2009 Pontiac G8 GXP | Retro Review

[@cdldriver2348]

Damn! Can you believe this was 15 years ago??!! Michael Jackson & Farah Fawcett deaths were also in 2009!! Time is going by too fast.

[@roddydykes7053]

I blame social media, smart phones and high cost of living for this crazy fast couple of decades

[@user-ie1hg5ov1m]

On the same day too

[@tylercouture216]

Social media being a huge​ cancerous tumor @roddydykes7053

[@DiRF]

Not only was it 15 years ago, this same review is still in Motorweek's YT videos list from 15 years ago. We've reached a point where Retro Reviews are covering the early KZbin era.

[@Lincolnator721]

@@roddydykes7053 The world ended on 2012

[@2012Edger]

I wouldn’t mind having one in my garage now.

[@mia1shooter]

It would be an awesome daily driver to go along with a corvette

[@MrAaron5627]

Just don't ever get into a fender bender. The GXP front bumpers cost around $4k now. I bought one right before the pandemic, bumpers went for 1800 then. Don't get me wrong, I love my GXP, just be ready to double the price of what you think a part costs, then add a zero.

[@LrulestheworldM8]

This WAS the swan song for the brand. This and the GXP Firehawk were the last big performance Pontiacs to ever grace our roads. And they have held their value extremely well. I still see them going for $30k+. And one of the 58 Firehawk cars will set you back far more. The death of this brand meant the death of some of the last great engineering feats GM ever had. Its an understatement to say that the industry has been so much worse off without Pontiac around to push the envelope. I did my part to fight to keep it, but there wasn't much we could do against a government hell bent on sending everything to China. RIP Pontiac. April 27th at 9am was your official TOD.

[@A-classic-smithy]

Rip my favorite brand 😢 🙏 keep the iron Indians rolling

[@82_KID]

Wasn't Firehawk by SLP?

[@burningblue1254]

Better it die in battle than to see the brand wither on the vine with these mundane suvs

[@LrulestheworldM8]

@@82_KID yes. And there is a motor week review of that one as well.

[@82_KID]

@@LrulestheworldM8 ^^ There were two? Or was there a Firehawk by Pontiac and a Firehawk by SLP? Or was it the same or were they two different (I have to admit, I've always wanted one of those. 2002 if I remember right)

[@hellkitty1014]

Holy Grail of the G8s. It was the perfect car at the absolutely wrong time, due to the financial collapse and pending demise of Pontiac. Loved the LS3 power and 6spd Tremec(a true one up over the closest rival, Charger SRT 6.1) These still look good to this day, in fact seems to have aged better than the much later introduced Chevy SS.

[@curtjeziorski350]

Actually the firehawk with a supercharger is the holy grail of the g8. But they are all awesome. I love my ignition orange g8 gt! Best driving car I've ever owned

[@Dylan_Mulvaney_OFFICIAL]

​@@curtjeziorski350in Australia, the base model SEDAN Holden Commodore comes standard with the bulletproof GM 3800 V6 either NA or supercharged.

[@TheBreakfastLover]

The design aged very well

[@unicornharry7995]

Lol i been seeing these later year Pontiac’s lately, and honestly imo they look better than ever with today’s automotive designs.

[@Youcallthesebagels_]

Looks old to me

[@danielfernandes711]

They look great

[@MrCarGuy]

Arguably aged better than the Chevrolet SS version, including the interior.

[@chance.sk520]

He'll yeah

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

Man just when Pontiac was starting to make great looking performance car! GM pulls the plug 🔌

[@yudhabagaskara98]

Aussie built sold under two badges 2008-09 Pontiac G8 GXP and 2014-18 Chevrolet SS

[@samartz]

Both great cars but i feel like the newer VF is ageing better

[@jrkat]

I have a 2017 with a 6 manual tremor (the last year for the SS btw) love it 😎

[@AnthonyPsomas]

One of best 4 door sedans to come from GM even though it was Holden in Australia. I was fortunate to have owned a 17 Chevy SS which was the updated version of the G8. For the money it was one helluva amazing car. Drove 46k trouble free miles with it and then got a 19 CTS-V ( just sold that a couple of months back). Sad to see the American car industry getting away from 4 door sedans.

[@joanneburford6364]

​@AnthonyPsomas "even though it was Holden in Australia" the car is Australian, not American, even though you changed out to that disgusting American grill. Your biggest loss was not getting our HSVs - Pontiac my a$$!

[@P71ScrewHead]

@@AnthonyPsomas Why would you sell them??

[@revelare_xvii6269]

I will NEVER forgive GM for killing off Pontiac.

