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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  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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  So far, so good - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By dmblystone14 - September 16 - 1:32 am

  I just bought my G8 GT 4 months ago, though Ive been looking for one for over a year and a half. I originally wanted one when they were new but they were a little too expensive so I went with a used Grand Prix GXP (big mistake). So far I love this car. I get "nice car" comments weekly, even by my local GM/ex-Pontiac dealer who apparently doesnt get to service too many of these. If you are looking for performance and value you really cant beat this. For a new car with this performance youd easily spend $35k.

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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.

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  1st Pontiac - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By gunter - September 1 - 8:30 am

  Traded an 04 Tahoe on the car and have been quite pleased to date. The v-6 has plenty of moxie with just the right amount of cool in the styling. The fuel mileage could be closer to 30+ I would think, being it has a 5 speed auto. The rest of the car is still so new to us that we are still figuring out items. At first blush the one thing that sticks out to me is the tilt wheel. Seems it could have been more akin the tilts in pick ups and suv type vehicle. Not much range of motion, especially when one is in egress mode. Getting in and out is a bit challenging. I was also a bit leery about buying a vehicle that had the (odd size) wheels. Heres hoping the tires wear well. Expensive.

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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.