2008 Pontiac G6 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.