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2008 Pontiac G6 Full Review
Date Published: 4/30/08
Also in the 2008 Pontiac G6 Review:
5.
6.
Pontiac G6 Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Pontiac G6 Review
The 2008 Pontiac G6 lineup gets some trim and detail changes. This midsize car is available as a 4-door sedan, 2-door coupe, or 2-door convertible with a power-retracting hardtop. G6 shares its basic design with the Chevrolet Malibu, Saturn Aura, and Saab 9-3. Sedans are available in price-leader 1SV, base, GT, and new, sporty GXP trim. Coupes are available in GT and GXP trim, and convertibles are GT only.
Base and 1SV sedans have a 164-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. GTs have a 3.5-liter V6 rated at 219 hp in sedans, 217 hp in the convertible. This engine is optional on the base. Convertibles are available with a 222-hp 3.9-liter V6. All these engines team with a 4-speed automatic transmission. A manual transmission is no longer available.
GXP coupes and sedans have a 252-hp 3.6-liter V6 and a 6-speed automatic. They also have specific interior and exterior trim with an available "Street Edition" package that includes dual hood scoops and unique rear spoiler.
Available safety equipment includes ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags.
Base and 1SV sedans have a 164-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. GTs have a 3.5-liter V6 rated at 219 hp in sedans, 217 hp in the convertible. This engine is optional on the base. Convertibles are available with a 222-hp 3.9-liter V6. All these engines team with a 4-speed automatic transmission. A manual transmission is no longer available.
GXP coupes and sedans have a 252-hp 3.6-liter V6 and a 6-speed automatic. They also have specific interior and exterior trim with an available "Street Edition" package that includes dual hood scoops and unique rear spoiler.
Available safety equipment includes ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family oriented sedans and wagons.
Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Kia Rondo. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 5, Mercury Milan, Nissan Altima, Saturn Aura, and Toyota Camry.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Malibu, Dodge Avenger, Honda Accord, and Mazda 5.
Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Kia Rondo. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 5, Mercury Milan, Nissan Altima, Saturn Aura, and Toyota Camry.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Malibu, Dodge Avenger, Honda Accord, and Mazda 5.
News
Look for the GTP's 6-speed automatic to be available for other G6s in the near future. GM plans to use this transmission to boost mpg for most of its mainstream car lines. The next year or two could also bring even sportier GXP models with the 3.6-liter engine, plus performance-tuned suspension, tires, and other unique features. Looking ahead, sources expect G6 to be redesigned for model-year 2010 on GM's new Epsilon II front-drive architecture. Current models are first-generation Epsilons. The new platform premieres in North America with redesigned 2008 Chevrolet Malibu sedans.
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2008 Pontiac G6 Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger room | Engine noise |
| Control layout | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
No 4-cylinder G6 sedans have been available for us to test. G6s with the 3.5 V6 have good acceleration from any speed. GT convertibles are 400 lb heavier than coupes, and they feel slower at all speeds with the 3.5 V6. Convertibles with the 3.9 are noticeably quicker in highway passing. The GXP's refined 3.6 V6 pulls smartly from any speed and has ample passing and merging punch. Automatic transmissions downshift readily for impressive passing response, especially GXP's smooth 6-speed.
| Base V6 | GXP coupe | GT convertible w/3.5 V6 | GT convertible w/3.9 V6 | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 5.6 |
No 4-cylinder G6 sedans have been available for us to test. G6s with the 3.5 V6 have good acceleration from any speed. GT convertibles are 400 lb heavier than coupes, and they feel slower at all speeds with the 3.5 V6. Convertibles with the 3.9 are noticeably quicker in highway passing. The GXP's refined 3.6 V6 pulls smartly from any speed and has ample passing and merging punch. Automatic transmissions downshift readily for impressive passing response, especially GXP's smooth 6-speed.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, we averaged 19.5 mpg in a base V6 sedan. Our extended-use test GT convertible with a 3.5 V6 averaged 21.9 mpg in 9059 miles of mostly highway travel. Convertibles with the 3.9 V6 averaged 20.8-21.4 mpg. A GXP coupe averaged 16.9 mpg in mostly city driving. All G6s use regular-grade gas.
