With General Motors putting future rear-wheel drive models on hold, the Pontiac G8 could be the only sedan of its kind from the General for years to come. That said, the G8 is good enough that we probably wouldn’t mind if it was the only rear-drive sedan GM offered.
Backstory
It’s hard to really put the Pontiac G8 squarely into one segment. As far as dimensions go, it’s about the same size as the BMW 5-series, but the G8 can’t really be compared to the BMW since there is a vast difference in interior appointments, as well as price — about $30,000.
With a base price of just over $27,000, the G8 is priced similarly to V6 Honda Accord and Toyota Camry models, but its rear-wheel-drive layout places it out of the typical mid-size sedan market. That price of entry also puts the base G8 about $5,000 more than a comparable Dodge Charger.
So while it might be hard to write a list of even a few competitors for the G8, it’s pretty easy to use a few words to describe it: best-in-class.
Performance (4/5)
The G8 is fitted with GM’s 3.6L V6 — which produces 256 horsepower — whereas the G8 GT uses a 6.0L V8. While the V6 isn’t as good as the V8 at hauling around the nearly 4,000 pound of steel, it still does a good job. Pontiac claims a 0-60 time of 7.0 seconds, and our seat-of-the-pants rating seemed to back up that claim. Power is adequate, but there isn’t quite enough on tap to really throw you into the back of your seat. However, most buyers will find the V6’s performance sufficient.
Of note, the G8 has the best sounding V6 exhaust tone this side of the Infiniti G35.
Despite being one gear short of the G8 GT’s setup, the V6 G8’s five-speed auto seemed to always put the engine in its sweet spot. Shifts — both up and down — were quick, although using the console-mounted manual shift mode had a noticeable delay — a fair tradeoff for being able to pre-select gears and downshift on demand.
The G8 uses the same FE2 suspension as the G8 GT, which can really be appreciated in the twisties. The G8’s chassis is rock solid and was never upset by bumps. Steering is on point, but lacks any real feedback. The G8’s relatively sharp handling and fresh new platform puts it a full step ahead of the Dodge Charger or Chrysler 300, justifying the small premium in price.
Aesthetics (3.5/5)
One area where the G8 falls short is styling. That’s not to say it’s a bad looking car — it’s actually quite handsome — but it’s neither daring nor dramatic. It’s clearly more muscular than a Toyota Camry, but it doesn’t necessarily look as modern. The G8 will never turn heads like the 300 and Charger did when they hit the market, and side-by-side the Pontiac will look more sedate. On the other hand, a less polarizing design means there will be fewer people who hate it — albeit fewer who love it, too.
Cabin (3.5/5)
Inside, the similarity between the two trim levels continues. The only major differences between the two is that the G8 GT comes standard with leather seats and an upgraded stereo.
Short of the Cadillac CTS and Buick Enclave, the G8 has arguably the best constructed interior of any GM vehicle. Since the G8 is built in Australia, its interior parts are all Holden-spec and therefore all-new to U.S. customers — you won’t find the G8’s interior bits in other GM vehicles.
Where the cabin disappoints is visual appeal. To be frank, the G8’s interior really isn’t that interesting. It works, it’s well made, but it’s not captivating. It looks slightly dated, and more importantly, does nothing to shake the competition. For a struggling brand like Pontiac, the G8 would benefit from a more daring interior design.
Bottom line
The G8 is already sold in Australia as the Holden Commodore, and a few other cars (the Statesman and Ute) share its platform. Holden drivers are used to rear-wheel-drive sedans, so the G8/Commodore is merely the evolution of a good idea.
On the other hand, the G8 is a big deal to those of us here in the United States. Aside from Charger and 300, rear-wheel-drive American sedans have been a rarity for years. The more, the merrier, we say.
The G8’s “Zeta” platform will also underpin the forthcoming Chevy Camaro coupe and convertible. GM hopes to sell 100,000 Camaros a year, so, pardon the pun, a lot is riding on this architecture. Based on our tests of the G8, it’s safe to say Zeta is better than Chrysler’s LX or Ford’s Mustang platform.
While CAFE fuel economy regulations may have put other rear-wheel drive sedans from GM on hold, its nice to know that we’ll have the Pontiac G8 for the foreseeable future.
Check back soon for a more in-depth look at the Pontiac G8 GT.