[@Yoomaro]

Ever!! They should have never did it

[@theblubus]

Technically Pontiac was already dead by the time this GXP released. These are all Holdens rebadged as Pontiacs. That said, Pontiac's spirit still exists within the Holden brand in Australia; keeling the GM muscle car alive.

[@topher8634]

Me neither

[@Dylan_Mulvaney_OFFICIAL]

And Holden in Australia GMH.

[@MPMeterman]

This segment debuted in March 2009 and the following month Pontiac was given its phase out date.

[@christopherbowen1836]

And everyone watching the news knew Pontiac was going to be phased out even before then. I went to the local Pontiac dealer in February 2009, but, while it had lots of Grand Prix(es), they did not have any G8s.

[@MPMeterman]

@@christopherbowen1836 - yeah everyone knew it was coming. Rough times.

[@MrCarGuy]

​@@christopherbowen1836 My larger GMC/Buick/Pontiac dealer had several G8 GT and two G8 GXP left: One silver with an automatic and one white with the manual and red interior accents. The silver already sold but the white was still available. This was June 2009.

[@MrCarGuy]

My larger local dealer still had several G8 GT and one GXP with a manual left in June 2009.

[@Stressless2023]

@@MrCarGuy I remember going to my local Pontiac dealership sometime in early 2010 to collect license plate frames thinking they might be worth something later lol - They still had a few brand new 2009.5 G6's that I remember but nothing else besides Buicks which shared the dealership.

[@TheSpitzy24]

I miss Holden 😭.

[@rafapenson]

I miss Pontiac. 😭

[@Dylan_Mulvaney_OFFICIAL]

Barely HOLDEN together.😂

[@fl6934]

Bring back Pontiac 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@PhillyDee215]

I wanted one of these and still do but I ended up buying a Cadillac CTS-V3

[@wasdwasdwwasd]

Without doubt the best car to ever wear a Pontiac badge.

[@nightcoregirlprinzeugen7234]

The 2006 Pontiac GTO deserves that title in my opinion.

[@rmp5s]

You're kidding, right? 🤣

[@FOXROKT]

You def get the funniest comment award. 😂

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

Pontiac had some great cars in the 50s and 60s. And they had Pontiac design and Pontiac engines

[@e9sports393]

No the Vibe is the best

[@anthony2897]

I own a white with bi color black/red interior, auto, no sunroof. Had it delivered on my birthday in 2009 and it still brings a smile to my face every time I open the garage and take the cover off to drive it. beautiful timeless design, just like my 3rd gen Firebirds. I will never sell it!

[@dohc1067]

A rare GM gem from down under.

[@jriley1992]

Kinda weird to imagine 2008 as retro… but it was 16 years ago.

[@HenrySchecker]

It upsets me cause it seemed like Pontiac was finally turning a corner right before it was killed off. The G8, the Solstice, even the G6 had a hardtop convertible. It was finally becoming the excitement division again

[@maryland77]

“Some Greenies” will be mad about this car’s MPG - I love John’s commentary

[@Sladdery]

Amazing how US consumers fumbled sporty sedans - instead opting for CUVs and parking lot princess trucks. We had so many offerings between 2007-2020.

[@toussantlbisso]

Betwix the food growth hormonres And Higher Profits/Lower cafe stds. For BIG vehicles Mad Ave succeeded.

[@Dylan_Mulvaney_OFFICIAL]

Princess trucks 😂😂😂

[@Skyisthelimit4me]

I swear they just came out with these. And I realize it's 15yrs ago. Guys, the times are changing way too fast for us to keep up. It's not supposed to change this fast. Anywho, the G8 is better than all the junk they got now. No idc about a stupid V6 with more horsepower, because slap two turbos on that LS and your V6 ain't 💩 and the LS doesn't have to have turbos to throw you back in the seat. Besides....nothing sounds better than the thunder of 8 pistons doing what married people do inside of a small block❤️

[@maybelive765]

Its changing fast because the government doesnt want us to have fun anymore

[@oreally8605]

Still can't afford one.

[@workingcountry1776]

The last interesting and good vehicle GM built. When new I thought a v6 manual would be perfect car for me as a young guy commuting for work. I really enjoyed my Grand Prx, wonderful style and interior quality but 25-30mpg fuel consumption and room for 4 adults long haul or 5 local. The v6 g8 really was just a full sized rwd version of the grand Prix in my eyes back then

[@user-ie1hg5ov1m]

I don't think its the Last "good vehicle HM built" they have been knocking it out the park with the Corvette and Cadillac Sedans

[@pontiacGXPfan]

Best Pontiac sedan ever.....rip, Poncho

[@zayisom6819]

It is truly a shame we didn't get to see more of Pontiac after this gem 💔

[@SportsMusicCars]

The vette of the same year 6.2 made 430/430 so this engine can make over 500 with a stage1 cam, exhaust, intake and some head work easily. 11 second family sedan.

