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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  Go Buy a G8 NOW - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Greg T - June 17 - 7:23 pm

  This car handles and rides incredibly. I love everything about it except the following: tilt wheel has a lever which means to move the wheel out of your way, you must move the lever and then relock every time; FM reception is fair; gas filler door is a push from the outside design. It should be a inside release or have a finger opening. The interior materials are way softer than my buddys 530i; his door handles dig into your knees and hurt. Trunk and seats are huge. Great effort, great car. Buy one now!

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  Finally A fun affordable car - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By parsalinjr1 - June 9 - 7:00 pm

  I purchased my G8 GT in April and I have to say it was the best purchases I have ever made. This car is fun, and good looking. I have the black with the red on black interior. The performance is top notch!! Who needs a bmw?

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  G8GT 2 month review - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By WiG8GT - May 21 - 10:26 am

  I love driving the car. The suspension has the right combination of firmness for good handling but not so stiff that you get beat up. Plenty of room in the back seat, we can all sit up with out hitting our heads, one of the reasons we purchased this over the CTS. The mileage is about 18.5 mixed, we have 2800 miles on it.

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  Pontiac G8 Gt - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Irish - May 3 - 1:13 am

  Have had a problem with the parking brake not releasing has been to the dealer 2 times for this problem, was told there is nothing wrong.They said they replaced it I still have the problem. Their suggestion was my wife pulled it too tight, It was only pulled tight enough to hold the car on a hill. this is probably a design flaw that Gm either is not aware of or not willing to repair.

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  What a Beast! - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By David P. - April 12 - 8:16 pm

  I had a G8 GT before this one, what a difference. The G8 should be the model that all other GM cars should follow. It seems like the Aussies are the ones who are keeoing there end of the deal. People want more than just trucks and SUVs. Sure the fuel economy isnt the greatest, but lets be resonable here, its a 6.2 litre! You have to pay to play. I put an air intake (RotoFab), aftermarket exhaust (Borla) and some SLP headers and that made a huge difference. This car is very responsive to performance upgrades, especially intake and exhaust. If you want a car that will give you a serious kick in the pants for a great value (0% financing, factory pricing), this is your car.

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  Found a Diamond - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Ross Gore - January 27 - 3:23 am

  I had been searching for months on a 4- Door Sedan to buy and had come down to the Ford Taurus and Buick LaCross. Then on day while having my Chrysler Sebring Conv. serviced I happened to see the front end on a G8 in the preowned car area. I walked over and took a look and walked in and said how much. That very day I solved my sedan problem and have really enjoyed the driving experience of the Dark Gray V- 6. I have put 3000 more miles on it and have been avg 27.5 on Hwy and 21 hwy/city. I took it to the mountains to see how it handled the curves and climb and was very much pleased with it. I plan to keep this car until the wheels fall off. If you can find one in great to good shape, buy it.

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  I love my G8, but hate Blaupunkt - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By L Wheeler - January 16 - 4:43 am

  For the money, my G8 smokes everything else in its class. It puts a smile on my face every time I put my foot in it. I test drove the Cadillac CTS, and really wanted to buy it, but couldnt justify the extra $10K.

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  7000 mile and still loving it - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Rod - January 4 - 11:30 am

  It has been about 7 months and 7000 miles since I got my G8 GT. I learned one thing this weekend, the G8 is not all about going fast. Going home from work yesterday on freeway was doing 50 came around a blind corner and traffic was stopped. With the braking performance of my 96 Monte Carlo (I traded in on the G8) in my mind I was hoping that would be just a light crash. Three things happened. I hit the brakes, I saw someting fly on the pasengers side and I was stopped 5 car lengths behind the car ahead of me. The flying things were cargo straps that were on the floor in the back seat area. They bounced off front and ended up in middle of front passenger floor

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  Perfect car for me - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Scott - December 28 - 11:46 pm

  The G8 GT has everything I was looking for in a car - high end looks, great performance, good price, and a domestic make. Fuel mileage is good relative to the performance, but if the first thing you check out on a car are the EPA ratings - this car is not for you. I get great feedback from others on the car and enjoy driving it. My other new car choices were foreign makes but the domestic G8 delivers on all counts.

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  Vicious and Delicious - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Bill - December 25 - 11:03 pm

  I love being able to roll up next to someone driving an Acura or Infiniti or BMW 3/5 series and then smoke them off the line. They had no idea. Ive not had one problem with the car. The best experience is driving this car around town and everyone looking at it because you dont see these cars everyday.. And the ride is very comfortable.