Words and photos by Drew Johnson
02/29, 7:08 PM
posted by:
jayjc08
Sounds very good already. I’m just wondering, and concerned about fuel economy- it may handle good and perform good, feel good and be comfortable, but most people in this price range are looking for something with good fuel economy, and looking at Holden Commodores, they usually get in the range of 16-25 mpg. I’ve also heard of a diesel version coming out, but obviously that won’t be for the American market…
Let’s cross our fingers on that one.
02/29, 7:41 PM
posted by:
nitehawk
overall a great looking car…rather non-domentic styling..I just wish they didnt put the non-functional hood vents
02/29, 7:42 PM
posted by:
nitehawk
overall a great looking car…rather non-domestic styling..I just wish they didnt put the non-functional hood vents
02/29, 7:46 PM
posted by:
F451
I can only wonder whether this automobile is four years too late? Sure wish the nose was not a grafted Pontiac theme (that severely needs to be redesigned).
02/29, 8:22 PM
posted by:
400horseSS
I’d take that over a pig nosed charger.
02/29, 8:37 PM
posted by:
SS4LIFE
I’m waiting for the 6 spd manual to come out on the GT to go and take the G8 for a test drive. My buddy who has a GTO who is waiting for the Camaro is starting to get impatient. (He also hasn’t owned anything but Pontiac) so I wouldn’t doubt if he got this before the Camaro comes out.
02/29, 8:42 PM
posted by:
SD650irag
oh snap, here they are. i saw these cars driving around the san diego area in the past week…i wondered who was testing them…
02/29, 8:50 PM
posted by:
Veda
The real question is reliability as my past experiences with Holdens, granted that was back in the 70’s, have been less than inspiring.
02/29, 9:25 PM
posted by:
bigp
the 6speed v6 sounds fun and the cafe wont bitch too much
02/29, 9:30 PM
posted by:
AxeHead
Can’t stand those tired, old, asymetrical, BMW clone air dams on the nose. **** – other than that this car looks great…just can’t stand that front end. It screams cheap.
02/29, 9:40 PM
posted by:
howsmydriving
A nice offering from a great bloated car company.
02/29, 9:56 PM
posted by:
RicardoHead
…….. “Asymmetrical?”
How’s that, Axehead
02/29, 10:12 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Where does it say you can get a manual with the V6? No matter, I hope this does well. If it doesn’t, then I suspect GM’s next move will be to contemplate the appropriate time to load one in the chamber with Pontiac’s name on it.
02/29, 10:21 PM
posted by:
lou3000
I like LLN, and I come here for rumors and car news, but every time there is a driving impressions post, I try to ignore them. There is never any actual criticism, I refuse to believe that this car is flat out phenomenal?
02/29, 10:29 PM
posted by:
jayjc08
axehead- Pontiac had them since the 60’s. I’m pretty sure they’ve had them longer than BMW, and they’re very different side by side.
02/29, 10:29 PM
posted by:
autonut
johnnycanuck, I have a feeling the chamber is loaded already. In my neck of the woods there is no longer stand alone Pontiac or Buick or GMC. That means each dealer owns 3 franchises. Since it’s all in the same physical building – why do you need 3 of them? To confuse paperwork? Or the paperwork is already the same?
But the car does look good. I always liked Pontiac design (except late 80’s early 90’s). I was less then impressed with the quality of 80’s. And in true GM fashion they about 10 years late with this beautiful car: it could be a hit with gas around $1-1.5 gallon not at $4 or at least I don’t see it that way.
02/29, 11:57 PM
posted by:
Scott Kempton
Hey Penis—just out of curiosity—-what DO you like? Every single one of your posts is negative. It seems that NOBODY is doing anything right by your book.
So tell us: what’s it like to have a large penis? According to the conversion charts, 640mm = 25.2″. Does that refer to the length, or the girth, of your manliness? Either way, you’re clealy a superior male, aren’t you there big fella? Surely that makes you the big dog in this forum. So congratulations—you’re the alpha male of your very own pride of cyber lions! I’m sure every one of us cubs feels suitably dominated.
God it must be cool to be you.
03/01, 12:34 AM
posted by:
AxeHead
Asymetrical – I meant that they’re a weird shape, probably used the wrong word. I’m just getting tired of them. BMW’s looks good, these just look cheap – opinion I know but I think it’s time for Pontiac to get a new front end.
