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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  The lemon - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By g6- 2 door coupe - August 23 - 10:00 am

  The car had been in the shop several time handles poorly in the snow. Tires are very expensive to replace. The brake light was on when driving - did not know it until a state trooper followed me. I would say that 36,000 miles was the life before every thing began to break down and then lets not mention the warranty was up after that and obama motors did not have a stimulus for the replacing the warranty of the car, how about that for a change!

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  Thanks LOADED for $30K - V8 sedan :o) - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By RisorBob - August 4 - 4:23 am

  I previously owned a 2005 CTS-V and traded on a G8 GT after test driving it four three hours... Thanks to my dealer for that. The car is underpowered compared and doesnt brake as well as the caddy. However the fit and finish are great, the auto with tiptronic is awesome. I never thought that Id be that guy that got tired of the stick but it happened. A loaded V8 sedan for $30K is awesome and I agree by a Garman Nuvi for $200 if you want NAV it will crush any in car system. Its a Holden with better versions still to come but this is a great car a family sedan with the sports when you want it and everyone who sees it says WOW it looks like a BMW - I love it. For the money you cant beat it.

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  Awesome - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Cornerstone8605 - July 27 - 8:20 pm

  Hey folks! Talk about an AWESOME car with power! For me being a female I did my homework on this vehicle. I waited until the G8 finally came out. I owned a 97 Grand Prix and held unto for 11 years (which I just sold today, 15 Apr 08) because I DID NOT like the body style of the Grand Prix from 2004 to 2007. Hubby got me the Liquid Red G8, V6 engine, with the comfort package & premium package, no sunroof. For it to be a V6, this car has some power almost like the GT V8, but in my opinion much better gas mileage. So ladies, dont be intimidated in purchasing this for yourself. This is one HECK of a machine. You will have no regrets with this car!

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  g8isgreat - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By roadrunner - July 24 - 7:00 pm

  Super car for the money. I buy a new car every year and this is the best one Ive had in 15 years. No problems since I took delivery. My average mpg 16.9.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By RBM - July 18 - 4:06 am

  I am truly amazed with this car and all I keep thinking is I wish I could afford to buy another one. I have to work out an arrangement with my wife so we both get time with it. The car is so comfortable and familiar feeling that you dont realize how much you miss it until yoo get in another car. The ride is superb, the fit and feel of the seats is the best I have ever experienced and the power....wow. As others have said get one while you can, this car is fantastic. It turns as many heads as any sports car twice its price. Liquid Red!

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  Not perfect, but glad I bought it - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Scott - July 2 - 11:06 pm

  Great handling, good ride, nice looking car, draws a lot of compliments. Gas mileage averaging about 18 mpg in mostly city driving. Nice steering feel, decent stereo. Two problems so far at about 10,000 miles. Bad gas cap, no big deal. Developed a vibration in steering wheel at about 8000 miles. Dealer said its the cylinder deactivation (active fuel mgmt) system transitioning from 4 to 8 cylinders and there is no fix for it yet. Went to a tuner and he turned the thing off and retuned to run on super unleaded and reprogrammed transmission shift pts. Car runs better than new and my mpg is about the same or even a little better. That vibration was driving me crazy.

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  Problems!Problems!Problems! - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Billy G. Tinker - June 26 - 2:50 am

  Stranded on road one month after purchasing due to dead battery. In shop x4 due to vibrations, pulling to the right, surging when stopping, then the smell of raw gas. Three sets of nes tires have been put on the car in nine months. On the fourth time in the shop, we were told by phone the car was fixed, but was still vibrating and GM was having problems with the engine. I have been very frustrated and displeased with the Pontiac G8 GT.

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  WOW!!!! Sit back and hold on!! - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Nick - June 8 - 3:46 pm

  I think I got the last one in the midwest. Whatever, I think there were only 1823 built. Still working on that one. This car is ridiculous, a 3900 lb. car 0-60 in 4.5? Yes. Im 55, this is the best, most fun car I have ever owned, and Ive owned some, from corvettes to T-bird Super Coupes that were not stock, very fast. This thing is it. Even the Stereo is ridiculous. Oh, by the way, I could care less what the gas mileage is. Wonder what this sucker will bring at the Mecum Auction in 15 years when all the muscle cars are gone????

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  Most fun for the money - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Big and Bold - May 31 - 1:00 pm

  I now own one of the most fun vehicles on the road. It is a great looking car in black that causes people to stare and ask what Im driving. It is fast and handles better than any other big car Ive owned. Ive owned a 300C and SRT-8 Jeep. I planned to purchase a SRT Charger or Challenger but was turned off by dealers over price. I drove the G8 and fell in love. It handles better, is almost as fast as the SRT8 and it more comfortable. It cost less plus, I dont see it everywhere I look on the road. OnStar is great with turn-by-turn and the layout is perfect. The G8 drifts great, pulls strong off the line. Ive suprised a few vehicles on the road who try and challenge the mighty G.

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  Love My 09 G8 GT! - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By dudeman135 - May 11 - 12:43 am

  I purchased my new Maverick Silver Metallic 09 G8 GT about a month ago with all available options and wow. Ive never owned a V8 prior to the G8 and am quite impressed. Its such a fun car to drive and was pleasantly surprised with the gas mileage. I averaged 22MPG on the first tank, 21MPG on the 2nd tank and 19 on the 3rd which is after I got through the break-in period and discovered the button to turn traction control off. ;) The ride is super smooth and refined. The exhaust is quiet until you slam on the gas, then you get the nice throaty exhaust note you would expect from a 6 liter V8. So far the G8 GT is exactly what I was looking for. Awesome ride!