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2008 Pontiac G8 Features Review

May 15, 2008

FEATURES | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

comprehensive array of power assists
KBB

OnStar “not for folks with privacy paranoia
Car and Driver

Option packages at “fairly reasonable prices
Cars.com

Pontiac’s new G8 is a well-equipped sedan, but in some instances, its Australian heritage means the very latest in tech features are left off the options list.

The standard features found on every G8 are extensive. Even base cars come with 18-inch wheels; power front seats; air conditioning; a rear spoiler; and an AM/FM/CD audio system with an auxiliary jack for iPods and other MP3 players. The V-8 versions add on standard performance tires, Edmunds.com notes, along with dual-zone climate control and a premium Blaupunkt audio system. KBB highlights the G8’s steering-wheel audio controls and trip computer. And Cars.com adds that options include a sunroof, leather seats, and other features in reasonably priced packages.

But since the G8's been designed for world markets, some U.S.-specific and U.S.-popular options are yet to be integrated. The big one is satellite radio; G8 fans might wait until a late fall availability if they want XM installed from the factory. And Bluetooth connectivity has yet to appear on the options list. Something exotic, like Ford’s entertainment-controlling SYNC system, isn’t even in the cards, but we do expect the first two to be available on the 2009 Pontiac G8.

The other big omission is in a navigation system. Even though the center console seems designed for a built-in nav, none is offered. Instead, GM sells its “Turn-By-Turn” navigation service as a part of its OnStar system. The system lets you press a button and talk to an operator who can send recorded directions to your destination to your car. Jalopnik says this “more than makes up” for the lack of a built-in nav, but Car and Driver says that the setup is “not for folks with privacy paranoia,” and recommends a trip to an aftermarket electronics shop. As users of a portable navigation system (a $300 bargain compared to the usual $2,000 navigation system prices charged by car companies), TheCarConnection.com’s editors agree wholeheartedly.

Conclusion

The 2008 Pontiac G8 is a little behind the curve on available features.

FEATURES | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:comprehensive array of power assistsKBBOnStar “not for folks with privacy paranoiaCar and DriverOption packages at “fairly reasonable pricesCars.com Pontiac’s new G8 is a well-equipped sedan, but in some instances, its Australian heritage means the very latest in tech features are left off the options list. The standard features found on every G8 are extensive. Even base cars come with 18-inch wheels; power front seats; air conditioning; a rear spoiler; and an AM/FM/CD audio system with an auxiliary jack for iPods and other MP3 players. The V-8 versions add on standard performance tires, Edmunds.com notes, along with dual-zone climate control and a premium Blaupunkt audio system. KBB highlights the G8’s steering-wheel audio controls and trip computer. And Cars.com adds that options include a sunroof, leather seats, and other features in reasonably priced packages. But since the G8's been designed for world markets, some U.S.-specific and U.S.-popular options are yet to be integrated. The big one is satellite radio; G8 fans might wait until a late fall availability if they want XM installed from the factory. And Bluetooth connectivity has yet to appear on the options list. Something exotic, like Ford’s entertainment-controlling SYNC system, isn’t even in the cards, but we do expect the first two to be available on the 2009 Pontiac G8. The other big omission is in a navigation system. Even though the center console seems designed for a built-in nav, none is offered. Instead, GM sells its “Turn-By-Turn” navigation service as a part of its OnStar system. The system lets you press a button and talk to an operator who can send recorded directions to your destination to your car. Jalopnik says this “more than makes up” for the lack of a built-in nav, but Car and Driver says that the setup is “not for folks with privacy paranoia,” and recommends a trip to an aftermarket electronics shop. As users of a portable navigation system (a $300 bargain compared to the usual $2,000 navigation system prices charged by car companies), TheCarConnection.com’s editors agree wholeheartedly. ConclusionThe 2008 Pontiac G8 is a little behind the curve on available features. 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).

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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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