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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  Get One If You Can - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By GXP_CraZy - November 29 - 7:33 pm

  It was definitely worth the wait. This is the best performing car for the money out of the box. Great road trip car and when you get tired of cruising, grip the wheel and mash the pedal. If you can latch on to one you wont be disappointed. An aftermarket exhaust really wakes the beast and gives it a much more respectable tone.

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  My new car has a vibration? - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Tina - November 23 - 1:33 pm

  We really thought that we had found our dream car, even though we traded in a 2006 330I BMW. We loved the whole look and feel until we drove our new vehicle home for the first time. Mind you, this vehicle was on the showroom floor, the odometer read 11 miles. While driving our "new" vehicle we first noticed that it did not idle properly and at various speeds between 30-45mph and 50-65mph there is a harmonic vibration. We have spoken with the auto specialist thinking that they would know what was happening since they are familiar with the vehicles they sell. We were told that this is normal for the 6.0L. We do not believe this is normal and we are still currently having these issues today.

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  What a great car! - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By VieraHal - November 15 - 7:36 am

  I bought this for my wife and she is very, very happy. Which makes me happy! But now I have to buy her a radar detector to help save money :-)

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  Get it while you can - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By SV - November 7 - 8:40 am

  With Pontiac going the way of Oldsmobile, I cant imagine too many people are willing to buy one of these anymore-to which all I can say is that is just too bad and pathetic mismanagement on GMs part. This car is the best deal out there in my opinion and after 9 months and 7,000 miles I can say I really love this car. This is a roomy, fast car that can quickly and comfortably eat up hundreds of miles at a stretch. The seats are extremely comfortable and the ergonomics just fine. Its not quite a luxury sedan but its got all the essentials done well; nothing comes close to the roominess and performance for the real-world cost of this car. Biggest glitch: came with defective rotors.

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  Teriffic value - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Larry - November 3 - 7:03 am

  Update from 9-28:purchased (oem)19in rim & tire, fits perfectly into the spare tire well.R/R air pressure sensor failed, quickly replaced by Pontiac. Mixed very easy driving yielding about 21/22. We dont drive very much these days, so gas mileage not a problem. Fretted about buying an 8 cyl, did not need nor want the extra horses, it just drove better than the 6 cyl. Quieter & many options were standard. Apparently no insurance penalty for the 8 cyl. Love the overall quietness & comfort of this car. Rumor has it GM is ready to do away with Pontiac. Would not have purchased it had I known. If this happens I guess the 5 year 100k warranty will be worthless. Too bad, love the car.

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  Incredible package!! - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By KaiserM715 - October 21 - 7:30 pm

  My wife and I have put about 1000 miles on our G8. It is FANTASTIC!! The acceleration is brisk, the handling is crisp and the interior is excellent. The look of the car is somewhat European (or Aussie!!). The fit and finish and ergonomics are all excellent. The leather with the premium package has an excellent feel. The seats are very comfy on road trips and the back seat leg room is generous. The steering wheel with the sport package feels very nice in your hands. The car is a great value, a lot of features and a lot of car for the money.

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  4 door family vette - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By BobK - October 17 - 1:40 pm

  I had a Monte Carlo SS which was a great car but I really wanted a V8 sport sedan with rear wheel drive 4 doors and a generous trunk. When the G8- GT came out I waited until the 2009 model and purchased a GT with the sport package and the premium package. This car is everything that I wanted. Great looks. outstanding power, superb handling, exceptional braking, comfortable interior with plenty of room for everybody. I have the color Pacific Slate, which brings many compliments. This car is the best bang for the buck when you compare apples to apples. I am a strong supporter of GM and their products. My wife loves the on star system and the xm radio.

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  Great - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Chase413 - September 27 - 1:00 pm

  The car is great, could not have asked for a better vehicle from GM. Had an 07 SS impala before and they improved just about everything i didnt like about the impala. the handling, suspension, rear wheel drive, its just a smooth ride with everything you would need in a car and the ability to get up and go with cars that cost a good deal more. (ex: Taurus sho for 40 something, g8 gt for less than 30)

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  For folks tired of European car prices! - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Todd - August 27 - 9:16 pm

  This car is the perfect replacement for people, like me, who are tired of the ever increasing price of Audis, BMWs, Volvos etc.. No price gouging on the options packages either. There are only three options, and they are all very reasonably priced. Just try to get a Sports Package on a European car for under $600! The car is an incredible value. Fast, great handling, great build quality, great looking. Also very quiet and comfortable. Ive had M3s, 3 Series, 5 Series, SAABs and my last car was a Volvo S60R. This car shames them all, and at this price its a knock out in the first round!

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  Wow - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Don P - August 20 - 7:30 am

  Been watching and reading about this car for months. Finally got to see it and test drive it on a rainy night. Amazing performance, handling, ride and comfort. Has just the right features and accessories to make it the perfect car. What a treat to drive. Absolutely the most exciting vehicle Ive ever owned. A good value, even at MSRP.