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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  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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  right string and the WRONG YOYO :( - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By JOHN - April 27 - 4:26 pm

  have owned lots of dif cars.. after living with this latest GM wonder..(only decent car theyve tried to build in over 10 years). DRIVETRAIN: pretty good ! 4cyl. shutdown works!(23mpg@80 and under 14sec. darn good :trans- kinda close. suspension/steering..borderline lousy! steers hard at slow speed and too light at speed. rear end skips on ANY rough surface and the darn thing weighs as much as my previous crown vic..which with aftermarket sway bars, out handles it.... Interior sound system..1 on a hundred! other controls..fire the computer nerd !

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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.

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  A lot of car and fun for the money - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Rex - February 4 - 5:46 pm

  I had been researching my new car purchase for well over a year before I decided on the G8 GT. The overall feel of the car is great. It has plenty of power and just as important it has plenty of back seat leg room, 6+ adults are quite comfortable. Ive owned the car for 2 months now and accumulated over 3500 miles. Average mileage has been 18 mpg but I have not had much highway time yet. Taking a 1000 trip in two weeks so that will tell me what the real mileage is like.

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  First to review the G8 - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Dexter - January 30 - 7:26 pm

  Great car! My ignition orange drives well, is comfortable, and is turning heads!

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  Is this really a Pontiac ? - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Andrew - January 21 - 7:10 am

  I still cant believe this is a Pontiac - I guess GM finally got it right. The quality is almost BMW, the performance is better than the 5 series, and the cost is amazing for a new V8. I got a "deal" via the GM employee pricing, but wouldve been nice if the dealer negotiated - they wouldnt budge a dollar, insisting that GM wont let them. Regardless, Im so far very happy w/ my purchase - I just cant get use to peoples reactions when they its a Pontiac! lol

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  Known Engine Problems - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By molina67 - January 19 - 11:31 pm

  I bought this car new, and was not told of the potential problem with the engine. Before I get into the engine problems, the V6 gets terrible gas mileage for the horse power. Most 4 cylinder cars are faster than the V6 and the most youll get is 24 mpg highway. After 28000 miles the check engine light comes on, I take it to the dealer and it sits in maintenance for a week because of camshaft problems. I did research and found that the problem is well known. Needless to say I traded it in. For a Optima Turbo that gets 274 HP and 34 MPG highway.

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  Bad! - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Twenty2inDubz - January 18 - 10:33 am

  I never thought that I would buy a Pontiac!! Considering only driving foreign automobiles. Paid $33K for the car and it feels like its worth more. Driving this beast is incredible .. fast, responsive BMW killer!! Thank you GM .... keep them coming. Number 037 of 888

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  Best Pointac yet - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Steve Brintle - January 16 - 2:33 am

  This is a car with plenty of room, that is very comfortable to drive, handles like a sports car, and has the performance of the early muscle car. Truly a fine car. The only problem I had was getting one.