The rear-wheel-drive Solstice GXP is fitted with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four cylinder engine, which produces a very generous 260 horsepower (HP) and 260 foot pounds of torque. (The 2.4-liter four banger in the standard Solstice produces 173 HP and 167 foot pounds of torque.) The Solstice GXP’s spark-ignition direct-injected (SIDI) turbo four can be mated to a five-speed manual or automatic transmission.

The EPA’s fuel economy estimates for the 2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe are 19 city / 28 highway miles per gallon (MPG). It’s interesting to note that the less powerful, but higher displacement base Solstice is rated at 19 city 25 highway. But that doesn’t tell the whole story …

We rolled up over six hundred miles on the odometer of our automatic-equipped Wicked Ruby Red Metallic review unit and flew past the official mileage estimates with an average of 34.6 MPG on the Interstate highway and 26.3 MPG combined.

Interstate
Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, windows up: 34.2 MPG
Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off, windows up: 35.0 MPG

Overall test period temperatures were in the seventies.
The Solstice GXP Coupe tourque-filled turbo four is a standout among domestic engines, as it delivers a stunning combination of performance and fuel-efficiency.

The Solstice GXP Coupe’s Driver’s Information Center provides engine temperature, tire pressure data, a boost gauge, two trip meters, average fuel economy, instant fuel economy, among other stats.

While we always recommend driving with the instant fuel economy display active, in order to achieve the best gas mileage with a light-footed driving technique, the little GXP provides plenty of temptation to punch up the boost gauge.

This is a Jeckle and Hyde car. When the Solstice GXP hooks up, 0-60 times land in the mid five second range. (And =if that’s not enough, a dealer-installed power upgrade kit is available to bump the engine up to 290 HP and 340 foot pounds of torque.)

While the Solstice GXP’s five-speed automatic transmission does well from a fuel economy standpoint, it falls short for those with sporting intensions. A proper sports car must be equipped with a manual transmission, or at the least, provide more driver control over gear selection.

Out on the open road, the GXP rides and handles well, but when things get twisty it feels heavier and less precise then the more nimble Honda S2000.

The Solstice cabin is a tight fit and seat adjustments are minimal. There is no lumbar support and heated seats are not available. Rearward visibility is limited at best. (An aftermarket rear view camera would be most welcome.) Storage and cargo space are at a premium, with a stated 5.4 cubic feet of cargo volume.

The removable targa top is held in place by three latches. While it’s possible for one person to remove and install the top, the task is made easier with assistance. There is no space to store the hard targa top inside the vehicle. A soft top is available, although pricey.

Our test unit had both an audio input jack and USB iPod port, and was equipped with the Monsoon premium 7-speaker system, which includes a subwoofer. There is only one 12-volt outlet.

OnStar and Bluetooth are included as standard equipment. The Premium option package includes leather covered buckets, steering wheel, and shift knob, along with steering wheel audio controls.

All-in-all, we found sadness, joy, and hope in our week with the Solstice GXP Coupe. Sadness that both Pontiac and the Solstice have come to the end of their run, Joy in the beauty of the Coupe’s gorgeous design and the engine’s thrilling performance, and hope that the efficient and powerful turbo four will find a spot beneath the hood of many GM cars to come.

Looking back on the reviews, Pontiac’s demise wasn’t difficult to predict, given the evaporation of Oldsmobile earlier this decade. The majority of Pontiac’s offerings were too much the same, offering nearly identical products to other brands. The Pontiac G6 is based on the Chevy Malibu, the G5 is based on the Chevy Cobalt, the Solstice is a twin of the Saturn Sky, and the Vibe is based on the Toyota Matrix.

Drive each of these cars against their cousins, and you’d be hard pressed to see much difference.

The Pontiac G8 is the one shining exception. Built and sold in Australia as the Holden Commodore, the G8 is a thoroughly modern sports sedan. While the G8 is light on technology, it offers exceptional performance. Given the attention, the Commodore/G8 could compete with the best in its class, on a worldwide basis.

