2008 Pontiac G6 - Performance Review

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Shopping for a 2008 Pontiac G6? MSRP: $18,765 - $30,210

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The 2008 Pontiac G6 Coupe offers a sporty exterior appearance and, while the engines may be up to the task, other performance aspects seem to have been neglected.

The 2008 Pontiac G6 offers two engines, which Edmunds describes as either "a 3.5-liter V6 putting out 219 horses and 210 lb-ft of torque" on the GT or "performance-driven GXP models are equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 that generates 252 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque." Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com praise both powerplants on this 2008 Pontiac, although the GXP's higher-output engine is understandably better liked. Kelley Blue Book testers find that while "the GT's base 3.5-liter engine doesn't inspire performance driving," it is wholly "adequate for quick jaunts up freeway entrance ramps and around town trips and commutes." ConsumerGuide adds that the G6 Pontiac GT's engine offers "good acceleration from any speed," but the real enthusiasm appears when testing the GXP's 3.6-liter engine; Edmunds says that this option "offers the most performance and sophistication for enthusiasts" thanks to the "impressive output" of the V-6. Motor Trend also praises the tremendous amount of "power on demand" that the 3.6-liter version offers.

The strong engine performance on the 2008 Pontiac G6 Coupe is a welcome surprise, but less appealing is the transmission option on the GXP, though the GT fares well enough in this category. For the G6, Pontiac offers each trim level with one transmission, which Car and Driver lists as either a "four-speed automatic" in the GT or "six-speed automatic" when outfitted in GXP garb. Most reviewers find that the "mannerly automatic transmission" in the G6 Coupe GT "performs well enough," in the words of Cars.com. ConsumerGuide also appreciates that the four-speed "downshifts readily," though an extra gear might help to bring the 2008 Pontiac G6 GT's transmission up to the levels of its competitors. When it comes to the GXP's six-speed, reviewers at Kelley Blue Book simply "wish a six-speed manual were available," for while the automatic "does a good job finding the correct shift points," it also "leaves the driver feeling somewhat disconnected from the process." The driving enthusiasts at Motor Trend are much harsher on the Pontiac G6 Coupe GXP's transmission, finding that it "goes from buttery smooth to belligerently spasmodic" when driven hard. Also, though the six-speed features a manual-shift mode, Motor Trend writes "changing gears in M-mode is slow when you're driving merely sporty and positively maddening when you're really going for it."

Fuel economy on the 2008 Pontiac G6 Coupe is OK, but there are certainly thriftier options in the class. The EPA estimates that this 2008 Pontiac in GT trim will return 18 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, while the bigger 3.6-liter on the GXP offers 17/26 mpg. ConsumerGuide test numbers were close to the EPA figures, with their GXP coupe averaging "16.9 mpg in mostly city driving." They add "all G6s use regular-grade gas."

Handling and ride quality on the 2008 Pontiac G6 Coupe are distinctly lower than the prime competition, like Honda’s Accord Coupe and the Nissan Altima two-door, but still capable. Kelley Blue Book reviewers find that "both the GT and GXP trims use a hydraulic power steering unit that returns good feedback and on-center feel," and Edmunds describes the steering as "communicative." The suspension on the 2008 Pontiac G6 Coupe provides a pleasant ride, which ConsumerGuide says "readily absorbs most bumps with minimal bobbing," and they praise the Pontiac G6 Coupe for being "not as unruffled as sporty imports over high-speed dips and swells." Kelley Blue Book offers that the "sport suspension strikes a pleasant balance between performance and comfort," but ConsumerGuide points out that one drawback to the G6 Coupe's overall performance is the "dull brake pedal feel."

In TheCarConnection.com’s opinion, the 2008 Pontiac G6 Coupe drives quite well, but the experience is unremarkable. While the Coupe doesn't have the electric power steering that was formerly offered--rather, it now has a better hydraulic system--the G6 still doesn't steer or handle as well as other cars in its class. The ride is quite firm and can be choppy on pockmarked pavement, with no apparent handling advantage.