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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  Worst car I have ever owned - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By boingo13 - January 13 - 7:16 pm

  The problems started when I took delivery. All four wheels and the steering wheel were out of alignment. After that, it developed a vacuum leak in the fuel system, an engine mount came loose, the brake lights stopped working, and the front fascia came loose. Then, it needed a new steering rack, and all new control arms in the front. The car vibrates like a guitar string at all speeds. It squeaks, rattles, and buzzes in various places, and the steering has a lot of slack, despite all the new parts up front. The V8 engine runs OK, but the transmission is very slow to shift and never seems to find the right gear. A lot of wind and road noise, but little engine sound. 32046 current miles.

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  2009 Pontiac G8 - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By sexxy86 - December 14 - 3:48 am

  Love my G8 when I first saw one I was like I have to get that car it looked good, I did just that own mine for 4years now. Did have problems when I first got where the engine kept coming on it was do to the gas cap it had to be replace which it was happening to a lot of the G8s. The other thing I have had problems with is the sit on the driver side the shift had come a loose had to have it fix 3 times in 4 years, other than that its a excellent car it keeps the heads turning all the time.

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  4 months and 5000 miles & still in Love - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Rod - December 6 - 7:53 pm

  Has been just over 4 months since I bought my G8 GT. It has only gotten better with time. With gas prices down a little from when I bought it have switched to premium. The premium is not required but it do bring the G8 GT to life. Merging onto a freeway can be a little unnerving, if you step down on the throttle to aggressively, you go from 6th to 3rd gear and go from 45 to 70 in a heart beat. For a door factory (4 door car) the handling is awesome. This car does not fear windy roads. In manual mode in 3rd gear 20 mph corners become 50 mph corners. If you want to love a car like you did when the built muscle cars the G8 GT will fill the bill, and accommodate the family.

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  Why must Pontiac die? - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By PeaRat450 - December 4 - 11:26 pm

  I just purchased a 2009 Pontiac G8 with the 3.6L V-6 a couple of days ago, and Im saddened that GM is killing Pontiac. This car is absolutely the best car I have ever owned. I honestly feel that this is also the closest GM has ever come to the BMW 3 series. If Pontiac has to die, then why cant Chevrolet pick up the G8 as a Chevelle or something. At the price this car is an unbeatable bargain, and if I had the money I would by another one tomorrow (a GT). The only change I would like to see is for the 300hp direct injected V-6 to be installed. Then it would be absolutely perfect.

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  Love to drive, hate to fill-up - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Rob - December 4 - 9:46 pm

  Had it for three weeks. Still cant wait to get in and drive it. Extremely impressive performance, great stereo, slick looks, but unimpressive gas mileage - 17/24 mpg. Ad says "V6 Fuel Economy"...mis-leading to say the least. My daily driver is a 00 Bonneville that gets 25/32 with the 3.8 L V6. I bought it for the overall value and "driving excitement", not the mileage. Had a tough time deciding between G8 and Charger R/T. I think I made the right decision. Beware, gas cap door blew off in the automatic car wash! Dealer wants $80 to repaint it. I say it is a design flaw.

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  Awesome 4 door performance car - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Doug - November 28 - 11:23 pm

  The GT performance package provides the best of both worlds I was looking for ... a quiet and refined 26mpg freeway ride to work and 0-60 in 5.3s performance car with exceptional handling on the 19" wheel package. Corners at 30-40 are a blast, not to mention highway ramps. I love how the vehicles manual mode really lets the car perform. Its balancing is exceptional. Its ashame GM didnt come out earlier with this vehicle and even more so that it will not be rebadged over to Chevy. Having driven BMW 5 series, Ill take this car straight up. At 25K less, its not even close...

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  Awesome Car - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Teresa - November 25 - 1:13 am

  Looking at buying a BMW & saw this car (only on one commercial). Thought I would give it a look, after a test drive I was sold. It is an awesome car. Totally fun to drive. I have had many people ask "what car is that". Many heads have turned. I purchased the white G8 and had the windows tinted. I love this car even my husband wants to drive it all the time. Great car for the money, lot of room inside & in the trunk. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Rear Wheel Drive "Dominator" - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By JPK - November 18 - 2:50 pm

  I have almost a year of experience with my 09 G8/GT. I am 63 years old and have owned many vehicles. My G8/GT has more bang for the buck than any of them. I get many positive comments on this vehicle for its looks and the way it goes down the road. Many of these comments are from people (including women) who have very little interest in cars. People ask me all the time, what is it. I have had NO problems with this vehicle. This car is quiet and smooth as a big Cadillac under normal acceleration. Get on the"Loud Pedal" and it will definitely put a smile on your face. The head and leg room (front and back seats) is very good and the seats are very comfy.

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  Just gets better with time - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Larry - October 15 - 9:30 am

  Averaging about 20 mpg with mixed everyday driving.GM has provided one year of free oil changes & tire rotations for having closed the Pontiac division.Gm also offered cash incentives for Pontiac owners.I have not seen anything I would trade for. At 4k needed a wheel alignment, to correct odd tire wear.Tire wear has been very good ever since,in fact the car has been trouble free so far.Very acceptable interior room, I find the comfort level terrific, & I am very sensitive to leg room & seat comfort. Still love the performance when needed, which honestly is not very often. Just a pleasure to get in & drive,would love to be getting 30 mpg, but dont put on enough miles to economically matter.

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  G8 GT THE CORVETTE OF LARGE/MID SEDANS - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By JUNIOR - September 22 - 6:53 pm

  This car is very beautiful in the exterior design. The fenders around the wheel area are amazing. The aerodynamic feel to it is great. The upshift is smooth as possible. The gas mileage is much of a concern when you know what your getting into (G8). The interior is also awesome. No Navigation or XM radio but the thing is that you are going to have to pay for XM after your first year. And you can a navigation anywhere. The Red Digital Battery thing is okay not the greatest but its not the biggest of concerns in the fun car matter.