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	3	4.2

No opportunity to measure. All G8 models use regular-grade gas.

Ride Quality

Base	GT	Class Average
7	7	6.7

Both G8 models have a firm, well-controlled ride. Test drives on generally smooth roads in Southern California 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	5.7

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	6.7

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
7	7	6.4

Major gauges are large and easy to read. Most controls are well marked and located. Power window, lock, and mirror controls are grouped together on the center console rather than the traditional on-door location. A tilt and telescopic steering column is standard on all G8s.

Details

Base	GT	Class Average
7	7	6.3

Understated cabin decor is assembled to a high standard. Most surfaces are finished with quality materials and tastefully textured plastics.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base	GT	Class Average
8	8	8

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.

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	4.8

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	7.1

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
71	73	69.3

Scores for all Large Cars

Low Score		58
Average Score		69
High Score		77