Reader Review of the Week: 2009 Pontiac G8
"Grand Prix No More" from Maryland explains how the 2009 Pontiac G8 allowed him to get over his love for the retired Grand Prix. Although he points out a few minor gripes, he maintains that the Pontiac G8 was a pleasantly surprising purchase and a lot of fun to take out on the road. Read his full review after the jump, and if you have your own review, submit it here.
"After owning several Pontiacs, I was kind of sad to see the Grand Prix retired until I sat in the 2009 G8 GT that we eventually purchased. The initial research began when we went to an auto show and saw the purple/blue version. We were not impressed. So we put the car on the back burner and started hunting for [other] cars. After driving others by not-allowed-to-mention carmakers, we went to the local neighborhood Pontiac store. From the rumble of the remote start to the way the bucket seats caress you, you realize this is not any of your previous Pontiacs.
"The 6.0 liter V-8 purrs like a kitten that just greeted you after a long day of work. You know you are in for a treat when you switchblade the key and insert it into the ignition to ready her up. The vehicle we ended up with includes the 19-inch summer-only performance tires and all other available features. We took it out to the rural roads that wind and twist like a snake slithers. We drove it in manual mode to allow us to downshift and upshift with every curve. It handled the curves with great grip and agility. Stiff and competent were every maneuver of the car.
"After we returned to the dealership, we looked the car over and liked the massive trunk and reasonably large interior room. The lines are nearly perfect. The honeycomb grille accent on the front and rear remind you of the wheels of a 1977 Trans Am, yet current.
"My only wishes are for rear-seat entertainment and navigation. Even though OnStar offers navigation, it would be nice to have my own. Also, the steering-wheel controls have little functionality. The radio and a/c seem as if you were still in Australia because the power buttons are on the far right of the units. It seems petty, but if this is all I can complain about you should be happy."
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Glad Pontiac was able to keep you in the family. They are hurtin for sales right now and need people to fall in love with their cars. I have rode in a last generation Grand Prix and find it an okay car. I never drove one and felt the passenger seat was alittle tight. But I think the driver enjoys it more.
Very fair review. It's good to know that someone other than a media sort has driven the car and reported their review. I'm also glad to know that Pontiac has retained your loyalty. It's a company that needs loyal, return customers. I hope they survive - lots of history in the brand.