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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What a shame - 2009 Pontiac G8
By vegassam66 - August 2 - 2:33 amJust bought my first American car in 25 years and I come to find that GM is killing it. No wonder they are bankrupt. GM listen to your customers not the bean counters. I have just bought mine three days ago and an in love with it. The performace for the dollar is second to none, and I dont mind driving in rush hour traffic.
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a four door mustang? - 2008 Pontiac G8
By big bill - June 3 - 10:53 pmI traded in a 2008 mustang GT with about 6,000 miles on for the G8 GT. it has nearly the same acceleration (but not the same exhaust note), much more room, and a less tacky (but still not sophisticated) dashboard. I like this vehicle but there are a lot of things done wrong - see suggested improvements below.
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Did i pay too much? - 2008 Pontiac G8
By rich - February 2 - 9:40 amI bought a red g8gt last week. List with options was $31,345. I got it for $30,000 even. I was expecting more of a discount, this close to year end. So far my questions/gripes - weird noises when you put it in reverse, especially from the steering gear and rear suspension. No satellite radio available. Faux carbon fiber dash doesnt like Armour all. The seat controls are chintzy. The radio off button isnt on the knob. Interior is a bit dark and depressing. Acceleration and braking are terrific though. The paint is normal red, not metallic?
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Get One If You Can - 2009 Pontiac G8
By GXP_CraZy - November 29 - 7:33 pmIt was definitely worth the wait. This is the best performing car for the money out of the box. Great road trip car and when you get tired of cruising, grip the wheel and mash the pedal. If you can latch on to one you wont be disappointed. An aftermarket exhaust really wakes the beast and gives it a much more respectable tone.
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My new car has a vibration? - 2009 Pontiac G8
By Tina - November 23 - 1:33 pmWe really thought that we had found our dream car, even though we traded in a 2006 330I BMW. We loved the whole look and feel until we drove our new vehicle home for the first time. Mind you, this vehicle was on the showroom floor, the odometer read 11 miles. While driving our "new" vehicle we first noticed that it did not idle properly and at various speeds between 30-45mph and 50-65mph there is a harmonic vibration. We have spoken with the auto specialist thinking that they would know what was happening since they are familiar with the vehicles they sell. We were told that this is normal for the 6.0L. We do not believe this is normal and we are still currently having these issues today.
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#607 of 888 - 2008 Pontiac G8
By Sean - December 7 - 3:20 amI just picked up my G8 GT today. Its #607 of the original 888 made by Holden (actually has a Holden VIN #). Amazing car. Fun to drive, beautiful to look at it. Between the stares driving home, and the neighbors all coming around to tell me how amazing it looks, its certainly a winner. So far so good!
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I switched from a BMW 545i - 2009 Pontiac G8
By JSBMWMAN - September 20 - 4:13 pmJust purchased a Panther Metalic Black Onix/Red G8 GT. Did a lot of research and test driving prior to buying on 3- 30-09. I am 52 Yrs old and owned/driven nothing but Porsche,BMW, and Mercedes most of my adult life. I am a total Car Fanatic and love to drive. For the overall driver the BMW is by far the best, but it comes at a price. My most recent BMW was a 545i which I purchased new in 05. I started getting tired of the cost of owning these cars and drove the G8 GT two months ago, and was hooked. It is far from a BMW or Mercedes in terms of luxury and overall ride, but for the $ the G8 GT was good enough to convert me. It is a total buyers market, now is a great time to buy.
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GREAT CAR (EVEN IN V6 FORM) - 2009 Pontiac G8
By Jerome - September 10 - 8:16 pmFor the last 6 months I would see a slate gray G8 GT parked in the same spot on my way from work everyday. Each time my head would turn 90 degrees to look at it every time I passed by it. I went to a dealer who said that they did not have anymore G8s left. I went expecting to buy a 2010 Buick LaCrosse. When I got there they had (1) G8 Sedan left displayed on the showroom in Liquid Red. My wife and I took it for a test drive and immediately fell in love with the performance & handling of this car. Ive had it for a month now and have been driving with it in sportshift mode and learning how to drive using the the Tapshift. Fun factor increases 10 fold in these modes even in V6 form.
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Poor mans bmw - 2008 Pontiac G8
By aldinero - August 29 - 8:16 amGreat car to drive. Ride and handling as good as it gets. Very comfortable seating. Steering is precise very good brakes. Radio only fair, controls somewhat confusing and seat back control knob hard to reach. Overall a competitive performance car.
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G8-Late in 08 - 2009 Pontiac G8
By msufan - February 5 - 6:40 pmGreat exterior styling, nice cool interior, except for the center battery and oil display (ugh!). Also, someone forgot to install the trunk sound dampening material lining; the dealer put in 09 sound material. Our 1996 Bonneville SSEi has a heads- up display and I wonder why Pontiac never pushed this and/or continued this cool feature in other models. Anyway, we like our White Hot G8 a lot; and, there arent that many G8s on the road it seems and thats cool. It drives well, is tight on curves and moves out when you want to. It feels sturdy and solid-well put together.
