Topic: '05 Accord V-6 Vs '09 G-8 V6

[Carman99]

Hi: A friend is considering replacing his '05 V-6 Honda Accord with a G-8(He has heard that Honda's quality is no longer that good,tranny problems with V-6 being the big one so far, his car is at 120,00km's).He owned 2 GP's before the Honda both were less than reliable('97 GTP was total garbage in 20,000km's(64,00km's-85,000km's) spent over $2,00,the 2001 GT was better,however at 88,000km's catalytic converter, and left side transaxle went! So in the last few years has GM improved their quality enough to take a risk on the G-8,given that it is still somewhat unproven to this point(I know it has been out in Europe for a few years). He really likes the way the G-8 drives and the safety features(Would be buying the 3.6 as if gas goes way back up....). How is the car in the snow(Would buy good snow tires and rims)Thanks for any feedback it is much appreciated!

[vdk]

G8 is one of the best cars GM offers today. It's been around for some time in Aussieland, I don't think he'll have any issues with it really - the car seems really well put together.

[ktm525]

A loaded V8 G8 can be had in the mid $30's. I wouldn't even look at the Accord.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Advertising new G8 V6's in the paper yesterday (Richmond Hill Buick-Pontiac-GMC) for $22,9! It's a no brainer, as that car is friggin' great. Does not perform super well in the snow from what I've heard, snow tires would be a must I think, but still... I'd live with that the few days of the year it'd be a problem for the 360 days a year of pure joy.

[TopGun]

I was going to say this forum may not be a good place to get an independend opinion on a GM car...but the folks here have proven me wrong.

I haven't driven the G8...I do very much, however, like the way it's put together, and I very much like the way the car "sits" on the road...a very powerful stance.

I'd obviously use the web tools to build the cars...and compare the features and prices.  From SirA's info, I would guess that the price difference would be substantial to really tip the value equation in the G8s favour.

When the 6-speed V-8 shows up, I'm going to test drive it.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

IIRC the G8 is recommended by Consumer Reports. I'd be pretty confident in the reliability area. Most of the new GMs have been average or above.

At our office, a few people have had trannies replaced in their Accords and Odysseys.

[Honda Owner]

I don't think he'll have any issues with it really

Tell me that in a few years.

That said, one great caveat is that the G-8 will not be here next year and it is equally likely that Pontiac will not be here, either. How the new GM will support it's orphan lines is still up in the air.

That said, for a big RWD car you really can't do any better and the price is certainly right.

[PMREdmonton]

If he is worried about the tranny he needn't be concerned.  I checked CR and Accord's trannies were very bad from 1999-2003 but it looks like clear sailing for the 2005.

On CR's reports that Accord shows very good reliability except for electrical which is average and brakes which are average.

[TopGun]

I was going to say this forum may not be a good place to get an independent opinion on a GM car...but the folks here have proven me wrong.

I don't think he'll have any issues with it really

Tell me that in a few years.

Oh...gee...that's a surprise.  Did you read Sir Osis' post that actually has some basis to it?

[Honda Owner]

Oh...gee...that's a surprise.  Did you read Sir Osis' post that actually has some basis to it?

I did. I am sure the G8 is a wonderful automobile. It is not, however, going to be sold in North America in 2010.

GM is burning cash at a rate of US$87m a day. It lost US$9bn in the last quarter. I for one would have serious reservations buying a car from a company whose future is so up in the air. But on the other hand, anybody else who wants to is more than welcome to. Just understand the dealer that sold it will probably not exist in two years.

It now looks like there will be only two GM divisions by the end of 2010. Saturn, Saab, Hummer and Opel are already gone. It looks like the Pontiac name may be saved for some niche cars like the Solstice that will be sold at Chevy dealers.

Flame away. That is the reality.

[PMREdmonton]

IIRC the G8 is recommended by Consumer Reports. I'd be pretty confident in the reliability area. Most of the new GMs have been average or above.

At our office, a few people have had trannies replaced in their Accords and Odysseys.

CR liked the G8 but it is not yet an official recommended vehicle - they have to pass the test of having average reliability after being on the road for a year.

[PJungnitsch]

The products of the new GM (CTS, Outlook, Vue, Cobalt, Aura) have generally had much worse than average reliability in the first year, going by both CR and True Delta.

G8 has been an exception, probably because it is been around since 2006 in Australia and Holden put a lot of sweat into the development.

On the future of the G8, now is probably the time to grab one...

This time, however, it's bad news for Pontiac. I can confirm exclusively today that the production plans for the Pontiac G8 have been dramatically cut...97% compared to previous projected production volumes.

The numbers breakdown as follows. General Motors has planned to produce some 10,000 units from Feb '09 - June '09. The decision, however was made by GM to dramatically cut back its production volume and the automaker will now produce under 1,000 Pontiac G8's in the same time frame.

