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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  Red lights slow us down - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Michael - January 18 - 5:00 pm

  I bought a Black 09 Pontiac G8 GT and could not be happier. I have been to the gas station a couple times and people come right up to me asking me all about the car. I too love when stopping at red lights and having the car rattle slightly from the V8 anxiously waiting to go. I smile every time I go on a drive and glad this was the first new car I have purchased.

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  BMW 4 Less! - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Carqwik - December 25 - 4:36 pm

  The car Pontiac should have always had! Its a true American (despite Oz origins) sport sedan that can run with most of the imports costing up to twice as much. Yea, its not a lux mobile, but the V8 power, the acceleration, the handling (surprise - it has excellent road manners), and the perfect size makes it an excellent value!

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  I love this car!!! - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Cameron - November 26 - 9:26 pm

  The title says it all. This car is awesome! I get compliments on it all the time, and Ive had it less than a month. Coming from a Nissan Maxima, I considered purchasing the Infiniti G35 as well as the BMW 3 series as well, and neither comes close in terms of bang for buck. What took you so long, Pontiac???

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  Amazing Pontiac - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By TxNessie84 - November 9 - 10:30 am

  This is one amazing car and one of the best bargains in cars anywhere. This car will outperform a lot of cars costing a lot more money. Everyone who sees it and rides in it loves it and thinks it cost a lot more than it did.

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  Awesome - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By hjames - October 8 - 11:23 am

  I have number 663 and just picked it up on Monday. The car is one of a kind it reminds me a little of my e30 m3. Very redefined in every letter, and speaks to the driver during acceleration. This car will make a statement and Im glad I have one. I can drive my g8 with the likes of BMW and Lexus. I can also run the boys on the weekend if I like. The answer for any mid life crisis.

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  I love my "Yak" - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By W3ldon - September 30 - 6:43 pm

  OK. I just got my black on black G8 two weeks ago and I am crazy about it. I took my wife to the Westin in it and the valet was like "Hey, man, what is this?" I was like, "this is the car that better stay parked tonight." He loved it. Everywhere I go, I get stares. Their eyes are saying, "Wow!" and then they see a Pontiac badge and they fall over. "Thats a Pontiac?" Yep, a Pontiac. I cant get mad at em. Thats the exact thing I said just two weeks before I saw one on the road and bought one. This car is amazing. It good on gas for a V8, It is very quick and Im going to have to get some tires in about 6 mos because, damn

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  Replaces a BMW for half the price - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Terry - September 16 - 9:33 am

  I bought this car to replace my troublesome BMW M3 and to be able to give the family more room. Well I can honestly say its done this and more! The car is great, and seriously CAN NOT BE BEAT for the price! $65,000 for a comprable 5 series BMW or $29,000 for one that can spank it and has more room. This is what I call a "no brainer" Keep up the great work GM!

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  Great Car! - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Brad - September 16 - 9:26 am

  The Pontiac G8 is a Very Fun Car to Drive. Is Comfortable and is a great car to take trips in. The car runs effortlessly has no trouble passing or leaving other cars at the lights. Damn shame GM killed it in the states.

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  best car on the market. - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By yikes - September 13 - 7:00 pm

  test drove G8 and test drove 2010 Camero enjoyed G8 more. great handling,very roomy, plenty of power for v6, got premium package, cant ask nothing more out of this car.

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  Thunder from Down-Under - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Bill H - August 31 - 4:56 pm

  Mines grey metallic with Sunroof and Premium Pkg options; 3 mos. old and approaching 3K mi. Here briefly (because it will repeat what many have already stated)are the pluses: great car for the $$s; excellent warranties; great straight-line or twisty roadsperformance; 87 grade gas with good mileage (hey! Its a V8!) if you properly manage your right foot; nice seating front & back; couple strangers saying Nice looking car. My great deal included dealer adding the Sport Pkgs bright pedals,swapping the GTs dull 18" wheels w/summer only tires with the bright, best looking ones w/all season tires off a base G8 and a compact spare.