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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  Bimmer 550 in Sheeps Clothing - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Gr8GT - March 23 - 5:30 am

  I bought this car (G8 GT) 2 months ago after test driving my fathers and just loving it. I got an excellent price from the Pontiac dealership who seemed to want to give these cars away. This car has everything I admire about the BMW 5-series: power to spare, aggressive styling, refined ride, an extremely rich set of features, and even a little cachet (I still dont see too many of these models on the road). And just as important, it doesnt have the one thing that is synonomous with all BMWs, a large price tag. Anyone who is interested in owning a BMW 550 at half the price should seriously consider the G8 GT.

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  Awesome Aussie-Gett one quick! - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Dvick - March 2 - 1:03 pm

  Bought this car in July 09; blows away my friends BMW 550i for 1/2 the $$- Have 13k on the car, absolutely love it- cant beleive GM is gonna pull the plug when they finally got it right. More interior room than a BMW 750i, More trunk space, super comfy, great handler, V8 hauls. Have had all the imports, BMW, Merc, Lexus,Infiniti, this one tops them all. Enjoy driving it so much I took the family to Vegas in it, 3k miles total, averaged 24 mpg @ 85+mph loaded to the gills across the desert! In town expect 15-16 mpg. I am seriously considering buying another just to mothball for when I run this one into the ground! GM- PLEASE keep this car, maybe as a Chevy Impala? Try one, youll love it!

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  Mid life crisis - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Mid life crisis - February 9 - 2:40 am

  Bought a 2009 g8 gxp. Live in Houston n couldnt find any where. Found on eBay. Hot white with red n black interior. 6 speed. Wife asked if was going through mid life crisis. Fast loud with Corsa exhaust n very fun to drive. I really like stereo n love 6 speed n 2nd or 3rd gear. Very big car. Handles like a go-cart. Love no one else has. I have seem one silver gt. That is it. Love car. Very fast. I always have people ask what car is. No one has yet to try n race me. They know.

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  best car ever owned - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By sonja - February 3 - 9:46 pm

  i have had chevy 2-10 4 x 4 trucks, and i still love my truck for winter time. in the winter time the pontiac is in garage on dollies, along with our restored 1968 camaro. on dollies. then we dirve the chev trucks, and only use pontiac g8 for summer time. it is so comfy, fun to drive, supper fast, i have to watch myself. with the speed all in all wonderful car. my love was mustang convertables about 1966 or so, i had a 2004 mustang convert 5 speed, for 3 years, got tired of shifting, and clutch was all screwed up. so my husband got me the pontiac g8, and i am in love now. you couldnt get it away from me. even the birds love my car for their dropings,

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  Huge Disappointment - GM lost me - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By SM - January 21 - 10:40 am

  Bought the car last month and have nothing but problems. Just got back from the dealer and they tell me there is nothing wrong with the car. A near vision-blurring vibration, engine misfires, transmission sticks in second, and the stability control turning itself off then cannot be turned back on are just a few of the complaints. Ive been a GM guy and in the auto biz for almost 30 years. 12 major malfunctions at 1k miles Paleeeeze. GM seems to have lost it as far as Im concerned. If you have issues with your car like I do, you will find out what "The New GM" is really all about. Based on my current experience, I would not recommend any new GM product. My car is a lemon!

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  last of the great ones - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Ringo1 - January 17 - 11:50 pm

  I love the 2009 G8 GT that I recently purchased. Hot White with Onyx/Red cloth interior. One of the few early GTs built with leather delete and Onyx/Red interior. Im asked questions all the time about the car. People cant believe that Pontiac was making such a great car, way under the radar. Try to find a four door sedan with a big V8, 6 speed auto trans. and RWD for under 35k. For those who complain about the overall fuel economy, remember that no one twisted your arm to buy a performance car. Cant have the ponies without having to feed them too. The G8 GTs and GXPs are the final chapter in a long line of fine cars. If Pontiac had to go, at least they went out with a bang!!

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  Awesome Car - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Gene - January 14 - 5:13 pm

  I think this is my 4th Pontiac. Just turned in my 04 Grand Prix GT2 for the G8. Prior to that I had 2 Grand Prix GTPs. Only had it 3 1/2 days. This car looks more like a BMW and handles like it! Quite a bit heavier and more responsive that the Grand Prix. Like the GT but decided that I didnt really need the V8 and the V6 really has plenty of power. The only difference in the two are the quad tail pipes and the clear tail light covers on the GT. The V6 has dual tail pipes and red light covers. I agree the amp meter and oil pressure displays need to go. Would like to be able to select items from the DIC and and transfer it to this display. Could probably be done with a computer upgrade.