If you have not driven a G8....do so...now...
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 669
From: Arcadia, OK
My G8 GT experience was kind of a average among you guys. Drove great (yes, better than my 04 GTO); perfect ride/handling trade-off IMHO. Great looking outside (especially with the 19-inch wheels). The interior, on the other hand, disappointed me just a bit. I had heard it was significantly nicer than the GTO; better equipped? Yes. Better materials? No. In fact, it seemed like the material quality had dropped a bit. Can't really put my finger on anything specific; just didn't live up to expectations. And I'm sorry, but the interior materials definitely didn't compare well to my 07 335. Would I buy one? Quite possibly. Just not for the $5,000 "market adjustment" they were making when I drove one last summer. I'm sure you could get a reasonable deal on one today, though.
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,123
From: Melbourne, Australia
I still don't know why the G8s don't sell well in the US? Oh, despite the high quality materials used throughout the interior, I still think the interior design is a little on the dull side.
Anyway, imagine how much better the Camaro would be given the sportiness offered by the 2 door layout and obvious family origins?
Anyway, imagine how much better the Camaro would be given the sportiness offered by the 2 door layout and obvious family origins?
Last edited by SSbaby; Jan 30, 2009 at 06:04 PM.
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,224
From: CNY
It's microfiber make to look like and feel suede. I don't care for it either in theory but maybe after driving with it for a while it'd be nice. I'm sure it grips better than leather and stays much drier and grippier when sweaty hands get on it. Overall I love the new CTS-V's interior though and could forgive the steering wheel even if I ended up not caring for it in the end.
But what's going to happen to that microfiber after a few years of sweat and skin oils and normal abrasions from letting the wheel slide in your hand?
How would you even clean that thing?
I was under the impression that you're not even supposed to get microfiber wet. Every microfiber object I've seen says "dry clean only".
How do you dry clean your steering wheel?
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 16,176
From: Chicagoland IL
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 16,176
From: Chicagoland IL
The grippiness while driving may be true.
But what's going to happen to that microfiber after a few years of sweat and skin oils and normal abrasions from letting the wheel slide in your hand?
How would you even clean that thing?
I was under the impression that you're not even supposed to get microfiber wet. Every microfiber object I've seen says "dry clean only".
How do you dry clean your steering wheel?
But what's going to happen to that microfiber after a few years of sweat and skin oils and normal abrasions from letting the wheel slide in your hand?
How would you even clean that thing?
I was under the impression that you're not even supposed to get microfiber wet. Every microfiber object I've seen says "dry clean only".
How do you dry clean your steering wheel?
It's imitation suede for better wear. Personally, I love it.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,574
From: Arlington, Texas
I'm still trying to figure out a way to get a G8 GT and a Camaro without having to get rid of the vette. Should I figure it out, I would get the Pacific Blue or Sport Red w/ the 19's and CLOTH interior. One of my major gripes about the car is that is is only available w/ a black interior. Black+Leather+Texas Summers=
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 429
I plan on driving one as an option to replace my 335i at lease end but I have to admit that I wasn't very impressed with the interior when I sat in one at the auto show. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't good, either. The layout and materials just didn't impress me.
The fact that you called the IP comparable to Audi unfortunately makes me question the potential for bias or differing opinions contained in the rest of the review (which goes over areas of the car I'm not familiar with).
How is the ride and NVH compared to the GTO? I wasn't very impressed by the GTO in terms of day to day livability in the way it drove... it was just too unrefined. Yes I realize it was still worlds better than the Camaro for example, but I'm looking for something that's comfortable, not just "not too rough". My 335i is already too stiff riding for me, though the run flats have a whole lot to do with that.
The fact that you called the IP comparable to Audi unfortunately makes me question the potential for bias or differing opinions contained in the rest of the review (which goes over areas of the car I'm not familiar with).
