Terry Box, Automotive Columnist for the Dallas Morning News has been writing automotive reviews for quite some time and is a true car guy.
He just spent some time with the 2008 Pontiac G8 GT and has written up a pretty thorough review. We wouldn’t consider this a glowing review, but it seems like Terry has been pretty fair and honest and had no problems pointing out some room to improve the G8.
His review starts by reliving the glory days of Pontiac, making reference to days when the 65 GTO ruled the asphalt and John DeLorean ruled the automotive industry. Fast forward to recent years, and he paints a picture of a much different Pontiac, where non-descript sedans led by the red arrowhead only rules the rental car lots of Avis & Hertz. It’s pretty painful when you think about the backwards evolution of the brand over the past 4 decades.
Box then references a glimmer of hope for Pontiac that is truly being catalyzed by the 2008 Pontiac G8. Terry stated, “Although the 4,100-pound G8 is similar in size and silhouette to a 5-series BMW, it has much cleaner lines. The back doors are huge, with enough legroom for me to wonder how in Hades the rest of the world got so big”.
Terry doesn’t write fondly of the 18″ wheels, saying their over powered by the G8’s sheet metal. Add to the list of dislikes the “clear boy-racer taillights”, non-functioning hood scoops and front fender vents, black plastic center stack that houses the Blaupunkt and climate controls, too much body roll and an engine and exhaust that are both entirely too quiet.
Overall, Box calls the interior “relatively upscale” with comfortable and supportive seats.
We think the MPG of the G8 GT is pretty impressive at 15/24, however Box has higher expectations.
Generally he writes that the G8 is “for the most part, it is a solid package. The steering sometimes felt a little too light, but it was quick and lively. The car’s ride was firm and refined, as you would expect in a sports sedan with a big V-8. The brakes felt strong enough to stop the aging process…The big G8 absolutely rips to 60 in a BMW-like 5.3 seconds and flies through the quarter- mile in less than 14 seconds at more than 100 mph”
Terry has written a fair review of the G8. We encourage you to read his entire experience and check out his column, “Terry’s Garage” on a regular basis.
[Source: Dallas Morning News]