2008 Pontiac G8: Road Test
2008 Pontiac G8 ▼
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- MSRP: $26,910 - $29,310
- Invoice: $25,565 - $27,845
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Our road test for the 2008 Pontiac G8 includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Pontiac G8 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Pontiac G8, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Pontiac G8 help you decide if a 2008 Pontiac G8 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base | GT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 6.4 |
The base car's V6 offers enough power for nearly any situation. The GT's V8 is notably more powerful at all times. Pontiac says the V6 does 0-60 mph in 7.0 seconds, while the V8 does it in 5.3 seconds. Both claims feel accurate to us. With either engine, the transmissions are responsive and smooth shifting. Both transmissions include a sport mode and a manual-shift mode.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base | GT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.3 |
In Consumer Guide testing, GTs averaged 17.0-18.7 mpg. All G8 models use regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base | GT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6.6 |
Both G8 models have a firm, well-controlled ride. Test drives demonstrated good bump absorption and no harshness. No opportunity to test a G8 GT with 19-inch tires.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base | GT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5.6 |
The steering is nicely weighted and precise. Body lean is minimal during cornering, and the car cleanly transitions from right- to left-hand corners. Despite GT's added weight, its handling is little different than that of the base model. Brakes offer fine stopping control with excellent pedal modulation.
QUIETNESS
| Base | GT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 6.8 |
The V6 engine is notably louder than the V8 under acceleration but is not intrusive. The V8 is nearly mute, except for a subdued growl under heavy acceleration. Both cars offer good control of wind and road noise, with some wind noise around the mirrors becoming more noticeable at higher speeds. Tire noise is fairly well controlled, even on coarse concrete.
CONTROLS
| Base | GT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Major gauges are large and easy to read. Most controls are well marked and located, though power window, lock, and mirror controls are grouped together on the center console rather than the traditional on-door location. Audio controls stray from North American General Motors norm, taking considerable time to master. A tilt and telescopic steering column is standard on all G8s.
DETAILS
| Base | GT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
Understated cabin decor is assembled to a high standard. Surfaces are finished with price-appropriate materials.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base | GT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 7.9 |
Seats are well bolstered and all-day comfortable, even for larger adults. Base power seats are upholstered in grippy cloth. Optional premium package adds heated leather seats and power height adjustment. Note that the seat recline mechanism is a tedious to operate hand control, instead of the usual lever.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base | GT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7 |
The back seat has plenty of knee and shoulder space but only adequate headroom for six-footers. Some passengers may find the bottom cushion a little low, but the seat itself is comfortable.
CARGO ROOM
| Base | GT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.9 |
Trunklid opens on space-saving strut-type hinges. The trunk is large and well shaped. The rear seatback does not fold down, but does offer a wide center pass-through for long items such as skis. Good interior storage includes glovebox, console bin, door pockets, and a useful cubby in front of the shifter.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base | GT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 7.2 |
Any G8 is on the sporty end of the full-size-car class. Potent engines, balanced handling, and a roomy interior make G8 a must-see for large-sedan shoppers. The V8 is the better value with appreciably stronger performance off-setting only slight penalties in price and projected fuel economy.
Total Score
| Base | GT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 69 | 71 | 69.2 |
Total Score: 70
Scores for all Large Cars
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