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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  Aggressive! - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Scott - June 26 - 9:53 am

  I traded in my 2006 CTS-V for this car. While the V was definitely much faster, the G8GT is very aggressive and a very comfortable sedan. Overall, only a slight concession at half the price. I frequently travel I75 in Florida, this car cruises VERY nice at speeds of 80-85 mph. I have driven this car in excess of 120 mph a few times and it stills tracks nicely without vibration or float. Cars are my weakness and have had many - this 2008 G8GT is probably my overall favorite. I have removed all the badges on the car and people often ask what kind of car it is. "that looks great" and "I never heard of that" are usually the comments made. Lots of bang for the buck!!!!

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  Vacation Time - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Jean Baptiste - May 6 - 7:43 am

  I love my G8 GT for a lot of reasons. All have been stated many times over in other reviews. However, I have a special reason to like this car. In past years when my wife and I loaded up previously owned cars with maybe 500 lbs of tools and luggage for a few months at our vacation house, I had to shim the rear springs to help keep similar (and safe) driving dynamics. In my G8 GT this past fall, the heavy load had little or no impact on my mormal driving experience. I credit this to the great suspension of this car.

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  Own it - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Ward - May 4 - 9:30 pm

  I bought this vehicle the end of July 08. Always thought I wanted a Charger. After test driving both I found I prefer the G8. It has more power than Ill ever need and very comfortable seating. My teens vibrate the whole car with their music, but otherwise the sound system in great. And I found it affordable.

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  Finally, GM RWD - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By JohnnySacks - March 21 - 1:33 am

  Waited and waited for GM to realize their mistake of killing RWD and for the buyer incentives to come into play to get the price down. Aside from the typical oil and battery display complaints and my aversion to everything overcomplicated in the controls of ALL new cars, this car is a more than fitting replacement to my 1991 Caprice LTZ. Took it on a 1,000 mile road trip first weekend and we love it. Mileage is as advertised, performs and handles like a dream. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE dont kill it after 3 years like the GTO, I keep my cars for a long long time and need parts availability (pads, rotors, alternators, starters, etc.) and dealer parts and knowledge for the harder stuff.

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  Last New Pontiac - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Ohioguy - February 5 - 6:56 am

  My 2008 G8 GT apparently will be my last new Pontiac. It is Pontiac number 17 for me, starting with a 1965 GTO. They certainly saved the best for last. I love this car! From its sinister metallic black paint to its red & black leather seats, it is a winner. Losing Pontiac is painful. Not continuing this car is a sin. GM - please wake up!

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  My Congratulations to Pontiac - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By T. Giles - February 4 - 12:40 pm

  All i have to say is congratulations Pontiac for creating the car I have dreamed of. I upgraded from a 2004 Grand Prix, a car that i have thoroughly enjoyed for all of the 104000 miles i put on it and i was completely blown away. The G8 GT is in my opinion one of the best sport sedans ever produced. It is gorgeous inside and out. It doesnt have all that goofy euro sport sedan styling, just big fenders and a beefy body. 100% American muscle. I would recommend this car to anyone! Pay the extra for the V8 its worth it.

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  #41 of 888 - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By twort - January 25 - 1:26 pm

  I have had my g8 for a week now. I like it a lot. I am averaging 16 mpg but is all city driving. I have put 200 miles on it with out a problem. Car is much more comfortable then my camaro z28 and feels quicker too but have not given it a work out yet. Have to wait till I get some more miles. The one thing I wish it had is displaying a the title of a song when listening to the radio. My wifes 03 Grand am does this and it is a nice feature. I cant tell when the active fuel management kicks in. It would be nice to have some kind of indication on the dash if you are in 4 or 8 mode. Handling is great with little body roll in sharp corners and tons of room. This is a great value car

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  New G8GT - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By suprfan - January 24 - 7:56 am

  The hype is not hype at all. This car finally brings Pontiac into the next millennium. The car is truly a performer that is an everyday driver even with kids. A+

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  Great & Fast - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Curtis - January 22 - 8:43 am

  I bought mine used with 2750 miles on it from a Pontiac dealer. It was traded in on a new Z-28. Is in perfect shape. It is Black Metallic and has custom chrome wheels that sets it off. Best fuel mpg is 27 and has averaged 24-26 running at 72 mph on average.

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  4 Door Muscle Car. - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Car Guy - January 21 - 9:53 pm

  I have the car 2 weeks and have around 900miles on it. I have always been a car guy and have owned many cars including 5 series BMW, E series Mercedes & an Audi Cabriolet for comparison purposes. This car is unbelievable; in terms of pure off the line speed, it blows the doors off anything I have owned(including a 69 firebird with a 400 engine). Handling compares adequately to my BMW and Audi, a lot better then the Benz. The nice thing about this car is there arent many out there so it is definitely unique, a head turner. The interior is plain but usable, the controls are adequate. In terms of styling, the car has great lines. I am 6ft and there is plenty of leg room front & back, big trunk