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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  Great Purchase - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Brian Sharrett - September 23 - 10:36 am

  I bought this car to replace my 04 Mustang Cobra. I really needed more room. This auto provides that and more! The performance is very good overall for the size and weight of the car. A lot of people complain about "Atari type gauges" but you do get used to them. After owning and driving this car for three months, I realize, I have made a great purchase and I am not looking back!

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  Perfect Performance Sedan 170,000 Miles - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By techman8 - August 26 - 11:16 pm

  Ive owned my G8 GT for 4 years now and its been everything a car guy could want, its very fast, reliable, and easy to maintain. Its Corvette derived high performance power-plant with the 6 speed transmission is a match made in heaven! 0-60 in 5.3 sec. Im more than satisfied with my 16/19 MPG average in the city and 20/24 in the highway while cruising at around 80-90 MPH it feels very stable and well planted. Its awesome around corners with its 50/50 weight distribution. The interior is quiet and comfortable but definitely sports car like. I have had no mechanical issues even though it currently marks a bit over 170k miles on the odometer. Its a shame GM discontinued this car!!!!

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  Besides the Judge, Best Pontiac Ever - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Kolossus - August 1 - 6:36 am

  I bought a 2009 Pontiac G8 GT in White Hot on the 30th of December 2008. So far I have about 800 miles on the OD and the car keeps getting better. Here in the Burgh, the winter is sometimes a hindrance and yet I have had no problems with the rear wheel drive. One just needs to learn the right amount of pressure on the gas pedal and drive safe. Im still breaking her in and will write more come summer once shes got a few thousand miles.

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  Incredible and now rare beauty! - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Leviathan - July 28 - 3:23 am

  Just over a week adn 200 miles on my new 2009 G8 GXP in MGM with a A6. From the great 6.2l V* to the remarkable auto 6 speed to the surpsingly good sound system, this car does not disappoint. I will be able to really enjoy the car once I get through the self control testing initial break in period. I must control my right foot!!!

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  Love this car! - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By adrian blindt - July 22 - 10:16 pm

  Wasnt looking for a new car but couldnt resist this when it came out. I cant wait to go out driving every day and look forward to an excuse to go for a longer run. The performance from the 6L V8 is simply amazing for a stock $30,000 car and it handles like a dream. Very comfortable seats (Im a physical therapist and seats are important to me), great driving position. Spacious rear seat. Excellent stereo. Great trunk space. Did I mention the engine and the performance?! Even managing decent fuel economy (20+mpg) on longer runs thanks to cylinder deactivation.

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  Ideal performance, value and fun blend. - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By SDG8GT - July 11 - 6:06 am

  My 2009 Panther Black Metallic G8 GT is my first brand new car. Picked it up with 12 miles on the odometer. It has the two-tone seats, premium, sport and sunroof. The 6.0 L V-8 makes getting freeway merging and passing effortless, even when the car is filled with passengers and cargo. My G8 GT is a head turner and driving in it, is much like driving a in a fish bowl. At 62, finding a comfortable driving position was easy. The back seat handles 3 real-sized adults easily. The trunk will swallow 2-3 golf bags no problem. On a recent road trip we got up to 22 MPG on 87 octane. A lot of that trip was surface street driving.

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  Super G8 - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By G. Roy - May 8 - 3:33 pm

  Its been a long time since Ive owned a car that came close to this G8. Unbelievable value and price. The driving experience is outstanding, dont miss the opportunity to test drive this car youll love it.

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  the g8 is gr8 - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Franchise - April 28 - 5:16 pm

  Great car, very fast, big enough for a big guy (6-4" size 18 shoes) to fit very comfortably. It feels a little less powerful than it actually is until you realize how much faster your going than everyone around you, its pretty smooth for a car that handles well and accelerates so fast. It would be nice if they would make a less expensive, stripped down coupe version of the G8 that could fill the void where the firebird used to be, the solstice just doesnt cut it with no v8 and being so small a 5th grader can barely get in it

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  Dont miss this FUN TO DRIVE CAR - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By hopen4mail - April 10 - 4:31 pm

  Great sporty car with great value. If you dont want to pay the price for a european rear wheel drive sport car or pay to fix them, this is the car for you. Love the looks, outside and in; the ride is sporty and fun and fast. I wish I would have spent the extra grand on the GT but, oh well. I bought brand new and have put 42K miles on since 4/09. Around town driving you get about 18 mpg and freeway about 24. Of course, I have a lead foot and enjoy going fast in my red baby so if you drive the speed limit, youll get better. Nice thigh/knee support for picky drivers. I would definately buy this car again.

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  G8 GXP ROCKS! - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By spaycace - April 9 - 10:36 am

  I drive my car 60 miles one way to work daily, and Im glad I saved the 25 grand more that I would have spent on a CTS-V! This car is a 4-door Corvette & is more than FUN to drive! I race/beat "ponies" and Camaros as well. Tried to get a vette to race me, but the driver simply wouldnt do it. With a few mods/tweaks, this car has more power & is faster than a base vette, and ANY mustang, even the over- priced supercharged one! I LOVE this car! The traction control works AMAZINGLY well considering the power. MPG is acceptable, but then again, didnt buy it for economy. The best mpg Ive seen is 22.8, but the car isnt broken in with only 8500 miles. BUY one if you can find one!