How is the ride and NVH compared to the GTO? I wasn't very impressed by the GTO in terms of day to day livability in the way it drove... it was just too unrefined. Yes I realize it was still worlds better than the Camaro for example, but I'm looking for something that's comfortable, not just "not too rough". My 335i is already too stiff riding for me, though the run flats have a whole lot to do with that.
The CTS and the A5 are very close in terms of interior quality. I think it really just comes down to what layout you like better. If you really like how the new Buicks are looking, then I imagine you'll go for the CTS. And no, I don't care what anybody says, the G8 GT is not in the same area code as the Audi or the Cadillac. I don't care where Holden sources its parts, they're not even close. Now the G8 does have a German feel to it, more so to the Beamer than anything else, but it's more in way of layout and simplicity than quality. The Beamer has much tighter gaps and fit than the G8, and you can easily see the spots where they skimped on the G8's interior (the glove box door is the easiest to spot). This is not to say that the G8's interior is bad. It's certainly the best the Pontiac has ever had. But it's not to be confused with an Audi's interior. No way, no how.
I agree that the 335i's suspension is a little too tight for my taste. How much as to do with the runflats, I don't know. Now the CTS' acceleration was adequate, but not great. And the car, although I never felt like I was going to lose control, does have more body roll than I expected. I can't recall if the car had the top level of suspension on it or not. But if a car is going to have a fair amount of body roll, then it needs to have seats with good sized side bolsters. The G8's acceleration was great. It pulls just like any of the modern LS' do. Yeah it's a big car, but for being as big as it is, it felt extremely planted. It is a very impressive handling car. And the ride is as smooth as you would expect from such a big car.
I think you would like the GT if you're willing to accept the limited options available for the car, and that you recognize the interior for what it is. I know the mags keep saying it's a poor man's BMW, and as far as the driving experience goes, I would concur with that statement. But you will realize it's a poor man's BMW when you look at the interior objectively. They had to skimp somewhere in order to sell the car for that price, and that's where they did it. If the G8 had more interior options available to make it seem nicer, it could go back on my list.
You did mention having a kid in the next few years though, and the back seat of the G8 is ridiculously large, along with the trunk.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 1998
Posts: 4,320
From: Memphis
I've driven the CTS DI RWD, the G8 GT, the 335i and the A5 so maybe I can help out some.
The CTS and the A5 are very close in terms of interior quality. I think it really just comes down to what layout you like better. If you really like how the new Buicks are looking, then I imagine you'll go for the CTS. And no, I don't care what anybody says, the G8 GT is not in the same area code as the Audi or the Cadillac. I don't care where Holden sources its parts, they're not even close. Now the G8 does have a German feel to it, more so to the Beamer than anything else, but it's more in way of layout and simplicity than quality. The Beamer has much tighter gaps and fit than the G8, and you can easily see the spots where they skimped on the G8's interior (the glove box door is the easiest to spot). This is not to say that the G8's interior is bad. It's certainly the best the Pontiac has ever had. But it's not to be confused with an Audi's interior. No way, no how.
I agree that the 335i's suspension is a little too tight for my taste. How much as to do with the runflats, I don't know. Now the CTS' acceleration was adequate, but not great. And the car, although I never felt like I was going to lose control, does have more body roll than I expected. I can't recall if the car had the top level of suspension on it or not. But if a car is going to have a fair amount of body roll, then it needs to have seats with good sized side bolsters. The G8's acceleration was great. It pulls just like any of the modern LS' do. Yeah it's a big car, but for being as big as it is, it felt extremely planted. It is a very impressive handling car. And the ride is as smooth as you would expect from such a big car.
I think you would like the GT if you're willing to accept the limited options available for the car, and that you recognize the interior for what it is. I know the mags keep saying it's a poor man's BMW, and as far as the driving experience goes, I would concur with that statement. But you will realize it's a poor man's BMW when you look at the interior objectively. They had to skimp somewhere in order to sell the car for that price, and that's where they did it. If the G8 had more interior options available to make it seem nicer, it could go back on my list.
You did mention having a kid in the next few years though, and the back seat of the G8 is ridiculously large, along with the trunk.
