Pontiac G8 2008-2009 - Anyone dislike their G8 GT's ?

I was just wondering who here is honest.

I know that the initial quality rating given by G8 owners is pretty bad according to JD Power ( http://www.jdpower.com/autos/Pontiac/G8/2009/Sedan/ratings ), and I can understand why.

I have a friend of mine that traded in their 2006 Roush Mustang for a 2009 G8 GT, and they completely hate it. The car is brand new and already it has more issues then their Ford did in the 4 years they owned it.

The top of the line stereo sounds like a 1980's boom box compared to even the mediocre, middle grade Shaker 500 system in the Mustang's. It is very staticy almost as if it were missing then antenna. (plus it already blew a speaker.)

It handles like a boat compared to the Mustang.

It already randomly shakes/runs rough upon initial start up, as well as making an anemic wheezing/whistling sound upon start up.

The steering wheel shakes at 55 - 65 mph even after rebalancing.

It is nut-less from a roll, not wanting to downshift as it should.

The keyless entry doesn't always unlock all the doors even if you push the unlock button on the remote multiple times.

Anyone else ever have these issues that you shouldn't have on a $30K+ brand new car ?

I was just wondering who here is honest.

I know that the initial quality rating given by G8 owners is pretty bad according to JD Power ( http://www.jdpower.com/autos/Pontiac/G8/2009/Sedan/ratings ), and I can understand why.

I have a friend of mine that traded in their 2006 Roush Mustang for a 2009 G8 GT, and they completely hate it. The car is brand new and already it has more issues then their Ford did in the 4 years they owned it.

The top of the line stereo sounds like a 1980's boom box compared to even the mediocre, middle grade Shaker 500 system in the Mustang's. It is very staticy almost as if it were missing then antenna. (plus it already blew a speaker.)

It handles like a boat compared to the Mustang.

It already randomly shakes/runs rough upon initial start up, as well as making an anemic wheezing/whistling sound upon start up.

The steering wheel shakes at 55 - 65 mph even after rebalancing.

It is nut-less from a roll, not wanting to downshift as it should.

The keyless entry doesn't always unlock all the doors even if you push the unlock button on the remote multiple times.

Anyone else ever have these issues that you shouldn't have on a $30K+ brand new car ?

Is this a joke?

Is this a joke?

I know after seeing the G8 owners reviews on JD Power combined with all the threads on the G8 Forums about the above mentioned issues, that my friend is not alone with a huge list of New car issues.

I have loved my G8 since day one. I'm sure there is always going to be some out there with issues but I have yet to experience one with mine after a year of daily driving. If I had to bitch about something it would be the cheap speakers that sound bad and vibrate the rear deck. I actually think the head unit is great given all you can do to input video etc.

Performance wise though, I've made a "few" upgrades!!

Play with the equalizer on the stereo and it sounds really good. Get a tune and it will be a very strong car from a roll. Other than that, it's running strong for me. The throttle lag is my only complaint, but that will be healed with an HPT soon.

Unfortunately modifying a brand New car with a "Tune" and other such items will VOID the 5y/100k Powertrain Warranty we were told by our area GM Dealerships. (As shown here: http://www.g8board.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12605 )

The car shouldn't need "tweaking" already anyways, it is a brand New car. It should be 110% PERFECT just as is.

Having to modify a New car so that is as good as a Used car kinda defeats the purpose of buying New doesn't it ?

That would be like buying a brand New house, then having the roof leak, the doors not close smoothly, having pluming and electrical issues, and having to pay extra to get all the New things fixed so its as good as a old worn out Used house.

Is my friend the only one that feels this way ?

Is this a joke?

My thoughts too.

6,000 miles on this car and I love it.

KC Henry is misinformed on a lot of things...

No,no,no

I will assume that the JD Power report provided by G8 owners is true since no one has stepped forward to disclaim all the common problems/issues that brand New G8's have that are constantly being talked about on all the G8 Forums.

KC Henry is misinformed on a lot of things...

Like the 10yr/100,000 mile Warranty

my only problem that i had was my hazards didnt work but i got that fixed asap. other than that it has been running good no problems maybe u should try down shifting urself if ur worried about that..

3000 miles on mine and the 55mph shake comes and goes, but my newer Audi does the same thing.

Paint sucks ass, chips off the front bumper way to easy, looks like it has 30K miles on it.

Had a check engine light a couple times, P0450, gas cap probably.

No spare is dumb when there is room for a full size.

I had a 2006 Mustang GT vert, this car handles/rides better in the mountains here.

The stereo works fine for me, turned up the subwoofer and played with the EQ some, I was unimpressed with the shaker 1000 in the mustang, especially since it took up 20% of an already too small trunk.

It idles like crap cold, but so did my the TBSS this car replaced. The alternator whine is not a big deal either. Lifter tick is getting a little scary though, the thought of a dealership tech yanking the heads off a brand new car makes my head hurt.

IMO its a pretty good car for 30K, has some quirks but I dont regret buying it, its only a car and it will wear out like any other..

Like the 10yr/100,000 mile Warranty

5year, not 10 like I put. I had my head up my butt today at work, and knew it didn't look right when I typed it. :cheers:


my only problem that i had was my hazards didnt work but i got that fixed asap. other than that it has been running good no problems maybe u should try down shifting urself if ur worried about that..

Thank you !

3000 miles on mine and the 55mph shake comes and goes, but my newer Audi does the same thing.

Paint sucks ass, chips off the front bumper way to easy, looks like it has 30K miles on it.

Had a check engine light a couple times, P0450, gas cap probably.

No spare is dumb when there is room for a full size.

I had a 2006 Mustang GT vert, this car handles/rides better in the mountains here.

The stereo works fine for me, turned up the subwoofer and played with the EQ some, I was unimpressed with the shaker 1000 in the mustang, especially since it took up 20% of an already too small trunk.

It idles like crap cold, but so did my the TBSS this car replaced. The alternator whine is not a big deal either. Lifter tick is getting a little scary though, the thought of a dealership tech yanking the heads off a brand new car makes my head hurt.

IMO its a pretty good car for 30K, has some quirks but I dont regret buying it, its only a car and it will wear out like any other..