It is increasingly clear that General Motors international assets are core to the company’s future. In today’s Q&A session, GM Chief Executive Fritz Henderson, stressed that “the nature of those global relationships will change” within their new four core brand strategy (Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, and GMC).

Before today’s press conference, it was my hope that the G8/Commodore would live on here in the States, either as a Chevy or more preferably as a Cadillac (but not both). Unfortunately, Fritz Henderson made the comment that the G8 would be phased out by the end of this year.

Regardless of that, I don’t believe we’ve seen the last of the car. With tweaks to the nose, tail, and interior, GM could have a brilliant new Cadillac in record time that would slot in just under the CTS and help bring more youthful drivers to the showroom. Given Henderson’s comments that Cadillac must “win in the United States,” there could be no clearer nor more rapid path to success.

The trump card?

Stuff a twin-turbo clean diesel under the Commodore’s hood to deliver performance and fuel economy to rival the BMW 335d.

2009 Pontiac G8 GT Review

2009 Pontiac G6 Review

2009 Pontiac G5 XFE Review

2009 Pontiac Vibe AWD Review

If you’re looking for a small all-wheel-drive vehicle with unique styling, the 2009 Pontiac Vibe AWD just might be playing your tune.

The AWD Vibe’s 2.4-liter Toyota engine produces 158 horsepower (HP) and 162 foot pounds of torque. The inline VVT-I four is exclusively mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Unfortunately, a manual transmission is not available in the AWD Vibe.

The official mileage estimates for the 2009 Vibe AWD are 20 city / 26 highway miles per gallon (MPG).

We rolled up well over 500 miles on our Liquid Platinum review unit and were able to scoot past the official estimates, with an average of 32.2 MPG on the Interstate highway and 24.2 MPG combined. The Vibe does well when driven with a light foot at highway speeds. Conscientious driving with the cruise control off pays off handsomely.

Vibe AWD Highway MPG Testing
Cruise control on @ 68 MPH – 31.1 MPG
Cruise control off, target speed between 60-72 MPH – 34.0 MPG

(Test period temperatures ranged from the forties through the fifties.)

While the Vibe AWD isn’t a speed demon, it has enough punch to make that highway merge, with a power band that comes to life in the neighborhood of four thousand RPM.

Although it’s one of the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive vehicles we’ve tested, the Vibe lacks both an average and an instant fuel economy display. If you’re keen on getting the best gas mileage, you’ll want to turn to the aftermarket for a device like the ScanGaugeII or AutoMeter EcoMeter to provide instant feedback on fuel consumption. By adding one of these gauges, you’ll learn how to most effectively lighten your right foot and get the most out of every gallon.

The Vibe’s interior is comfortable for four adults, but the front seats lack lumbar support and heated surfaces. We’d like to see both available as an option.

The standard audio system includes XM Satellite Radio and a dash-mounted audio input jack. There is no USB support.

There’s a single 12-volt outlet at the base of the dash, along with a handy 115-volt 3-prong household style electrical outlet.

The versatile cargo area with fold flat rear seats is one of the Vibe’s best attributes. With the rear seats down, the Vibe provides 49.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

All-in-all, the Pontiac Vibe AWD is a worthy contender in the entry-level all-wheel-drive five door market, with a comfortable interior, plenty of cargo space, and respectable fuel economy.

Parts Content Information:
U.S./Canadian parts content: 61%
Major source of foreign parts content: Japan – 39%

Final Assembly Point:
Fremont, California
U.S.A.

Country of Origin:
Engine – Japan
Transmission – Japan

GM was clearly aiming at BMW when they engineered the G8 GT. While the Pontiac can’t match the BMW in terms of fit, finish, quality of interior materials, and in-car electronics, it’s a different story out on the open road and on the bottom line. Although the G8 GT might not be the ultimate driving machine, it does quite well … far better than most folks would ever expect.

Pontiac G8 GT 0-60 MPH

The biggest difference comes down to drive trains. Both cars rock advanced six-speed automatic transmissions, but the 335d’s clean diesel twin-turbo six pulls far ahead when it comes down to fuel economy. The G8 GT’s 361 HP 6.0-liter V8 delivers superior 0-60 MPH times (5.3 seconds vs 6.0 seconds), but the 335d delivers highway MPG numbers that are close to double that of the Pontiac (not to mention an amazing 425 foot pounds of torque).