03/01, 1:02 AM
posted by:
Richard
DeansterTJ wrote: The payola is too obvious. “Phenomenal?” …
I prefer the line where he said “… the G8 has arguably the best interior of any GM vehicle. …” I hate symmetrical interior layouts, but that is a judgment call. Less open to argument is that the G8 and its other siblings have an interior, that will catch dust like a sponge and take hours for the owner to clean. You will take it to the detailers or drive a dirty car.
I am on record elsewhere on this forum that GM has made the wrong compromises to bring the G8 to market. I would like to have seen it become a proper successor to my Grand Prix. The $4.00 US gallon of gasoline will consign this car to a brief moment in time.
03/01, 2:39 AM
posted by:
A4
other than that dildo sticking out of the roof it looks sexy to me
03/01, 9:52 AM
posted by:
1c3d0g
I still don’t like the fact that GM can’t make these cars somewhat lighter…almost 4,000 lbs, come on guys!
03/01, 10:09 AM
posted by:
A True Gear Head
The car looks like it was designed in 2003, Its not a “fresh” look, but I do love the idea of a 4 door sedan with a V8
03/01, 10:14 AM
posted by:
A True Gear Head
“I like LLN, and I come here for rumors and car news, but every time there is a driving impressions post, I try to ignore them. There is never any actual criticism, I refuse to believe that this car is flat out phenomenal?”
Comment by lou3000
Thats because LLN is on GM’s payroll
03/01, 10:14 AM
posted by:
autonut
It is difficult to cut weight on a RWD car that can be motivated by V8 powerful engine. That is why those cars weren’t produced for 25 years in US. Even Caddy was FWD because it was easier to trim weight on FWD without compromising structural integrity.
03/01, 1:39 PM
posted by:
Veda
lou3000: actually edmunds and some other mags that have done limited test drives been saying great things about its performance. But at its price point, I’d rather have a more luxurious Hyundai Genesis. Both are unknown as far as reliability anyway.
03/01, 2:17 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
Scott: at 640mm,when it gets hard,all the bloodmust run away from his brain,which would explain some things. LP, stop jerking off at the keyboard!
03/01, 2:19 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
scott: I’ve got tears in my eyes.
If this is just an LHD Commodore,I’ll love it.
03/01, 3:38 PM
posted by:
master_chen
I was following the development of the G8 when it was a “concept” at Holden. I like this car. I saw the pre-production model at the local car show, and it looked good. I’ll have to drive one before I can say if the V8 model is worth the $32,000 dollars price tag. After all, it’s still a Pontiac. The laast Pontiac I owned (a Firebird) was mechanically a piece of crap. It handled like a boat, material and fit and finish liken imported Chinese funriture. However, I haven’t driven a Pontiac lately, so I can’t say if it’s good or bad. The interiors material of the new G6s are still subpar compared to Japanese and European cars. Bottomline, I got to see, feel, and drive one before I’d consider buying one.
03/01, 9:18 PM
posted by:
bolex
nice looking Pontiac.
too bad there 10 years too late.
03/02, 11:14 AM
posted by:
gbb
Sweet. A real car, not some front wheel drive asiacrap. I’ll hang on to my 300/SRT8 as I like its looks better but the Poncho’s 6 speed stick would be seriously cool.
03/02, 5:21 PM
posted by:
LexusSoarer
I really, really like this car. I haven’t said that in a long time about ANY Pontiac. Far better looking than the pigfaced Charger. I bet it’s damned fun to drive as well. Still, and I can’t quite put my finger on it, perhaps it’s the tacked on grill, but it just looks a bit cheap. Still, if the fugly Charger can sell, this will be a great car for GM, couldn’t have come at a better time.
03/02, 5:22 PM
posted by:
LexusSoarer
Sorry to doublepost, but a lot to do with my not being crazy about the styling is the fact that the regular Commodore isn’t really a looker to begin with.
03/03, 8:34 AM
posted by:
frylock350
@Veda,
WTF are you talking about? If anything shouldn’t be questioned with this car its reliability. Nothing Hyundai has can compete with the Chevy small block’s reliability. If there’s 2 things GM is known for its the invincible SBC and excellent automatic transmissions. And its not like the drivetrain is new either. The L76 has been powering Sliverados for some time now.
03/03, 8:36 AM
posted by:
frylock350
@LexusSoarer,
I agree with you about the styling of G8. I don’t care for it either, its too sedate and wedge shaped to be an American muscle sedan. Like it or hate it, Charger is distinctly American.