2008 Pontiac G6 Review

Introduction

Now entering its fourth year of production, the midsize Pontiac G6 continues on a course of steady improvements catering to the performance-oriented and style-conscious sedan, coupe or convertible shopper. Following significant power and mechanical upgrades last year, changes to the G6 for 2008 focus primarily on updated cosmetic details and additional standard safety equipment.

Pontiac is ballyhooing its new GXP trim level for the G6 sedan and coupe -- a designation that helps tie the car into Pontiac's branding nomenclature. But in actuality, it's little more than a new name for last year's high-line GTP model, with the exception of the GXP Street Edition coupe that adds gaudy bodywork and a huge "hammerhead" spoiler. Lesser G6s benefit from newly standard features like front side-impact airbags, antilock disc brakes, OnStar communications and satellite radio for the upper trim levels.

The Pontiac G6 shares its basic body structure with the redesigned Chevy Malibu and Saturn Aura. Of this group, the G6 is the only model to come in three body styles. The convertible features a retractable hardtop design and is one of the few such vehicles offered with a starting price of less than $30,000. This feature is enjoying increased popularity of late, and it's easy to understand why, as a retractable hardtop promises the security, styling and quiet of a coupe with the top in place. In the G6, the top-down transformation takes less than 30 seconds at the touch of a button. This opens up a backseat that's roomy enough for two adults, but with only 2.2 cubic feet with the top lowered, good luck fitting anything larger than a pizza box in the trunk once it's pressed into service stowing the retracted lid and attendant mechanism.

While the convertible may be the style leader, the G6 coupes and sedans also offer their own distinctive, well-adorned appeal in the midsize class. But a few minor things hold the car back, such as lackluster interior materials. The 2008 Pontiac G6 is worth a look, though models like the 2008 Honda Accord and Nissan Altima might prove more satisfying to own overall.Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2008 Pontiac G6 four-door sedan is available in four trim levels: the entry-level Value Leader, base G6, GT and GXP. Coupes are clad in either GT or GXP trim, while the convertible is offered only as a GT. The G6 Value Leader sedan comes with 16-inch wheels, air-conditioning, fully powered accessories, a four-way manual driver seat with power height adjustment, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, a tilt/telescoping steering column and CD player with an auxiliary audio jack. The more upgradeable base G6 adds 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control and remote keyless entry. The midlevel GT comes with V6 power, a sport-tuned suspension, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, and an eight-speaker Monsoon sound system with a subwoofer and satellite radio.

Fully loaded GXPs further upgrade to 18-inch chromed wheels, a rear spoiler (sedan only), automatic climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, a six-way power driver seat and heated front seats. Some of these items are also available on lesser G6s. Other notable options include a remote starting system and power-adjustable pedals. Available equipment packages group together these and other premium features like leather upholstery, an in-dash CD changer and a sunroof. The new GT and GXP Street Edition packages also lend their own distinctive performance-inspired bodywork.Powertrains and Performance
All Pontiac G6s route their power through the front wheels. The basic Value Leader and G6 sedans come equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 164 horsepower and 158 pound-feet of torque. Standard in the GT and optional in the G6 sedan is a 3.5-liter V6 putting out 219 horses and 219 lb-ft of torque. Convertibles with this V6 have slightly less power at 217 hp and 217 lb-ft of torque. Both of these engines are attached to a four-speed automatic transmission.

The performance-driven GXP models are equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 that generates 252 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque. It's mated to a six-speed automatic with manual-shift capability. Convertibles with the optional 3.9-liter V6 check in with 222 horses and 238 lb-ft of torque. EPA-estimated fuel economy for the four-cylinder and V6 engines is mostly on par for the midsize segment, though the convertible's optional V6 is thirsty, with a 15 mpg city/22 mpg highway rating. In performance testing, we found that a GXP coupe could accelerate to 60 mph in a quick 6.2 seconds.