| Base V6 | GXP coupe | GT convertible w/3.5 V6 | GT convertible w/3.9 V6 | Class Average |
| 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
In Consumer Guide testing, we averaged 19.5 mpg in a base V6 sedan. Our extended-use test GT convertible with a 3.5 V6 averaged 21.9 mpg in 9059 miles of mostly highway travel. Convertibles with the 3.9 V6 averaged 20.8-21.4 mpg. A GXP coupe averaged 16.9 mpg in mostly city driving. All G6s use regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality
No G6 is as composed as a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, but the compliant base suspension readily absorbs most bumps with minimal bobbing and moderate tire slap. GT and GXP are only a bit stiffer, slightly better controlled, but are not as unruffled as sporty imports over high-speed dips and swells. Convertibles suffer body flex, shudder over bumps.
| Base V6 | GXP coupe | GT convertible w/3.5 V6 | GT convertible w/3.9 V6 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 6 |
No G6 is as composed as a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, but the compliant base suspension readily absorbs most bumps with minimal bobbing and moderate tire slap. GT and GXP are only a bit stiffer, slightly better controlled, but are not as unruffled as sporty imports over high-speed dips and swells. Convertibles suffer body flex, shudder over bumps.
Steering/Handling/Braking
The base model's steering is very light at low speeds for easy parking and firms up at higher speeds. It feels numb on the whole, though. There's moderate body lean and good grip in fast turns even with base versions. GT coupe and sedan are a bit sharper, with the GXP being sharpest of all, though it suffers from torque steer. All have slightly dull brake pedal feel.
| Base V6 | GXP coupe | GT convertible w/3.5 V6 | GT convertible w/3.9 V6 | Class Average |
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
The base model's steering is very light at low speeds for easy parking and firms up at higher speeds. It feels numb on the whole, though. There's moderate body lean and good grip in fast turns even with base versions. GT coupe and sedan are a bit sharper, with the GXP being sharpest of all, though it suffers from torque steer. All have slightly dull brake pedal feel.
Quietness
Suppression of road and wind noise are not up to Accord/Camry standards but are acceptable. Bumps caused a slight knocking in the front end of test sedans. Convertibles are nearly coupe-quiet with top up, with wind noise impressively low with the top down. The 3.5 V6 is noisier at idle than most V6s, emits guttural whine under moderate-to-full acceleration. The 3.9 V6 is quieter, more refined than the 3.5. The GTP's 3.6 is pleasantly vocal during acceleration, hardly heard otherwise.
| Base V6 | GXP coupe | GT convertible w/3.5 V6 | GT convertible w/3.9 V6 | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Suppression of road and wind noise are not up to Accord/Camry standards but are acceptable. Bumps caused a slight knocking in the front end of test sedans. Convertibles are nearly coupe-quiet with top up, with wind noise impressively low with the top down. The 3.5 V6 is noisier at idle than most V6s, emits guttural whine under moderate-to-full acceleration. The 3.9 V6 is quieter, more refined than the 3.5. The GTP's 3.6 is pleasantly vocal during acceleration, hardly heard otherwise.
Controls
Gauges are clear and lit in red. The audio and climate controls are easy to reach and use.
| Base V6 | GXP coupe | GT convertible w/3.5 V6 | GT convertible w/3.9 V6 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Gauges are clear and lit in red. The audio and climate controls are easy to reach and use.
Details
The cabin has an abundance of hard plastic surfaces, with overall material quality that significantly trails those of most midsize rivals. While our extended-use G6 GT convertible had no mechanical malfunctions, numerous squeaks and rattles developed over the course of its 9059-mile stay with us.
| Base V6 | GXP coupe | GT convertible w/3.5 V6 | GT convertible w/3.9 V6 | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.6 |
The cabin has an abundance of hard plastic surfaces, with overall material quality that significantly trails those of most midsize rivals. While our extended-use G6 GT convertible had no mechanical malfunctions, numerous squeaks and rattles developed over the course of its 9059-mile stay with us.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Good headroom and legroom. G6's standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel and available adjustable pedals enhance the driving position. The seats are softer than in many rivals and are short on long-distance support. Our testers are divided on how well the seats hold occupants in place during fast cornering. Vision astern is blocked by tall headrests, to the sides and front corners by thick roof pillars. Long doors in the coupe and convertible are a hassle in tight spots.
