2008 Pontiac G6 Convertible
in Affordable Four-Seat Convertibles
Based on analysis of 12 G6-Convertible reviews and test drives.
Pontiac G6 Convertible - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Pontiac G6 Convertible ranks 7 out of 9 Affordable Four-Seat Convertibles. This ranking is based on our analysis of 12 published reviews and test drives of the Pontiac G6 Convertible, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The 2008 Pontiac delivers style and plenty of passenger space, but can't match the overall refinement of some competitors. It offers an available retractable hardtop for under $30,000 and a usable backseat. It doesn't offer much in for driving enthusiasts, a refined interior or a history of reliability.
The 2008 Pontiac G6 convertible is well-liked as a fashionable vehicle, but mechanically it trails behind much of this class. Several reviewers enjoy the G6 for its spacious second-row seating, sleek body lines and quickly retracting hardtop roof, though it doesn't provide the performance stamina or quality features of other convertibles. New Car Test Drive sums up the car's key attributes: "The Pontiac G6 is a roomy car that offers good road manners and excellent overall function, especially at initial prices. With sedans, coupes, convertibles…buyers should be able to find a G6 that suits their lifestyle." The G6 is a novelty -- an attractive retractable hardtop at under $30,000 was unheard of just a few years ago. But affordability doesn't always translate to value over time -- Pontiac's reliability history could be better. Many reviews also find fault with interior materials that aren't class-competitive.
The G6 finishes near the bottom of its class in fuel-efficiency. With gas prices setting record highs throughout 2008, the G6's 18/26 MPG rating is a blemish on the car's record. Through the first half of 2008, the G6 was a surprisingly slow seller, and the explanation for that problem may be the car's lackluster fuel economy.
The Pontiac G6 is also available as a four-door sedan or a two-door coupe. G6 Convertibles are powered by a 3.6-liter V6 that generates 217 hp. An optional 3.9-liter V6 puts out 222, but it's thirsty -- rated for 15/22mpg (compared to 17/26 for the smaller engine) that extra five horsepower will cost you a lot in fill-ups.
- "It seems to me that in the G6 and Sebring, both Pontiac and Chrysler blew their budgets on glitzy Transformers tops, to the detriment of the vehicles beneath. But the Pontiac at least looks good, and for some people that’s all that matters for a car like this." -- New York Times
- "The mission of the Pontiac G6 is to beat the [competition] on value -- a proposition bolstered by lower prices. While the G6 doesn't offer the refinement or attention to detail of its Japanese rivals, it's an alternative worth considering for shoppers in the mid-size car market." -- New Car Test Drive
- "The attraction of the G6 is twofold, one that it's a retractable hardtop priced less than $30,000 in a world that usually saves that feature for more expensive cars," and "that it seats four." -- Chicago Tribune
- "What's giving me pause is a convertible with so many compromises." -- Detroit News
- "Top down, the G6 is pretty much like any other. But top up, it's about as close to being a coupe as a convertible can get." -- Newsday
G6-Convertible Performance - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The Pontiac G6 is clearly not designed to compete with the top performers in the segment. The New York Times compares it to another notoriously sluggish competitor, saying "the Pontiac comes across as sportier than the Chrysler [Sebring], but neither car's mission statement seems to include driving thrills." Our full G6 Convertible Performance Review gives details on the unique design that makes this possible. continue
G6-Convertible Exterior - 8.3 (Very Good)
The 2008 Pontiac G6's sleek exterior lines may be its strongest selling point. It offers one of the only hardtop roofs available below luxury car prices, and Pontiac's system works well. "This hardtop takes only a few seconds to open and close, and tucks neatly into the trunk," according to the Boston Globe, though "it eats up lots of trunk space that a soft-top would not." Many reviews complain about the lack of trunk space once the top is down. Our Pontiac G6 Convertible Photo Gallery shows the look with and without the roof, while our full Exterior Review offers opinions on the body. continue
G6-Convertible Interior - 6.1 (Mediocre)
The 2008 G6's cabin is quiet, even with the top down at highway speeds, according to many reviewers. Instrument placement is fairly intuitive. Unfortunately, many say the cabin is built with many hard plastics and pieces that look like they won't stand the test of time. Check out our Pontiac G6 Convertible Photo Gallery to see the cabin for yourself, or continue to our full Interior Review to view the list of interior features. continue
G6-Convertible Safety - 7.1 (Good)
The G6 convertible has not yet been crash tested, but the sedan and coupe perform well in both government and insurance industry crash tests. Several reviewers note, however, that Pontiac offers side airbags only as an expensive option, while many competitors provide them as standard equipment. Continue with our full Safety Review for more. continue
G6-Convertible Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Pontiac G6 Convertible reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2008 G6 is backed by GM's three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. continue
