Archive for January, 2011

2008-2009 Pontiac G8

Thursday, January 6th, 2011

By Chris Chase, CanadianDriver.com

The Pontiac G8 is a full-size sedan introduced in Canada in 2008 as a 2009 model. As the replacement for both the Pontiac Bonneville and Grand Prix, the G8 was arguably a step in the right direction as far as large sport sedans were considered, being rear-wheel drive and available with V8 power.

2009 Pontiac G8

2009 Pontiac G8

The G8 reached U.S. Pontiac showrooms a little earlier than in Canada, so a number were sold as 2008 models in the States; this review covers both model years, for the benefit of anyone considering importing a G8 from south of the border.

This car is a great example of a “captive import:” a car built for an overseas market and sold there under one name, and then imported to North America to be sold by a different brand, and by a different name. In this case, the G8 was built in Australia by GM’s Holden subsidiary and sold there as the Commodore VE. (more…)

2010 Honda Civic Sedan Sport

Monday, January 3rd, 2011

Review and photos by
Greg Wilson, CanadianDriver.com

Almost five years after its introduction, the eighth generation Honda Civic is still at or near the top of the passenger car sales charts in Canada. This is surprising when you consider that it’s not available as a hatchback – it’s offered only in sedan and coupe bodystyles – whereas its arch-rival, the Mazda3, is offered as a sedan and hatchback. (The Corolla is also offered as a hatchback, but it’s called the Matrix).

2010 Honda Civic Sedan Sport

2010 Honda Civic Sedan Sport

I often wonder how many Civics Honda Canada would have sold had they imported the sharp-looking Civic hatch from Europe.

Even after five years, the Civic’s aerodynamic styling still looks quite stylish when compared to its competitor’s recent redesigns, such as the Mazda3 sedan and Corolla sedans’. (more…)