Sadly, the Pontiac G8 only enjoyed a brief life on our shores before men in business suits axed it from GM’s model lineup and sent the Pontiac brand packing.
For performance buffs, the G8 was only slightly less attractive than owning a four-door Firebird. Simple premise with this machine. Shoppers could bring about $36,495 to their Pontiac dealers and leave with a brand new sedan stuffed with a six-litre, 361 horsepower V8 engine that spun the rear wheels. Oh, and the 160,000 kilometre powertrain warranty and airbags made it an easy sell to that significant other, too.
Of course, a more modest 3.6 litre, 256-horsepower V6 engine was standard for those more concerned about their driver’s licenses. V8-powered models were all labeled ‘G8 GT’, if you’re looking, and all models got an automatic transmission.
Look for features like a driver computer, Blaupunkt audio system, a sunroof, leather seating, automatic dual-zone climate control and all the standard power accessories. Remote start was available from the factory too.
Owners say the G8 caught their attention with the promise of a high performance driving experience, aggressive styling and decent pricing. Most find enough room for four or five adults, pleasing driving dynamics, and above-adequate performance-- even with the V6 on board. As it tends to go with GM V8 engines, gas mileage is typically said to be surprisingly good, too. The word ‘beast’ comes up frequently when G8 GT owners describe their driving experiences to others in online forums.
Complaints tend to centre around cheap interior trim, some fussy and awkwardly-located controls, and difficult-to-recline front seats.
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| 2008 Pontiac G8 (Photo: General Motors) |
For performance buffs, the G8 was only slightly less attractive than owning a four-door Firebird. Simple premise with this machine. Shoppers could bring about $36,495 to their Pontiac dealers and leave with a brand new sedan stuffed with a six-litre, 361 horsepower V8 engine that spun the rear wheels. Oh, and the 160,000 kilometre powertrain warranty and airbags made it an easy sell to that significant other, too.
Of course, a more modest 3.6 litre, 256-horsepower V6 engine was standard for those more concerned about their driver’s licenses. V8-powered models were all labeled ‘G8 GT’, if you’re looking, and all models got an automatic transmission.
Look for features like a driver computer, Blaupunkt audio system, a sunroof, leather seating, automatic dual-zone climate control and all the standard power accessories. Remote start was available from the factory too.
Owners say the G8 caught their attention with the promise of a high performance driving experience, aggressive styling and decent pricing. Most find enough room for four or five adults, pleasing driving dynamics, and above-adequate performance-- even with the V6 on board. As it tends to go with GM V8 engines, gas mileage is typically said to be surprisingly good, too. The word ‘beast’ comes up frequently when G8 GT owners describe their driving experiences to others in online forums.
Complaints tend to centre around cheap interior trim, some fussy and awkwardly-located controls, and difficult-to-recline front seats.
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| 2009 Pontiac G8 (Photo: General Motors) |