2008 Pontiac G6

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By  Bengt Halvorson, Editor

2008 Pontiac G6 GT
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In putting together this comprehensive review covering the 2008 Pontiac G6 sedan, the automotive experts at TheCarConnection.com turned to a number of different review sources. Then they incorporated their firsthand experiences driving the G6 sedan to help make this review of use to smart shoppers.

Likes
-Has the interior space of a larger sedan
-Fuel economy with four-cylinder
-Value Leader model is a bargain

Dislikes
-Interior materials look and feel cheap
-Vague electric power steering
-Coarse engines on all but GXP

Pontiac's front-wheel-drive, mid-size G6 sedan has a longer wheelbase than the larger Grand Prix and nearly as much cabin space.

Several different models of the 2008 Pontiac G6 cover a range of purposes, from economical commuter to performance-oriented sport sedan. Base sedans are powered by a 2.4-liter, 164-horsepower four-cylinder engine and four-speed automatic transmission. The G6 GT sedan uses a 3.5-liter V-6 with 219 hp, teamed to a standard four-speed automatic with manual shift control. A new sporty GXP variant appears for 2008. The GXP initials in this case mean a 3.6-liter V-6 engine with 252 hp and 251 pound-feet of torque, twinned to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2008 Pontiac G6 GXP also wears new rocker moldings, restyled front and rear fascias, and dual exhaust openings. Fog lamps and 18-inch wheels are also in the package; later on, GM plans to offer a special "Street Edition" with hood scoops and a spoiler.

The base four-cylinder engine has just adequate acceleration and is quite coarse when pushed, but it delivers good fuel economy (30 mpg highway). The 3.5-liter is very responsive, though it can also be coarse and loud, while the 3.6-liter in the 2008 Pontiac G6 GXP has a different personality; it's a more modern overhead-cam design and is tuned for especially strong passing power. The six-speed in the GXP is also a big improvement over the four-speed, with smooth shifts and relaxed cruising.

Four-cylinder 2008 Pontiac G6 models come with an electric power steering system that's inferior in feel to the hydraulic system offered on the V-6. In either model, the steering lacks the precision of other cars in its class, while the ride is quite firm and can be choppy on pockmarked pavement.

The 2008 Pontiac G6 sedan's interior has an attractive design, but the quality of the materials is still a bit disappointing, with too many glossy or hard plastics that look like they might scratch easily. The G6's seating is ample for five, with an especially spacious backseat.

A so-called Value Leader model of the G6 offers an especially low price but still has standard air conditioning, power accessories, and a six-speaker sound system. The base 2008 Pontiac G6 gets larger wheels, cruise control, and keyless entry, while the GT upgrades significantly to the V-6, cast aluminum wheels, fog lamps, steering-wheel-mounted controls, and a premium Monsoon sound system. OnStar is also standard across the lineup, as are auxiliary audio jacks for iPods/MP3 players. XM Satellite Radio is standard on GT models. Standout options include power leather seats, power-adjustable pedals, and remote start. A Bluetooth hands-free interface is not available.

The 2008 Pontiac G6 has garnered mixed crash-test results, including respectable four- and five-star ratings in frontal protection and top five-star ratings in side impact from the federal government, along with less impressive "acceptable" and "marginal" ratings. Side thorax airbags and side curtain airbags are standard on the G6, along with anti-lock brakes. Electronic stability control is included in the GXP but not available on the other models.

The Bottom Line:
The 2008 Pontiac G6 has appealing styling inside and out, but it fails to wow in other respects.

Other Choices
If you like the 2008 Pontiac G6, also consider:

Chevrolet Malibu
Ford Fusion
Dodge Avenger
Nissan Altima

The new Chevrolet Malibu--also from GM--has a more contemporary and comfortable interior, along with improved powertrain refinement, while not costing much more than the G6. Otherwise, the 2008 Pontiac G6 doesn't compete with the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, so much as it does against the Ford Fusion and Nissan Altima. Next to the G6, the Fusion feels sportier, with its crisp, direct steering and responsive engines, but the G6 has a more spacious backseat than either the Fusion or Altima. The Altima stands out for its simple but very tasteful interior design and nice materials. The Avenger could also be considered an alternative to the G6; the Dodge has a reasonably roomy interior, but its base four-cylinder engine is especially loud and coarse, and its interior appointments have a bargain-basement feel.

Buying Tip
Coupes usually cost a bit more than their sedan equivalents, but if you'd rather have the sleek 2008 Pontiac G6 Coupe in GT or GXP form, it sells for the same price as the comparable sedan.