BMW 335d 0-60 MPH

The G8 GT pulls ahead when it comes to the spaciousness of the interior and out-the-door cost. With the fire sale that’s going on at GM dealers right now, G8 GTs can be had for roughly half the price of the 335d.

Bottom line?

These are both great cars … but if we had our way, we’d love to shoehorn the Beemer’s big bad clean diesel under the hood of the G8 GT, just for hoots …

The 2009 Pontiac G8 GT is a classic American muscle car with a big twist. This V8-engined rear-wheel-drive sedan handles as well as it accelerates and provides plenty of room for five adults. But it’s not made in America … the G8 GT is a re-badged Australian-built Holden Commodore.

The G8 GT’s 6.0-liter V8 engine produces 361 horsepower (HP) and 385 foot pounds of torque. The big V8 is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with driver shift control and sport mode.

Now you’d expect any true muscle car to be thirsty, but the G8 GT’s V8 is equipped with Active Fuel Management, to good effect. The official mileage estimates for the 2009 G8 GT are 15 city / 24 highway miles per gallon (MPG).

We had a blast putting over 500 miles on our Stryker Blue Metallic G8 GT review unit and were able reign in the right foot (just a bit) and match the official estimates, with an average of 24.8 MPG on the Interstate highway and 19.9 MPG combined.

Test period temperatures ranged from the forties through the fifties, with freeway speeds between 60 and 72 miles per hour (MPH).

G8 GT Highway MPG Testing
Cruise control on @ 68 MPH – 24.2 MPG
Cruise control off, target speed between 60-72 MPH – 25.3

While it comes as no surprise that with such a powerful gasoline-powered engine, MPGs aren’t the G8 GT’s primary focus, driving this car with a light foot can be a real trick. Get seduced by the sweet song of the V8 and you’ll find yourself stomping on the accelerator pedal a good bit more often then you might in a car with less thrilling performance. There’s no denying that this is a remarkably fun car to drive. Over our week of testing, we found that true restraint and judicious use of the throttle are positively essential to hit or exceed the official numbers.

The G8 GT keeps everything in line with a limited slip differential and stability control. Forget about the muscle cars of days gone by … this rocket ship handles as well as it accelerates. Shave the badges, take a run through the twisties, and your friends just might think they’re riding in a far more expensive European sports sedan. It’s that good.

The G8 GT’s handling factors into fuel economy, by making it easier to carry speed into and out of turns. As always, the less you’re on the throttle and the more you make use of inertia the better your mileage results.

The G8 GT’s well designed and roomy interior is kind to both the driver AND the passengers. Your friends won’t complain about being relegated to the back seat. In fact, they just might relish it. Our test unit was equipped with the premium package, which included Onyx Leather and heated power front seats. Manual lumbar support is standard.

The 11-speaker 230-watt Blaupunkt audio system provides a dash-mounted line-in jack and steering wheel-mounted controls. There are two 12-volt outlets – one inside the center console and the other at the base of the dashboard. For better or for worse the G8 GT, like all GM cars, is equipped with OnStar.

While we always like to see higher fuel economy, our trio of gripes with the G8 GT come down to electronics that could be easily solved via the aftermarket. With a head unit swap, the lack of a navigation system, Bluetooth and USB integration would be taken care of in one fell swoop.

All-in-all, the Pontiac G8 GT is a remarkable bargain among performance cars and may present collectible value, as well, as possibly being the last hurrah for GM’s V8-powered rear wheel drive sedans. We can only hope they haven’t saved the best for last …

Our MPGomatic Pontiac G6 review demonstrates two simple tricks that easily allowed us to get the most efficiency out of the G6’s 2.4-liter engine.

MPGomatic’s modus operandi is to deliver the driver’s point of view in a tightest possible segment. Although this approach can skip over a number of less obvious features, our ultimate goal is deliver a real world review from the driver’s perspective, rather than an exhaustive checklist. There are other sources for that. (We’ve included one of the more comprehensive in this mashup of G6 reviews.)

