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New car reviews » 2008 Pontiac G8 GT Sedan

Better than: 2005 Pontiac GTO
But not as good as: 1996 Chevy Impala SS
GRM Bang For The Buck Index: 76.63  

When we tested Pontiac’s newest four-door sedan, it was easy to forget that the G8 is replacing the old front-wheel-drive Bonneville. Although they’re dimensionally similar, the G8 seems to be from another dimension than the previous car when it comes to dynamics. With a big, torque-rich V8 driving the rear wheels, this sedan is what the GTO should have been.

Okay, so it’s pushing the better part of four thousand pounds, but the G8 has no trouble disposing of most other sedans in a stoplight drag race. It manages to be comfortable at the same time, with GM’s new six-speed automatic transmission snapping off shifts with a speed and smoothness that might have made an auto-equipped M5 blush.

The interior of the G8 is a leather-appointed cavern, with big comfy seats and the warm red glow that is so typical of Pontiac gauges. Build quality certainly seems to be improving, as the G8 garnered compliments for its solid feel. It also drew a good bit of criticism for its awkward interfaces, especially the supersized oil pressure and battery voltage displays. We were left wondering why none of the three digital display areas (one between the gauges, another at the top of the dash, and a huge radio display) were capable of navigation. You could call OnStar if you’re looking for directions, but we’re not in love with that solution.

In the end, we liked the G8 more than we thought we would. It’s not a sports car, but it might stand in for the role in a pinch. With the introduction of the sport-oriented GXP model and the potentially useful G8 Sport Truck next year, we hope to have another chance to be surprised by Pontiac’s latest.

Reader comments:

1. aussiesmg: — Jun 14, 2008 2:53 p.m.
   

   I look forward to the GXP with stick shift

2. P71: — Jun 28, 2008 10:11 a.m.
   

   What the GTO should have been? I’m confused, how does a 4,000Lb automatic 4-door feel better then a 400HP, 3,500Lb 6-Speed? Granted the GTO is based off of the last gen Holden Monaro/Commodore platform, and the G8 is the new one, but it still doesn’t make sense. Why is the G8’s predecessor knocked but the G8 praised for the same reasons? They’re both IRS-equipped, Ozzie-built, RWD, V8 cars that come from the same DNA and designers. Must be the GTO name and the lack of “retro”…

   I love the G8’s looks, but I will wait for the row-your-own version and the 403P GXP. I’ve only had the opportunity to see/drive the V6 one in real life, and while it was a good car, it wasn’t enough.

   Not as good as a 96 Impala though? Man your memories must be fading. The wimpy could barely click off 16-second 1/4 mile times, had horrendous engine issues (Opti-Spark, reverse-cooling), and was generally an overweight hog in the corners.

   I think you have it backwards. The G8 is loads better then the last-year Impala SS RWD, and the Bonny and GP FWD’s it replaced, but other then looks it doesn’t quite measure up to the LS2 GTO yet.

3. Nashco: — Jul 2, 2008 12:21 p.m.
   

   As mentioned by others, I’m looking forward to the GXP as well!

4. Tom Heath: — Jul 8, 2008 10:34 a.m.
   

   My problem with the last GTO was the lack of focus. It wasn’t a sports car, but still gave up a lot of usable space due to inefficient packaging. I could forgive it for either sin, but not both. Neither one knocked my socks off with driving dynamics, although both were moderately quick in a straight line. At least the G8 hauled our whole family comfortably and still had a ton of room leftover in the trunk.