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Sedans Pontiac G8 Article Comments - 2008 Pontiac G8 GT First Look and Full Test
99 messages, Last post on Apr 26, 2009 at 2:16 PM
You are in the Pontiac G8 Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens
First Look: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT - There wouldn't be much to talk about if the G8 was just another V6-powered family sedan, so Pontiac did itself a favor and made sure that a V8 is on the options list. If you order the big engine, it's called the G8 GT. (more)
Full Test: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT - Bottom Line: This is the Pontiac we've all been waiting for. (more)
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Replying to: graphikzking (Feb 04, 2008 12:06 pm) I'm not sure I can make much sense out of your attempt at English, but: the Evo and STI are "economy" cars? I do believe you mean the Impreza and the Lancer. The only real vehicle out now that can compare to the two is the VW R32 - but wait, is that an econocar too? Here's a comparison of a fleet car getting whooped by an "econocar": http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=123965 Just so you know, your list of cars all offer better economy but less performance than the STI/Evo. But hey, maybe you know more about the STI/Evo's economy than I do. You have to admit, for an economy car, its pretty impressive that The Stig got a better lap time with the STI than with an Acura NSX. That must make the NSX an econocar too, eh? |
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When Audi delivers an interior with material this down market and as poorly screwed together as this Holden product I hope they will return the favor and say that they were "inspired by GM". Please! And as somebody already mentioned, a crucial component is sort of M.I.A. here: 6 MT I thought will all the delays in getting these into the United States GM was might just surprise us with the real deal right out of the gate...but no. I like the bang for the buck though...too bad $4 gas will shrivel sales.
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Replying to: charlesb (Feb 23, 2008 7:03 am) Based on what, exactly, do you make this statement? |
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In 25 years of purchasing cars and trucks I had never owned an American vehicle until we bought a GMC Envoy several years ago. While having the oil changed one afternoon I saw a 2005 blue-gray 6-speed GTO in the showroom. I sat in it and was stunned at the comfort of the seats and quality of the interior - not Audi levels but far, far better than my Envoy. The dealer let me drive it around for an hour and I was further blown away - an amazing combination of performance, comfort and apparent value. I went home that night and researched the GTO, learning it was actually the very popular Australian Holden Monaro with the latest Corvette motor. So I went back the next day and after rebates bought that $34,000 6-speed GTO with 18"wheels for $27,000. Almost 20 grand less than an Audi S4 I once bought ( a HORRIBLE reliability and electrical nightmare - never another Audi for me), 15 grand less than the BMW 3 series I owned ( better than the Audi but really overpriced) and $8000 less than one of my favorite cars, my Acura Legend Coupe. Two years and 30,000 hard miles later my GTO has never been back to the dealer except for its six $75 Mobil 1 oil changes - as reliable as every Acura, Lexus and Infiniti I've owned. The car averages 24 mpg on the highway, but with 6 liters and 400/400 hp/torque from its LS2 motor, the GTO hits 60 in around 5 seconds, runs at 120mph like 60, and moves through traffic effortlessly. The performance/value ratio is unbelievable. It has become my favorite car of all I 've owned and I can't imagine getting rid of it - unless its for a 6-speed G8. If the G8 (Holden Commodore) is built as well as the GTO it will be an excellent car. Will it be as finely finished as the German vehicles? - probably not quite. But it will be far better than its other domestic competitors. It will be solid, fast, comfortable and safe. It will not be overengineered, may be more reliable and definitely more economical to buy and own than any Audi, BMW or Mercedes. It will be probably be 85 - 90% of a 5 series for 60% of the cost. But I doubt very few BMW (or Mercedes) shoppers would consider the G8 even if it was 100% equal to the 5 series, and it would be a mistake for Pontiac to think that - the Cadillac CTS probably fits that role better. Part of BMW ownership is the status and Pontiac simply does not provide that at this point. But for those who can look past that, the G8 will a very satisfying purchase. Mostly the G8 will provide close to a BMW type experience to those who can't or won't drop 50 grand on a family car - and thats a great thing. As far as the EVO/STi/G35 or G37, although all fine cars they really are not direct competiors. You probably need to look at the Infiniti M series or Lexus GS for similar sized and powered Japanese vehicles - both more refined but again much more expensive than the G8. Of course for those so inclined, with a few thousand dollars in engine upgrades the G8 should easily be good for well over 400 hp just like the GTO. The GTO was (and continues to be) criticized by the media for various things, but if you are considering the G8 read the owner reviews of the GTO here to get an idea of the Holden quality and drive. They build a great car. Ignore any negative reports in the press about the G8 as I did with my GTO. If you test drive the G8 you'll probably be sold because its really an imported performance sedan, also sold all over Europe and Australia, with a domestic price tag. Sort of a shame the next great Pontiac may be another import - but thats the fact and its all good for Pontiac customers.. As for me, I'll wait for the 6 speed G8 and probably trade in the GTO. But I may wait for the rebates and incentives sure to come on all V8 sedans if gas hits $4.00 /gallon. Unless I decide to buy a used automatic GTO to go with my 6-speed - I like the GTO that much.
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Replying to: bankerdanny (Feb 22, 2008 6:20 pm) |
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Pontiac engineers??? It's a SAAB platform which is a GM / SAAB merger effort, Alpha platform I believe.... Too "kiddy" looking for a serious buyer. Does anyone think a 3 or 5 series buyer will walk into Ponitac and say, "Wow, I can save $15,000 on a straight buy or pay $135 MORE per month on a lease??" If the banks back it, it will sell. If they don't, its another dead American product. |
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Replying to: jdoria (Feb 23, 2008 11:30 am)
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Replying to: vcjumper (Feb 23, 2008 4:58 pm) Alpha I believe.
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Replying to: jdoria (Feb 23, 2008 12:50 pm) |
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http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=124795 "While long-wheelbase Zeta-platform models are already being built in China, and the shortened Camaro will be built in Oshawa, Ontario (Canada), the Aussie operation considers itself the heart of Zeta production. GM manufacturing supremo Gary Cowger said as much during a visit to Elizabeth last November."
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