This is Exactly what I am talking about, this is the kind of info I need to pass along. Thank you !

i was just at livernios performance an seen a g8 an sounded like crap could hear it ticking, very good looking car tho

No navigation option - It's hard to recline the seats with the stupid knob instead of a normal lever - the steering wheel doesn't tilt down far enough for me and that's about it - no memory seats. I can live without them though for amazing handling and straight line performance. Especially with how sexy they look.

I didn't like the stero at first but it seems the subs needed some time to break in. They sound pretty good now. It would easily out handle a mustang. From a punch if you are in DOD mode it does take a second to downshift but you can adjust that. I turned mine off and the gas mileage is about the same maybe a mpg less.

This is Exactly what I am talking about, this is the kind of info I need to pass along. Thank you !

Pass it on to who, they dont make the car anymore for US sales and pontiac is dead lol.

6,500 miles on my car.


I do get wheel shake at 55-60mph on the highway. Not any other time.

The plastic interior panels scratch to easy. I have scuffs on my e brake handle. I don't like the "security" of the glove box.

When the car was delivered i had scuffs on the bottom of both door panels.

no oh shit handle for front pass side


the onstar navigation does show u a distance bar and some basic info but it is very cheesy for this price range of car.


I LOVE LOVE LOVE the get up and go of my GXP but it isn't a fast car by all means.

6,500 miles on my car.


I do get wheel shake at 55-60mph on the highway. Not any other time.

The plastic interior panels scratch to easy. I have scuffs on my e brake handle. I don't like the "security" of the glove box.

When the car was delivered i had scuffs on the bottom of both door panels.

no oh shit handle for front pass side


the onstar navigation does show u a distance bar and some basic info but it is very cheesy for this price range of car.


I LOVE LOVE LOVE the get up and go of my GXP but it isn't a fast car by all means.

I let the free month of onstar navigation expire, it was pretty useless compared to a 150.00 garmin. You can thank the government for not letting them put Navigation in but you would think if they could convert it to LH drive they could have raised the display up a few inches.

Agree on the plastic getting scuffed easy, mine had them at the bottom of the door panels when I got it too. But its no worse than my TBSS or GMC truck is - crappy GM plastic.

I'm not hating on the car, its a daily driver and a pretty cool one at that. If you want a reliable, boring car buy an Accord.

I'm not hating on the car, its a daily driver and a pretty cool one at that. If you want a reliable, boring car buy an Accord.


10-4 and Amen!!! It's just a car. If your friend dislikes it so much, then by all means, sell it. Im sure someone will pick it up quick.

EB

It already randomly shakes/runs rough upon initial start up, as well as making an anemic wheezing/whistling sound upon start up.

The steering wheel shakes at 55 - 65 mph even after rebalancing.

The keyless entry doesn't always unlock all the doors even if you push the unlock button on the remote multiple times.



I have these problems with less then 3,000 miles. I even had the dealershp perform a roadforce balance and the steering wheel shake is still there. This is the most annoying aspect of the car.

My car is stock other then the Vararam intake and I think it feels strong for how heavy it is.

Overall I really like the car. I think there are small issues with almost any car you purchase.

Unfortunately modifying a brand New car with a "Tune" and other such items will VOID the 5y/100k Powertrain Warranty we were told by our area GM Dealerships. (As shown here: http://www.g8board.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12605 )

It depends on the dealership. Some won't care, it's just a matter of finding out who will work with you or won't.

The car shouldn't need "tweaking" already anyways, it is a brand New car. It should be 110% PERFECT just as is.

Let me know when you are ready to join the 'real world'. Your idealist theory doesn't work in the real world. Things break, shit happens.

Having to modify a New car so that is as good as a Used car kinda defeats the purpose of buying New doesn't it ?

Isn't this ls1tech? Aren't about 90% of the cars modded in some fashion or another? It's inherent that us guys who have cars of this nature and hang out on forums of this nature will do some sort of modding.

That would be like buying a brand New house, then having the roof leak, the doors not close smoothly, having pluming and electrical issues, and having to pay extra to get all the New things fixed so its as good as a old worn out Used house.

Again, you need to get involved in the real world. Any new item, car, house, boat has the ability to break down, and as consumers we need to understand that sometimes normal breakdowns happen. It's just a part of doing business, not necessarily a good part, but a part.

IMHO, you are coming off as a hater, not wanting to hear about the positives, but just concentrating on the negatives.

I was just wondering who here is honest.

I'm honest, and I happen to really like my GXP, which during good weather and a good negative DA will be a high 12 second car, bone stock. My first time out, I ran a 13.28 in about 2000 DA, only 400 miles on the car, tank full of 87 octane gas (thanks to the wife), and didn't really know how to drive the car in sport mode as the car was going into 4th about 100' from the end of the quarter costing me between .1 and .2 second. Like my 05 GTO, it is a very solid car.


I have a friend of mine that traded in their 2006 Roush Mustang for a 2009 G8 GT, and they completely hate it. The car is brand new and already it has more issues then their Ford did in the 4 years they owned it.

Bottom line is this, some cars will actually turn out to be a real lemon, that is why there are lemon laws, however I refuse to paint the entire G8 line in lemon yellow when most are solid and well made cars with minimal problems.

If your friend is unhappy and hates it, sell it, but don't look for all of us to jump on the 'G8 is a piece of crap car' bandwagon because your buddy had some problems.

I was just wondering who here is honest.

In this context, I am. I am not a 100% fanboy, but I want to see a thread where deserved positives are mentioned. Three months with my new car, and nothing to warranty yet. I mentioned my 05 GTO, as it is also a Holden product, and during the 2.5 years I owned her, she was NEVER taken in for any warranty work.

As far as luxury/comfort, sure it could have been made better. But performance, you cannot possibly say that these cars dont perform well. You are comparing a 4100 lb sedan to a Roush Mustang? :huh: My G8 peaked at .92 G on a 200 ft. skid pad and runs mid 13s in the 1/4... STOCK. I ran a best of 13.1 with a handheld tuner. I think the sound system is decent. The throttle hesitation is annoying, but its something i expected with a GM throttle-by-wire.

If I could have imported a HOLDEN instead, I definitely would have. Its a shame GM did actually make the car a tad worse when they brought it over here. slightly mushier suspension and no options at all to utilize the LCD screen.