It’s always best to rely on a number of resources when you’re doing your automotive due diligence. But as popular as Pontiac’s mid-size sedan may be, there just aren’t a whole lot of Pontiac G6 reviews floating around.

driverTV’s 2008 Pontiac G6 review highlights the specs, features, and options of the G6 GXP in a methodical fashion (albeit to a driving rock and roll beat) …

Leave it to the GMShowroom’s G6 review to deliver the eye candy. Truth be told, this is far closer to a commercial then a review, but it does provide a nice long look at the GXP coupe …

This next piece isn’t a review, but it is a good indication of why you might not want to purchase a used Pontiac G6 from a rental car company …

The Pontiac G6 Sedan competes primarily with the Nissan Altima, Honda Accord, and Ford Fusion, along with others in the family sedan market. The G6 Sedan is available in base, GT and GXP trim. In all its forms, the G6 is more sporting then most of the competition.

Under the hood, the base G6 is fitted with 2.4 liter Ecotec four cylinder engine, producing 164 horsepower (HP) and 156 foot pounds of torque. The GT is fitted with a 3.5 liter V6 that produces 219 HP and 219 foot pounds of torque, while the GXP is equipped with a 3.6 liter V6 that delivers 251 HP and 252 foot pounds of torque.

The official gas mileage estimates for the base 2009 Pontiac G6 are 22 city/33 highway miles per gallon (MPG) when outfitted with the optional 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive that comes with the Sport Package 1 (which also includes Stabilitrack stability control and a rear spoiler).

In over five hundred miles of driving, we were able easily exceed the official estimates with our Performance Red G6, scoring an average of 35.4 MPG on the Interstate highway, with 28.7 MPG combined. Test period temperatures ranged from the fifties through seventies, with freeway speeds between 60 and 70 miles per hour (MPH).

The base G6’s four-cylinder engine was a pleasure to drive and never felt down on power.

We used two simple techniques to achieve better mileage then the official estimates. Switching the optional six-speed automatic into manual shift mode allowed us to get into sixth gear more rapidly and to stay in overdrive for maximum economy. Watching the instant fuel consumption display in the drivers information center allowed us to quickly get the feel for the engine and keep the lightest pressure on the accelerator pedal.

The Drivers Information Center also provides two trip meters, fuel range, average MPG, average speed, and oil life, as well as individual tire pressures … and that’s an important point. Keeping the tire pressure set properly is a key to getting the best mileage.

The G6 delivers iPod integration with a simple in-dash input jack. There are two power plugs: one beneath the climate controls and one inside the center console.

In addition the Sport Package 1, our G6 sedan was equipped with the sun and sound package featuring a power tilt and slide sunroof along with a 6-disc audio system complete with steering wheel controls.

Pontiac’s intent is clear. This is a driver’s car … even if your drive is the daily commute. If the G6 takes inspiration from abroad, BMW would likely be the marquee to which the G6 aspires. Ah, but this is a purely American car, and considering the G6’s comfort, ride, fuel economy, and affordability, it’s perhaps the best family sedan that Pontiac’s built to date.

Assembly/Parts Content: The Pontiac G6 is assembled in Lake Orion, MI with a U.S./Canadian parts content of 80%.

The Pontiac G5 XFE Coupe competes with the Honda Civic, Ford Focus, VW Rabbit, and Mazda3, among others in the sportcompact market. The “extra fuel efficient” XFE is the most thrifty of the G5 range.

Under the hood, the G5 XFE is fitted with 2.2 liter DOHC four cylinder engine, producing 148 horsepower (HP) and 152 foot pounds of torque.

The official gas mileage estimates for the 2009 G5 XFE are 25 city/37 highway miles per gallon (MPG) with the 5-speed manual transmission.

In over six hundred miles of driving, we squeaked by the official estimates with our Competition Yellow G5 XFE, scoring an average of 38.3 MPG on the Interstate highway, with 32.1 MPG combined. Test period temperatures ranged from the sixties through seventies, with freeway speeds between 60 and 65 miles per hour (MPH).

