2009 Pontiac G8
- Used Pontiac G8
Pontiac G8 - What the Auto Press Says
Not only does the Pontiac G8 look powerful, but it's a tough performer too. Add to that a sporty, yet comfortable interior, and the G8 is a real winner.
Based on the much-loved Commodore, a product of General Motors' Australian subsidiary Holden, the 2008 Pontiac G8 is a badass four-door back-road burner. In fact, its performance dynamics are so much greater than traditional sedans that it competes with the Ford Mustang and Dodge Charger as an American muscle car. Edmunds explains: "At the G8's moderate price point, the Dodge Charger/Chrysler 300 twins are the only other roomy, rear-wheel-drive, full-size performance sedans available. The Chrysler siblings are certainly competent, but the G8's sporting character sets it apart."
Indeed, it's hard to find fault with the G8's fierce combination of power, agility, comfort and style. And though some buyers may divert their attention to the Ford Mustang for its retro muscle car style and convertible top option, the G8 trumps it in terms of power, backseat comfort, and quality of materials.
If you're considering a G8, now is the time to act fast. Due to a record sales slump, General Motors has recently announced that it is shutting down Pontiac. This means that you may be able to get a great deal on a new G8 -- with warranties being honored by other GM-brand dealerships, like Chevrolet and Cadillac. Still, keep in mind that because the company is being nixed, the value of Pontiac vehicles is likely to depreciate at a fast pace. If, however, you plan on holding onto your Pontiac for a long time -- that shouldn't matter.
The Pontiac G8 is available in two trims, the base Sedan and GT. A high performance GXP model is also available, but covered in a separate review.
- "Any G8 is on the sporty end of the full-size-car class. Potent engines, balanced handling, and a roomy interior make G8 a large-sedan Best Buy. The V8 is the better value with appreciably stronger performance off-setting only slight penalties in price and fuel economy." -- Consumer Guide
- "The G8s are an accomplished family of sport sedans, the kind of cars that make Pontiac's old 'We build excitement' ads something more than ironic fodder. They also make a convincing claim to a niche that Detroit has largely left unfilled since the '60s -- the sporting, affordable, rear-drive midsize sedan." -- New York Times
- "[T]he new Pontiac G8 GT shines in many areas -- outright speed, good fuel economy for its big V-8, easy-on-the-eyes inside and out, nice cabin materials and comfort, and that huge back seat. Factor in price and it is, essentially, in a class by itself." -- Road and Track
- "The G8's aggressive appearance, impressive array of features, superb handling dynamics and attractive pricing should also help it appeal to those who might want something with the performance and feel of a European sport sedan but at a lower price." -- Kelley Blue Book
- "From GM's Holden subsidiary in Australia: a new rear-drive sedan with Euro looks and handling and Yankee proportions. Fitted with a V-6 or one of two V-8s (GT's V-8 can operate on four cylinders), the G8 is spacious, well-built, value priced, and a better driver than the Dodge Charger." -- Car and Driver
G8 Performance - 8.8 (Very Good)
Test drivers are impressed with the Pontiac G8's strong powertrain options and balanced handling dynamics. And though the GT is significantly more powerful than the base Sedan, critics are still satisfied with the base trim's performance abilities. According to the New York Times, "Other cars this harmonious are usually found in German showrooms." Read More
G8 Exterior - 9.0 (Excellent)
The 2009 G8 looks muscular and bold. "If some of Pontiac's older styling was exaggerated and the GTO and G6 are too plain, then the G8 falls somewhere in the middle -- but leans toward exaggerama," writes Cars.com. What's more, the base Sedan and GT are almost indistinguishable, so drivers who can't afford to pay extra can still get that fierce G8 look. Read More
G8 Interior - 8.7 (Very Good)
Reviewers appreciate the G8's clean design and comfortable seats. "Modern Pontiac interiors have hardly been renowned for their design or quality, but the 2009 Pontiac G8's interior is unquestionably a significant step forward. ... There's still room for improvement but the G8's interior is far superior to Pontiac's previous offerings," writes Edmunds. Still, not all critics are impressed with its interior features -- especially its lack of a navigation system. Read More
G8 Safety - NA
The 2009 G8 has not been crash tested by the federal government or insurance industry, but features loads of standard safety equipment -- including front, side, and rear airbags. Read More
G8 Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2009 Pontiac G8 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). In addition to a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, the G8 provides very competitive powertrain coverage. Read More
