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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  G8 GXP - The 4-door Corvette - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By pokerfred68 - January 17 - 8:13 pm

  Best vehicle owned to date. Well beyond expectations. Bad idea for GM not to continue to offer this in the US. Want one bad enough...go to Australia. M5 killer for half the price. Also have a 2009 Vette with same engine...G8 can almost keep up! Only regret: no offer of an in-dash nav. This is one of the top 5 sport sedans in the world...bar none...regardless of price. At 415 hp, its only $100 per pony. Glad to have one of the very few GXPs sold...hopefully a collector for the future.

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  American car? - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Dave - December 31 - 1:13 pm

  I have had the car 1 week and LOVE IT! This is the first "American" car I have owned in over 20 years and so far, its a keeper. I did not realize how much I missed a V8...except for the gas mileage.

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  Love it! - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Tony - December 17 - 6:30 am

  I recently purchased the G8 and so far have nothing but praise! The car is as smooth as silk but when prompted takes of like a cannon, I have owned five mustang GTs including a Cobra and this car would smoke them all! I had my eye on this car when it first came out and do not regret buying it at all. If youre looking for a smooth ride with plenty of power I would suggest you buy this car! You cannot beat the price for what you get!

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  4-Door HOT ROD - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Rico - December 12 - 10:03 am

  I replaced my 2005 Ford Mustang with the G8 GT. Much more room for my kids, performance and even gas mileage. The G8 is an incredible buy. I dont think I would change anything about this car. Most of the reviews I have read it seems people really dont like the oil/volt display. That really doesnt bother me. Otherwise, great performance, great seats, great rear legroom, great trunk and good looks all around. Nice work Pontiac! I would suggest if you are looking at this car at least do a test drive and go in with an open mind. If you look at this car like any other old Pontiac you will definitely sell yourself short!

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  Pontiac last hurrah! - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Nando82 - November 18 - 9:06 am

  I found my car @ Carmax. Let me start off by saying that it is a great car, good engine, nice sound system and roomy as hell. I got the G8 GT with the premium leather pkg and also the sport pkg, this car does turn heads in the street though!

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  Awesome!! - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Matt - November 10 - 5:06 am

  Its a responsible family mans sports car. Powerful, great handling, room for 5 comfortably.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Driven/Owned - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By RWD-V8 - October 24 - 10:06 pm

  After quite a bit of research, I purchased a slate blue, G8 GXP with a manual transmission. Its truly a Corvette for a family of five. It has more space, the same or better performance and is more fun to drive then an M5. Im not interested in tons of electronics that will only fail and cause problems. This car is such fun to drive, I will never sell it. The fuel economy is great for the power/performance level. I get 20-22 mpg in mixed driving with the manual trans!

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  Excellent - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By plumman - October 16 - 2:21 am

  I purchased this car 14 months ago and love it. The car comes alive on the highway. The engine and tranny are matched for American highway cruising. Bmw performance at USA prices. The build quality is very good. I get around 19mph overall gas mileage. It uses regular gas. Get one of the plug tuners for tuning the transmission. Stock it shifts to late and makes the car seem sluggish, unless in sport mode. Tuning corrects this issue and transforms the car! Tires are pricey.

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  Fun Car - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Joe - October 14 - 4:10 am

  I just picked-up my G8 several days ago (9/24). My dealer had to do a locate and swap for the car to get my color (white exterior/solid onyx interior)and options (18 in all season tires, sunroof and Premium Package). The fit and finish of this car are perfect. The interior is done in high end materials and is nicely done. I knew since this car was designed by GM/Holden to be exported as a right/left driver I would have to deal with window and lock controls on the console (not an issue. Performance is better than I expected for an almost 4000 LB car. This car goes, the ride quality and stopping power speaks to a very well designed automobile. Im getting 17+ mpg in the city.

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  Really? - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Spare Me - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely LOVE this car. It is big, fast, comfortable, solid, safe, fast, and fast. I went with White Hot with the red/onyx leather package. I cant decide if I like the inside or the outside more. We have our first baby on the way and I wanted a big 4 door sedan. Test drove a new Maxima and 300 C. Both nice cars, but the Maxi is front-wheel drive, and the 300 looks like a rental. The G8 outperforms and is unique...especially since Pontiac is history. Like so many other reviewers have said, get one while you still can. The back seat is comfy and roomy enough for adults. I cant wait to take this car a a nice long road trip.