The rest of the year does not look good for the G8. In the production period Aug '09 - Oct '09 production levels have been slashed 79%. Previously the automaker was scheduled to produce 3k G8's in this timeframe, but changes have now called for under 1,000 units to now be produced.

The Auto Informant Says.....

If you're looking for a G8, you may want to make your purchasing decision now, while cash may be on the hood, because with production cuts like these, the car will be few and far between on dealers lots in the next few months.

Also - considering the G8 ST was axed and production volumes this low on the G8, there's always the very real possibility that the G8 may be removed from Pontiacs stable before too long.

http://www.thegmsource.com/index.php?categoryid=10&p2_articleid=1060

[Honda Owner]

The products of the new GM (CTS, Outlook, Vue, Cobalt, Aura) have generally had much worse than average reliability in the first year, going by both CR and True Delta.

I have seen the True Delta numbers and the above quote is indeed correct. I know because I participate in True Delta. The new GM cars are not reliable no matter what GM faithful and apologists might want to spin.

For example, the 2008 CTS has a problem rate of 97 per 100 cars. For a 2005 it goes to 141.

In comparison, a 2008 Lexus ES350 has a rate of 27 problems per 100 cars.

The 2009 Corolla, a new model comes it at 31. A 2009 Cobalt (a five year old model) comes in at 55.

The 2008 Fit rates at 13 problems per 100 cars.

I could go on but there is a reason the General is going bust.

[TopGun]

...
The new GM cars are not reliable no matter what GM faithful and apologists might want to spin.

The 2008 Fit rates at 13 problems per 100 cars.

I could go on but there is a reason the General is going bust.

Oh, please do go on...you're doing a great job there...

I'm sure you've visited the CR reports thread to spread your consistent non-sense?

"a Japanese nameplate is no guarantee that every car in a model range will be a reliable and good performer, citing that the Honda Element and Toyota Yaris scored too low in testing to be recommended. "

[Honda Owner]

I'm sure you've visited the CR reports thread to spread your consistent non-sense

Is quoting fact nonsense? This is empirical data.

But I whole heartedly support any consumer's decision to buy any product they want based on any research they want, anecdotal or empirical. Even more importantly I urge all devotees of the Big 2.1 to go out and buy several. That way my tax dollars can go to something with a better return.

Finally, Topgun, are you suggesting that GM is not bankrupt?

[sirAQUAMAN64]

An Accord and G8 are two different animals which can serve families equally well.

Depends on personal taste and criteria as to which is the better route to go.

[PMREdmonton]

An Accord and G8 are two different animals which can serve families equally well.

Depends on personal taste and criteria as to which is the better route to go.

The G8 seems to be a reasonable car that is just not selling well.

However, as OP states, the main reason this fellow is thinking aobut changeing cars is tranny problems with 2005 Accord V6's.  As there are no issues with this transmission (CR gives it excellent reliability), he is probably better off keeping this car if it still meets his needs.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

The products of the new GM (CTS, Outlook, Vue, Cobalt, Aura) have generally had much worse than average reliability in the first year, going by both CR and True Delta.

I have seen the True Delta numbers and the above quote is indeed correct. I know because I participate in True Delta. The new GM cars are not reliable no matter what GM faithful and apologists might want to spin.

For example, the 2008 CTS has a problem rate of 97 per 100 cars. For a 2005 it goes to 141.

In comparison, a 2008 Lexus ES350 has a rate of 27 problems per 100 cars.

The 2009 Corolla, a new model comes it at 31. A 2009 Cobalt (a five year old model) comes in at 55.

The 2008 Fit rates at 13 problems per 100 cars.

I could go on but there is a reason the General is going bust.

Two things:

1. The sample size for the vast majority of True Delta ratings is statistically too small to give any sort of accurate information.

2. Notwithstanding point 1, the rating for the G8 (47) puts it between the Hyundai Genesis (43) and the Infiniti G35/G37 (50). Not bad territory.

[rrocket]

I think the G8 is an excellent value for the price...the price they are selling at NOW.  Locally, they are going for $23,000 for the V6 model.  That's tough to beat....and for sure it would be tough to turn your nose up at.

I do however agree with Honda Owner.  It would be tough to gauge the reliability of this model....with it being a new model to this market.  How good will it be in 3-5 years?  Only time will tell.  And this has nothing to do with the car being a GM.  I think everyone here would be a little cautious regardless of marque on a 1st year car in the market.  I often wonder how much cold weather testing this car has had since it came from Australia.  Did GM do a full battery of test to see how the components hold up in the cold like they do their North American designed cars?

That said...I like the G8 as a tremendous value at $23,000.  Despite the fact that it has more fake scoops, intake vents and splitters than any other car on the market.....

[TopGun]

...
Despite the fact that it has more fake scoops, intake vents and splitters than any other car on the market.....

Maybe you'd like it better if had a honkin rear wing on it?    x2 !