As far as luxury/comfort, sure it could have been made better. But performance, you cannot possibly say that these cars dont perform well. You are comparing a 4100 lb sedan to a Roush Mustang? :huh: My G8 peaked at .92 G on a 200 ft. skid pad and runs mid 13s in the 1/4... STOCK. I ran a best of 13.1 with a handheld tuner. I think the sound system is decent. The throttle hesitation is annoying, but its something i expected with a GM throttle-by-wire.

If I could have imported a HOLDEN instead, I definitely would have. Its a shame GM did actually make the car a tad worse when they brought it over here. slightly mushier suspension and no options at all to utilize the LCD screen.

My other beater is an '05 Audi A4 with a turbocharged 2.0 and an auto, you havent seen drive by wire/downshift hesitation until its coupled to a 2.0 liter 4 cylinder lol.

Well what I have to say about this is that I absolutely love my car it is a 2009 G8 GT. Just like any other wild animal it can be born in a controlled enviroment but the beast can be unleashed within. Think of it this way this thing is knocking down numbers faster from anywhere from 2tenths of a sec to 5 tenths of a sec faster than many sports cars and this thing is a family sports car with great gas mileage. The rough idle upon start up is probably coming from lifters being controlled by oil pressure also known as DOD (DISPLACEMENT ON DEMAND) WHICH CAN BE DELETED, once it is cycled it is great and ready to go.:D

I have driven many cars and to say that a Mustang drives better than a G8 thats crazy. The G8 is using one of the best suspensions in the business for stock cars. The Vette uses it and so does the new Camaro. Handles awesome and I personally think its the best drive for a sedan hands down! Overall has to be considered as one the best cars to drive in the US.

Not to mention I own a 2008 G8 GT and I havent had any issues at all!

I guess every car has its haters. I have over 20k miles on my blown G8 and have not had a single issue with it.

my car started the oil plate seal leak at 2k and got fixed at 4k and i still like the car alot

yea the crappy part is that even if we could put the aussie nav/radio into our cars we would lose the XM radio and there's no telling if it would have maps of the states in it.

XM is a seperate module but I am thinking the Aussie head unit might not be programmed to pick it up.

Further the G8 suspension does have one fuck up. It is mcph up front instead of double wishbone like the 2002 camaro and corvette

yea the crappy part is that even if we could put the aussie nav/radio into our cars we would lose the XM radio and there's no telling if it would have maps of the states in it.

XM is a seperate module but I am thinking the Aussie head unit might not be programmed to pick it up.

Further the G8 suspension does have one fuck up. It is mcph up front instead of double wishbone like the 2002 camaro and corvette

Best option if you really want a somewhat built in navi is to get that kit from JHP to put a Garmin Nuvi in the dash. 430.00 + a new nuvi isnt bad but you have to pull the whole dash apart. Plus if you needed to update the maps I assume you would have to pull the dash apart again to get to the USB connector to update the maps.

Excellent, well thought out post of your Opinion.

It depends on the dealership. Some won't care, it's just a matter of finding out who will work with you or won't.

Unfortunately since GM is going through rough times and they are looking for any reason possible to Void the factory Powertrain Warranty, the dealerships in our area are not as lenient as some of the yuppy ones in other states. Unfortunate to say the least, but then again... we are talking about a car company that is not even around anymore.

Let me know when you are ready to join the 'real world'. Your idealist theory doesn't work in the real world. Things break, shit happens.

My friend and I both owned newer Mustang's (until just recently we both got GM cars), and neither one of our cars ever had any trouble or had to go to the shop, yet their new G8 hasn't even had its first oil change yet and it has a grocery list of problems (already listed/outlined on all the G8 Forums) that it will need repaired.

Isn't this ls1tech? Aren't about 90% of the cars modded in some fashion or another? It's inherent that us guys who have cars of this nature and hang out on forums of this nature will do some sort of modding.

I completely agree, that this is LS1 tech and that the majority of people that are actively on here, have done some sort of modifications to their cars, but I assume that is to their "race cars" like I have done, and not a brand new daily driver purchased for the sole purpose of having a trouble -free/new car Warranty.

Again, you need to get involved in the real world. Any new item, car, house, boat has the ability to break down, and as consumers we need to understand that sometimes normal breakdowns happen. It's just a part of doing business, not necessarily a good part, but a part.

If its new, it shouldn't have "used car issues". That is wy you pay more for a brand new car, so your not buying someone elses problems.

IMHO, you are coming off as a hater, not wanting to hear about the positives, but just concentrating on the negatives.

I agree that I may have came on a lil strong, but I am by no means a G8 "hater", I am just frustrated to see so many issues in a brand New car from GM (I am a GM guy at heart, but recent GM offerings are making more and more difficult to stay true to GM).

P.S. 2 out of my 3 current vehicles are GM, so I am not a "hater".

I'm honest, and I happen to really like my GXP, which during good weather and a good negative DA will be a high 12 second car, bone stock. My first time out, I ran a 13.28 in about 2000 DA, only 400 miles on the car, tank full of 87 octane gas (thanks to the wife), and didn't really know how to drive the car in sport mode as the car was going into 4th about 100' from the end of the quarter costing me between .1 and .2 second. Like my 05 GTO, it is a very solid car.

I realize that these cars have potential to be quick, but being fast doesn't do any good if GM cant keep the out of the repair shop.

Bottom line is this, some cars will actually turn out to be a real lemon, that is why there are lemon laws, however I refuse to paint the entire G8 line in lemon yellow when most are solid and well made cars with minimal problems.

If your friend is unhappy and hates it, sell it, but don't look for all of us to jump on the 'G8 is a piece of crap car' bandwagon because your buddy had some problems.

They would gladly sell their G8 GT to get something non-GM (unfortunately this is their first GM ever as their family works for Ford so they get "A" plan prices, but hopped on the GM 72 month for 0% and gave GM a chance) and now after I recommended the car I feel like a snake for recommending this lemon.

If anyone wants a low mileage loaded G8 GT in White, for $32K let me know, they haven't even gotten their first car payment issued yet so its a brand new car still.

In this context, I am. I am not a 100% fanboy, but I want to see a thread where deserved positives are mentioned. Three months with my new car, and nothing to warranty yet. I mentioned my 05 GTO, as it is also a Holden product, and during the 2.5 years I owned her, she was NEVER taken in for any warranty work.

