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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  Buy This Car Now!!!! - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By John Bruning - December 21 - 10:06 am

  Just purchased a G8 GT, liquid red. This is a big car with the handling of a tiny European sports car. Turn radius is amazingly tight. Power is incredible-almost as good as my 400 HP GTO. The On-Star system is a tremendous value, as is the hands free phone. Interior is spacious and comfy. This is a car to take on a back road in the hills. It loves curves and turns. It is a joy to drive. Pontiac & Holden have hit a home run with this beast. Im sold on Pontiac, and GM will have my business for years to come.

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  Great ride - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Don - December 15 - 7:00 am

  Bought in Jan and love the ride and quick steering response. I have one issue with the car. It sounds and feels like the engine "flutters" when I am cruising down the road, whether Im going 20 or 65MPH. As soon as I give it a little bit of gas it goes away and evens out. Dealer told me it was the norm for this car. Does anyone else have this issue? Getting about 19.8 MPG avg and performance and responsiveness is great..just have the flutter.

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  Sweet. - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Geo - November 21 - 9:36 pm

  Love the car. Replaced a G8 GXP. Very refined. Very spacious. Very quick. Terrible in the snow. I will need to buy snow tires next season for the first time in 30 years.

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  very happy man! - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By very happy man! - November 20 - 3:00 pm

  I bought this car in Philly and i live 2.5 hrs north of that. It is AWESOME, mine is liquid red with black and red leather interior. I actually stayed overnight at a hotel in Philly and waited for this one to come in with every feature you could get. It drives like is has a grip to the road like no other, I test drove a BMW 3 and 5 series, a CTS and a LEXUS and this ONE came out on TOP! I lOVE THE HORSEPOWER!

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  Sweet Car - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Patrick - November 16 - 12:10 pm

  An amazing car for the price. I ended up paying 20600 after taxes, and got a big, beautiful, 256 horsepower 4 door. The only things I dislike is that the remote start does not turn on the heater, so you have to deal with the frost if you have it. Also, I had to get a repair (snowy roads- my own fault) and I had to import a part from Australia.

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  4 door Vette - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By 2009 GXP - November 13 - 2:16 am

  Bought a used 09 GXP for 32.7k with 5600 miles. Hot White with black & red leather. 6 speed manual. Added Corsa exhaust already and sounds great, much deeper and burbly. Love the car! Really fun to drive, and you never see one and I live in Houston. Have had zero issues so far. Car feels solid & unlike some I really like the stereo. Its not as clear as some, but the windows down I can be driving 60 and still hear very clear. No one has messed with me yet. I have people all the time ask me about the car and what it is. They cant believe the engine specs. You pop the hood and tell them the battery is in the trunk and they laugh. At my age 42, wife asked if I was having a mid-life.

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  BMW 5 Series Eater - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By MTA - November 7 - 7:36 am

  This car is ridiculous. Everywhere I go, it turns heads. Pontiac listened to all the customer suggestions on the 2008 and on the 20009, got rid of the oil & temperature gauges in the center console, added XM Radio standard and no noises other than the awesome purr of the engine as I upshift past overpriced German imports. The V8 blows doors on everything else in its class while getting surprisingly good gas mileage. If you want to enjoy driving again, go get yourself a 2009 G8 GT.

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  The G8 is a 4 door GTO - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Mo - October 15 - 11:36 pm

  I previously had a 2006 GTO and despite all the press, I really like the car. It was fast, reliable, and turned heads with the rumble of its exhaust. My children are getting a little older and the back seats of the GTO a touch small. I read up on the G8 and found it to be a 4 door version of the GTO with all the muscle, performance, and fun I want. Yesterday, I test drove on of the First 888, number 511 and drive home in it. It lives up to the reviews and is as fast and wild as any sedan... way better than the CTS. If you looking for a toy, carry the family, and bring the lawn mower to the shop, this ride is perfect.

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  Each Day I Like It More - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By sa - October 11 - 1:43 pm

  I didnt really want this car. It was a gift. Now that Ive had it a week, and driven it daily, Ive fallen in love with it. I just want to get in and drive. Its a white G8 GT with all of the options, including 19" summer tires and two toned seats. I love the V8 but dislike the MPG, then again, what does one expect with a V8? The previous review said that there wasnt a trunk release button, there is, in glove compartment.

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  Cool Car - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Jim in MS - September 27 - 9:50 pm

  The car is very fast (6.0 is great), handles great, and is very hard to find. Dealer looked for weeks before we found a GT that would do. It still was not the color we wanted (we got red wanted gray, but car does turn heads) nor did it have the performance package, but it does have the sunroof and leather. Great seats, great steering, really really fast. Dealer only discounted $500 off the sticker, but still good value for so much car.