Overview & Reviews

Perhaps because of their wide-open spaces, America and Australia share an affinity for large rear-wheel-drive performance cars. This proved useful for General Motors in the mid-2000s when it was casting about for a hot new American full-size sedan. The company decided to tap Australian subsidiary Holden for its revered Commodore model. The result was the stylish and powerful Pontiac G8.

Alas, the G8 only lived one year past its production debut in 2008. When GM went through bankruptcy in 2009, Pontiac didn't survive the transition, and the G8 went down with the ship. That's a shame, because the G8 was an excellent full-size sport sedan, particularly in V8-powered GT or GXP trim. It also had a limolike backseat and a unique look. As a used model, the G8 holds unique appeal. Our only concern might be future repairs; GM has pledged to support Pontiac products through its existing service centers, but the G8's limited production run could lead to scarce part availability down the road.

Most Recent Pontiac G8

Produced from 2008-'09, the rear-wheel-drive Pontiac G8 full-size sedan was available in up to three trim levels distinguished by powertrain. The base G8 came with a 3.6-liter V6 that produced 256 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. The midlevel GT had a 6.0-liter V8 packing 361 hp and 385 lb-ft. The top-performing GXP, which was only made for 2009, boasted a detuned version of the Corvette's 6.2-liter V8 with 402 hp and 402 lb-ft. The base G8 came with a five-speed automatic, while the GT got a six-speed automatic and the GXP had either a six-speed automatic or an optional six-speed manual.

The G8 came well-equipped. Standard features included 18-inch wheels, power front seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a seven-speaker CD sound system with an auxiliary audio jack and (for '09) satellite radio. The GT added the 6.0-liter V8 engine, a limited-slip differential, dual-zone automatic climate control and a premium sound system with a six-CD changer. The GXP boasted the larger V8 as well as a unique front fascia, an upgraded sport-tuned suspension (which didn't make much of a handling difference) and 19-inch wheels. Options included leather upholstery (available in two-tone colors), heated front seats, a sunroof and, for the GT, 19-inch wheels.

In reviews, we noted that there was a lot more to the Pontiac G8 than just its available V8 power. The ride tended to be on the firm side, yet road imperfections were soaked up nicely. Overall, the G8 struck an excellent balance between comfort and sport. While it was impossible to overlook the G8's significant size and weight, this Pontiac handled very well for a full-size car while still providing exceedingly pleasant transportation for its passengers. Of course, it was also a very fast car with either V8, and even the base V6 was solid.

The G8's cabin was clearly built by a GM division without access to the North American parts bin. Materials were reasonably high-quality and the overall layout was reminiscent of Audi's efforts, if not exactly their equivalent in build quality. The 2008 G8 had goofy-looking digital battery and oil gauges atop the center stack; these were thankfully removed for 2009. However, a navigation system remained unavailable.

Overall, this Pontiac performed like a muscle car but rode and handled like a sport sedan. For the used-car shopper who wants a roomy and affordable car with plenty of driving excitement, a pre-owned Pontiac G8 deserves a very close look.

User Reviews:

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  This car almost killed my wife twice - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By mannheimer6 - April 15 - 1:53 am

  Twice now, unexplained and unfixable shut downs from 70 to 0 MPH in the middle of I-75 and I-4 respectively. We were told loose connector at B+ bulkhead terminal for fatal flaw excuse number 1. Now it is an overheating fuel pump module for fatal flaw excuse number 2. Letters to CEO GM sent. Car is now 2.5 hours away after Onstar recovered it. No matter what I am told about this car, we shall never trust it again, nor drive it again, and as far as we are concerned it can rot where it is, or I can park it right through the windows of a GM dealership and walk away. We are done with GM. Forever. DO NOT BUY HERE.

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  Rental car like - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Lloyd Carder - March 25 - 3:26 am

  We purchased the G8 and was excited the the rear wheel drive would give the ride and feel of a classic American car. Instead the car rides like a go Kart is jumpy off the line and has a gas pedal like a tractor. The speedometer and Tach are covered by you hands at 10 and 2 leaving the digital speedometer to be stared at before you can focus to see what the faint red number says. The shifter slips into Neutral if you rest your hand on the shifter. The rear view mirror requires you to flip a lever, not a problem but the mirror has so many buttons for OnStar and other gadgets that you are always hitting them. We are selling the car after only 250 miles at a 6K loss to just get rid of it.

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  Worst car I have ever owned - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By boingo13 - January 13 - 7:16 pm

  The problems started when I took delivery. All four wheels and the steering wheel were out of alignment. After that, it developed a vacuum leak in the fuel system, an engine mount came loose, the brake lights stopped working, and the front fascia came loose. Then, it needed a new steering rack, and all new control arms in the front. The car vibrates like a guitar string at all speeds. It squeaks, rattles, and buzzes in various places, and the steering has a lot of slack, despite all the new parts up front. The V8 engine runs OK, but the transmission is very slow to shift and never seems to find the right gear. A lot of wind and road noise, but little engine sound. 32046 current miles.

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  The lemon - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By g6- 2 door coupe - August 23 - 10:00 am

  The car had been in the shop several time handles poorly in the snow. Tires are very expensive to replace. The brake light was on when driving - did not know it until a state trooper followed me. I would say that 36,000 miles was the life before every thing began to break down and then lets not mention the warranty was up after that and obama motors did not have a stimulus for the replacing the warranty of the car, how about that for a change!

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  Huge Disappointment - GM lost me - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By SM - January 21 - 10:40 am

  Bought the car last month and have nothing but problems. Just got back from the dealer and they tell me there is nothing wrong with the car. A near vision-blurring vibration, engine misfires, transmission sticks in second, and the stability control turning itself off then cannot be turned back on are just a few of the complaints. Ive been a GM guy and in the auto biz for almost 30 years. 12 major malfunctions at 1k miles Paleeeeze. GM seems to have lost it as far as Im concerned. If you have issues with your car like I do, you will find out what "The New GM" is really all about. Based on my current experience, I would not recommend any new GM product. My car is a lemon!