[@hailstorm1986]

It's truly sad that GM kept Buick in the United States instead of just sending it to China and letting the US keep Pontiac because that would have made more sense especially when you see what Buick has now. That was an absolutely stupid decision by GM and I'm very confident that they're regretting it to this day especially when you could have brought back the Firebird which would have sold very well alongside the Camaro..

[@CJColvin]

Agreed 100%

[@tomtom1541]

Well they also closed down Holden who designed the g8 / Commodore. Can't even buy new GM cars in Australia anymore after the bankruptcy.

[@clevlandblock]

The Aussies had a 427 version available. Wonder why Chevy whimped out on that in the US market.

[@user-ie1hg5ov1m]

Camaro Z/28 had the LS7

[@CJColvin]

It's because of they're precious Corvette.

[@GKMess42]

GM should have never closed Holden. Closing Pontiac made sense, given powerful gas guzzlers were on their way out for several years in the recession, and most of Pontiac's offerings were kind of awkward (Montana, Aztec, etc). However Holden made some of the best products to wear a GM brand. I think they should have been given the lead for GM car design language.

[@cpolo88]

Between this and the GTO, these were the 2 pontiacs I wanted to save up for. Tremendous car 👏🏽

[@mrnathanaelchen]

which one is the most baffling, the fact that we no longer have a lot of RWD 4-door American muscle sedans, or that 2009 is considered as retro

[@CJColvin]

The last Muscle Sedans were the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300.

[@mrnathanaelchen]

exactly

[@MrPistons4life]

Throw a Whipple 3.0 on one😮

[@Gypsycat19]

I still prefer the V8 VK holden commodore from the 1980s

[@oliviersenechal727]

I have one My favorite car ever So fun

[@GameOver321]

Wow, i never knew there was a manual option for these

[@christopherbowen1836]

5:47 Morgan Freeman: "Unfortunately, the G8 would indeed be the swan song for GM's performance division."

[@brandonlynchock9553]

My dream sedan what a fast gorgeous beast

[@Dylan_Mulvaney_OFFICIAL]

Pick up a Holden Commodore in that model for $6000 in Australia.

[@LeftIsBest001]

It's a pity you guys never got any of Ford Australia's Falcons over there. They were really great cars in the last few years they were made here. 👍

[@svpracer98]

What is really, really irritating about gm is this would have absolutely wiped the floor with BMW, Mercedes and Audi... But GM had to kill Pontiac (over say, Buick) only to give this sedan to Chevy where it was lost amongst the rental Malibus and Impalas.

[@T-Rex-nm1se]

I was 6 years old in 2009 and now the year is considered retro? Man I'm getting old. Its a shame the g8 didn't save Pontiac. Imagine what Pontiac would come out with today if it was still around. I can see the brand competing with Dodge now. Pontiac would've probably made a car to compete with the hellcats from Dodge

[@allentoyokawa9068]

I don't know why we have to import our own cars

[@marcosduarte1830]

Holden Australian version USA.

[@tonybino01]

I owned a couple of Pontiacs in my lifetime. This G8 GXP and a 1988 Fiero GT. Very under rated cars i think. I wish I still had them.

[@fitfogey]

Was the Fiero GT the smaller version with the 6 cyl? Those things were surprisingly quick.

[@toussantlbisso]

Was Not The Formula quicker ?

[@fitfogey]

@@toussantlbisso Yeah I couldn’t remember the model but that was it.

[@damiand4835]

I miss the Australia Holden cars. Commodore and Peter Brock at Bathurst 1980 ‘s era . Watching from Brisbane Australia 🇦🇺

[@성태김-c1w]

On Track : G8 Summit

[@jakethesnake4971]

I still want one of these.

[@calvingolliday4660]

Such a great car Gm finally gets it right then few yrs later kills pontiac wow but the car Came back later as a SS sold by Chevy just SS and its a thrill aswell but as a Gm retiree I felt they never really promoted either Model especially later when chevy got it

[@bantuatha]

I've seen some model got adopted from Chevrolet on my street, it looked very similar to Pontiac G8.

[@blackramcharger963]

The back of the car looks similar to the Holden Commodore.

[@Tbirdtrav71]

That's because it is a Holden Commodore

[@jeffreypaul9428]

And then, GM went bankrupt.

