Pontiac G8 Review

2009 Pontiac G8 GT Sedan Shown

Perhaps because of their wide-open spaces, America and Australia share an affinity for large rear-wheel-drive performance cars. This has proven to be useful for General Motors; when the company decided to help its Pontiac brand return to its muscle car roots, it turned to its Australian subsidiary, Holden, to spur a comeback. The result is the new Pontiac G8.

Based on GM's Zeta platform, the G8 is mechanically similar to the Aussie Commodore. It's a large rear-drive sedan, something that hasn't been a part of the Pontiac lineup since the 1980s. And unlike a previous Pontiac-badged down-under import, the unsuccessfully resurrected GTO, the G8 was designed from the ground up with American customers and roads in mind.

Current Pontiac G8

The current Pontiac G8 was introduced for the 2008 model year. It's available with one of two engines: a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 256 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque or a V8 packing 361 hp and 385 lb-ft of torque. The V6 comes mated to a five-speed automatic, while the V8 connects to a six-speed. A higher-performance GXP model with an even more powerful V8, as well as a manual transmission, is expected in the near future.

For a car that costs $27,000-$30,000, the Pontiac G8 comes very well equipped in both base and GT trim levels. Standard features include 18-inch wheels, power front seats, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel and a seven-speaker CD sound system with an auxiliary audio jack. The GT adds the V8 engine, a limited-slip differential, dual-zone automatic climate control and a premium sound system with a six-CD changer. Options include leather upholstery (available in two-tone colors), heated front seats, a sunroof and, for the GT, 19-inch wheels.

Unlike muscle cars of the past, there's more to the Pontiac G8 than just its engine. The ride tends to be on the firm side, yet it soaks up road imperfections very well and strikes an excellent balance between comfort and handling ability. Many have compared it to a BMW in driving feel. While it's hard to escape from the G8's significant size and weight, this Pontiac handles very well for a full-size car, yet manages to provide comfortable transportation for its passengers.

Inside, this is a cabin clearly built by a GM division that doesn't have access to the North American parts bin. Materials are generally high-quality and the overall layout is reminiscent of Audi's products. However, some typical features aren't offered (satellite radio, navigation), and we're not fans of the global-market-friendly center-mounted controls for the windows and mirrors. The digital battery and oil pressure gauges placed atop the dash are also an unfortunate design choice.

Overall, however, the end result is a Pontiac that performs like a muscle car but rides and handles like a European sport sedan. Viewed simply for family use, the G8's qualifications wilt a bit -- with gas prices and environmental concerns rising, time will tell how well a full-size sedan with an optional 6.0-liter V8 does in the marketplace. But for a shopper needing a roomy and affordable car that promises plenty of driving excitement, the Pontiac G8 is worth a very close look.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.