Something else just broke on their brand New G8 today.... 3 of the smaller led brake lights in the upper most brake light just burnt out. They will add that to the grocery list of things wrong with the brand new car once its time for its first oil change.

I really appreciate the time and thought people are putting into their replies now by the way. It is good to see that my friends G8 is not the only brand New one with some sort of issue.

Two trips to the dealer so far for water soaking the driver's side carpet. One blown speaker. We love the car but it's wait and see if these problems are solved and if more will be popping up as time goes on.

It does have driveability quirks due to electronic throttle but you get used to it after driving it regularly. We thought the car had bluetooth but it's an early 09 that didn't. No nav and the ridiculous ds seatback adjustment knob are way low-tech in today's environment. But we can happily live with these design shortcomings for the performance and looks of the car - as long as the reliability is there.

15,000 miles and ZERO problems...

If anyone wants a low mileage loaded G8 GT in White, for $32K let me know, they haven't even gotten their first car payment issued yet so its a brand new car still.

WOW talk about taking it up ass:emb: these cars have been going for $26-$27k. even taking the 0% it should have been way less than that.

btw. i love my g8. i dont expect it to be perfect, nothing is. i love the looks, handling, power. inside is on the cheap side but if it were as nice as a 5 series it would cost $10k more than it does and be out of my price range.

you guys with the vibration at 55mph. try puting it in the diagnostic mode and see if that is when the dod is kicking in. i can feel my dod kick on and off in the steering wheel.

My wife and i just bought a G8 GT last weekend, and we love the car. It handles well, has plenty of go for its size and more rear seat room than the tahoe we traded in on it. with just 350 miles on the clock it went into the dealership for a small problem. We had to fill the front passsenger tire up every day but could not locate any hole in the tire so we took it in to find out what was going on. Well the service manager removed the wheel and dunked it, turns out that the wheel itself had two small holes in it. this is something that was caused during the casting process but they just pulled a new wheel off of another g8 on the lot and off we went. Not a big deal

WOW talk about taking it up ass:emb: these cars have been going for $26-$27k. even taking the 0% it should have been way less than that.

btw. i love my g8. i dont expect it to be perfect, nothing is. i love the looks, handling, power. inside is on the cheap side but if it were as nice as a 5 series it would cost $10k more than it does and be out of my price range.

you guys with the vibration at 55mph. try puting it in the diagnostic mode and see if that is when the dod is kicking in. i can feel my dod kick on and off in the steering wheel.

I am getting the shake and I don't have DOD. It is in the suspension or steering. Probably can be resolved somehow? AKA aftermarket parts?

Not sure to be truthful.

no shake here from new till now, go get tires road forced balanced people...

I am getting the shake and I don't have DOD. It is in the suspension or steering. Probably can be resolved somehow? AKA aftermarket parts?

Not sure to be truthful.

Someone on the Grrr8 forums just asked about vibrations at highway speeds and got a response to get the strut bushings checked. That "bad strut bushings" are a common issue on the G8's. So maybe you guys might wanna check this out if you havent already.

My brother just picked up a 09 G8 GT in Stryker blue and LOVES it!!! Turned 1000mi last week and he finally opened it up. This car is mean. For a 4door, what I call "business man" sports car it def goes. He has had absolutely no issues with it at all.

Someone on the Grrr8 forums just asked about vibrations at highway speeds and got a response to get the strut bushings checked. That "bad strut bushings" are a common issue on the G8's. So maybe you guys might wanna check this out if you havent already.

Excellent, information ! Thank you greatly for sharing. Keep them coming people ! :cheers:

Unfortunately modifying a brand New car with a "Tune" and other such items will VOID the 5y/100k Powertrain Warranty we were told by our area GM Dealerships. (As shown here: http://www.g8board.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12605 )

The car shouldn't need "tweaking" already anyways, it is a brand New car. It should be 110% PERFECT just as is.

Having to modify a New car so that is as good as a Used car kinda defeats the purpose of buying New doesn't it ?

That would be like buying a brand New house, then having the roof leak, the doors not close smoothly, having pluming and electrical issues, and having to pay extra to get all the New things fixed so its as good as a old worn out Used house.

Is my friend the only one that feels this way ?

no getting a tune is like buying a new house and then having someone come in a install a hella bose surroundsound and a 60+ inch tv and to add my 2cents in i love my G8 no mods at all i have done killed about 7 mustang GTs 1 2002 and the rest were 05 to 2008s the stereo is kick azz even though i added 2 12inch kicker solo classics :) it handles better than my uncles BMW and well its only about 4 months old but has 11,000+miles

the only thing i don't like about it is that i don't have 2 of them man i love that car and i have seen up to 29.6 miles per gallon also yea i love the car

yea grrrr8.net is the place to go if your having trouble for sure very helpful folks

My wife and i just bought a G8 GT last weekend, and we love the car. It handles well, has plenty of go for its size and more rear seat room than the tahoe we traded in on it. with just 350 miles on the clock it went into the dealership for a small problem. We had to fill the front passsenger tire up every day but could not locate any hole in the tire so we took it in to find out what was going on. Well the service manager removed the wheel and dunked it, turns out that the wheel itself had two small holes in it. this is something that was caused during the casting process but they just pulled a new wheel off of another g8 on the lot and off we went. Not a big deal

Speaking about interior size...

A guy at work was comparing a 300C with my G8 GT and the G8 GT has as large or larger interior than the 300 C.

I have a 2009 GT with 22,000 miles on it right now (approximately 6,000 of the miles are with boost). I've added a TVS to it with 65 lb/hr injectors and a Magnavolt. I only have one complaint about the car. The paint, in my opinion, is very poor. I have an inordinate amount of chips on my car (not just on the bumper or side moldings...hood, A-pillar as well). Other than that, the quality of the car in my opinion is very good. The car is very quiet (which makes me wonder if the quality/dampening material is cutting down of the bass from the subs. Have you ever turned your stereo up and opened the trunk and put your head down by it to listen? It's LOUD in the trunk! It's almost like it's baffled wrong. It sounded like there is substantial bass that is not making it out of the trunk and into the cabin). Performance is great. I've had Supras, Mustangs (1000+rwhp TT's) Corvettes, BMW's (2000 M5). This car is an AMAZING value. Anybody who does not recognize this has some sort of agenda. I would buy it again in a heartbeat.

