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2008 Pontiac G8 Review

May 15, 2008

STYLING | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

sharp and far more restrained than the Charger
Jalopnik

assertively Pontiac
USAToday

Understated cabin decor
ConsumerGuide

remarkably contemporary
Cars.com

Reviewers loved the G8’s mix of assertive and tasteful lines, inside and out.

From enthusiast Web sites to mainstream consumer guides, most reviewers approved of the 2008 Pontiac G8’s sleek and trim four-door shape. Jalopnik called it a “discreet and tasteful look. Not really a head-turner, but sharp and far more restrained than the [Dodge] Charger.” Cars.com agreed, and said the G8 “isn't going to snap necks with its looks like the Chrysler 300 did when it debuted, but the bulging hood can't be missed when seen in the rearview mirror.”

USAToday noted the more dramatic elements in the G8’s profile. “The look is assertively Pontiac,” they said, “Drooping snout, oversize grille, red dashboard lighting, gimmicky hood scoops.”

Inside, the G8 racked up a demerit or two. The interior’s styling is pleasing enough. ConsumerGuide liked the “understated cabin decor” and said, “most surfaces are finished with quality materials and tastefully textured plastics.” They also noted the plentiful interior storage, down to the “useful cubby in front of the shifter.” Popular Mechanics felt that though it was nice, the G8’s cabin “certainly won’t be mistaken for a luxury sedan.”

TheCarConnection.com’s editors think the G8’s interior could use a final round of refinement, but it looked fairly flawless when compared to some recent Pontiacs. The niggles come down to materials: GM’s made huge progress in choosing the right textures, but the Australian-sourced plastic surrounding the radio and climate controls isn’t the best piece ever installed in a $30,000 sedan. And some of the fonts and digital readouts look more 1980s than 2008. Still, it’s by far the best Pontiac available, and a big step up inside over the Dodge Charger--even if its exterior isn’t as sharp as the Dodge/Chrysler twins. (The 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP adds even more exterior trim.)

Conclusion

Fine curves on the outside and a handsome cabin make the G8 the more refined alternative to the Charger.

STYLING | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:sharp and far more restrained than the ChargerJalopnikassertively PontiacUSATodayUnderstated cabin decorConsumerGuideremarkably contemporaryCars.com Reviewers loved the G8’s mix of assertive and tasteful lines, inside and out. From enthusiast Web sites to mainstream consumer guides, most reviewers approved of the 2008 Pontiac G8’s sleek and trim four-door shape. Jalopnik called it a “discreet and tasteful look. Not really a head-turner, but sharp and far more restrained than the [Dodge] Charger.” Cars.com agreed, and said the G8 “isn't going to snap necks with its looks like the Chrysler 300 did when it debuted, but the bulging hood can't be missed when seen in the rearview mirror.” USAToday noted the more dramatic elements in the G8’s profile. “The look is assertively Pontiac,” they said, “Drooping snout, oversize grille, red dashboard lighting, gimmicky hood scoops.” Inside, the G8 racked up a demerit or two. The interior’s styling is pleasing enough. ConsumerGuide liked the “understated cabin decor” and said, “most surfaces are finished with quality materials and tastefully textured plastics.” They also noted the plentiful interior storage, down to the “useful cubby in front of the shifter.” Popular Mechanics felt that though it was nice, the G8’s cabin “certainly won’t be mistaken for a luxury sedan.” TheCarConnection.com’s editors think the G8’s interior could use a final round of refinement, but it looked fairly flawless when compared to some recent Pontiacs. The niggles come down to materials: GM’s made huge progress in choosing the right textures, but the Australian-sourced plastic surrounding the radio and climate controls isn’t the best piece ever installed in a $30,000 sedan. And some of the fonts and digital readouts look more 1980s than 2008. Still, it’s by far the best Pontiac available, and a big step up inside over the Dodge Charger--even if its exterior isn’t as sharp as the Dodge/Chrysler twins. (The 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP adds even more exterior trim.) ConclusionFine curves on the outside and a handsome cabin make the G8 the more refined alternative to the Charger. 2008 PONTIAC G8 STYLING  | 8 out of 10 Jalopnik: “sharp and far more restrained than the Charger” USAToday: “assertively Pontiac” ConsumerGuide: “Understated cabin decor” Cars.com: “remarkably contemporary” Reviewers loved the G8’s mix of assertive and tasteful lines, ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

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:

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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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