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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GM Nailed This One! - 2008 Pontiac G8
By Bobbyg8great! - July 16 - 8:00 pmWhat 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.
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GM Is Back On Track - 2008 Pontiac G8
By G8 Is Great - June 5 - 7:10 pmIve 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!!!
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proud of this pontiac - 2008 Pontiac G8
By vic - May 6 - 1:26 ambest car for the price, excellent driving machine. fun to drive , i had i had 5 pontiacs since 60s and i would say this is the best.
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Love these cars so much I own 2. - 2009 Pontiac G8
By jzpiano - April 15 - 9:07 amI bought my first G8 GT in April of 09 and have 23k miles on the car. I have modified it to be a track car and it has still been extremely reliable. After a few years of ownership I wanted to garage the car over the winter and knew I would miss driving it so I bought a second one that I DD everyday.
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One of a kind... High performance luxury 4-door - 2009 Pontiac G8
By hotrodder2011 - April 12 - 6:13 amThe 2009 Pontiac G8 GT is a great daily driver with the added fun of American muscle & European handeling. The car is very fast, as expected with GMs legendary 6.0l V8, packing 361 hp & 385 ft lbs of torque, maited to a 6 speed automatic. The comfort inside is great. Fully adjustable heated leather seats, dual zone climate control, plenty of legroom in all 4 seats, lots and lots of buttons everywhere, how can you go wrong? With a good set of snow tires, this car has zero trouble getting through winter. You can drive this car year round with no trouble. I am very pleased with it and it puts a smile on my face every time I get behind the wheel.
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A fine GT sedan - 2009 Pontiac G8
By phantom - April 11 - 11:03 pmThi is one of the finest cars that Ive ever owned: It is fast, well styled, handles well, and is quite comfortable. It is a shame that it wil soon no longer be available, since it is one of the very best four-door sedans ever offered by GM. I also owned a 2004 Pontiac GTO, and the G8 is superior to it in every way - faster, roomier, and better looking. The rear seating area is especially well done, with comfortable seats and plenty of head and legroom. GM should not let this car get away. If you are considering the purchase of a high-performance GT, get one of these while you still can.
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One Wasnt Enough! - 2009 Pontiac G8
By James Bounds - April 11 - 12:40 amI was interested in getting my wife a replacement for her high mileage Altima. She just thought her Nissan V-6 was fast! On the test drive I was driving... I punched it and WOW!!..she was sold!and so was I!...We both bought one! Mine silver, Hers,dark red.The looks are head turning...We hear over and over, "looks like a BMW"..For the money this car cannot be beat! Mileage wise 24mpg hwy.. havent checked city hwy combined. The extra few dollars for gas, well worth the FUN!
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9500 miles and getting better - 2008 Pontiac G8
By Rod - April 3 - 3:30 amI have had my GT for 9 months and it is getting better. Fuel mileage is up, it gets within 2 mpg of the 96 Monte Carlo LS I traded in, and the GT has 200hp more. If I keep my foot out of it average 17 mpg in town. The problem is keeping my foot out of the throttle. When you step down on it it is exhilarating.
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Rental car like - 2008 Pontiac G8
By Lloyd Carder - March 25 - 3:26 amWe purchased the G8 and was excited the the rear wheel drive would give the ride and feel of a classic American car. Instead the car rides like a go Kart is jumpy off the line and has a gas pedal like a tractor. The speedometer and Tach are covered by you hands at 10 and 2 leaving the digital speedometer to be stared at before you can focus to see what the faint red number says. The shifter slips into Neutral if you rest your hand on the shifter. The rear view mirror requires you to flip a lever, not a problem but the mirror has so many buttons for OnStar and other gadgets that you are always hitting them. We are selling the car after only 250 miles at a 6K loss to just get rid of it.
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G8 - 2009 Pontiac G8
By Krisi C - March 1 - 10:00 amMy parents got me a G8 for my 16th birthday going on 2 years ago. My parents love it because of all the safety features but I love the way it looks. We have not had any trouble with it at all. I am very happy they chose this car!
