Used 2008 Pontiac G6

As GM continues to regain its footing, Pontiac’s line of sporty yet fuel-efficient cars plays a major part in the company’s recovery. One of the leaders of that effort is the 2008 Pontiac G6, a midsize sedan built from a proven chassis developed in partnership with GM’s European subsidiary, Opel. With the G6, Pontiac seeks to impart its trademark styling onto a vehicle providing the ride and handling characteristics so important to younger buyers. In order to lure buyers away from Volkswagen and Mazda, however, a manual transmission option should be made available on both four- and six-cylinder models, while pricing and content must remain competitive with newer entries such as the Dodge Avenger and Ford Fusion.

If you settle into the driver’s seat expecting the performance of a sport sedan, you might be somewhat disappointed by a 219-horsepower pushrod V6 and four-speed automatic transmission, with performance that is decidedly underwhelming. The G6 handles well enough and we appreciated the substantial side bolsters of the front seats. Electric power steering delivers minimal feedback on base cars, but the hydraulic system available on the GT and GXP definitely improves matters. The G6 feels its most athletic when ordered with the 3.6-liter V6 and six-speed automatic transmission. Unfortunately, this combination is available only on the high-end GXP trim level.

If the exterior styling is a giant leap forward for Pontiac, the interior styling is at least a step in that direction. The chrome gauge surrounds are a little much, and some of the controls appear designed for a more rugged application, but those few rough spots speak volumes for the improvements. While front passengers are treated to comfortable seats and nicely-styled appointments, the backseat passengers are the big winners, with surprisingly generous legroom and big rear doors (both benefits thanks to the long wheelbase) and windows that open all the way down.

Take away the Pontiac badging and grille and it would be almost impossible to identify the G6 as a Pontiac — or as a GM or a domestic car, for that matter. Some of us think the G6, especially in GXP trim, is one of the most attractive cars the domestic manufacturers have ever delivered. Wheels pushed out to the corners underline a strong stance. Front, side and back, both the G6 Coupe and Sedan look great.

Sleek Design
We hope the G6’s clean, attractive exterior styling cues carry over to future Pontiacs.

Rear-seat Room
The long wheelbase of the G6 results in lots of legroom and big doors that open wide for rear-seat passengers.

Standard equipment on the base G6 includes a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, auxiliary input jack, air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, OnStar, head-curtain airbags, front-seat side-impact airbags, traction control, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), 16-inch covered steel wheels and automatic headlamps. The GT has a 3.5-liter V6, cruise control, XM Satellite Radio, Monsoon sound system, fog lamps, keyless entry and 17-inch wheels. The GXP adds revised front and rear fascias, 18-inch wheels, power driver’s seat, chrome exhaust tips, six-speed automatic transmission and a 3.6-liter V6.

Options include leather seating, remote start, premium six-disc in-dash CD/MP3 player, power driver’s seat, power-adjustable pedals, sunroof, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, fog lamps, rear spoiler and choices of 17- and 18-inch aluminum wheels.

The ECOTEC four-cylinder engine is all about economy, not performance. Why GM didn’t offer a five-speed manual on this model is a mystery, but without it the G6 has little chance of living up to its sporty image. The 3.5-liter V6 has more pulling power but lacks quickness. If you’re purchasing the G6 to perform, you have to go with the GXP’s new 3.6-liter V6. With its variable valve timing and relatively flat torque curve, this engine has the power and response that driving enthusiasts demand.

2.4-liter in-line 4
164 horsepower @ 6400 rpm
156 lb.-ft. of torque @ 5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/30

3.5-liter V6
219 horsepower @ 5900 rpm
219 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/29 (base), 17/26 (GT)

3.6-liter V6
252 horsepower @ 6300 rpm
251 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/26