[@Commentleaver-c6x]

It would be $60,000 in today’s dollars.

[@Lilboncamino]

I miss Pontiac so much I wish it was around

[@cedricmiller4370]

Yea Pontiac was the sporty division of GM they were the stiff back in the day I remember 2003/2004 they were on every highway being sported now in 2024 I don't see Pontiacs nowhere maybe 1 or 2 occasionally but that's it

[@johnnymason2460]

If it hadn't been for the bankruptcy, this car and all of Pontiac would still be around. Even if Holden was dropped, a version of the Pontiac G8 would be around right now.

[@CJColvin]

Pontiac would've also been a great rival to Dodge as well.

[@johnnymason2460]

@@CJColvin Very true. Pontiac vs Dodge would have been like Ford vs Chevy.

[@CJColvin]

@@johnnymason2460 Right, or better yet Mercury vs Pontiac (had Ford done a better job with the Mercury brand).

[@johnnymason2460]

@@CJColvin I would have considered Mercury vs Oldsmobile or Buick actually.

[@tomtom1541]

There was actually another generation after Pontiac went bankrupt. Holden kept building the next gen model up until 2020. Was also sold as Chevy SS

[@FilmingAustralia1623]

The Holden Commodore

[@bmstylee]

The Americans went to the Australians for some culture as the great Jennifer Clarkson once said.

[@FilmingAustralia1623]

@@bmstylee Interesting

[@mrlafayette1964]

@@bmstylee GM engines, so we kept a little of our culture huh.

[@rafapenson]

No, it's a Pontiac G8!

[@FilmingAustralia1623]

@@rafapenson It was re badged as a pontiac

[@Sasquatshua]

My dad had one, such a fun car!

[@eekay3646]

Essentially the C6 08+ engine or the Camaro SS 10+. This car should be noticeably faster than that. But for being 15 y.o., this has a lotta power, and still does today. I don't get why people think 400 hp is just "okay?" You don't need 6, 7, 800 or 4 digit horsepower to be fast. It's just cars have gotten so heavy that 4,000+ lbs is the new normal.

[@bmstylee]

I would prefer some sort of license endorsement showing you have had some sort of actual training on how to handle high HP cars. Most people can't handle a 200hp hatch let alone a 400, 500, and more which seems to be common now. I can easily make 500 with a few parts and a tune on my Silverado. As far as the cars getting heavier part is government regulations making them fatter and that people seem to think they need a rolling living room for a cabin.

[@eekay3646]

@@bmstylee I currently own a C7 Z51 7-speed. I've driven an '02 Viper amd a C5 Z06. Before that, when I was in the "little leagues," I owned an EG Civic hatchback with an H22A, and then a CRX with a B16A, both 13 sec cars. The Viper was scary fast. I took it up to 2nd and decided I didn't want "no more." The C5 Z06 was a lot more docile. I guess the ASR is to credit. So yes, I know what 400+ hp cars feel like.

[@NudaMan]

Every week I go to work I see a dude in his loud G8 GT, makes me want the car even more (Well I’m eyeballing a 09’ GXP in Heron White w/ 35k miles all stock!) if it’s still there in the beginning of next year, it’s gonna be mine!

[@unicornharry7995]

Is it me or Pontiac / Saturn starting to fit in with the modern cars? I saw a sl2 and sunfire i actually thought they looked really good in tradfic lol😂

[@LrulestheworldM8]

When everything is an ugly bloated crossover, don't be surprised when your average Pontiac looks better and more fun than everything else.

[@bmstylee]

I always liked the Saturn Sky. I'll never have one because something that small is just uncomfortable for me. With the roof up I get a little claustrophobic.

[@beyond_the_infinite2098]

Interesting the GT with stock brakes stopped from 60 mph in 109 ft. The GXP with Brembo brakes stopped in 117 ft.

[@tommynunez1495]

Would been more delightful if GM gave Pontiac the whole Holden/HSV line up the way Bob Lutz had intended for.

[@jacktorse2145]

These cars were so awesome. I never even see them at cars shows anymore. Sadly, it seems a certain bad element has these now and they get beat on hard at street takeovers. They end up crashed and destroyed 😒

[@clinttube]

I have yet to see another G8 GXP let alone a 6-speed like mine since I got it just before new years. Frankly that's one of the main reason I got it - only 1,829 GXP's were built less than half of those were manual. Re: getting beat on, I don't think that's the case if by these you mean the GXP's. Even the GT's now are getting more taken care of and with basic bolt-ons will match the GXP for HP. Mine was 1 owner and had never even seen rain - only 10,727 miles. There are quite a number of them with very low mileage given it was obviously going to be collectible when new. I'd been eyeing them for years but the GXP's with low or moderate mileage never really got below $30,000 at any point, hence why it took me so long to get one. They basically still go for around sticker price; much higher if

[@Greatdome99]

"Pontiac has long been GM's performance division. . ." Not anymore.

