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Pontiac Grand Prix

Autor Reviews | 16.02.2009 | Category Pontiac Cars

The Pontiac Grand Prix started out as a personal luxury car in the early 1960s. Back then, personal luxury meant a big coupe with a big V8 and a stylish interior, usually featuring plush bucket seats and a floor shifter. Exterior design bordered on flamboyant at times, but the Grand Prix made no apologies for its unabashed sense of American style and performance.

The front-wheel drive, five-passenger Grand Prix sedan comes in two trims: the Base and the GXP. The Base trim is powered by a 200 hp 3.8-liter V6 and the GXP has a 303 hp 5.3-liter V8 and both engines are mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Standard features on the Base include: four-wheel disc brakes, 16-inch alloy wheels, power driver seat, air conditioning, AM/FM single CD radio, cruise control, Onstar, power mirrors, windows and door locks with remote keyless entry.

The GXP adds: TAPshift sequential transmission shifter, a sport-tuned suspension, Stabilitrak, anti-lock brakes, 18-inch forged alloy wheels, heated front seats, simulated suede and leather seat trim, automatic climate control, an upgraded radio and an information cluster with EyeCue heads-up display.

The base model comes with a 200-horsepower V6 as well as 16-inch wheels, OnStar, a CD player, cruise control, air-conditioning, keyless entry, and power windows and mirrors. The GXP includes a 303-hp V8, firmer suspension tuning, performance tires, a head-up display, unique trim and 18-inch alloys. Leather seating and automatic dual-zone climate control are optional.

Performance, even in the base model, is satisfying, and gets quite a bit stronger from there. Although the V8-powered GXP provides a thrilling rush of power, torque steer can be a problem with this front-drive chassis. Sadly, the abundant power infusion isn’t enough to keep the Grand Prix wholly competitive. Compared to the top sport-oriented sedans, the Pontiac feels unrefined in terms of handling dynamics and cabin fitments.

Pontiac Solstice

Autor Reviews | 13.02.2009 | Category Pontiac Cars

The 2008 Pontiac Solstice ranks 7 out of 10 Affordable Sports Cars. This ranking is based on analysis of published reviews and test drives of the Pontiac Solstice, and analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2008 Pontiac Solstice is a pure roadster with a compelling and unique exterior design, as well as highly rated handling dynamics.

The 2008 Pontiac Solstice is a distinct roadster with an attractive exterior and pleasing performance. The Solstice, introduced in 2006, shares a platform with the Saturn Sky, and comes in two different trim levels. Road & Travel Magazine says the “distinct good looks, precise steering, strong brakes, supple ride and superb exhaust note make it all the more palatable,” adding that the price range is attractive, making this car “a pure, satisfying roadster.” Most reviewers find the Solstice enjoyable to drive on sunny days with the top down, noting all the head-turns this little car gets.

When it comes to performance, though, the ‘08 Pontiac Solstice isn’t quite so stellar. Although the GXP trim offers a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine with a healthy 260-horsepower output, reviewers complain that it suffers from unresponsive handling and sloppy control. And the base model’s engine, a 2.4-liter, 177-horsepower inline-4, feels underpowered to many drivers.

Though most critics praise the Solstice, that doesn’t mean it’s suited for everyone. There’s a significant lack of trunk space, and the ride is tailored more for sport than comfort. In addition, some interior fittings are not as refined as those of competitors. Still, reviewers believe that the 2008 Pontiac Solstice delivers a lot for its price.

The 2008 Pontiac Solstice comes in two trim level options, the base level and the GXP. The GXP trim comes with a turbocharged engine.

2008 Pontiac G8

Autor Reviews | 22.05.2008 | Category Pontiac Cars

The 2008 Pontiac G8 comes from Australia, this time on a new rear-wheel-drive platform developed by Holden. Since the launch of the Chrysler 300, American automakers have been eager to jump on the rear-wheel-drive bandwagon for their family-sized and executive sedans, even if it means looking to their overseas divisions for such platforms. The Grand Prix will join a Pontiac rear-wheel-drive lineup that includes the Solstice, a two-seat sports car.

The G8 also extends Pontiac’s new model nomenclature. In 2005, when Pontiac replaced its aged mid-sized Grand Am, it gave the new vehicle a new alphanumeric name, dubbing it the G6.

