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2008 Pontiac G8 Bottom Line

November 7, 2008

By Marty Padgett's avatar Marty Padgett, Executive EditorMarty Padgett

TheCarConnection.com’s car experts read all the competitive reviews on the new Pontiac G8 sedan to produce this conclusive review, and to give enthusiastic approval of the new G8. TheCarConnection.com also drove the car to be able to give you an expert opinion on the vehicle, and to help you figure out the truth where other car reviews might differ.

Likes:

  • Spacious interior
  • Well-balanced steering and ride
  • Handsome profile
  • Comfortable rear seat.

Dislikes:

  • Lack of Bluetooth and navigation system
  • No available all-wheel drive
  • Some minor controls placed in awkward spots.

Buying Tips:


The 2008 Pontiac G8 comes in V-6 and V-8 versions--with one V-8 generating Corvette-style horsepower. The better deals in the first year will be for V-6 cars, as enthusiasts scramble in eBay auctions to get the boy-racer versions. The base car, with 256 hp and plenty of standard equipment, is a strong value regardless.

Pontiac’s G8 sedan is a completely new vehicle that shares its underpinnings with an Australian-market car sold by General Motors as the Holden Commodore. The G8 is rear-wheel drive, and sports powerful 256-horsepower V-6 and 361-hp V-8 engines coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission. (A 402-hp version arrives next year as the 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP, and comes with an available manual transmission.)

The G8 instantly returns Pontiac to the top tier of performance-oriented big sedans. Chrysler had the category all to itself among American makes--and the G8 matches the likes of the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 on all points, with a more sophisticated look and a more refined performance package. The G8 is exceptionally roomy in front and in its rear seat, and has a large trunk. Though there’s no all-wheel-drive option, its secure and stable handling is reassuring. And its look is distinctive, though not overly aggressive. Fuel economy isn’t exactly a letdown for this type of car, but it’s not stellar.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2008 Pontiac G8, also consider:

Reason Why:

Among large sedans, the G8’s chief rival is the Dodge Charger, which is a little ballsier in styling, but also a little less refined inside and out. The Charger and the similar but more glamorous Chrysler 300 offer optional all-wheel drive, though. The Ford Taurus is just as large as its competitors, but it’s more clearly geared to an older, more conservative crowd--and it’s front-wheel drive (with an all-wheel-drive option).

The Bottom Line:

Pontiac’s come from nowhere in the large-sedan segment to build a class-leading four-door, with only a few minor quibbles.

TheCarConnection.com’s car experts read all the competitive reviews on the new Pontiac G8 sedan to produce this conclusive review, and to give enthusiastic approval of the new G8. TheCarConnection.com also drove the car to be able to give you an expert opinion on the vehicle, and to help you figure out the truth where other car reviews might differ. Likes:Spacious interiorWell-balanced steering and rideHandsome profileComfortable rear seat.Dislikes:Lack of Bluetooth and navigation systemNo available all-wheel driveSome minor controls placed in awkward spots.Buying Tips: The 2008 Pontiac G8 comes in V-6 and V-8 versions--with one V-8 generating Corvette-style horsepower. The better deals in the first year will be for V-6 cars, as enthusiasts scramble in eBay auctions to get the boy-racer versions. The base car, with 256 hp and plenty of standard equipment, is a strong value regardless. Pontiac’s G8 sedan is a completely new vehicle that shares its underpinnings with an Australian-market car sold by General Motors as the Holden Commodore. The G8 is rear-wheel drive, and sports powerful 256-horsepower V-6 and 361-hp V-8 engines coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission. (A 402-hp version arrives next year as the 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP, and comes with an available manual transmission.) The G8 instantly returns Pontiac to the top tier of performance-oriented big sedans. Chrysler had the category all to itself among American makes--and the G8 matches the likes of the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 on all points, with a more sophisticated look and a more refined performance package. The G8 is exceptionally roomy in front and in its rear seat, and has a large trunk. Though there’s no all-wheel-drive option, its secure and stable handling is reassuring. And its look is distinctive, though not overly aggressive. Fuel economy isn’t exactly a letdown for this type of car, but it’s not stellar. Other Choices:If you like the 2008 Pontiac G8, also consider:Dodge ChargerChrysler 300Ford TaurusReason Why:Among large sedans, the G8’s chief rival is the Dodge Charger, which is a little ballsier in styling, but also a little less refined inside and out. The Charger and the similar but more glamorous Chrysler 300 offer optional all-wheel drive, though. The Ford Taurus is just as large as its competitors, but it’s more clearly geared to an older, more conservative crowd--and it’s front-wheel drive (with an all-wheel-drive option). The Bottom Line:Pontiac’s come from nowhere in the large-sedan segment to build a class-leading four-door, with only a few minor quibbles. TheCarConnection.com’s car experts read all the competitive reviews on the new Pontiac G8 sedan to produce this conclusive review, and to give enthusiastic approval of the new G8. TheCarConnection.com also drove the car to be able to give you an expert opinion on the vehicle, and to help you ...

Other Choices:

Among large sedans, the G8’s chief rival is the Dodge Charger, which is a little ballsier in styling, but also a little less refined inside and out. The Charger and the similar but more glamorous Chrysler 300 offer optional all-wheel drive, though. The Ford Taurus is just as large as its competitors, but it’s more clearly geared to an older, more conservative crowd--and it’s front-wheel drive (with an all-wheel-drive option).

Next Steps:

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2008 Pontiac G8

Check Financing Rates

for the 2008 Pontiac G8

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2008 Pontiac G8 near you

See the Pontiac G8 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008

Comments (2 total)

  1. By Aaaaplay #1, Posted: 9/13/2008

    australia has the holden VE

    hi i from australia this car is a big hit in australia we got it in 2006 and this year we got the sportswagen and truck version of this if you would like to look at it go to
    www.holden.com.au

  2. By Tom - #2, Posted: 1/11/2009

    Owner, G8 GT

    I got the car last March and for the most part like it very much. Form, fit, finish, and function of most items is very good and at the price was a excelent buy. Two items stand out as needing some help, the first being Poitiac for not making Service Manual information available to Helm Inc. in a timely manner (I'm still waiting since the purchase date) and second the telescope feature of the steering wheel is very short so the wheel reach for me is uncomfortable when the seat is back to a comfortable pedal position. I've found other minor items that could have used a bit more design effort but I can live with them and if indeed the car was perfect I probably wouldn't have been able to purchase it in the first place.

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