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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  great pontiac - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Nebbieman - February 27 - 12:36 pm

  This car gets looked at all the time,looked at the sport red but wife spotted the pacific slate metallic and sold me on it.runs and handles great power reminds me of muscle car days to bad gm stop doing them

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  Why Wouldnt You - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Daniel - February 21 - 2:50 am

  Fiance ended up pregnant and owned a 96 Chevy Pickup, so had to get something more family friendly. The second i saw this car i knew i had to have it, then saw the price and knew i could have it. Every time i drive it i hope someone will test it, suprisingly no takers after 4 months. First day i bought the car it was raining and took my neighbor for a ride, stomped on it every chance i got in sport mode and regular mode, not one slip from the tires with traction control on.

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  My 2009 Pontiac G8 GT - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By John - February 15 - 5:20 am

  Have had the G8 for over 2 months and have about 4000 miles on it. The power is awesome and was great driving in the mountains of Georgia. It is a fantastic car for the cost. I would tell anyone to test drive it and I know they will love it.

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  G8-Late in 08 - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By msufan - February 5 - 6:40 pm

  Great 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.

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  Car is Back for Pontiac - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By brian - January 31 - 11:16 pm

  This is the best Pontiac car ever. I think it blows away the gto by comparison and has a huge trunk and back seat. Head room is miles long and for a 63" 240 pound guy i am sooo comfortable while driving i strongly recommend.

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  Awesome looking BMW 7 series clone - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Air Force Dave - January 22 - 3:53 pm

  After tiring of driving my wifes CR-V to work, I needed something a little more sportier when the weather didnt cooperate with my motorcycling. We needed four doors and we didnt want to break the bank. I stumbled upon this Pontiac, and what luck! The only con I see to this G8 is the cup holders in the front. They sit too far back. There are no cup holders in rear of the cabin which is inconvenient. And a lack of a navigation system is disappointing. However, that all melts away when you smash down the accelerator. All in all, Im very pleased with our purchase and hope that we spent $25K on a great product.

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  1 Year and still love it - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Rod - January 22 - 10:36 am

  I have had my G8 GT, it will be 1 year on the May 23rd. The mileage has gone from 15 to 18 mpg in daily commute and and I do not spare the horses. I am just glad that with Pontiac going away I am luck enough to have the last and probably the most awesome car Pontiac ever built. I have heard rumors that GM may bring a Police version of the G8 to the US as a Chevy. The Holden Commador is the #1 police car in Australia.

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  Unbeatable performance, style, and value - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By GB - December 3 - 5:36 pm

  Very nice interior and exterior styling with good fit and finish inside and out. Powerful engine with great V8 sound track and smooth power delivery. Wonderful driving dynamics. Very comfortable heated seats, nice interior materials, great sound system. Averaging 19 MPG in cold & snowy conditions with snow tires.

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  Amazing! Simply amazing! - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Jason DeSmit - November 28 - 3:56 am

  I finally decided to trade in my 2002 Grand Prix GTP for the new G8 GT (one of the first 888) and Im anything but disappointed! I cant truly express in words as to how much fun this car is to drive! I fall in love with it every time that I get inside! Whenever Im not driving it, all that I want to do is drive somewhere...anywhere! Road trip anyone?

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  Great Performance Buy - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Buckeye 350 - November 15 - 9:23 am

  I replaced my 2005 Grand Prix GXP with the G8 GT. Much better room inside, performance and even gas mileage. The G8 is an incredible buy. All I would change is 1) add XM radio option 2) get rid of the Atari instrumentation in the center of the dash and replace with the Grand Prix driver info center and 3) get rid of the annoying passenger seat belt warn lights on the rear view mirror. Otherwise, great performance, great seats, great rear legroom, great trunk and mighty fine looking overall. Nice work Pontiac!