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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  Fantastic value for the money - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By scotth3886 - February 25 - 11:03 am

  As I said in my title fantastic value for the dollar. Feels very much like my friends 2008 BMW 550 for less than half the money and is actually a little faster. Great road car with great seats. The back seat is probably more comfortable than the front, and it has 7 series room back there. Gas mileage isnt so fantastic, but it deteriorates little with speed and it is more economical around town than my V6 Saturn Aura. I bought the car in Ohio and made a major road trip bringing it back out to Cali for the winter. I couldnt ask for a better vacation car. A mid 13 second, 170 mph, 22 mpg+ large, four door sports sedan for $31k. I cant complain much about that.

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  Hot car for old man hunting trouble - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By RICK - February 20 - 10:26 am

  I debated buying a BMW 550i. I am glad I found my G8 GT WHT, bad news. Really fun to drive and no problem passing anything on the road. You must add radar due to reaching min speed limit in seconds. I am a 58 yr old guy with a new toy. When you have a stressful day and want to unload steam on the road, fun. I had several 1968 through 71 high performance Plymouth products. This car is no match for the money. Loves curves and quarter mile. GM needs to remake in future as an Caprice. Loves gas but who cares

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  Grrrrrrrreat! G8 GT - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Randy - February 7 - 6:43 pm

  Without a doubt this is the best car Ive ever had and Pontiac has ever produced. The horsepower and torque are perfect. I like to drive spirited and the car handles perfectly. The factory tires dont hold in wet road conditions but that will be rectified with new ones. I get 18mpg city and 24.5 hyw. Ive had no rattles, or any maintenance issues other than the usual oil changes and such. I had the factory stripes put on mine and let me tell you the flat black on red will turn many heads. The gas mileage definately went down when I put them on (just kiding). I am not sorry for buying this car, to my regret it will outlast Pontiac. To sum it up, its fun to drive youll love it, buy one.

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  Mustang Killer - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Extender32 - January 28 - 6:26 pm

  I had bought a fusion orange G8 GT just last year but but after learning about the demise of Pontiac, I thought it was time to upggrade to the GXP. The car is quick (about as quick as my 06 GTO)and the exhaust note is super too when you mash the petal. The GT was flawless for the 10,000 miles and the fuel mileage was acceptable (24 MPG to/from work). I dont expect that there will be any problems with the GXP either.

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  Love this car1 - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By G8GT6969 - November 30 - 12:26 am

  Not much to say ,except this car is incredible!!! As I am continue to put more miles on it(break it in!!), its becomes more and more fun. I did my first hard takeoff yesterday.! Amazing!! Mind you, Ive been driving a Dodge neon for the past 4 years, so It really feels impressive.

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  Incredible Car -- Its GRRRR8T! - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Cyrus - TX - November 12 - 4:50 pm

  This is absolutely an incredible car! Finally Pontiac has gotten it right -- unfortunately right before it has to close its doors. If you are considering buying this car, now is the time and you will not be disappointed. Caveat--If you are looking for great gas mileage, buy a Honda, but if you want awesome performance with very decent gas mileage...this is your ride. It will get better mileage with additional after market mods(check the internet), which signficantly increases the horse power too. As a family sedan and sports car...I think your getting the best of both worlds.

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  Just Gets Better - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Gene - November 4 - 5:40 pm

  Posted earlier after owning only 3 days. The car just gets better as does the mpg as it breaks in. Havent been on any lengthy trips yet but assume it will get much better. As lots of others said, this car turns heads. Found that Im not alone in thumbs down of oil pressure and battery. Liked another reviewers idea of pictures displayed there. I would prefer to see MPG or anything else displayed here. Would be even better if you could select from DIC what you want there.

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  Have had one month and 3rd review - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Rod - October 28 - 10:26 am

  It has been a month since I bought my G8 GT. I thought right after I bought it, "Gas prices are going out of site, what did I do?" The answer after thinking about it and a month with the G8, I dont need steak every night, hot chili and hot dogs are just fine. The fun of driving a real car that has great performance, is more fun at age 61 than a Japanese car that gets 30+ mpg. The fact that what ever situation I get in I can get out of. Can a Honda Civic that is stock accelerate out of a situation? Hell no. Or stop as fast as the G8. There is more to a car than gas mileage. Ability to handle any situation with power brakes or acceleration can save your life.

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  Love my new TOY!! - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Amanda - September 5 - 9:10 pm

  When youre a 25 year old female driving this car, you get a lot of looks! My husband and I have an El Camino and Camaro that we normally take to car shows, but after so many questions about my daily driver, we started taking the G8. The Stryker Blue paint job really sets it apart.

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  Best GM car ever - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Bryan - August 21 - 8:40 am

  ive owned a lot of cars from GM, this has to be the best one yet, i owned a 05 pontiac bonneville GXP that was alright, at best, this cars handleing is great, the steering is perfect, suspension is perfect in cornering and just relaxing on the highway, brakes are great, great design inside and out, feels well built, the power from the V8 is endless, would like a little more of a louder exhaust note, and the window switches should be on the doors, but those small things dont really wreck a absolutly great car