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:

• 

  4 Door Vette - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Dave - December 29 - 5:10 am

  This car is big, heavy, fast, but stops and handles well. It has good sight lines. The interior has annoying features like the oil battery gauge and air bag light on mirror. No satellite radio was available. It is a joy to drive, easy to park, and smoooth! Remote start and climate control are a big plus. The drivers wiper was annoying. I used a shorter blade to solve the tapping issue. A lot of car for 30 grand! It really gets 18mpg daily and I am not cautious.

• 

  If you can find one, buy it! - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Herk Loadmaster - December 1 - 6:50 pm

  I purchased this vehicle in December 2009 after my 2008 Lancer got totalled in an accident. I could only find about 10 in my area when I was looking. FANTASTIC car for the price! I cant believe how fast it is. I have the gas pedal on the floor at every on ramp I encounter. I had the dealer install 17 inch winter wheel and tire package before delivery because I live in the northern US. I have no problems getting around during the cold winter months. This a drivers car for sure.

• 

  The American Dream from Australia - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By i12cunekid - November 26 - 2:09 pm

  I simply love this car. 6 liters of V8 muscle with a 6 speed and rear wheel drive. Interior is nicely laid out with more room inside than anything else in or near its class. Fun to drive and gets lots of compliments. Sat radio, power everything, heated seats, DOD/AFM, factory 19" wheels, Leather seats, dual climate control,... Looks like a 5 series BMW on the outside and has more room on the inside. Yes the BMW has a nicer interior but its also twice the price. Ive had the car 3 years and love to drive it. If you can get your hands on one, get it while you can. Only imported for 2 years by Pontiac from GMs Australian partner Holden. Only thing Pontiac about it is the name badges. :)

• 

  Pontiac G8 GT 6.0 - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Dave - November 16 - 9:40 am

  This is my first Pontiac. What a performer this car is. Eats everything on the road, cant keep my foot out of it. I bet it does get great gas mileage but I wouldnt know that yet cause I cant keep my foot out of it. Beautiful to look at in the Stryker blue I bought it in. This car is a rush to drive, feels so tight but yet refine ride. Massive power on tap all the time, with the TC off and a light power brake easily smokes those sticky summer performance tires. I wish I was rich so I could buy another one to stash away for a collector. I know these cars will be worth 10 times there sales price someday, so if you have one take good care it. If you dont you had better hurry up and get one.

• 

  Love it so far - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Doug - November 14 - 3:13 pm

  Ive only owned the car for 2 weeks, but I love how it looks (except fake hood scoops), rides & drives. Lot of room, decent Blaupunkt stereo. Power & torque are addictive, but also getting 21 mpg on mostly highway driving. Rare vehicle, so you dont see yourself coming & going.

• 

  Should have bought 2 of them! - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By dvick - October 8 - 3:13 am

  Purchased my G8-GT before I knew Pontiac was going down the tubes. Did my research. This car has more interior room than a BMW 7 Series, four 6 ft+ people can go cross country, no problem. V8 got me 24.5 mpgs fully loaded going thru desert with a/c full blast! I will keep this car until it craters on me. People still stop me occasionally to compliment the car. After 18k miles, absolutely no squeaks, no rattles, a pet peeve of mine. Performance claims are correct- 0-60 in 5.3, 13.5 1/4 mile at 110 mph- AWESOME for a car thatll haul the family in complete comfort. IF you can find one, BUY IT, but plan on keeping it- but dont worry, you WILL, as it puts a BMW 550i to shame for half the price

• 

  Ill never own a BMW again! - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Danevick - September 28 - 1:26 am

  Considered the G8 among others including MB C350, BMW 550i. MB too small, 550i too pricey and rode way too rough. The G8 is my Goldilocks car, just right, and 1/2 the price of the Beemer! Cant get over the value for the dollar. Have owned MB, BMW, Lexus before, every time I mash the go pedal the status issue disappears! Mileage on the road was actually 24.5, in town about 16-17 mixed driving. Cant tell when cylinder deactivation happens, but big v8 vibrates at idle like my old Camaro, shouldnt happen today. Lots of room in back for 6+ footers, huge trunk, a great family car that will still open your sinuses from adrenaline when pushed. compliant but firm ride. Buy 1, You wont be sorry!

• 

  09 G8 GT Awesome !! - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Jeff Zabo - July 29 - 1:53 pm

  I read all the reviews and I have to say that the G8 GT is all that I could have hoped for. Mileage is unbelievably good. Through the old miles driven divided by gallons used, my lowest tank has been 18.4 while the highest was 24.9(all highway, 70- 80mph). I look at the computers mileage, and its close, but usually higher than actual. The power is addictive. The car is quiet quiet quiet ! Fit and finish are really good, doors close with german exactness. This is a drivers car, it doesnt come with tons of gadgets that you dont need, about the only thing Ive missed is my auto dimming mirrors. The car is a hot rod in family disguise...love it...

• 

  GM Nailed This One! - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Bobbyg8great! - July 16 - 8:00 pm

  What a great car inside and out. It is pure fun. It is powerful and comfortable. I can haul around the kids with plenty of room to spare. Everywhere I go, people ask me what kind of car it is. I can 70 mph in a heart beat and cruise comfortably and quietly at 80 mph. The fuel economy hovers around 20 miles to the gallon. I get this even when Im hard on the pedal. I would like the V8 to sound a bit more like a V8, but the wife doesnt know what it is all about this way. Overall this car has been the most pleasing to drive out of all my vehicles. I have owned Caddys, Mercedes, Jeeps, and a Porsche. I think GM nailed this one, it might be a bit too late though.

• 

  GM Is Back On Track - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By G8 Is Great - June 5 - 7:10 pm

  Ive had my G8 almost two months now and like it more each day. The car is amazing to drive from the plentiful power to the superb handling, it makes you want to take the long way every where you go. The G8 is very comfortable and roomy in size and will easily accommodate taller individuals. Fuel economy is excellent considering this is a 4000 lb vehicle with a 361 hp V8 capable of comfortably hauling 5 full size passengers. Plus the G8 is half the cost of a 5 series and the V8 form is cheaper than a similarly equipped Mazda 6 The G8 proves GM has turned things around and is back on track!!!