2009 Pontiac G8 Road Test Ratings

The Pontiac G8 is a solid-handling rear-drive machine that, in V8 trim, is a very credible performance sedan. Taught, athletic styling hides the fact that the G8 is quite spacious inside.

A GXP model with new 415-horsepower LS3 V8 joins the 2009 G8 lineup. The GXP can be had with a six-speed manual. It gets bigger Brembo brakes, and is has a sharper-handling chassis. None of this takes anything away from the G8 V6 and the G8 GT; they carry over largely unchanged.

Inside, the G8 is a spacious car. Front- and rear-seat occupants have a lot of room, and the driver can easily adjust the driving position thanks to generous seat adjustments and a tilt-telescope wheel. To look at it, the G8 gives off a sporty vibe, but the ride is smooth and controlled and the interior is largely quiet. The new GXP has firmer suspension damping, but that helps the ride in certain situations.

Inside, the G8 GT is a mixed bag. Parts of it quite good: the instrument panel, the trunk, outward visibility. Certain interior details, however, are a bit odd owing to the hyper-symmetrical design chosen to make adapting this car to left- and right-hand driving markets. Some of the switches favor the Australian side of the car and the window and mirror controls are in the middle to make the doors universal. Cost effective? Yes. Ideal for the driver? Not always. Bluetooth was added this year, and the comical battery and oil pressure digital display in the middle of the dash has been eliminated.

In all versions, the G8 is an attractive, athletic-looking car. The GXP has a restyled nose, but they haven't gone overboard with scoop excess here. The interior is tastefully designed, with no significant changes for 2009.