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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  LOVE IT! - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By whitehotter09 - August 5 - 11:21 am

  Love everything but the RED dash lights, if the color was selectable Id buy a spare G8 GT. I debadged mine & have A GTO license plate. LOVE IT! Glad I was able to purchase NEW at the end of the model run........ I worked at Pontiac in the 60s but never owned one, now I own the best they never made because its really a HOLDEN with a Corvette\Chevy engine.

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  Unbelievable - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Panama Jack - August 5 - 3:26 am

  I LOVE IT!I LOVE IT!I LOVE IT! Traded in my 3 Series and I have no regrets. This car is truly amazing... Dont pass up the opportunity to get your hands on one of these cars before they are all gone.

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  Power/Fun/perfect blend high/low tech - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Benny - July 29 - 4:16 am

  This car has great power from the 6.0L. Comfortable ride that was not expected but the car combines the low tech, high out put of a large V8, rear drive and fat tires with a high tech suspension, traction & stability control, shiftable 6 speed auto tranny for a civilized ride. I drive hard and this car feels right during hard driving.

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  G8 is CAR - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By G8 888 - July 3 - 1:43 am

  This car is amazing! I just picked up my new Ignition Orange G8 GT! The only thing I dont like is the panel gap between the hood and the grill, but to me, it kinda adds toughness to it! This car can smoke any "competition" any day of the week!

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  Great Graduation Present - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By babygirl - June 26 - 8:23 pm

  My parents got this car for me as a graduation present and Im loving it. I went to the dealership to test drive the G6 when the G8 caught my eye. I walked right passed the G6 and asked for the keys to the G8. By the look of the car I knew I wanted it. My parents were sold on the fact that it had Onstar. Great car for anyone who likes to go fast. Before I never liked to drive places, now I volunteer to go anywhere. Great kick and speed for a 6cyl.

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  It just keeps getting better - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Rod - June 24 - 6:03 pm

  Well it is month 6 for me as a G8 owner. 6100 miles of enjotment in driving again. No matter how bad my day at work has been there is this little back road on the way home that I can detour on to and just let the G8 hang out in the corners and all the stress of the day is gone. My 96 Monte Carlo never gave that to me. It just wouldnt handle the 30 mph corners at 60 like the G8. The G8 has to be the best handling american car under $30K not just the most powerful. Oh by the way yesterday I showed a Taurus SHO owner you dont go heads up from a stop light with a G8. If God drives he/she would drive a G8.

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  Awesome - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Rod - June 22 - 6:03 am

  I was in my early 20s in the 70s Muscle car era. I had some of the best. The G8 GT brings back the thrill of driving that those cars gave back then. You know you have some thing special when a sheriffs Deputy follows you for 4 mile just to ask you how you like the car, and BMW 5 series driver parks next to you so he can get a close look at the G8. The car is very comfortable, and am still getting use to where all the switches are but so far has been a great experience. Mine is Panther Black, and with the stance of the G8 I have nick named it VADER.

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  Buy one if you can - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Family Man - May 22 - 9:13 pm

  Have had for a few months and love the car. Fun to drive. Picked up one with 11,000 for 22K. Better value than overpriced European imports. Solid, handles well, and very good acceleration. Gas mileage not great, but gets about 2 mpg less than a high output V6. I was hoping GM would bring this body style back with the V6 / V8 Camaro engine. They would sell a ton of these.

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  Awesome,practically gave it to me - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Joe D - May 1 - 8:06 pm

  Just got mine!Rebate $6500,$500 dealer bonus,GMS discount,($2400)plus they put all season Eagle RSA 19" on it and gave me the summer only tires.I felt like I stole it from them.Get yours NOW!They will all be gone FOREVER by the new year.Fast,fun,great looking,with excellent MPG if you stay off the pedal.Best deal ever offered by GM for a car that puts my Lincoln LS to shame.Premium stereo is great for me and traction control a big plus with rear wheel drive.Get ready to feel the G Force if you can snag one.

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  THE GR8 WHITE HOT - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By GR8WHITEHOT - April 23 - 6:10 pm

  The Pontiac G8 GT is a phenomenal creation of performance, value, and yes a family sedan. My wife and I traded our 2008 Lexus IS 250 for this modern day muscle car. She rides quiet and smooth until provoked by your right foot, then shell growl at you. A Corvette with 4 doors for well under 30k unheard of, until now.