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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  Fun to Drive - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Tyson - February 10 - 5:00 pm

  This car is fun to drive, handles well, and gets relatively good gas mileage. So far I have about 1600 miles on it. I wish it is not being discontinued with Pontiac. I wouldnt mind replacing my Grand Prix with another G8.

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  Best of the best - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By jshaag - December 30 - 6:40 am

  I have owned 4 previous Pontiacs and this is by far the best ever. Incredible power for a "family sedan". Smooth acceleration and amazing pick up. My friend just bought a BMW a few months prior and he envies my Pontiac. Fuel economy is what you would expect with this much power.

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  Finally - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By BJames - December 15 - 11:23 pm

  Pontiac gets it right this time. Really the Aussies do. Fast, refined, comfortable beast! What an American muscle car sedan should be. Can compete with the Euro boys and blow them away. Excellent build quality. I have a little over 1100 miles and look forward to driving it every single day.

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  8 months and still loving it - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Rod - December 9 - 11:46 pm

  8 Months and 8000 miles and still love this G8 GT. Last month we had the worst snow storm in Oregon in years. The remote start and the heated seats made it a lot better to get out in it. With $1100 invested in studless snow tires I got every where I needed to go, the limited slip and traction control made driving in the snow no big problem. If GM does close down Pontiac, I hope that they also start importing the Holden Commador SS, or put the G8 in the Buick line-up. This is to good a car to just let die.

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  So much car, so few back roads - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By candaceo - December 2 - 8:43 am

  I looked at the 08s in May but so glad I waited to get a Pacific Slate 09. This car is the perfect balance between performance and price and brings back all the passion and enthusiasm for driving that the recent choices between fuel economy or expensive luxury have deprived us of. Driving is fun, fast and effortless and I honestly dont care about no nav since getting there in this car is all the fun.

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  See ya! - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Nick - November 9 - 10:00 am

  My GXP is a garage queen. 3000 miles after 15 months. BUT it has been slightly modified. Kooks headers, Vararram cold intake, cat delete, SLP supercharger, engine tune and trans tune. It is simply the greatest sleeper ever. A 4 door sedan that can blow just about anything off the road! If you like 500 HP at the rear wheels, this is the way to go. Keep in mind Fly wheel HP doesnt tell the whole story! All these inflated HP numbers are at the Fly Wheel. They made me rate fuel economy. WHO CARES? At this performance level and low miles driven, it does not matter.

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  Love it but lacks common features - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By costeld - October 24 - 10:22 am

  Fast, comfortable and smooth ride on poor roads. Very quite cabin. Responsive steering. Good brake performance. Very supportive seats. Distinctive styling. Solid clutch and transmission. Good consistent power. Nice exhaust note. Head turner (thats a Pontiac?).

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  Hammer Down - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By CEllis - October 13 - 12:50 am

  I recently bought my G8GT with sunroof, sports and comfort package for my wife as we our first child neccessitated 4 doors. My wife LOVES this car as do I. The power this thing has is incredibly smooth and I regularly find myself going faster than I should. The only weak areas of this car are the brakes, lack of navigation, no memory for the driver (my 98 vette has it, why cant a 09?), the manual knob for the seat back, and the lack of bluetooth in lieu of Onstar (boo). Other than those little things, which are forgotten once I put the gas pedal to the floor, this car is a rockstar. In fact, I will be looking for a nice used GXP once I pay this GT off.

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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!!!!