% discount.

Having said that, I still would rather pay $17,000 for a $18,000 Civic than pay $17,000 for a $26,000 Pontiac. The Civic is just a much better built car, IMO.

QUIKAG

Most of you all don't realize that the $26k G6 will, in a year or so, be selling for around $20k loaded. GM knows this too. It probably costs them less than $15k to build, so what do they care?

I bought my $33k sticker Silverado for about $23k driveout. An old roommate, with my help, just bought a new near $35k Silverado Z71 for around $23k and change. At those price points, GM builds some great vehicles.

I prefer the trucks and Corvettes from GM, that is why I have one of each. That said, GM is coming around with some good offerings. I drove a GTO six-speed and it's a helluva car, especially considering you can buy them new for $24-26k right now. The CTS-V is a great, the new C6 is incredible. The XLR, the upcoming Solstice, Z06, new line of Tahoes/Suburbans and their GMC equivalents followed by a completely revamped line of trucks starting with the recent intro of the Canyon/Colorado.

Let's just say I'm not too worried about GM. They build vehicles people buy based on the fact they are the largest car company on the planet. They have lost market share in recent years, but that's a byproduct of globalization and increased competition, plus some shady offerings in the past. They have learned from their mistakes and are making a strong comeback. I'm happy to say both my near 4 year old Corvette now and my new truck with over 10,000 miles have both been an absolute pleasure to own so far.