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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  GRRREATT G8 - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By D. Cooper - August 30 - 12:40 am

  I Love My G8. I was waiting for the Camaro to come out but came across the G8 and fell in love. It looks means and corners great. Everybody asks me what it is or if its a BMW or Mercedes. I love the look of the interior especially the radio. We were driving a 2500 diesel so we chose the V6. But now I want the V8. So who knows I might be upgrading. Mines Black on Black.

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  Lets go somewhere - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Dan - August 23 - 10:30 pm

  Had an03 BMW 325i that I drove to 100K miles, then an 08 Accord V6 that I hated from day 2...their cylinder deactivation was very noticeable, and now have 2K miles on 09 G8 GT. Have the same feeling for the G8 that I had for the BMW...lets go somewhere! Dont think I will ever get tired of that sweet engine rumble. Lived in Australia for a few years as a teen and admired the Holdens back then so great to have one stateside now. Im in sales and live in my car. Very impressed with interior ergonomics, sound system, seat comfort, and low interior noise level on the highway. Way to go gm. Wasnt sure I would ever buy another one. Now if this car just got the hwy mileage of a vette.

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  Awesome! - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Tom - August 15 - 10:40 am

  I love this car! I read all the great reviews on this web site before buying (Sport Red Metallic GT, V8) and the car has more than lived up to the rave reviews. The power is fantastic. Gas mileage is very good for a car with this power (averaging 19 to 20 mpg mixed highway/city). Over 25 mpg on highway when I can control my right foot. Acceleration off the line is amazing! I test drove the V6 and V8. Get the V8! It does not cost that much more and the gas mileage is almost the same. The extra power makes it that much more fun.

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  6 is enough - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Tim K - August 13 - 11:20 am

  Solid automobile,,,,competes with a buddys 3 Series BMW, but thousands less....alot of people ask me about the car.....hugs corners, road and body.......big trunk for golf, etc....V6 delivers everything I need.....get 23 combined city-highway

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  The Best Yet - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Headhound - July 31 - 1:16 pm

  I evaluated the V8 versions of Audi A6, BMW550, Hyundai Genesis, Lexus GS460, Nissan, and Cadillac before I bought. G8 drove better, handled better, and accelerated better than the others. Traded in my BMW540 and am very happy with my choice. Superb acceleration, superior handling, great braking, over 21 MPG on regular gas, comfortable seating, and roomy trunk for half the price of the competition. Only car I have ever had where I did not wish I had more power.

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  The new GM standard of quality and feel. - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Ronny I - July 25 - 11:56 pm

  The Pontiac G8 GT is the most fun blend of comfort, performance and style I have ever found in a car in this price class. It is my 1st brand new car of the lot, that is how highly I think of this car I risked to buy it new. It has tremendously good comfort, outstanding acceleration and low interior noise. Ive put 4k miles on it in a month, and Im extremely pleased with this vehicle, it has the best design and layout of the available space in the chassis. Comfortable dash and seats with superhigh quality feel, that was very lacking in previous years. Ive had two Pontiac Grand Prixs before this, they served me well. But this is the NEW standard we see from GM. THANK YOU MR. LUTZ for the G8.

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  Get out of my way - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By thebigb - July 25 - 5:43 am

  Oh my goodness, what a fast car! Last car I owned which even came close to the speed in this car was a 1986 Corvette. This car is truly a 4 door Corvette. Looked at a CTS with DI, but this baby was the one. No contest. I have no problem with GM folding Pontiac, it only made my GXP worth more down the line. This car should have been on sale 4 years ago and GM would not be in the trouble they are today.

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  The U.S.(and Australia) is back. - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By DC Lasting - July 21 - 11:46 am

  I drove a Lexus ISF, Acura TLS, Lexus IS350, CadillacCTS, Dodge Charger, and a Camry Hybrid (for my eco moment). The price/performance combination win goes to the G8 GT. GM could spend very little more and have the fit and finish of cars far more expensive with matching performance. While the ISF was a pure rocket, at $62K there was not a $30k difference for me (assuming I could afford it). The G8 looks as good as it drives. I am 6+ and this vehicle fit me better than any of the above on the drivers side. The passenger side is about the same as the others..a little short on leg room. There is a minor fit issue with the hood where there is too much gap at the center. 9+ for me.

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  Hi Im from Australia - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Anthony - July 20 - 8:33 am

  I purchased a ve holden commodore S which is the same vehicle as the Pontiac g8 (different nose & vents on Pontiac). It is a six speed manual shift & does 0-100 km/hr (66 mph) in 5.6 secs and standing quarter mile in 13.4 secs- so it performs brilliantly. It is also well built and handles like a sports car. It is also very well equipped-turns head - black with silver stripes. Very pleased with it!

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  Great Car - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Race Horse Drive - July 17 - 6:53 am

  I have driven the 2009 G8 GT for a week now. It is a great handling car with unbelievable power.The gas mileage seems reasonable considering the horsepower. I have not had a car that I have enjoyed driving this much since I owned a late sixties GTO. Pontiac really got this one right.