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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  GM got this one right. - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Rod - April 15 - 5:10 am

  The G8 has every thing one would want in a car. It has awesome performance, great looks, comfort, great road feel. One of the things that impressed me the most was the reaction from the mechanics I work with. Even our resident cynic thinks the car is awesome (he finds flaws in every car but none in my G8 GT). T The G8 is a very solid feeling car, the ride is not for luxury ride lovers, it is to firm and handling very responsive.

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  Best car for the Bang get one! - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Go Red G8 GT - April 11 - 5:50 pm

  4 days and love it I cant get out of it, bought it brand new 2009 GT model. The red is hot and turns heads. the v8 6.0 omg it rocks when a sedan goes 0- 60 5.3 all I can say is wow for the money best bang for the buck! got the sport package and let me say this, its a mean cat with claws and this baby grabs and goes, goes and goes, Im talking about the tires 245/40R19 allot of traction is not saying enough. another thing I wanted allot of room for 4 adults I can get 3 in the back no problem and leg room np, height np. ok, blapuk system 11 speakers and sub woffer please 11 speakers come, the sound is perfect. get one and you will be happy!

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  Dont think I would buy another - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By eva Smith - April 6 - 2:46 pm

  We have only had our G 8 less then a year and our air conditioner went out. Of course the dealership said the condenser had a puncture and it is not covered. Also one on the handles has plastic peeling off already. For the price not happy.

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  Car will make you excessive compulsive - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Rod - March 23 - 4:00 am

  3 months and 3500 miles and this car has come alive. You stand on the gas and there is a sound you cannot believe till you experience. You look at the hood to see if it is collapsing as this monster 6.0 sucks air in, it makes a more awesome and powerful sound than my 70 426 Hemi Cuda did. If you love cars you will love the G8 GT, all you have to do is test drive it and you will want it. If you want a ultimate performance you can afford this is the best deal out there,.

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  765 of 888 - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By 765 of 888 - March 22 - 4:33 pm

  Well Pontiac outdid themselves with this car. Not only is it a beautiful looking car with a great comfortable interior. I have two kids and possibly a third. I know I can fit all three seats in the back seat with no probs. The best thing of all is the power this car has is unbelievable and Ive yet to push it because of the newness of the car. (no kids during testing) Its sleek,comfortable, and rides like a dream. I cant give this car a perfect 10 because I dont know how reliable itll be. As far as gas I give it a 10 because I knew what I was getting into buying a V8 and I think its getting pretty good mileage for a beast of a car. I highly recommend this car. U wont be disappointed.

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  GT Oh G8 - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By GT Oh G8 - March 22 - 7:40 am

  Lots of LOOKs for this Very Very Red GT G8. Great ride, quiet, loads of fun, quick, agile, giant back seat - leg room and then some. Wonderful gas mileage - 18 mpg plus. Nice Blaupunkt stereo SiriusXM Radio is great. I really like the OnStar for handsfree calling and directions when needed (you get to talk to a REAL person).

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  More fun for the buck - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Rod - March 13 - 3:43 am

  In my last post I mentioned that a Magnaflow exhaust system would be delivered the next day. Well, it was and it made my G8 even more fun. The exhaust made the car sound great, with out making everyday driving to noisy like other systems I have had. Another upside is that gas mileage has gone up from a average of 16.4 to 17.1 in every day commute.

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  Great value drivers car - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Ron - March 4 - 7:23 pm

  I have the 2009 SRM G8 GT with premium and sports. This is a drivers car, and is amazingly nimble for its size. The interior can be nicer, but that is not the reason why people buy this car. The AFM when engaged adds vibration. As a previous reviewer commented, the idle is a bit rough, but that is true of most cars with the LS series push rod engine. The handling is excellent for such a big car. It beats my previous front-heavy Accord V6 hands down. And the V8 engine propels the car to highway speeds in a blink of the eye. Unfortunately, the price one pays for such performance is high fuel consumption. All-in-all, driving this car is a blast and surprisingly comfortable. Great car.

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  Screaming Bargain - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By JCP - February 21 - 3:36 pm

  After looking for a used G8 GT and considering other mid sized vehicles, the dealer offered me a new G8 for about what a used one would cost. I love being able to blow off ANY Acuras, Infinitys, Lexuss, and most BMWs at a fraction of their cost. Gas mileage on the first three tanks is 21 with a mix of city/hwy/and quite a few WOT demos for friends and family.Should improve as it gets broken in.Handling is great and the ride is a good compromise, interior space is better than anything else in this price range. Anyone considering a midsize/large vehicle should drive the GT, as it is, by far, the best value in the market today.In the future the government will outlaw cars this fun!

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  So far so good - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By gfarrell - February 10 - 5:33 pm

  I really like this car. It is fun to drive and I consider it a great value. Not the nicest interior, and doesnt have all the gadgets, but enjoying the drive is the most important thing to me. Every morning the commute to work is an adventure. So far it has been very reliable, and the dealer was easy to work with. I had a couple of issues that needed to be addressed the week after I got it, but they were fixed correctly and quickly. I do not miss the drama of the BMW service department.