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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  So far so good - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Larry - February 1 - 4:23 pm

  Only two weeks old, first tank of mixed town & country was 22 mpg.nice firm ride, great handling, quiet/comfortable ride,excellent brakes.Seems to be a good value for the price, but I will wait a few years to make that call. Cannot read the DIC. without reading glasses which I dont drive with. Still trying to get a 19" rim for the spare, none apparently available yet.

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  Put another Shrimp on the Bar-b!! - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By danevick - January 31 - 4:06 pm

  When you have a bad back like me, a vehicle must have a comfortable seat. What Pontiac doesnt tell you is that BOTH front seats actually have 10 way adjustments with the premium pkg. Ive owned Lexus, BMW and Mercedes, and this car is the equal of any of them. The level of refinement is unbelievable for the price, and, I can actually sit behind myself with room to spare, which I cant even do in a Suburban, since I set the seat far from the steering wheel. Back seat comfort is also great.Throw in 361hp, great ergonomics, Bavarian looks, uplevel materials inside, and better than Mercedes build quality outside, and Pontiacs got a WINNER! Go for it before theyre gone because of CAFE regs

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  I love this car! - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By JTB - January 27 - 7:00 am

  I have about 9500 miles on my 2008 G8 GT. I drove BMWs, Mercedes, Infinitys, etc. and this was the car I just simply fell in love with. Talk about fun to drive. Even after 9500 miles I still look for excuses to drive it, sometimes making 3-4 trips to the grocery store (my wife thinks Im reformed)! I have installed several bolt on high performance upgrades (cold air kit, tune for premium gas, shorty headers with high flow cats keeping the rest of the exhaust system completely stock). The car hauls now. If I get the jump on a corvette its by-by baby! The seats are more comfortable than BMW or Mercedes, no kidding. its very quiet, but most of all, its fun, fun, fun! Reliable too.

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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!