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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  The G8 GT has a flaw - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Rod - September 17 - 11:50 am

  I still love my G8 GT but I did find a flaw. Minor $62 flaw. I am a auto mechanic and do things like my own oil change. When it comes to the G8 that oil change consist of 9 quarts of Mobil 1, and a AC Delco oil filter. Thank God for Costco who has the best price on Mobil 1, and Auto Zone for their price on Oil and filter. I have figured that $62 every 5K is very acceptable for what this super sedan gives back in return in performance and just fun to drive. Now that gas is below $3 a gallon it is even better cause can afford the premium stuff and you can feel the difference in performance of the 6.0.

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  Mine is actually a Manual - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Clay Garland - September 1 - 9:23 pm

  Stunning car. I was in the market for a new car, and I was shopping at the Nissan dealership because I loved my G35. Next door, there was a Pontiac dealership, and I remember being enamored with the the styling of the G8, but when I had first seen them they werent available in a manual which is a deal breaker. Well, the GXP was out, and it was available in a six speed, and it was incredible. I walked out of the dealership with the new car that day. It was White, and traditionally, Id never have purchased a white car, but I didnt care. This was the beauty with the beats under the bonnet.

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  Awesome car - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By carman - August 14 - 8:53 am

  Excited to drive again. Look for reasons to go to the store. This car reminds me of how exciting it was to get into your first car.

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  G8 Has It All - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By whoosierdaddy - July 21 - 12:50 am

  Have put 1000 miles on it. Car feels very solid but nimble. This is the only car I could find that has great handling plus a great ride at a low price--every other car make you pick any 2 of those. Averaging 18mpg in city/suburban driving, havent done a long highway trip yet. V8 was fun but V6 has all the power I need.

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  You gotta get one of these - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Monstrgrn - May 28 - 10:30 am

  Ive owned imports and German cars my entire life. I cant believe I looked at a Pontiac and bought it. Seriously, I know there are lots of people out there like me reading this, this is a fantastic car you would be a fool to ignore it you are looking at BMW. Mercedes, Infiniti, Lexus. etc. Go drive one and tell me Im wrong. This is not the plastic fantastic Pontiac that I remember! It is a refined truly remarkable machine that will blow the doors off of 98 percent of the cars on the road today. Buy one and have some fun, you know you want to.

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  You got to be kidding, dont tell anyone - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By 8 "s in the blood - May 20 - 11:20 pm

  This car is a winner, I got it for my wife because she wanted a sports car and I couldnt afford the vette, and she cant drive a stick, so it was this, the black gt, she cant stop driving it long enough for me to go somewhere in it. Awesome. By the way you can get a locking fuel cap, I used my old 96 astro cap it works.

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  GO Buy a G8 NOW! - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By gtocpa - May 15 - 3:03 pm

  This is a GREAT car. Believe everything youve read and more. If you drive this car, you will buy it. It is absolutely incredible and Id compare it to any YUPPIE mobile. I have to fight my wife on who gets to drive it!! Go buy this thing now and show GM that when you finally build it right, we will come back! My kids get up every morning and say hello to the G8 - its that awesome.

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  Love my G8 GT - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By jshane111 - May 14 - 2:26 pm

  After owning foriegn for a while, I was leery about buying American again after being burnt by quality issue in the past. However, after test driving Acuras we tried the G8 GT and fell in love. The design, quality, and of course the performance are GREAT! I know I should have look for better gas milage, but when you can have this much fun, this much perfoemance, and still get 25 MPG what the heck. Its a great car at a great price, way to go GM!!!

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  Maximum Bang for the Buck - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By gmgold - March 20 - 12:46 am

  This car is one of the very best cars I have ever owned. Especially considering the price. Even my wife who was very skeptical initially now agrees that it is quite a car. I have had no problems. Fuel mileage is much better than I would have thought. It is just a great car.

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  Yes, this was the car I expected. - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Zambini - March 19 - 1:20 am

  Exactly what I expected it to be after reading the literature and tons of reviews. It is a great ride, and very willing to perform. A few minor oddities, like the cup holder placement and lack of courtesy lights for rear passengers, but nothing that affects the overall drive-ability. It is a shame it was cut. It was destined to be a top performer in the GM line.