| Base V6 | GXP coupe | GT convertible w/3.5 V6 | GT convertible w/3.9 V6 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.7 |
Good headroom and legroom. G6's standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel and available adjustable pedals enhance the driving position. The seats are softer than in many rivals and are short on long-distance support. Our testers are divided on how well the seats hold occupants in place during fast cornering. Vision astern is blocked by tall headrests, to the sides and front corners by thick roof pillars. Long doors in the coupe and convertible are a hassle in tight spots.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Ample legroom in sedan and coupe, even with the front seats set well back. G6's sloping roofline limits headroom for those over 5-ft-10, especially in the coupe and convertible. Entry and exit are easy in the sedan, stoop-and-twist in the coupe and convertible.
| Base V6 | GXP coupe | GT convertible w/3.5 V6 | GT convertible w/3.9 V6 | Class Average |
| 5 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 5.2 |
Ample legroom in sedan and coupe, even with the front seats set well back. G6's sloping roofline limits headroom for those over 5-ft-10, especially in the coupe and convertible. Entry and exit are easy in the sedan, stoop-and-twist in the coupe and convertible.
Cargo Room
Narrow trunk has a small opening and tall liftover, but its hinges don't intrude on cargo space. Coupe and sedan have rear seatbacks that fold almost flat and have hard plastic backs. Interior storage is just OK. Note that convertible trunk volume shrinks to just 2.2 cu ft with the top down. Top up, Pontiac claims the trunk holds 12.6 cu ft, but the space is difficult to utilize due to the position of the spare tire.
| Base V6 | GXP coupe | GT convertible w/3.5 V6 | GT convertible w/3.9 V6 | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 4.1 |
Narrow trunk has a small opening and tall liftover, but its hinges don't intrude on cargo space. Coupe and sedan have rear seatbacks that fold almost flat and have hard plastic backs. Interior storage is just OK. Note that convertible trunk volume shrinks to just 2.2 cu ft with the top down. Top up, Pontiac claims the trunk holds 12.6 cu ft, but the space is difficult to utilize due to the position of the spare tire.
Value within Class
G6 lacks the well-toned feel of a Honda Accord or the isolating comfort of a Toyota Camry. But it undercuts them on price, especially with a V6 engine. Frequent discounts and a wide selection of safety and convenience features add to G6's appeal. The G6 coupe is too large for the interior space it provides, making a sedan the wiser choice of the two. The convertible benefits from the all-weather security of its retractable hardtop.
| Base V6 | GXP coupe | GT convertible w/3.5 V6 | GT convertible w/3.9 V6 | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 6.2 |
G6 lacks the well-toned feel of a Honda Accord or the isolating comfort of a Toyota Camry. But it undercuts them on price, especially with a V6 engine. Frequent discounts and a wide selection of safety and convenience features add to G6's appeal. The G6 coupe is too large for the interior space it provides, making a sedan the wiser choice of the two. The convertible benefits from the all-weather security of its retractable hardtop.
Total Score
| Base V6 | GXP coupe | GT convertible w/3.5 V6 | GT convertible w/3.9 V6 | Class Average |
| 58 | 57 | 52 | 53 | 63.2 |
Scores for all Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 48 | |
| Average Score | 63 | |
| High Score | 74 |
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2008 Pontiac G6 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/29/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 1SV Value Leader 4-door sedan | $18,525 | $17,506 | $650 |
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| Base 4-door sedan | $20,050 | $18,947 | $650 |
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| GT 2-door coupe | $23,100 | $21,830 | $650 |
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| GT 4-door sedan | $23,100 | $21,830 | $650 |
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| GT 2-door convertible | $30,210 | $28,548 | $650 |
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| GXP 2-door coupe | $26,755 | $25,283 | $650 |
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| GXP 4-door sedan | $26,960 | $25,477 | $650 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
1SV
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, OnStar assistance system w/one-year service, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, driver seat w/power height adjustment, center console, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/CD player, digital-media player connection, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 215/60R16 tires, wheel covers.
Base adds to 1SV:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cruise control, remote keyless entry.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
225/50R17 tires.
