2008 Pontiac G6 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Expert review
The Pontiac G6 injects a bit of excitement into the daily commute, but it falls behind other midsize sedans on cabin quality.
Midsize sedans are efficient, reliable, and practical. These attributes are what make them so popular. But if you crave a bit more excitement in your family sedan, the 2008 Pontiac G6 has got you covered. The Pontiac G6, which shares a platform with the Chevrolet Malibu, delivers bold styling and powerful, available V6 engines. It also offers a Coupe variant, as well as an innovative power-retractable hardtop convertible. This design combines top-down motoring and confident four-season protection from the elements.
out of 10 expert review
Look & feel
The 2008 G6 has sharp, angular styling, highlighted by the twin-kidney grille and wedged headlights. That wedge theme is continued along the side of the car and in the angular taillights. The Coupe features a teardrop shape that forms the rear window and trunk area. The Convertible’s power-retracting hardtop looks sharp while deployed, but the rear trunk lid has an awkward hunch when the top is stowed. The cabin features a simple and straightforward design that evokes a performance nature, but the materials and fit and finish are lacking.
There are technically four trims offered on the G6 Sedan: base, SE, GT, and GXP, the latter replacing the GTP trim for the 2008 model year. The base model includes 16-inch steel wheels, power mirrors and locks, driver’s side power seat height adjustment, air conditioning, and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel. The SE trim adds 17-inch steel wheels, remote keyless entry, and cruise control.
Pontiac offers the G6 GT trim across all three body styles, but it's the only trim for the Convertible. It adds a 200-watt Monsoon premium sound system, alloy wheels, a rear spoiler for the hardtop models, and adjustable pedals. The Sedan and Coupe can be had in the GXP trim, which adds leather seats, revised front and rear fascias, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat.
Performance
The base and SE trims of the 2008 Pontiac G6 come fitted with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine making power specs of 169 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. This engine routes power to front-wheel drive (FWD) through a four-speed automatic transmission, and power steering is standard. The mid-range GT features a 3.5-litre V6. It makes 224 horsepower and 220 pound-feet of torque, and this powertrain sends power to the front wheels through a four-speed automatic.
In addition to the visual upgrades, the GXP boasts the most powerful engine in the lineup. It displaces 3.6 litres, features dual overhead cams and variable valve timing, and makes 252 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque. This engine routes power to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. GXP models also feature a sport-tuned suspension and provide the best acceleration and handling in the G6 lineup.
Form & function
The G6 sedan provides a surprising amount of cabin space. A taller driver can slide their front seat back comfortably, and another taller occupant can sit behind them in the rear seat with sufficient legroom. There is also plenty of headroom in both rows. The Coupe and Convertible have less legroom, but only slightly. Thanks to the long wheelbase, the G6 provides more rear legroom than other coupes and convertibles.
Trunk space for the 2008 G6 sedan is on par with that of leaders in the pack. It provides 396 litres, which is similar to the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry. The Coupe provides 382 litres of trunk space, which is adequate. The Convertible’s advanced top takes up a good bit of real estate: There are only 164 litres of trunk space with the top up, and a minuscule 42 litres with the top down.
Technology
Safety
Pontiac has added several previously optional safety features as standard equipment. This includes antilock brakes across all trims, side airbags, and OnStar telematics. OnStar can remotely call for help in the event of an accident.
These features join a list of standard equipment that includes driver and front passenger front impact airbags and varying levels of traction control, depending on the trim selected.
Cost-effectiveness
The four-cylinder G6 provides the best fuel economy in the lineup, returning 9.6 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving and 6.5 on the highway. The most-efficient V6 is the 3.5-litre when paired with the four-speed automatic. It consumes 11.5 L/100 km city and 7.2 highway. The 3.9-litre V6 returns gas mileage of 12.3 city and 7.6 highway.
The 2008 Pontiac G6 starts in Canada at a new car MSRP of $23,395. An SE starts at $23,995, while a GT Coupe or sedan starts at $28,595 and the GXP Coupe or sedan costs $35,975. The Convertible costs $35,995 and is only offered in the GT trim.
Note: Images show a US model.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2008 Pontiac G6 generally appreciate its sporty design, smooth performance, and good fuel economy. Many drivers enjoy the car's responsive handling and comfortable ride. However, some have reported issues with reliability, such as starting problems and brake concerns, as well as dissatisfaction with gas mileage in certain models."
