2009 Pontiac G8: Road Test
2009 Pontiac G8 ▼
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- MSRP: $28,250 - $37,610
- Invoice: $26,979 - $35,918
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Our road test for the 2009 Pontiac G8 includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Pontiac G8 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Pontiac G8, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Pontiac G8 help you decide if a 2009 Pontiac G8 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base | GT | GXP, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 9 | 6.6 |
The base car's V6 offers enough power for nearly any situation. The GT's V8 is notably more powerful at all times, and the GXP is stronger still. Pontiac says the V6 does 0-60 mph in 7.0 seconds, the GT does it in 5.3 seconds, and the GXP does it in 4.7 seconds. Those claims feel accurate to us. With the V6 and 6.0-liter engines, the automatic transmissions are responsive and smooth shifting. Both transmissions include a sport mode and a manual-shift mode. The GXP's optional 6-speed manual transmission has positive clutch and shift action. No opportunity to test the GXP with an automatic.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base | GT | GXP, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 2 | 4.4 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a V6 G8 averaged 21.4 mpg with slightly more highway driving than city use. GTs averaged 17.0-18.7 mpg in even city and highway driving. No opportunity to measure GXP. Base and GT models use regular-grade gas. Pontiac recommends premium for the GXP.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base | GT | GXP, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.6 |
All models have a firm, well-controlled ride. G8 demonstrates good bump absorption and no harshness. No opportunity to test a G8 GT with 19-inch tires. The GXP does have 19s, however, and it rides little different than a standard GT.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base | GT | GXP, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 5.5 |
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. GXP's performance suspension and beefier brakes give it slightly sharper moves than the others. Brakes offer fine stopping control with excellent pedal modulation.
QUIETNESS
| Base | GT | GXP, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 7 | 6.8 |
The V6 engine is notably louder than the 6.0-liter V8 under acceleration but is not intrusive. The GT's V8 is nearly mute, except for a subdued growl under heavy acceleration. The 6.2-liter V8 in the GXP has a louder exhaust note at idle and under acceleration than the GT, but the controlled rumble should please enthusiasts. G8s 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 | GXP, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.4 |
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.
DETAILS
| Base | GT | GXP, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.4 |
Understated cabin decor is assembled to a high standard. Surfaces are finished with price-appropriate materials.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base | GT | GXP, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.9 |
Seats are well bolstered and all-day comfortable, even for larger adults. A tilt and telescopic steering column is standard on all G8s. Base power seats are upholstered in grippy cloth. Optional premium package for base and GT adds heated leather seats and power height adjustment, features that are standard on GXP. Note that the seat-recline mechanism is a tedious-to-operate hand control, instead of the usual lever.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base | GT | GXP, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 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 | GXP, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.4 |
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 | GXP, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 8 | 6.9 |
Any G8 is on the sporty end of the large-car class. Potent engines, balanced handling, and a roomy interior make G8 a Best Buy. The GT is the best value though, hitting the sweet spot between the more-sedate base car and the higher-performance GXP when it comes to price, performance, and fuel economy.
Total Score
| Base | GT | GXP, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 73 | 74 | 72 | 68.9 |
Total Score: 73
Scores for all Large Cars
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