I have a 2009 GT with 22,000 miles on it right now (approximately 6,000 of the miles are with boost). I've added a TVS to it with 65 lb/hr injectors and a Magnavolt. I only have one complaint about the car. The paint, in my opinion, is very poor. I have an inordinate amount of chips on my car (not just on the bumper or side moldings...hood, A-pillar as well). Other than that, the quality of the car in my opinion is very good. The car is very quiet (which makes me wonder if the quality/dampening material is cutting down of the bass from the subs. Have you ever turned your stereo up and opened the trunk and put your head down by it to listen? It's LOUD in the trunk! It's almost like it's baffled wrong. It sounded like there is substantial bass that is not making it out of the trunk and into the cabin). Performance is great. I've had Supras, Mustangs (1000+rwhp TT's) Corvettes, BMW's (2000 M5). This car is an AMAZING value. Anybody who does not recognize this has some sort of agenda. I would buy it again in a heartbeat.



I am liking that review.

I am liking that review.

especially

This car is an AMAZING value. Anybody who does not recognize this has some sort of agenda.

its funny when people expect 5 series quality but dont want to pay the price. In the real world there is no perfect car I have friends that have had issues of all kinds with their bimmers, benzs, and lexus's. Lets just accept the g8 for what it is a great value for a lot of car at a good affordable price and that is the key word affordable. no offense kc but if your friends wanted a 5 series why did they not buy one or did they want a great car at a good price? i think the issues is that they may have a lemon, and with all of the issues you keep mentioning i would a. wither ask for a new g8 or b. go to another dealership, i would assume that the dealers are doing everything they can to keep their customers happy and coming back, so i would take this lemon g8 and tell them to get a new unlemony one and enjoy the car. godd luck.

Speaking about interior size...

A guy at work was comparing a 300C with my G8 GT and the G8 GT has as large or larger interior than the 300 C.

Definitely bigger. My dad has a 300C and my G8 has a lot more room in the rear.

I have driven many cars and to say that a Mustang drives better than a G8 thats crazy. The G8 is using one of the best suspensions in the business for stock cars. The Vette uses it and so does the new Camaro. Handles awesome and I personally think its the best drive for a sedan hands down! Overall has to be considered as one the best cars to drive in the US.

The Corvette's suspension is nothing like the G8s/Camaros...

The suspension is unbelievably stable at any speed - 120 feels like most cars at 80. I can't believe any of these posts about initial quality - although I have only had mine 2 months, putting on about 2500 miles. It is extremely solid, quiet and comfortable on road trips, yet hauls a## when you want it to. It is my daily driver and I have no complaints.

Only issue is with the cheap glove box that is easily scratched and scuffed.

Definitely bigger. My dad has a 300C and my G8 has a lot more room in the rear.

G8 has more rear seat leg room than a BMW 750i.

And who ever said that the Corvettes suspension is the same as the G8 or Camaro, you couldnt be more wrong. Please do not post about things you dont know about. Some of us are trying to legitimately defend the G8 as an amazing car. You are making us look bad. :)

I have a 2009 GT with 22,000 miles on it right now.....

Wow, I thought i had a lot of miles. I just passed 17,000

The suspension is unbelievably stable at any speed - 120 feels like most cars at 80. I can't believe any of these posts about initial quality - although I have only had mine 2 months, putting on about 2500 miles. It is extremely solid, quiet and comfortable on road trips, yet hauls a## when you want it to. It is my daily driver and I have no complaints.

Last week my wife and I were out on the interstate and I looked down and saw I was doing 94MPH. I mentioned I needed to set the cruise. She couldn't believe I was going that fast. She said it felt like 70.

Last week my wife and I were out on the interstate and I looked down and saw I was doing 94MPH. I mentioned I needed to set the cruise. She couldn't believe I was going that fast. She said it felt like 70.

LOL!

We took a trip a few weeks back to the Cherry Festival and the same thing happened. I was cruising without the cruise control and did not realize I was doing 90 mph. Needless to say, I set the cruise control after that. I got about 24 mpg that trip as well.

Definately a nice driving car.

The Corvette's suspension is nothing like the G8s/Camaros...

Nooo joke.

Wow, I thought i had a lot of miles. I just passed 17,000

I have driven it back and forth from Baton Rouge, LA to Morgantown, WV a couple of times to visit family/friends in the last year (My wife has a Lexus IS...my car has 107^ft compared to 88^ft for her car. My trunk has 17.5^ft compared to her 11.5^ft. Plus, I think my car actually gets better gas mileage on the highway as well. I averaged 26.5 (actual mpg...DIC displayed 27.1 or so) with driving 70-75 mph with cruise control on for almost 4k miles of highway driving on these trips. The last trip I was even Maggie equipped. This car is extremely impressive.

Everyone is correct about the G8 being larger inside than the 300. I believe it's 107^ft vs. 104^ft. When I looked it up, I think the G8 has the same size of interior volume as a new generation Toyota Avalon. It's amazing what the design (lines, contours..etc.) does for the visuals on the G8. At a distance, the G8 looks to be about the size of a 3-series BMW to me. Once you get up on it though, you realize the size.

I will assume that the JD Power report provided by G8 owners is true since no one has stepped forward to disclaim all the common problems/issues that brand New G8's have that are constantly being talked about on all the G8 Forums.

you said it best here. BRAND NEW G8

ok your friend had a 06 mustang. lets say it was better. ford started that car in 99( that body) so that is 7 years of fixing shit.

gm has the g8 out for a couple of years.

you said it best here. BRAND NEW G8

ok your friend had a 06 mustang. lets say it was better. ford started that car in 99( that body) so that is 7 years of fixing shit.

gm has the g8 out for a couple of years.

The 06 Mustang body style was started in 05, not 99. It's only been 5yrs now of working on that body style. 3 years more then the G8's. It really doesnt matter, all cars are different. There's always going to be a batch of cars (new or used) that will have there problems and others that will be completely issue free. Something some ppl need to realize, nothings perfect.

I will assume that the JD Power report provided by G8 owners is true since no one has stepped forward to disclaim all the common problems/issues that brand New G8's have that are constantly being talked about on all the G8 Forums.

you said it best here. BRAND NEW G8

ok your friend had a 06 mustang. lets say it was better. ford started that car in 99( that body) so that is 7 years of fixing shit.

gm has the g8 out for a couple of years.

