Why (Not) the Pontiac G8? Owner Reviews

Why the Honda Accord?

Fuel economy: getting 24 city and 35 pure hwy @ 75+ mph

Control design: simple in elegance, excellent ergnomics

Why Not the Pontiac G8?

Fuel economy: low 18 mpg city

Brand reputation & image: gee whiz target, little over the top, although this model is less so than past efforts. was a pleasant ride with good handling

Why the Pontiac G8?

Powertrain performance: There is nothing more special than beating out a Mustang GT or Charger!

Driving position & visibility: Good visibility in this car. A real pleasure to drive.

Rear seat room & comfort: When I go places with my friends, I actaully like sitting in the back! The back seats are sooo comfortable.

Handling: For a big sedan, it handles like my 97 Trans AM.

Exterior styling: This car (the G8 GXP) always gets people's head turning. I have yet to not recieve a "Wow" review.

Why Not the Pontiac G8?

Quietness: This car can be loud. A 415 HP V8 isn't the quietest engine on the planet.

Why the Pontiac G8?

Powertrain performance: Most powerful sedan for under $40k. Beats any stock 4.6L Mustang, any Charger/300, and even most European sports sedans short of M5/AMG/RS or the $100K crowd.

Safety & braking: Stops on a dime, stability control is spot on even for an overpowered rear-driver. airbags all over, and spaceframe design to deform to absorb impact while maintaining passenger compartment dimensions.

Handling: Despite a bit of body roll, the chassis is very communicative, and sticks to the road.

Rear seat room & comfort: Huge back seat, and very comfortable, even for two adults and a child seat.

Front seat comfort: Plenty of room, good support, and do not have to squirm much on a 6 hour drive.

Why Not the Pontiac G8?

Fuel economy: Low teens in town, and 24mpg tops on the highway make this a less than ideal economy car.

Quietness: Can be a bit loud on startup, quiets down nicely once warm. Very little engine noise on the road unless one is aggressive with the throttle. Very little road noise under 120mph.

Audio & nav systems: No nav available due to US regs. Car was built in AUS, where they have the nav screen lower. Also would have like a HUD as in my previous Grand Prix, but dev. costs precluded it until a major refresh...which will not happen thanks to GM closing Pontiac.

Why the Pontiac G8?

Exterior styling: what is not to love about this car looks great and fast www.g8gt.com for detailed info

Interior styling: very roomy, comfortable, heated seats

Powertrain performance: drives great, very responsive car, 100,000 mile warranty and fast

Handling: rear end is slightly slushy but that is due to the bushings in the rear end mounts. pedders.com has replacements

Why the Pontiac G8?

Reliability & durability: Solid proven engine platform upgraded since introduction in 1955. Proven American sports car application in Corvette. Also adopted to full size trucks. Transmission is modular construction providing common affordable, dependable parts with other models

Powertrain performance: Unbelievable acceleration performance and limited slip rear wheel drive. Has Corvette's 8 cylinder engine (LS2/L76), transmission 6 speed (6L80) and computer (E38) sport shift & "manual" tiptronic.

Fuel economy: 26 to 30 MPG: Active Fuel Management (AFM) deactivates cylinders in light acceleration. Behaves like 4-cylinder car when not needed. Has Corvette's 8 cylinder engine, transmission and computer.

Handling: Very stiff suspension and cornering. Track ready handling if brake system upgraded. E38 computer control includes performance ship maps engine/trans appropriate to race track handling. Cousin to Cadillac CTS-V tune on Nordschleif racetrack.

Exterior styling: On par with German performance automobiles. German/European car reviews compare this car as best value for performance on par with BMW "M" series and Audi.

Why the Pontiac G8?

Safety & braking: Stops rapidly and without fanfare. Braking numbers have tested well. Takes a lot of extreme stops to create fades. Brakes are large, brembo-style stompers.