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2008 Pontiac G8 Full Review
Date Published: 5/16/08
Also in the 2008 Pontiac G8 Review:
5.
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Pontiac G8 Full Review
7.
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2008 Pontiac G8 Review
The 2008 Pontiac G8 marks the return of a large rear-wheel-drive car to General Motors' performance-oriented division. The G8 shares its basic design with large cars from Holden, GM's Australian subsidiary. The G8 is available as a base or sporty GT model. The base offers a 256-hp 3.6-liter V6 while the GT has a 361-hp 6.0-liter V8. A 5-speed automatic transmission is standard on the base, and a 6-speed automatic is standard on the GT. Exterior appearance is similar for both models, with the most obvious differences being chrome-trimmed door handles, clear taillamp lenses, and four exhaust tips on the GT. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. GM's OnStar assistance is standard. This evaluation is based on preview drives.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large Cars comprise the biggest passenger sedans and wagons. Large inside and out, they offer lots of metal for the money and are dominated by domestic brands.
Our Best Buys include Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum, and Toyota Avalon. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable.
New for 2008 is the Pontiac G8.
The Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable replace the Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego, and both models have more power and have been restyled for 2008.
Our Best Buys include Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum, and Toyota Avalon. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable.
New for 2008 is the Pontiac G8.
The Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable replace the Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego, and both models have more power and have been restyled for 2008.
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2008 Pontiac G8 Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Rear seatback does not fold down |
| Handling/roadholding | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
No opportunity to measure. All G8 models use regular-grade gas.
| Base | GT | Class Average |
| 4 | 3 | 4.2 |
No opportunity to measure. All G8 models use regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
Understated cabin decor is assembled to a high standard. Most surfaces are finished with quality materials and tastefully textured plastics.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 | 69.2 |
Scores for all Large Cars
| Low Score | 58 | |
| Average Score | 69 | |
| High Score | 77 |
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2008 Pontiac G8 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/18/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| Base 4-door sedan | $26,910 | $25,565 | $685 |
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| GT 4-door sedan | $29,310 | $27,845 | $685 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
| Model | Rebate & Incentives | Type | Expires |
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| G8 | 5.9%-7.9% financing. | Customer | 06/02/08 |
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
3.6-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights, emergency inside trunk release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, OnStar assistance system w/one-year service, tilt/telescopic steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, 4-way power front bucket seats, center console, trunk pass-through, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, tachometer, trip computer, variable-intermittent wipers, remote engine start, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, rear spoiler, 245/45VR18 tires, alloy wheels.
GT adds to Base:
Powertrain
6.0-liter V8 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, limited-slip differential.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Blaupunkt AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Premium Pkg.
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Base
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$1,375
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$1,141
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GT
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$1,250
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$1,038
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Leather upholstery, heated 6-way power front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel (Base).
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Comfort and Sound Pkg.
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Base
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$795
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$660
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Dual-zone automatic climate controls, Blaupunkt AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer.
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Sport Pkg.
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GT
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$600
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$498
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Metal pedals, sport steering wheel, 245/40R19 tires, unique alloy wheels.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Power sunroof
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Base, GT
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$900
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$747
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Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Pontiac G8 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Pontiac G8 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 114.8 |
| Overall Length, in. | 196.1 |
| Overall Width, in. | 74.8 |
| Overall Height, in. | 57.7 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3885 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 17.5 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 19.2 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.7 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.2 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.0 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 39.4 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V6 | ohv V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.6 /217 | 6.0 /364 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 256 @ 6300 | 361 @ 5300 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 248 @ 2100 | 385 @ 4400 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed automatic | 17/25 | --/-- |
| 6-speed automatic | --/-- | 15/24 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Pontiac G8 4-door sedan |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Australia
Drivewheels:
rear-wheel drive
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Tester's Comments
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Major Options: Premium Package (Leather Seats, Heated Front Seats, 6-way Power Driver's Seat, 6-way Power Front Passenger Seat, Leather Wrapped Shift Lever), 18-inch All-Season Tires Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 17.03 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Ed Piotrowski This Australian immigrant has done a better job of assimilating himself into American culture than his runtier German cousin, the Opel/Saturn Astra. G8 is fast, athletic, and decently comfortable. The popular thing is apparently to compare this Pontiac to the BMW 5-Series. G8 is rougher around the edges when it comes to balancing ride, handling, and other dynamic driving characteristics. The Pontiac does save a ton of cash off the BMW, though. Call G8 80% of a 550i at 50% of the price, and that's a solid value no matter what corner of the globe you might call home. Tom Appel To hear the buff books tell it, buying a G8 is like walking into a BMW dealer with a 50-percent off coupon. It's not that good. There's some suspension harshness over big stuff, and the interior, though nice, doesn't approach BMW-level materials or assembly quality. That said, G8 is darn good in its own right, with abundant power (in GT trim), quick moves, and the kind of styling that invites a surprising amount of thumbs pointed up. The G8 is not a BMW slayer, but it is fun to drive, and it's an incredible value. |
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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Pontiac G8 Review:
5.
6.
Pontiac G8 Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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