2008 Pontiac G6 Convertible Performance Review
Performance - What the Auto Press Says
Test drivers describe the 2008 Pontiac G6 convertible's performance as more adequate than excellent -- its engine power is highly favored, but there's disagreement on general road manners. When compared with another convertible, the New York Times explains that "the Pontiac comes across as sportier than the Chrysler [Sebring], but neither car's mission statement seems to include driving thrills."
Autosite captures an overwhelming sentiment. "The Pontiac G6, while perfectly fine in many respects, is not a performance car," the review reads. "Not in terms of its powertrain or its handling…a quick look around in the G6's segment unearths several competing models with equal or greater power."
Acceleration and Power
Although some of the G6 sedan's lower engines are considered inferior, reviewer impressions of the convertible's power and acceleration are generally positive. The 2008 convertible has a 3.5-liter V6 standard that makes 217 horsepower and has 217 pound-feet of torque. It's paired with a four-speed automatic. Edmunds, like others, reports, "Our road tests of the G6 with this engine are mostly positive…this power plant offers more than enough low and midrange torque to be quick on its feet around town." New Car Test Drive describes the engine as "quiet and smooth, with a 0-60 mph time that's just enough to keep you out of trouble, but not enough to make your heart beat faster."
New Car Test Drive continues to favorably review the convertible's power, moving on to the transmission that "worked flawlessly. The four-speed automatic is matched well to the engine's power and torque bands. Most of the time, we simply put it in Drive and drove." Meanwhile, Consumer Guide notes that all G6 automatic transmissions "downshift readily for impressive passing response." According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the 3.5-liter engine gets an estimated 18 miles per gallon in the city and 29 on the highway.
The convertible also offers an optional 3.9-liter V6 that creates 222 horsepower and 238 pound-feet of torque, and is paired with the standard four-speed automatic. Kelley Blue Book is one of the reviews to claim, "The G6 feels its most athletic when ordered with the 3.9-liter V6," and Consumer Guide writes, "Convertibles with the 3.9 are noticeably quicker in highway passing…3.9 V6 is quieter, more refined than the 3.5." A 2008 Pontiac G6 convertible with a 3.9-liter engine should anticipate 15 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway with the automatic transmission, according to the EPA.
Handling and Braking
Handling is a somewhat mixed bag. With a touring suspension, "All G6s deliver surprisingly athletic ride and handling," for Edmunds. New Car Test Drive backs that statement, calling the handling "responsive and fun. The suspension strikes a good balance between handling and ride quality. The ride is comfortable and smooth and the car tracks well." But there are a handful of reviews who describe the convertible's ride as indistinct. Consumer Guide notes "body flex, shudder over bumps," and MSN points out that "the G6 retractable is more of a relaxed cruiser than a car for tackling winding roads."
Although the Pontiac G6 sedan's steering is not well received, the G6 convertible's hydraulic power steering is passable. The Detroit Free Press admits that steering is "a marked improvement over the electric system" maneuvering the G6 coupe and sedan, and MSN states, "Steering should be smoother, but is quick." Yet, reviewers begin to disagree once more as they assess the G6's four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes. MSN reports, "Large, heavy duty all-disc brakes provide strong stopping power and have a linear pedal action for smooth stops," and Autobytel calls the brake pedal "responsive and easy to modulate." Reflecting those who think opposite, Consumer Guide makes note of "slightly dull brake pedal feel."