Truth be told, the XFE must be driven with a light foot to achieve those numbers. Make no mistake about it, this car is fun to drive … and the more enthusiasm with which you drive, the more gas you’ll burn. Get on the throttle too enthusiastically and too often, and you’ll see those MPG numbers drop quickly.

And there’s the rub. When it comes to performance and economy, this is a Jeckle and Hyde car, with split personalities. Under hard acceleration, the orange upshift light comes on at roughly 6,000 RPM. Under light acceleration, however, the upshift arrow illuminates a bit north of 2,000 RPM.

The Drivers Information Center holds the keys to getting the best fuel economy out of the G5 XFE, with instant and average MPGs, oil life, tire pressure, distance, and range data. Keep it in Instant MPG mode and you’ll soon learn how to drive efficiently, with your foot literally off the gas.

This is one economy car in which you’ll enjoy a well-informed run through the gears. And while it rides on low-rolling resistance tires, the G5 XFE handles admirably, as long as you drive it like a Pontiac, rather then a Porsche.

The G5 XFE provides iPod integration via an in-dash input jack. There are two power plugs: one beneath the climate controls and one in the center console, between the shifter and handbrake.

At just under $1000, our G5 XFE’s sun and sound package let the rays shine in through a generous sunroof and let the tunes flow through a rocking sound system with seven Pioneer speakers, including a mirror shaking trunk-mounted subwoofer. While the package might not win you many fans among your neighbors, it’s the E-ticket for the open road.

We ended our week with the Pontiac G5 XFE liking the sporty coupe far more then we thought we would, despite its color and quirks. This car gets excellent highway mileage, when looking at the EPA specs, it’s about the best that we’ll see from an American car in 2009.

All-in-all, the G5 XFE is a solid value and worthy of consideration.

Assembly/Parts Content: The Pontiac G5 XFE is assembled in Lordstown, Ohio with a U.S./Canadian parts content of 71%. Of the foreign parts, 16% are manufactured in Mexico. The five-speed manual transmission is built in Italy.

Be sure to check out our Pontiac G5 XFE Review.

The 2008 G5 Coupe is available in base model and GT trim, with the base model scoring slightly higher gas mileage. The G5 GT (shown above) boasts a larger and more powerful engine, along with four-wheel disc brakes, StabiliTrak (a vehicle stability enhancement system), fog lamps, rocker moldings, front and rear body-color fascias, a sport-tuned suspension, and 17-inch alloy rims.

The 2008 Pontiac G5 base model is fitted with a 2.2 liter DOHC four cylinder engine producing 148 horsepower (HP) and 152 foot pounds of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, while a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with overdrive is optional.

The 2008 Pontiac G5 GT is equipped with a 2.4 liter DOHC four cylinder engine producing 171 HP and 167 foot pounds of torque. As with the base model, a five-speed manual transmission is standard on the GT, while a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. The GT uses a lower axle ratio than the base model (3.91 vs 3.63).

Pontiac G5 Gas Mileage – 2007-2008

Note: the EPA tweaked their testing procedure, starting with the 2008 model year, with the end result being that the 2008 MPG estimates are now lower than previous years. As always, YMMV.

The Vibe is designed to be a people and cargo hauler. Fuel economy, cargo room, and flexible interior configurations are the hatchback’s biggest draws.

An all-wheel-drive (AWD) version of the Vibe was available from 2003 through 2006, only to vanish in the 2007 model year. An AWD Vibe will reappear as a 2009 model (shown above), when the first major redesign hits the streets.

The 2008 Pontiac Vibe is equipped with a 1.8 liter four cylinder engine that produces 126 horsepower (HP) and 122 foot pounds of torque. The Vibe can be fitted with either a five-speed manual or four-speed electronically controlled transmission, with overdrive. The manual transmission model delivers 26 city / 33 highway MPG, while the automatic provides 25 city / 31 highway.

Pontiac Vibe Gas Mileage – 2003-2008

Note: the EPA tweaked their testing procedure, starting with the 2008 model year, with the end result being that the 2008 MPG estimates are now lower than previous years. As always, YMMV.