The 2008 Pontiac G8 will be available in base and GT models. The base G8 will come with a 261-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 engine linked to a five-speed automatic transmission. The G8 GT gets a 362-hp, 6.0-liter V8 with nearly 400 pound-feet of torque that will reach the rear wheels through either a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.

Pontiac says the G8 GT will be capable of accelerating from a standing start to 60 miles per hour in a mere 5.5 seconds. To enhance the G8’s dynamic dexterity, its steering rack will be mounted ahead of the front axle. The car will be equipped with four-wheel independent suspension (struts in front, multi-link in the rear). It also gets four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes. Brakes on the base model will be 11.73 inches in diameter on the front wheels and 11.89 inches at the rear; the GT gets 12.64-inch front discs and with 12.76 rears.

All 2008 Pontiac G8 models will come with electronic stability control as standard equipment, which improves driver control, even in inclement weather. Eighteen- and 19-inch wheels and tires will be available. The GT gets a limited-slip rear differential to help keep all that power under proper control.

Safety equipment includes front and side-curtain airbags. OnStar, XM satellite radio, power-adjustable front seats and fog lamps also are on the standard equipment list, and a sport package will be available for both versions and will include 19-inch wheels, performance tires, a rear spoiler, leather shift knob, leather-wrapped steering wheel and aluminum alloy pedals.

Cloth seats will be standard, with heated leather seats as an option. The GT will offer an optional two-tone interior in cloth or leather.

At 196.1 inches in overall length, 74.8 inches in width and 57.7 inches in height, the 2008 G8 will be more than two inches longer, though neither as wide nor as tall as the Grand Prix it replaces. It also will provide 124.5 cubic feet on interior volume as well as a 17.5-cu.ft. trunk.

In addition, the exterior design will be much more sporty than the outgoing Grand Prix, especially in the GT version with its twin hood scoops, quad exhaust outlets and wide, racing-style lower front air intake. Fenders will have bulging blisters to frame the wheel openings and there are vent-like gills set into the front quarter-panels.

Pontiac G6 Coupe

Autor Reviews | 15.05.2008 | Category Pontiac Cars

The 2008 Pontiac G6 Coupe is available only in GT and GXP trims, with two different V-6 engines—a 219-horsepower, 3.5-liter or a new-for-2008 252-horsepower, 3.6-liter in the GXP. The two engines carry similar fuel economy estimates of 17 mpg city, 26 highway; the more efficient four-cylinder engine that’s offered in the sedan isn’t available in the coupe.

The two engines in the 2008 Pontiac G6 Coupe both have strong acceleration, but have quite different personalities. The 3.5-liter follows an old pushrod design and is equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission. It’s responsive but the engine can be coarse and loud. The 3.6-liter is a more modern overhead-cam design and is tuned such that it has especially strong passing power. The difference is that the 3.5-liter comes with a four-speed automatic while the 3.6-liter comes with a new six-speed automatic.
The 2008 Pontiac G6 Coupe drives quite well, but the experience is unremarkable. While the Coupe doesn’t have the electric power steering that was formerly offered—rather, a better hydraulic system—the G6 still doesn’t steer or handle as well as other cars in its class. The ride is quite firm and can be choppy on pockmarked pavement, with no apparent handling advantage.

The car’s interior has an attractive design, but the quality of the materials is not upto the mark, with too many glossy or hard plastics that look like they might scratch easily. Seating is ample in the 2008 Pontiac G6 Coupe; the nice front seats are both soft and supportive.

The base GT coupe comes with a keyless entry, cruise control, air conditioning, and a CD sound system with XM satellite radio. GXP models upgrade to the bigger engine and six-speed automatic, bigger wheels and tires, heated seats, and automatic climate control, plus various appearance enhancements throughout. Other options on the 2008 Pontiac G6 Coupe include a remote starter system, power-adjustable pedals, and a sunroof.

2008 Pontiac G8 V6

Autor Reviews | 09.05.2008 | Category Pontiac Cars

Let’s not dismiss the Pontiac G8 V6 out of hand. Sure, you give up a Smart-and-a-half of ponies with the less powerful powerplant. But 256 horsepower would have seemed like plenty even five years ago. (And the way things are going, it might seem like plenty five years from now.) For enthusiasts who’ve advanced beyond the raw thrill of gut-sucking torque, it’s not the meat, it’s the motion. Yes, Virginia, it’s possible for a car to be fun to drive even if it can’t flatten you against the seatback off the line. Ah, but does this G8 V6 fit this bill?