Why (Not) the Pontiac G8?
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Buyers' reasons for buying--or not buying--a particular car
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TrueDelta's "Why (Not) This Car?" reviews of the Pontiac G8, posted by owners, focus on the information most sought by many car buyers: the reasons to buy (or not buy) the Pontiac G8 compared to other car models.
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Comparisons: Pontiac G8 Not Preferred
2003 Honda Accord4-door Sedan | > | 2008.5 Pontiac G84-door Sedan |
| Honda Accord: Reasons to buy |
|---|
| Fuel economy: getting 24 city and 35 pure hwy @ 75+ mph |
| Control design: simple in elegance, excellent ergnomics |
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| Pontiac G8: Reasons not to buy |
|---|
| 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 |
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Single Vehicle Reviews: Pontiac G8 Pros and Cons
2009 Pontiac G84-door Sedan |
| Pontiac G8: Reasons to buy |
|---|
| 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 |
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2009 Pontiac G84-door Sedan |
| Pontiac G8: Reasons to buy |
|---|
| 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. |
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2009 Pontiac G84-door Sedan |
| Pontiac G8: Reasons to buy |
|---|
| 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. |
| Discounts & incentives: Currently very aggressive. Make the G8 very attractive. Can't believe they haven't sold like hotcakes. |
| Handling: The G8 is composed and responsive; the grip is extremely sticky for a large sedan. The balance between ride smoothness and performance is just about perfect. The skidpad numbers are around 86gs - It does what you tell it to do without hesitation. |
| Exterior styling: It is aggressive and sleek with a powerful stance. The bodylines are very attractive, the rake angle from rear to front is much more extreme than other sedans. The 19 inch wheels are flattering and not overbearing. The car often receives much kudos. |
| Powertrain performance: Starlingly fast for a large sedan. Very smooth power delivery, lots of torgue throughout the powerband. The torque and power continue at highway speeds. Has 2 shift modes + manu-matic shifting. Power display creates much dismay for foreign sedan owners. |
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| Pontiac G8: Reasons not to buy |
|---|
| Audio & nav systems: Audio controls are odd, but modern and attractive. System has great possibilities. Speakers are not very good. Power is okay. No navigation option as of yet. With decent aftermarket speakers, the system sounds light-years better. |
| Fuel economy: Is very low in stop-and-go traffic. Gets better with time, I understand. |
| Dealership practices: Dealers are sneaky sons of guns. You need to have eyes in the back of your head for many American dealers, it seems. Service has been good, though. |
| Insurance & depreciation: Insurance has been very low for a new, powerful sports sedan. Depreciation is not very good, for whatever reason. |
| Brand reputation & image: Among enthusiasts and car people, the G8 has a fantastic and well-earned reputation. For those who are not brand snobs, the G8 is an attractive and desirable car. The same for those who are not brand-aware. For brand snobs, well, it's a Pontiac. |
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2009 Pontiac G84-door Sedan |
| Pontiac G8: Reasons to buy |
|---|
| Fuel economy: Got 33.6 mpg highway today. Set cruise at 68 and got in Grandpa lane. Commuting 24 miles per day/ 6 days a week, combination of 70% rural, 30% city I am averaging 22 mpg. I figure mileage by calculator, not by automobile's electronics. |
| Quietness: I can hear my infant twins napping in their car seats! |
| Ride smoothness: Smooths out pavement seams, yet is firm and responsive. |
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2009 Pontiac G84-door Sedan |
| Pontiac G8: Reasons to buy |
|---|
| Exterior styling: It has a modern muscular look with four doors. |
| Powertrain performance: Lots of Power. |
| Interior styling: Very clean style. Materials are outstanding. The interior is well thought out. |
| Handling: Corners like a sports car but takes the bumps like a cruiser. |
| Brand reputation & image: Pontiac has always been about performance. |
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| Pontiac G8: Reasons not to buy |
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| Audio & nav systems: There is no Nav System. |
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About TrueDelta's "Why (Not) This Car?"
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Hundreds of websites include Pontiac G8 reviews. But with your typical Pontiac G8 review car buyers must dig to find the information they really want. And too often they still don't find it.
With "Why (Not) This Car?" TrueDelta is providing the information many car buyers considering the Pontiac G8 are looking for: the reasons to buy--or not buy--the Pontiac G8. As reported by other car buyers.
The survey process is simple:
- Select two cars to compare
- Describe your time in each
- Select reasons for buying one and not buying the other
- Explain and provide additional detail for these reasons
