[parsig9]

True I have not driven one, yet, but this may be the my first American car if it doesn't feel like a normal Pontiac. Looks great and MT says it may be the nicest driving GM car in years.

Anybody got one or seen one yet? I know there are other forums for this but, hey, it's the Pub. Besides, I "know" many of you already.

[chiefs70]

Originally Posted by parsig9

True I have not driven one, yet, but this may be the my first American car if it doesn't feel like a normal Pontiac. Looks great and MT says it may be the nicest driving GM car in years.

Anybody got one or seen one yet? I know there are other forums for this but, hey, it's the Pub. Besides, I "know" many of you already.

What do you mean doesn't feel like a normal Pontiac, Drew?

Pontiac has had its problems as an American make but they truly strive to deliver cars that perform. I've owned a 1968 GTO (Lord, why did I have to go to college and sell it), a spanking new 1996 Firebird (manual of course) which the wife loved as much as I did, and a 2001 Grand Prix GTP. I now drive a Honda Civic (2 door stick, of course) but my wife and I have decided the G8 is my next car.

I haven't driven it yet - a few months until Theresa gets her masters in social work which means I'll be rich so I can't affod to get excited but I am a Pontiac man through and through IF the car is worth the effort.

I could wax poetic for some time on my favorite Pons but I'll spare all of you. I love the American car companies that are trying to compete yet still give us what we want with increased efficiency (shutting down cylinders while cruising and better engineering) because I grew up at the end of the muscle car era.

Eric

[Berkut76]

Originally Posted by parsig9

True I have not driven one, yet, but this may be the my first American car if it doesn't feel like a normal Pontiac. Looks great and MT says it may be the nicest driving GM car in years.

Anybody got one or seen one yet? I know there are other forums for this but, hey, it's the Pub. Besides, I "know" many of you already.

It's an Australian Holden Commodore VE. Yes, the Aussies took the parts from the GM bin, but the overall design took place down under. The response has been positive in Australia, but I think that a timing for this gas guzzler might be off given the current market conditions and high gas prices. All in all, I hope that G8 will do better than re-badged GTO/Monaro fiasco (sales-wise).

Regards,

Sergey

[chiefs70]

Originally Posted by Berkut76

It's an Australian Holden Commodore VE. Yes, the Aussies took the parts from the GM bin, but the overall design took place down under. The response has been positive in Australia, but I think that a timing for this gas guzzler might be off given the current market conditions and high gas prices. All in all, I hope that G8 will do better than re-badged GTO/Monaro fiasco (sales-wise).

Regards,

Sergey

Good info, Sergey - you are correct. The benefit is the design has a few nods to the fuel efficiency via the utilization of cylinder deactivation for one.

The GTO was a fiasco and I blame Pontiac. Rebadging isn't such a bad deal - especially when dealing with a fantastic company such as Holden - but Pontiac missed the boat on some of the "tweaks" which would have made it more appealing to the American public. A friend of mine owns a 2006 model with the 6.0 litre motor that absolutely screams. Fuel economy is important but I don't know too many folks who buy these cars - or the Charger, Viper, Mustang Cobra, etc - as daily drivers. At the same time, I tend to look at that aspect as I have a family and "fun" cars aren't practical.

Dang, I can't make up my mind, can I?

[parsig9]

By feel, I mean driving dynamics and really more the interior materials. Not too plasticky platic is what I like.

Well, it won't really be my very first American car actually. In high school, my parents let me drive their '69 LeMans convt. to school and back.

It was my mom's first car and years later, about '85 she rebought it and though it wasn't mint by any means, it still had shine and the top worked.

Red with a white top. Coulda been worse to drive to school in... They sold it when I graduated so I do have a soft spot for Pontiacs. Always wanted a '67 Firebird and the G8 hoodscoops remind me of that too. Seems we will be driving the same car. Not til fall for me. I hope to drive to school once again in my Pontiac. Can I get the bright red or is that just pushing it for a four door?
Chevrolet Arabia

[smartd]

Mmmmm, might be time to trade in the old Bonneville for a G8 GT.

[mustangdriver]

I have always owned American cars, bought new, and got rid of them with well over 100,000 miles on them. American cars get a bum rap. It has alot to do with how you take care of your car. I always laugh at people who buy a Mustang, never bother to change the oil or do any standard maintence, and then complain that the car broke down. I currently drive a 2008 Dodge Charger R.T. Yes it has a Hemi. I also own a 1969 Dodge Charger and a 1966 Mustang. The G8 is a nice car. I had one as a rental car. It has a very sport feel to it.

[parsig9]

Originally Posted by mustangdriver

The G8 is a nice car. I had one as a rental car. It has a very sport feel to it.

Are you serious? My dealer says 60-90 days just to sniff one....

Rental! Man.........

[mkvb]

Originally Posted by chiefs70

Good info, Sergey - you are correct. The benefit is the design has a few nods to the fuel efficiency via the utilization of cylinder deactivation for one.

The GTO was a fiasco and I blame Pontiac. Rebadging isn't such a bad deal - especially when dealing with a fantastic company such as Holden - but Pontiac missed the boat on some of the "tweaks" which would have made it more appealing to the American public. A friend of mine owns a 2006 model with the 6.0 litre motor that absolutely screams. Fuel economy is important but I don't know too many folks who buy these cars - or the Charger, Viper, Mustang Cobra, etc - as daily drivers. At the same time, I tend to look at that aspect as I have a family and "fun" cars aren't practical.

Dang, I can't make up my mind, can I?

I say go with it you only live once.I have a 06 SS,basicaly a 4 door version of the monaro/pontiac, with a few engine mods.She runs at 500 + hp and is alot of fun to drive.
Thing is she is very mild when running around town with Mrs Mkv behind the wheel but stir her up and she goes hard.With the way these cars are set up a good exhaust,over the raidator air induction and remap the computer and you are upto 450hp.

[Hurriup!]

Hi guys I've owned nothing but American cars and have had no complaints and MD is right they do get a bum rap especially against their Japanese counterparts. The Hondas,Toyotas,Subarus, etc are all good vechiles but GM, Chrysler, & Ford make some quality vehicles as well they have to to compete. I currently own a 06 Pontiac G6 and am very satisfied with it good mid-size car but still has the Pontiac sportiness and lots of "get up and GO!!"