It is a durable car and very fuel-efficient. Good value.
December 11, 2020Decent performance. Great handling. Bulid quality is phenominal. No problems Clean classic appearance with options to customize. 28/34 mpg. Cheap maintenance. This car is zippy and is fun to drive when you want to cruise around. Bryce B. Knezovich
September 8, 2009Performance - The acceleration is great, goes fast! Build Quality - Its a great body no sqeeks or rattle Appearence - its great on the inside and exterior is sleek Cost of Ownership - gets 32.5 to the gallon, maintenance is simple. Fun factor - This car is great to drive!
July 15, 2009What owners say
It is a durable car and very fuel-efficient. Good value.
December 11, 2020Decent performance. Great handling. Bulid quality is phenominal. No problems Clean classic appearance with options to customize. 28/34 mpg. Cheap maintenance. This car is zippy and is fun to drive when you want to cruise around. Bryce B. Knezovich
September 8, 2009Performance - The acceleration is great, goes fast! Build Quality - Its a great body no sqeeks or rattle Appearence - its great on the inside and exterior is sleek Cost of Ownership - gets 32.5 to the gallon, maintenance is simple. Fun factor - This car is great to drive!
July 15, 2009Performance is outstanding, acceleration is good, braking stops on a dime, handles like a sports car with responsive steering. Car itself is pretty nice nothing wrong from factory. It's quite fun to drive and it handles like a charm. Sound system is the bomb, stock sounds better than most aftermarket systems. Gas mileage and maintenance is low, gets close to 20-25 city and over 30 on the highway.
October 13, 2010i love my car just bought it and i have found nothing wrong with it. I also love how it handles on the road. I paid a very good price for it, even though it was used. I would recommend this car to anyone who wants one. Plus the look of the car is very good looking. good gas mileage for a v6 car.
April 12, 2010Performance - great acceleration, braking, handling Build Quality - has needed no repairs ? no squeaks/rattles Appearance -awesome both interior and exterior styling Cost of Ownership - excellent gas mileage, maintenance Fun Factor - is very car fun to drive . bought this car and has been great overall, low maintnance, ride well and get very good compliments from it. definetly a reccomendable car to anyone.
December 29, 2009I have had my Pontiac G6 (base, V6, 17' stock wheels) for two years now. There have been no unexpected repairs besides the intermediate shaft in the steering column (very common, is annoying, but doesn't need to be fixed.) Power is available at pretty much any time. Gas mileage has been about 19 observed, which I am OK with. My major gripe is that the trip and service computer is displayed thru the radio so I cannot easily upgrade the stereo. Overall I am happy with the vehicle, and it would be a great first car.
December 23, 2011I really like this car. But I've always liked the pontiac approach at style. Pontiac's were always the sportest of the GM line. It's a shame the did away with them. This particular car drives out perfect as you would expect with only 33,000 miles. No issues what so ever well worth the money. Getting hard to find these actually.
November 30, 2010I love it too deah! It turns heads, the appearance is gorgeous. It's fast and handles turns great! Everyday i see it, I smile! Not too bad on gas either! It's just an overall joy to drive! That's the basics!
August 5, 2009Well as for performance, it is relatively quick for a four cylinder(there is for room for improvement to be added later). I bought it for gas mileage at the time I got it, so I did not expect much. As for build quality, it is a great car with good fit, no squeaks or rattles have developed yet. As for overall looks I like it inside and out, but would love it more if I opted for the metallic black. Right now this cars cost of ownership is low, great gas mileage and low maintenance costs. The car is great fun to drive, I love the sound of the engine, the sound system(factory by the way) and the seats are great, they really hold you in well. As for recommending this car to a friend, yes I would, but I would recommend the bigger engines if they want a little more power and are not just looking for a car that is easy on gas.
October 25, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $26,755 | Seating 4 |
Engine 3.6L 252 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 11.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $26,660 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.6L 252 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 14.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $29,910 | Seating 4 |
Engine 3.5L 217 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 12.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $22,800 | Seating 4 |
Engine 3.5L 219 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 12.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $22,800 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.5L 219 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 14.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $18,765 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 164 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 14.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 26 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $19,750 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 164 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 14.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 26 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $26,455 | Seating 4 |
Engine 3.6L 252 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 12.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $18,225 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 164 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 14.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 26 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