The 06 Mustang body style was started in 05, not 99. It's only been 5yrs now of working on that body style. 3 years more then the G8's. It really doesnt matter, all cars are different. There's always going to be a batch of cars (new or used) that will have there problems and others that will be completely issue free. Something some ppl need to realize, nothings perfect.

The GM G8/Commodore has actually been around since model year 2006, so its had only 1 less year to work all the "bugs" out in comparison to the less-troublesome 2005-2009 Mustang's.

I realize after working for BMW for 5 years, that not all Brand New cars are "Perfect", but I would like to think that GM wouldn't have sooo many common issues as mentioned on all the G8 forums...but then again... we are talking about the same GM that got rid of its V8 Correct-Wheel-Drive Sedan platforms (save for Cadillac).

The shaking is likely the tires out of round or in need of balance. That's a common problem, I had it, it was annoying as hell to deal with. My stock tires still have it, my aftermarket tires don't.

The doors scuff to easily and the paint is soft.

The stock tune sucks. If I didn't know better I'd have taken mine back for "issues". That being said a simple tune fixes all that.

The G8 rides much nicer than any Mustang. Its really an apples to orange comparison.

Sorry your friend has some troubles with their new car, give it a chance. Besides I bet if you looked you'd find all kinds of problems with Mustangs too...

Get the dealer to fix those issues that can be fixed.

The Stereo can be adjusted and it works pretty decent for a stock system, when adjusted (there's a bass adjustment in the trunk..check the grrrr8 site).

Give it a chance...its a great car.

besides, most of the issues arent glaring ones, but they are minor inconveniences... nothing deserving of having the g8 called a lemon though...

I love my car, it does have its issues most of which are due to GM like opening the sunroof for example. I have had the car since the end of March and only twice has the display on my radio goes blank. The radio will still play but you just can't see anything. Nothing a reboot won't fix, pop the car in neutral, turn it off, open the door, start it back up, and put it back in drive. It takes about 5 seconds to do and the display comes right back up. It's weird but nothing is perfect. As far as the front bumper getting marked as soon as I bought the car I put a 3M clear bug guard on it, love bug season down here is a bitch.

6,500 miles and only complaints are...

too smooth of a ride at higher speeds

and

if you fail to put your gas cap on the car registers a check that fails and sets off check engine light

The first is something any idiot can take care of by using their speedometer and the second is something my 7 year old daughter can correct by simply tightening the gas cap fully.

I have not expereinced any of these problems that keep being brought up and I have not heard from any one I know about such problems. It seems like people like to whine and complain alot though.

The shaking is likely the tires out of round or in need of balance. That's a common problem, I had it, it was annoying as hell to deal with. My stock tires still have it, my aftermarket tires don't.

This is another thing i forgot to mention that i got off the Grrr8 forum. 1 guy had a service manager tell him that he thought the tires were just flat spotted. This may just be what your problem is with your stock tires.

The GM G8/Commodore has actually been around since model year 2006, so its had only 1 less year to work all the "bugs" out in comparison to the less-troublesome 2005-2009 Mustang's.

I realize after working for BMW for 5 years, that not all Brand New cars are "Perfect", but I would like to think that GM wouldn't have sooo many common issues as mentioned on all the G8 forums...but then again... we are talking about the same GM that got rid of its V8 Correct-Wheel-Drive Sedan platforms (save for Cadillac).

Well i was only going with the G8's model years, which are just 2years but your right with the Commodore being around a few years more. Did the Commodore's have these problems though??

This is another thing i forgot to mention that i got off the Grrr8 forum. 1 guy had a service manager tell him that he thought the tires were just flat spotted. This may just be what your problem is with your stock tires.

Flat spotted???

I know old type tires do that but would these newer technologies tires do that? I am very skeptical of this statement and it somes like more BS.

Flat spotted???

I know old type tires do that but would these newer technologies tires do that? I am very skeptical of this statement and it somes like more BS.

Idk, that's what i got off that forum. It would be another thing to look into for all the vibrations being caused though.

Idk, that's what i got off that forum. It would be another thing to look into for all the vibrations being caused though.

Vibrations???

I wonder how many complaints for "vibrations" there are?

I remember something with the TA WS6 that many noobs mistook as a fault of the car when it was the car acting the way it was supposed to. In this case it was tremmeling (?spelling). The tires were pretty wide on the WS6 and for front tires the steering would be impacted by road conditions where the extra wide tire would grip grooves and cause a pull on the wheel.

I mention that because personally I hava had no problems with wheel shake but suspect it is probably something that is supposed to happen with those people that complain about. Maybe road conditions or similiar?

Besides I am pretty confident that if the vehicle had any issues that dealers would have TSBs to address any of these concerns when brought in to the dealership. So the question now is how many of these "complaints" have been taken to the dealer and what was the outsome IF they did go to the dealer?

8K miles on my '09. I paid $27K for it ($34K MSRP) and do not have any complaints about it based on my purchase price. I didn't expect a BMW or Lexus at a $27K pricetag, I suppose I'm more realistic. Hell, I daily drove a shitbox f-body for quite a few years and thought those were great cars too ;)

The G8 is a much better car, and I'd still say no other car compares for the current pricetag. This car gets a lot of compliments from everyone who sees it or goes for a ride in it. They can't believe it is a Pontiac.

Minor gripes? Sure, I have a few of those about every car I've owned. The passenger front seat not going back as far as the driver's seat. The thin paint on the nose. The touchy throttle in 1st gear from a slow roll. Thats about it. I can live with those.

There's a fix for the passenger seat slider, Tony :)

Other than the crappy paint, I have no issues.

A general balancing of tires doesn't remedy the vibration. A road force balance is the one to get, this will solve the vibration issues.

The stereo is fine by my standards, I turned up the bass bias in the trunk and have the equalizers set right where I want them.

The tune is crappy, but that's an easy and affordable fix, that not even the dealer can do. OP - Any performance car comes with a shabby tune that's not optimal for performance from the dealer, so don't make it like everything that comes off the floor is "perfect". A stealth tune will solve any warranty issues, IF your dealership frowns upon tunes in the first place. Or just keep a spare tune via HPT, superchips, EFI, etc etc, then load it up before you take it in. Simple.

The G8 KILLS the 'Stang in the handling department IMO, 'Stang doesn't have the confidence going into corners @ high speeds like the G8 does.

