2008 Pontiac G8

*Est. $26,910 to $29,310

Handsome styling
Strong acceleration from responsive V-8
Sporty rear-drive handling
Spacious interior trunk
Value

Awkward placement of cabin controls
Subdued exhaust note
Lack of navigation system and all-wheel drive (AWD)
Stationary rear seat back

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Our Analysis

Reviews indicate that the 2008 Pontiac G8 is a classic sports sedan with rear-wheel drive and a powerful engine. Comments about the G8's styling are mostly complimentary, but some critics complain the interior has an unusual layout, with power windows and other controls clustered on the center console. The base model has a 256-horsepower V-6, while the Pontiac G8 GT carries a 361-horsepower V-8. Some reviewers compare the Pontiac G8 GT with the 360-horsepower BMW 550i (*est. $58,500), which has similar specifications. While none expect the half-price Pontiac to equal the BMW for quality or refinement, the Pontiac G8's performance is found to match the BMW in many respects. Among American carmakers, only Chrysler offers similar cars in the same price range such as the Dodge Charger (*est. $22,510 to $37,215) and the Chrysler 300 (*est. $25,150 to $42,405). But comparison tests between the Pontiac G8 GT and the Dodge Charger R/T are unanimous in their conclusion: the G8 is the superior car.

Well-executed comparison tests by Car and Driver, Motor Trend and Edmunds.com pit the Pontiac G8 GT against its most direct competitor, the Dodge Charger R/T. Edmunds also publishes one of the few test-drives of the G8 with a base V-6. Automobile magazine makes comparisons between the G8 and the BMW 550i in an editorial-based review rather than a head-to-head road test.

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Our Sources

1. Motor Trend Details/Subscribe

Motor Trend pits two American performance sedans against each other on public roads and at the racetrack. The Pontiac G8 GT wins the contest with praise for its quicker performance results and better handling, plus its "mega-value sticker" that's about $4,000 lower than the Dodge Charger R/T as tested.

Review: Head to Head: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT vs. 2008 Dodge Charger R/T, Arthur St. Antoine, Apr. 2008

2. Car and Driver Details/Subscribe

The Pontiac G8 soundly beats the Dodge Charger R/T in this comparison test. Price as tested for the Charger was more than $38,000, while the G8's sticker price was under $32,000. Thanks to the advantage in value, better handling and stronger acceleration, the Pontiac G8 GT is called a "performance bargain."

Review: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT vs. 2008 Dodge Charger R/T, Tony Swan, June 2008

3. Automobile Magazine Details/Subscribe

Based on the many mechanical, visual and dimensional similarities between the Pontiac G8 GT and the BMW 550i, Automobile magazine drove the two back-to-back. While the doubly expensive BMW is much more refined and satisfying, its performance numbers are found to be remarkably similar to the G8's.

Review: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT -- The Down-Under Express, Sam Smith

4. Edmunds.com

Edmunds.com pits the two mid-priced, V-8-powered, rear-wheel-drive "American" sedans against each other: the Australian-built Pontiac G8 GT vs. the Canadian-built Dodge Charger R/T. The Pontiac G8, which is called "a flat raging bargain," wins."

Review: The Battle for American V-8 Sedan Supremacy, John Pearley Huffman , Feb. 24, 2008

5. Edmunds.com

Edmunds.com editors provide a well-balanced description of the Pontiac G8, noting its strengths and weaknesses. The refined G8 is touted as having a "European sport sedan-like ride and handling balance"

Review: 2008 Pontiac G8 Review, Editors of Edmunds.com

6. About.com

This single-vehicle review nicely summarizes the Pontiac G8 GT. Drawbacks noted include the small side mirrors, lack of options (like navigation and back-up sensors) and an annoying manual front seat adjustment knob. Overall, writer Aaron Gold concludes that the G8 is an excellent performance value. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two do not share an editorial affiliation.)

Review: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT Test-Drive, Aaron Gold

7. Edmunds.com

This review is one of the few that evaluates the V-6 version of the 2008 Pontiac G8. Writer Brian Moody reports that the styling is almost the same as the G8 GT, with hood scoops and dual exhaust -- even the sporty suspension tuning and responsive handling are the same. Performance from the 256-horsepower V-6 is strong, but it's said to be less refined compared to the V-8.

Review: 2008 Pontiac Road Test Review, Brian Moody

8. Cars.com

While many of Cars.com reviews are simply summaries, they sometimes provide a more in-depth evaluation, such as this review by David Thomas of the Pontiac G8. Thomas claims that for a similar price as the unimpressive Pontiac Grand Prix V-8, you can have the G8 GT, which he calls "the best-performing sedan in the segment."

Review: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT, David Thomas, Mar. 25, 2008

9. CNET

CNet.com writer Wayne Cunningham gives his general impressions of the Pontiac G8, devoting much attention to the car's in-cabin technology. Disappointment by the lack of Bluetooth integration and an available navigation system is noted, despite a large 6.5-inch LCD as part of the Blaupunkt audio system.

Review: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT, Wayne Cunningham, July 10, 2008