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2009 Pontiac G8 Features Review

February 23, 2009

FEATURES | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

OnStar “not for folks with privacy paranoia
Car and Driver

comprehensive array of power assists
Kelley Blue Book

Option packages at “fairly reasonable prices
Cars.com

Because of the G8’s Australian heritage, certain technological options expected in the U.S. market aren’t available. Otherwise, the G8 is a formidably equipped sedan.

Features on every G8 are substantial. Even standard models arrive from the factory with power front seats; a rear spoiler; 18-inch wheels; an AM/FM/CD audio system with an auxiliary jack for iPods and other MP3 players; and air conditioning. Performance tires come standard on V-8 versions, and Edmunds.com notes the use of a dual-zone climate control and a premium Blaupunkt audio system. Kelley Blue Book highlights the G8’s steering-wheel audio controls and trip computer, while Cars.com adds that options include a sunroof, leather seats, and other features in reasonably priced packages.

A navigation system is the most glaring omission from the options list, even though the center stack seems designed for it and the premium sound system comes with a 6.5-inch display. Instead, GM sells its “turn-by-turn” navigation service as a part of its OnStar system. With this system, you press a button to talk with an operator who sends recorded directions directly to your car. Jalopnik says this “more than makes up” for the lack of a built-in nav, but Car and Driver contends 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 2009 Pontiac G8 lacks some of the features available on competing models.

FEATURES | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:OnStar “not for folks with privacy paranoiaCar and Drivercomprehensive array of power assistsKelley Blue BookOption packages at “fairly reasonable pricesCars.com Because of the G8’s Australian heritage, certain technological options expected in the U.S. market aren’t available. Otherwise, the G8 is a formidably equipped sedan. Features on every G8 are substantial. Even standard models arrive from the factory with power front seats; a rear spoiler; 18-inch wheels; an AM/FM/CD audio system with an auxiliary jack for iPods and other MP3 players; and air conditioning. Performance tires come standard on V-8 versions, and Edmunds.com notes the use of a dual-zone climate control and a premium Blaupunkt audio system. Kelley Blue Book highlights the G8’s steering-wheel audio controls and trip computer, while Cars.com adds that options include a sunroof, leather seats, and other features in reasonably priced packages. A navigation system is the most glaring omission from the options list, even though the center stack seems designed for it and the premium sound system comes with a 6.5-inch display. Instead, GM sells its “turn-by-turn” navigation service as a part of its OnStar system. With this system, you press a button to talk with an operator who sends recorded directions directly to your car. Jalopnik says this “more than makes up” for the lack of a built-in nav, but Car and Driver contends 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 2009 Pontiac G8 lacks some of the features available on competing models. 2009 PONTIAC G8 STYLING | [8 out of 10] Cars.com: “remarkably contemporary” Popular Mechanics: “won’t be mistaken for a luxury sedan” Jalopnik: “discreet and tasteful look” USAToday: “assertively Pontiac” The combination of assertive and refined styling—with a lack of gimmickry ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

The G8’s chief rival is the Dodge Charger, which has more aggressive styling but is a little less refined. The Charger and the similar but more glamorous Chrysler 300 offer optional all-wheel drive, whereas the G8 does not. However, the Charger doesn’t have the thoroughly in-check body control and poise around corners to match the G8. The front-wheel-drive Ford Taurus (with an all-wheel-drive option) is just as large as its competitors, but it’s more clearly geared to an older, more conservative crowd. Then there’s the Nissan Maxima, which trumps the G8 for style but, because it’s front-wheel drive and only offers a V-6, can’t touch the G8’s level of performance.

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See the Pontiac G8 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008

Comments (1 total)

  1. By Terry #1, Posted: 2/5/2009

    What the..?!

    "...the Nissan Maxima, which trumps the G8 for style..."
    You are kidding, right? I hate to tell you this, but the Maxima has less style than a Taurus. I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

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