You make it sound like based upon the misreadings of a few and your buddies' opinion, that you wish to tell all who are interested in buying the G8 all the bad stuff. The goods outweight the bads 10 fold.

The tune is crappy, but that's an easy and affordable fix, that not even the dealer can do. OP - Any performance car comes with a shabby tune that's not optimal for performance from the dealer, so don't make it like everything that comes off the floor is "perfect". A stealth tune will solve any warranty issues, IF your dealership frowns upon tunes in the first place. Or just keep a spare tune via HPT, superchips, EFI, etc etc, then load it up before you take it in. Simple.

If you have a "Tune" and mistakenly think you can fool GM into Not Voiding your Powertrain Warranty should a problem arise then I suggest you read these short 8 pages completely ( http://www.g8board.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12605 ). :thumb:

If you have a "Tune" and mistakenly think you can fool GM into Not Voiding your Powertrain Warranty should a problem arise then I suggest you read these short 8 pages completely ( http://www.g8board.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12605 ). :thumb:

looks like you dont ever get tired of stirring the pot. if you can't tell most people around here are happy with their car.

did you read that thread? here are just a few quotes.


Argh here we go again LOL The E38 and T43 are VERY Capable of logging flash activity HOWEVER it's NEVER been implemented in any production release I've ever seen.

he GMVIS record only shows how may times GM's TIS has reprogrammed the module.

Most of the info in this thread is just old/rehashed and has been going on for some time. I've yet to read anyone on this forum having thier warranty voided?

The CVN is what is checked to make sure that the code is GM OEM or not. Change even one item in the code and the generated CVN becomes different. Put the code back to stock (every single bit) and the generated CVN then matches the GM CVN.

I think that's the most important point of all. Our chief mechanic spent more than twenty years as a troubleshooter for local Pontiac dealerships. When there'd be a problem that a local dealer couldn't fix, he was the one who took the call. And not once has he ever seen a warranty voided for this reason.

We have done several thousand tunes, and have not ever heard of a warranty being voided for an aftermarket tune.

Can a competent dealer see the CVN change using a Tech II? Yes.

Have we ever seen this to be an issue? No.

If you have any doubt at all, simply keep and reinstall your stock ECM when visiting a dealer.

Someone just please let me know when we have a "documented" warranty decine, ok? Until I'm done worrying........
__________________

The only thing I dislike id the DOD...Too much $$$$ to get rid of it

did you read that thread?

My apologies that you are misinformed. Try re-reading the thread. :thumb:

.

.

.

Page 2 / Post #21 (http://www.g8board.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12605&page=2)

They may try to void the warranty, but they would be required to prove the flash caused the problem.

The above is absolutely false!!

Magnuson Moss is grossly misunderstood and often misquoted. MM generally disallows "tie in sales". Tie in sales would force you to buy a maintainance product or service from a specific company to get warranty benefits. (example: GM cannot deny your warranty claim if they find you have a Purolator oil filter installed by Jiffy Lube vs. an AC Delco oil filter installed by a GM dealer. In this type of scenario GM would need to prove the Purolator oil filter caused the failure.)

However MM goes on to say "your warranty need not cover use of replacement parts, repairs, or maintenance that is inappropriate for your product". This is the key gotcha clause!! GM is fully within their legal rights to say a tuner is inappropriate for the design parameters of your vehicle and it's use voids powertrain related warranty coverage. GM doesn't have to prove a thing in the case of an "inappropriate" modification!! (example: as long as a tuner is or was used in the past they do not have to prove it caused the problem.) All they have to say is that it was an inappropriate modification. The burden of proof then shifts to the owner of the vehicle to fight it out with GM and this is usually a very long and expensive battle with low probability of success.

GM spends mega bucks designing a powertrain system that has to reliably deliver a certain power level over a broad set of operating condition and over a 5 yr/100k warranty period. They also have to do this by providing adequate design margin which provides a reasonably/predictable failure rate that's inline with their warranty budget.

Now along comes a tuner that significantly alters those design parameters by increasing output and decreasing GM's design margin. All of a sudden the entire cost model is thrown out of whack due to warranty coverage on a design that's outside the operating envelope that GM's design intended.

Why should they absorb this added cost??

P.S. Here's MM if you want to read it yourself:

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/business/adv/bus01.shtm

Page 6 / Post# 113 (http://www.g8board.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12605&page=6)

Final Word on my Blown Engine, PLEASE READ:

I was extremely lucky to have my car warrantied. They wouldn't tell me anything, but my father brought some food in for the service team after they finished up on my car. Apparently they were very close to being rejected by GM because although the codes were all there, they were not in correct sequence (whatever that means, I'm sure you tuners know better than I).

***So, Flashing back to stock may not guarantee you service on major work.***

Page 7 / Post # 135 (http://www.g8board.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12605&page=7)

From the 2009 Pontiac Warranty Book:

Page 7
What is not covered: Damaged caused by any of the following:
bla bla bla.......racing or other competition......bla bla bla
Bummer, no trips to the drag strip allowed.

Page 14
The use of parts and/or control module calibrations not issued through General Motors will void the warranty coverage for those components that are damaged or otherwise affected by the installation of the non-GM part and/or control module calibration.

I'm not going to depend on a non-Pontiac dealer for any "warranty favors" in the future.

Page 4 / Post # 76 (http://www.g8board.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12605&page=4)

GM doesn't need to know any tune "parameters". All they need to know is that the performance characteristics have been altered (past or present). That's enough for them to deny powertrain warranty coverage under Magnuson Moss and this shifts the burden of proof to the vehicle's owner.

I am not here to "stir a pot", just merely inform as many people as possible from making a potentially costly mistake. :cheers:

there are all kinds of posts on what they could do to you but the fact is i haven't seen one person post up where they did void their warranty. if your the type of person that will lose sleep knowing that there is a 1 in 10,000 chance they might void your warranty then i guess you are talking to that person. i dont think there are too many of that type on this board.

How many warranties have been voided due to ECM/TCM tunes?

^none

If you are worried about voiding warranties on performance cars, you don't belong on this site. Period. Go find a G8 restoration society and hang out there instead :)

Bring me back for a day so I can ban the troll:judge:

If you are worried about voiding warranties on performance cars, you don't belong on this site. Period. Go find a G8 restoration society and hang out there instead :)

Agreed! Otherwise, keep the car stock if your that worried.

