ok that's a random "new vehicle" review to put up 6 years after the car came out?
Better than: 2005 Pontiac GTO
But not as good as: 1996 Chevy Impala SS
GRM Bang For The Buck Index: 89.28
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.
ok that's a random "new vehicle" review to put up 6 years after the car came out?
Man that G8 sport truck is taking it's time...
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