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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  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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  Proud Owner - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Bobsg8 - September 19 - 7:16 am

  Have had car two weeks not really tested it yet. This is good, my wife likes car not sure she gets my desire for a V8. No complaints, however I cant find 11 speakers I can only find 9. Some problem huh. lol. I drive about 35,000 miles a year so I will know soon.

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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

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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.