2008 Pontiac G6

*Est. $18,225 to $29,910

Pros

Quick
Responsive handling
Roomy, practical cabin
Stylish

Cons

Road noise
Steering could be better
Lackluster fuel economy
Less than average resale value

Our Analysis

We found good reviews for the 2008 Pontiac G6 from a number of sources, including Consumer Reports magazine and ConsumerGuide.com. Edmunds.com and Car and Driver magazine both publish detailed evaluations, while editors at Motor Trend include the results of the G6's performance in their comprehensive Car of the Year evaluations from 2005. Car enthusiast Vince Burlapp engages in his own test drive of the G6 and publishes his analysis in his blog, The Hollywood Extra.

Most say the 2008 Pontiac G6 drives well. Acceleration, handling and braking are consistently cited as strong points. The interior offers superior legroom and headroom in the rear seat, and cabin controls are logical and generally within easy reach of the driver. Styling is another -- strong point -- most reviewers approve of the bold exterior cues. Those styling cues can also, unfortunately, interfere with functionality. Road testers had problems with rearward visibility, rear-seat access and the size of the trunk opening. Wind noise was a frequent issue in highway evaluations, as was a tendency for the G6's chassis to squeak and bob excessively on uneven surfaces. Gas mileage is below average for this class, and long-term reliability and retained value are both projected to be below average. Four trim levels are available: the Value Leader, base, GT and GXP. The G6 line includes sedan, coupe and convertible versions. The Pontiac is an economical choice in the family-sedan segment, but it doesn't really measure up to the bar set by the Honda Accord (*est. $20,360 to $28,060).

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2008 Pontiac G6

Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

One of the best aspects of Consumer Reports' Pontiac G6 review is the editors' documentation of survey data on reliability. The analysis here also covers ride quality, handling and safety.

Review: 2008 Pontiac G6 Review, Editors of Consumer Reports

2. ConsumerGuide.com

ConsumerGuide.com road-tests each vehicle it reviews and then ranks it against a class average. The 2008 Pontiac G6's overall score is below the average for the midsize car segment, with particularly low numbers in the areas of cargo room and fit and finish.

Review: 2008 Pontiac G6, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, Sept. 9, 2008

3. Edmunds.com

Edmunds.com editors evaluate the Pontiac G6 on its performance in categories such as safety, interior design and driving experience. They're more complimentary of the G6 than some other sources, claiming that this sedan has been steadily improving since its 2005 debut.

Review: 2008 Pontiac G6 Review, Editors of Edmunds.com

4. Car and Driver Details/Subscribe

In a five-car comparison at Car and Driver magazine, the Pontiac G6 posts impressive numbers in performance tests, but it loses points for subjective issues such as excessive wind noise, numb steering and poor shift quality. While this review is a little old, the information it contains should still be helpful.

Review: 2006 Acura TSX vs. Honda Accord, Mazdaspeed 6, Pontiac G6, VW Jetta, Tony Swan, Feb. 2006

5. Motor Trend Details/Subscribe

In Motor Trend's testing for the 2005 Car of the Year award, judges find the Pontiac G6 "a breath of fresh air from General Motors," though they state that the G6's engine and steering construction betray an overly thrifty design approach.

Review: 2005 Car of the Year Testing -- Pontiac G6, Editors of Motor Trend

6. The Hollywood Extra (blog)

Vince Burlapp describes his experience test-driving the 2008 Pontiac G6. Though not a formally comparative review, Burlapp catalogs the pros and cons of the base-model G6's design and performance, and he discusses how this sedan measures up with some of its closest competitors.

Review: Pontiac G6 test drive, Vince Burlapp, Feb. 10, 2008

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