GT adds to Base:
Powertrain
3.5-liter 219-horsepower V6 engine (coupe, sedan), 3.5-liter 217-horsepower V6 engine (convertible), 4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, Monsoon sound system, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer (convertible), satellite radio, illuminated visor mirrors, power-retractable hardtop (convertible).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: curtain side airbags (convertible), split folding rear seat (convertible).
Fog lights, sport suspension, 225/50VR17 tires (coupe, sedan), 225/50R18 tires (convertible), alloy wheels.
GXP adds to GT:
Powertrain
3.6-liter V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Safety
Antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, heated front seats, 6-way power driver seat, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
225/50R18 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Preferred Pkg.
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Base
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$495
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$411
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GXP
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$440
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$365
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Remote engine start, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls (Base), power-adjustable pedals (GXP), cargo net, floormats.
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Sport Pkg.
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GT convertible
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$1,490
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$1,237
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3.9-liter V6 engine, antiskid system, automatic climate control, 6-way power driver seat, chrome exhaust tips, unique alloy wheels.
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Premium Pkg.
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GT coupe/sedan
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$1,475
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$1,224
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GT convertible
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$1,375
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$1,141
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Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 6-way power driver seat, power-adjustable pedals, remote engine start, cargo net (coupe, sedan), floormats.
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Sun and Sound Pkg.
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Base, GT coupe, GXP
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$1,100
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$913
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GT sedan
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$1,300
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$1,079
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Power sunroof, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, rear spoiler (GT sedan).
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Street Edition
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GXP
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$990
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$822
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Unique hood w/scoops, rear spoiler.
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Chrome Appearance Pkg.
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Base, GT convertible
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$650
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$540
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Chrome grille inserts. Requires Sport Pkg. Base requires Preferred Pkg.
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Safety |
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Antiskid system
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GT sedan/coupe
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$390
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$324
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Includes 225/50R18 tires, unique alloy wheels.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Leather upholstery
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Base
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$995
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$826
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Includes 6-way power driver seat, heated front seats.
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Power-adjustable pedals
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Base, GT, GXP
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$125
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$104
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Remote engine start
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Base, GT, GXP
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$190
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$158
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Satellite radio
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Base
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$200
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$166
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Cargo net
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1SV, Base, GT, GXP
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$45
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$37
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NA convertible.
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Floormats
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1SV, Base, GT, GXP
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$80
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$66
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Bodyside moldings
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1SV, Base, GT sedan
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$100
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$83
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Engine-block heater
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1SV, Base, GT, GXP
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$75
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$62
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Special paint
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1SV, Base, GT, GXP
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$95
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$79
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Premium paint
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Base, GT, GXP
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$495
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$411
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Rear spoiler
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Base, GT sedan
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$225
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$187
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Black chrome alloy wheels
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GT coupe/sedan
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$150
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$125
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2008 Pontiac G6 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Pontiac G6 2-door coupe | Pontiac G6 2-door convertible | Pontiac G6 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 112.3 | 112.3 | 112.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 189.1 | 189.1 | 189.0 |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.4 | 70.6 | 70.6 |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.4 | 56.7 | 57.0 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3415 | 3855 | 3305 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 12.0 | 12.6 | 14.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.4 | 16.4 | 16.4 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.9 | 38.4 | 39.0 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.2 | 42.2 | 42.2 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.3 | 36.1 | 36.5 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.8 | 34.2 | 37.6 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | ohv V6 | ohv V6 | dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.4 /145 | 3.5 /213 | 3.9 /231 | 3.6 /217 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 164 @ 6400 | 219 @ 5900 | 222 @ 5600 | 252 @ 6300 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 156 @ 5000 | 219 @ 3200 | 238 @ 4000 | 251 @ 3200 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Optional | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
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| 4-speed automatic | 22/30 | 18/29 | 15/22 | --/-- |
| 6-speed automatic | --/-- | --/-- | --/-- | 17/26 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Pontiac G6 2-door coupe | Pontiac G6 2-door convertible | Pontiac G6 4-door sedan |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 | NA | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 | NA | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 | NA | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 | NA | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
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Also in the 2008 Pontiac G6 Review:
5.
6.
Pontiac G6 Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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