The CTS and the A5 are very close in terms of interior quality. I think it really just comes down to what layout you like better. If you really like how the new Buicks are looking, then I imagine you'll go for the CTS. And no, I don't care what anybody says, the G8 GT is not in the same area code as the Audi or the Cadillac. I don't care where Holden sources its parts, they're not even close. Now the G8 does have a German feel to it, more so to the Beamer than anything else, but it's more in way of layout and simplicity than quality. The Beamer has much tighter gaps and fit than the G8, and you can easily see the spots where they skimped on the G8's interior (the glove box door is the easiest to spot). This is not to say that the G8's interior is bad. It's certainly the best the Pontiac has ever had. But it's not to be confused with an Audi's interior. No way, no how.
I agree that the 335i's suspension is a little too tight for my taste. How much as to do with the runflats, I don't know. Now the CTS' acceleration was adequate, but not great. And the car, although I never felt like I was going to lose control, does have more body roll than I expected. I can't recall if the car had the top level of suspension on it or not. But if a car is going to have a fair amount of body roll, then it needs to have seats with good sized side bolsters. The G8's acceleration was great. It pulls just like any of the modern LS' do. Yeah it's a big car, but for being as big as it is, it felt extremely planted. It is a very impressive handling car. And the ride is as smooth as you would expect from such a big car.
I think you would like the GT if you're willing to accept the limited options available for the car, and that you recognize the interior for what it is. I know the mags keep saying it's a poor man's BMW, and as far as the driving experience goes, I would concur with that statement. But you will realize it's a poor man's BMW when you look at the interior objectively. They had to skimp somewhere in order to sell the car for that price, and that's where they did it. If the G8 had more interior options available to make it seem nicer, it could go back on my list.
You did mention having a kid in the next few years though, and the back seat of the G8 is ridiculously large, along with the trunk.
I've driven the CTS and loved the interior. The CTS is just a tad bit expensive for me... I would like to stay in the 30 or under range after negotiations if possible for my next car. It's also a little bigger than I want. A used CTS is a possibility though but it will take some convincing for my wife to allow us to own a Caddy. She has some preconceived notions and stereotypes about the brand that I'm trying to work through.
The Buick LaCrosse can be had under 30, isn't a Caddy, and is also going to probably be smaller and lighter.
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 429
You drove the A5? That would have been after you got your current car I guess, right?
I've driven the CTS and loved the interior. The CTS is just a tad bit expensive for me... I would like to stay in the 30 or under range after negotiations if possible for my next car. It's also a little bigger than I want. A used CTS is a possibility though but it will take some convincing for my wife to allow us to own a Caddy. She has some preconceived notions and stereotypes about the brand that I'm trying to work through.
The Buick LaCrosse can be had under 30, isn't a Caddy, and is also going to probably be smaller and lighter.
I've driven the CTS and loved the interior. The CTS is just a tad bit expensive for me... I would like to stay in the 30 or under range after negotiations if possible for my next car. It's also a little bigger than I want. A used CTS is a possibility though but it will take some convincing for my wife to allow us to own a Caddy. She has some preconceived notions and stereotypes about the brand that I'm trying to work through.
The Buick LaCrosse can be had under 30, isn't a Caddy, and is also going to probably be smaller and lighter.
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,306
From: Jersey Shore
Congrats Branden! G8 GT is still one of the best bangs for the buck out there.
Its interior is a bit drab, but I wouldnt go as far as to say its cheap, but its not 50k Audi solid either. But with Audi being, IMO, the target for any and all car makers, I didnt expect that. It does have a very Germanic, VW/Audi-esque design to the interior. I do wish that everything moved up so that we here in Ameirca could get the Sat-Nav.
The G8's handling is much more planted and secure then the GTO. If Camaro's feel matches this, I think there will be a lot of people raving about the new handling of this car.
