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View Full Version : G8 Road Trip Review



Tripower
08-05-2012, 10:38 PM
A few weeks ago we went on the annual family vacation and the G8 was the wagon of choice for the trip. We planned a trip from SoCal to Williams, AZ and the Grand Canyon with runs down old Route 66 where possible. After a couple of days in Williams we planned to head through Flagstaff and turn North past Lake Powell on the AZ/UT border, into southern UT comming around to the 15 and into Las Vegas.

The G8 turned out to be a great touring car. We covered about 1500 miles and drove in elevations from near sea level to 11,500 ft and in weather from 45 degrees and hail to 106 in the desert. The car perfromed flawlessly with the temperature gauge never moving and pulled a consistent 26 mpg over multiple fill ups. That wasn't babying her either as average speed was in the 80 mph range with several passing runs at triple digits. Car had plenty of room and was certainly never lacking for power. The mileage was impressive as the G8's automatic matched my 6 speed manual GTO when I last took it on a road trip to NorCal. The car was particularly impressive at alttitude as we basically crossed over a mountain on a rough two lane in UT in an area that is a ski resort in the winter (Bryan's Head, UT). The power was all there with no loss that I could feel. Brakes worked great on the down slope too and the twisties.

Comfort was second to none and the seats were great. One day we spent about 12 hours in the saddle and there were no complaints from the wife or son. We had plenty of room for luggage and gear with space to spare.
I'll certainly take the G8 on the next vacation road trip we plan! This is one great touring ride.

travis gore
08-06-2012, 01:13 AM
My wife and I a few weeks ago went on a little over 1500 miles trip as well. You are right the G8 is a gret touring car. My best tank was 27.1 mpg. You just can't beat that!

Panzer Leader
08-06-2012, 05:42 AM
Yes, a truly great touring car....great milage, great ride, comfort.......and arrive in style.....Gee, makes you really wonder, why did they drop it?

tempo8
08-22-2012, 09:13 AM
Good to hear! Hope the hail didn't damage the paint. Yikes!

texn884
08-22-2012, 11:52 AM
102.000 miles on mine and every day of driving the Black Rat was pure JOY! Big car, Big engine, Big horse power, GRRRR8 Mileage, GRRRR8 comfort, and get GRRRR8 looks.

Its the GM way to dump something that is a GRRRR8 car, at least Holden is still making them down under for us.

screaminChick-n
08-22-2012, 01:27 PM
nice to know, I may be doing this with the GXP (dont want to do it in the mini-van) from Kansas City to Sacremento. Over the rockies, Mt Rose in Reno and donners pass. The only thing that got me worried is not having a spare tire and backseat video entertainment for the kid.

Any other suggestions for a long trip ?

Todasi
08-22-2012, 01:38 PM
I absolutely love my G8 for road trips, I've gone from Michigan to Utah twice and had a great time. I just don't know how you people get such great gas mileage, by best for the life of the vehicle is 25.49 mpg and that included a LOT of coasting. I think I need a new tune or trans tune as my stock lock up torque converter must forget it can lock up.

Glad you had a great trip with your family and your G8!

DMVG8
08-22-2012, 03:38 PM
nice to know, I may be doing this with the GXP (dont want to do it in the mini-van) from Kansas City to Sacremento. Over the rockies, Mt Rose in Reno and donners pass. The only thing that got me worried is not having a spare tire and backseat video entertainment for the kid.

Any other suggestions for a long trip ?

Yes, don't get stranded on Donners pass and eat each other :)

jonnynadeau
08-22-2012, 07:31 PM
About 2 years ago did 2700 miles averaged 25.5 and varied elevations up to 11,500. I did crack out a 30 mpg from Denver to Moab to Salt Lake City. Mine was flawless too even after I hit the ditch in Wyoming.


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