Agreed! Otherwise, keep the car stock if your that worried.

Please refer to Page 2 / Post # 33 of this thread.

I completely agree, that this is LS1 tech and that the majority of people that are actively on here, have done some sort of modifications to their cars, but I assume that is to their "race cars" like I have done, and not a brand new daily driver purchased for the sole purpose of having a trouble -free/new car Warranty.

:cheers:

Well, you know what they say about "assuming"..............

Well, you know what they say about "assuming"..............

:lol: Yeah, good point.

How many warranties have been voided due to ECM/TCM tunes?


Two I know of, LMM diesels though, GM got sick of buying 5,000 transmissions for them I guess.

I doubt the the G8 is on the radar for it but I still wouldnt roll into a dealer with a cam, headers torque converter and tune and bitch about the trans burning up every time you take it to a dragstrip.

Its not worth arguing about, if you 1000% for sure dont want to void the warranty dont mess with it - simple as that. I have no reason to mod a 4000lb 4 door, just like I have no reason to mod my duramax truck, they both are fine for what they are designed for. One for cruising/trips and a fun daily driver and one for towing, they both perform their respective tasks well completely stock ;)

Two I know of, LMM diesels though, GM got sick of buying 5,000 transmissions for them I guess.

I doubt the the G8 is on the radar for it but I still wouldnt roll into a dealer with a cam, headers torque converter and tune and bitch about the trans burning up every time you take it to a dragstrip.

Its not worth arguing about, if you 1000% for sure dont want to void the warranty dont mess with it - simple as that. I have no reason to mod a 4000lb 4 door, just like I have no reason to mod my duramax truck, they both are fine for what they are designed for. One for cruising/trips and a fun daily driver and one for towing, they both perform their respective tasks well completely stock ;)

Wow, excellent information. Thank you!

:lol: Yeah, good point.

I know if I had the funds available to me right now, I would probably do a tune, headers, cai, and exhaust on my G8. Not so much for the dragstrip, but for a little bit more kick in the pants for around town. As it stands, though, thats just not in the cards. Besides, I am extremely happy with everything this car is. I believe it lives up to my expectations. It meets and exceeds the goals it was intended for. I am sure any other owner out there will agree. I am very happy with this Pontiac. Is it perfection? No. Its a car, nothing more. I dont believe you'll find any car in any price range that is. As for the car, its probably one of the nicest cars GM/Pontiac has brought to market in quite a while.

EB

I am not one that likes to get in the middle of things of tlk shit but i have been following this thread a lil bit and will you do us all a favor KC HENRY and stop tlkn about those piece of shit mustangs. A g8 gt or gxp stock would shit on and old or new mustang gt stock. sry to be rude i am jus tired of looking at mustang stuff. thanks..

I am not one that likes to get in the middle of things of tlk shit but i have been following this thread a lil bit and will you do us all a favor KC HENRY and stop tlkn about those piece of shit mustangs. A g8 gt or gxp stock would shit on and old or new mustang gt stock. sry to be rude i am jus tired of looking at mustang stuff. thanks..

Hello, please do not apologize, you are not rude, you are just stating your opinion. If I held everyone's opinions against them I would be a very upset person lol. I think it is great that we have these Forums where Automotive Enthusiests can gather and share their opinions.

If everyone agreed and wanted the exact same thing it would be boring. :cheers:

good man i am glad we see eye to eye then. lol. so what have u done to the g8 so far? did u get the gt or gxp what color?

good man i am glad we see eye to eye then. lol. so what have u done to the g8 so far? did u get the gt or gxp what color?

I drive a 96 Impala SS, and a LS1 swapped Caprice, its my best friend who has the G8 GT.

Unfortunately on top of all the other stuff they have to bring it in to service for, now one of the Tire Pressure sensors needs replaced as well, as it is reading 80 psi for no reason at all.

That's one of the 2 recalls. ^^

I haven't had my recall on the tire sensor reprogram yet. All pressures read normally and in check with an actual pressure gauge on the tire. Maybe they fixed it before my car went out and just batch recalled a bunch of cars.

I don't even intend to have the recall done. Waste of time.

Yeah mine hasn't been done yet either. Both of them never acted up as of now. I'll just have them do it when I take it in after my next oil change. I figure I may as well change the oil myself and every 3rd or so take it in so they can just give it a once over.

I'm not sure what you mean by Voiding the warranty, i've definitely been turned down by dealerships refusing to do certain work becouse of my mods, they where afraid GM wouldn't pay up.

Sounds to me Henry that your buddy got a bad one for sure. Dont judge an entire fleet off of one car. It sucks hes having those problems, and i would definintly be having a fit over all those issues, although minor for the most part, and also it seems easily fixed. I see your point however.

It dosent though do you anygood to come on here and "cheers" to every problem you hear about. No one likes an ass, and if you dont mean to come off as one...you sure are portraying one. Ask about the issues and wait for the feedback..simple.

GM may be going through some tough times, and deleting pontiac was a mistake in my opinion....but thrashing the General on the G8 is absurd. The G8 GT (13.6)- G8GXP (13.0) is better than anything Ford or Chrysler can offer in that price range and platform......and please dont throw in the 4300lb Ecoboost V6, Fake Suede Inserted, 41k dollar boat Tauras SHO (13.7)....Although I do like the look :) and will give probs to the 365hp effort. Another Opinion is that the Tauras was such a great seller mainly because of price. Its no way going to blow away sells with a 28-41k dollar price tag. Way off topic I know :)

I think you picked the wrong forum for people to jump on your " :cry: my buddy hates his G8 and everyone else should too" bandwagon. Sounds like your friend may have a lemon. . . and why would anyone want to overpay for it? 32k? wtf? your friend has probably ragged it out anyway.

Hell, I daily drove a shitbox f-body for quite a few years and thought those were great cars too ;)
Minor gripes? The touchy throttle in 1st gear from a slow roll. The more frequently I drive my wife's G8, the more impressed I am. She loves it. The touchy throttle does bug both of us but you get used to it. But I could never give up my "shitbox f-body" for it. I would miss the raw feeling too much. In fact, there's a guy on here selling his G8 for that reason.

So far it looks like our issues have been fixed under warranty and we are very happy with the car.