Its interior is a bit drab, but I wouldnt go as far as to say its cheap, but its not 50k Audi solid either. But with Audi being, IMO, the target for any and all car makers, I didnt expect that. It does have a very Germanic, VW/Audi-esque design to the interior. I do wish that everything moved up so that we here in Ameirca could get the Sat-Nav.
The G8's handling is much more planted and secure then the GTO. If Camaro's feel matches this, I think there will be a lot of people raving about the new handling of this car.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,802
From: Annapolis MD
I still don't know why the G8s don't sell well in the US? Oh, despite the high quality materials used throughout the interior, I still think the interior design is a little on the dull side.
Anyway, imagine how much better the Camaro would be given the sportiness offered by the 2 door layout and obvious family origins?
Anyway, imagine how much better the Camaro would be given the sportiness offered by the 2 door layout and obvious family origins?
I talked my brother into cross shopping the G8 with his first choice the 335i sedan. He liked the G8 but I think he mentioned it had a little more road noise than the 335i. Also he liked the smaller size.
Not to take away from my brothers 335i but the G8 probably would have been my choice if I were looking for a sedan. I couldnt afford the BMW. A guy who lives in my Apartment complex has a black G8 that is beautiful. He actually wants to convert his G8 to the front end of a commodore. Both the Bimmer and G8 are on par visually from the exterior. My one gripe is the 80s digital graphics with the oil pressure. The scoops are cool but I dont like that their nonfunctional. actually my same opinon with Camaro. Small gripes though. With as good as this thing is in performance and other wise in my opion if its not selling well there has to be a reason somewhere. Could it be the Market conditions alone??
Not trying to hijack the thread, Brandon thats a beautiful car!
Last edited by 5thgen69camaro; Jan 31, 2009 at 03:04 PM.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,698
From: USA
Honestly tell me though, have you sat in the new for 2009 A4 or A5? Have you taken enough time to really analyze the interior?
You're the same guy who used to argue with me that his Pontiac Grand Prix's interior used great materials and was well made.
Look... I understand there are differences of opinions and all and I respect that, but I have a hard time believing your opinion isn't the product of bias when you say some of the things you say.
You will never hear me telling anyone that my 3 series' interior is something to get excited over, and I can't wait to sit in the new 2010 Buick LaCrosse when it comes out... the interior looks fantastic. I'm not saying this because I'm pro-german and anti-American, I'm honestly just calling it like I see it. Maybe you're doing the same, but it just doesn't seem that way.
You're the same guy who used to argue with me that his Pontiac Grand Prix's interior used great materials and was well made.
Look... I understand there are differences of opinions and all and I respect that, but I have a hard time believing your opinion isn't the product of bias when you say some of the things you say.
You will never hear me telling anyone that my 3 series' interior is something to get excited over, and I can't wait to sit in the new 2010 Buick LaCrosse when it comes out... the interior looks fantastic. I'm not saying this because I'm pro-german and anti-American, I'm honestly just calling it like I see it. Maybe you're doing the same, but it just doesn't seem that way.
My point with the G8 interior is that it does not photograph well. It looks very plasticy and gray..but that does not for instance show the textured dashpad and so forth. As I admitted there are some things like the seat rake controls that are stupid..but overall this car has one of the nicest affordable GM interiors I have been in. Better than my GTO's (I have owned two), better than a Charger, better than the Mazda3's and 6's my relatives have..and lastly better than the Corvette. I honestly am dumbfounded by the people who say the GTO has a better interior. The GTO interior is brighter with all the colors, but the materials are not better. I have had the silver trim bubble and come of on both cars. The radio in the car is terrible, the climate controls ***** have turned a strange color over time. Mine is in the dealer right now getting it's back seat reskinned because the stiching is coming apart (even though no one had sat back there). Don't get me wrong...I love my GTO. It is the first car I have paid off with the intention of keeping for good...but it is also a generation behind the G8 and it shows. That being said..interiors are the toughest thing because people have very different ideas of "quality".
I do think the G8's interior looks better in optional Red/Black setup..just because it brightens it up some.
Last edited by formula79; Jan 31, 2009 at 11:33 PM.