[@airgunningyup]

these still sell for about 35k 15 yrs later.. Whoever got one new didnt lose much in resale value

[@johannjohann6523]

Australian import? Seriously? Sure has alot of body roll. But still manages to stay on the track. Boy some crazy used car prices for the G8. Anywhere from $8,000-$32,000 around my neck of the woods.

[@joanneburford6364]

What part of AUSTRALIAN built and designed are you Americans not getting?

[@Vonslik69]

A short lived icon? A very desirable beast! If my memory serves correct, these cars were assembled in Australia? Too bad they didn't produce many?

[@bruschmidt9943]

Since then we've advanced to the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. Try 668hp & 0-60mph in 3.4 sec on for size!

[@runoflife87]

So much better than typical 00's Pontiac car. If Americans can't do it right, let Ozzies do that.

[@user-sk1eh3pg6j]

This is the car that killed Pontiac. The Bonneville was better. But nooo everybody wanted to attract "younger buyers". What the hell were the older buyers supposed to buy? That's why automakers are missing lots of sales from older buyers these days. They're hanging onto their older cars with death grips as am i. Everything is super sporty now, unreliable and rides like crap!

[@johannjohann6523]

Pontiac was never the best put together vehicles. But since GM got rid of Pontiac that only leaves Cadillac's "V" cars and nobody can afford them. Sure there is the Corvette. But again price. Pontiac at least offered some fun in a car people could afford. GM is now a "Boring" car company that makes ugly cars.

[@Helm-w1q]

I got to drive one for a short time. To short. I'm a sports car fan all the way. This car and the Cadillac CTS 2003 vintage. Wow.

[@BIGGIEDEVIL]

Bmw copied the front grill on there new m3 the designed has aged very well and GM did the muscle car thing well before dodge made it there whole thing just GM didnt advertise these at all and the Chevy SS the twin to this car

[@johncrane3493]

I could see Mad Max driving a black version of this today. The Aussies know how to make a powerful rwd sedan.

[@HardwiredZ06]

Dang I didn't know these came with LS3s, 112mph trap speed's pretty decent.

[@82raptor]

If a dumpster fire had wheels this would be it!

[@cevinmoore8428]

Vdry solid car for dpeaking from experience i just bought a 09 gt last year and its very solid. With juzt sinple mods its destroying alot of cars on the road. Let alone with some more serious mods it will easily push 800 to the wheel

[@wr1ght939]

Saw one in a parking lot yesterday. Lovely car. Would love to own one or a caprice PPV some day!

[@Travisj9935]

Crazy.. That's what my 2022 F-150 2.7 on 91 tune with 35's runs in a qtr 😳

[@jeffreyreeves]

The car I wished made it three more years. With more modern features on these cars, better fuel effecient engines, they would no doubt be some of the best vehicles ever made. Definitely vehicles that aged well...

[@tristanclark7795]

And it was the swan song, right as they outdid themselves with the most exciting best looking rear drive V8 manual sport sedan of anyone. What a shame

[@SGhpdrifterOu812]

Great division, they made cool stuff during their long run.

[@blackenedheart9592]

I've always wanted one of them! 🤘

[@dawright1988]

Boy-racer add-on’s 😂

[@anthonygreco12]

We had a 2008 G8 GT for 15 years, sold it 7 months ago, was getting hard to get parts for it, it was a fun car to own

[@NudaMan]

What parts? Engine parts I got like 4-5 websites specifically for LS Engines but body parts like bumpers that’s a no lol

[@anthonygreco12]

@@NudaMan Steering Rack and then Airbag sensors

[@tomtom1541]

​@@anthonygreco12you could get them from Holden Australia or Vauxhall in Europe.

[@NudaMan]

@@anthonygreco12 I bet you could find all that stuff talking to dudes in the G8 Facebook groups easily but it’s too late lol, still buying a GXP idgaf 😂

[@jorgerodrigogomezflores5711]

Imagine if Pontiac had lived instead of Buick, and GM had given them the freedom to go against Dodge, the G8 could have been rebadged as the Grand Prix or Bonneville and given a more retro look, with a Challenger-rivaling GTO coupe counterpart, while Chevrolet keeps the smaller Camaro to compete with the Mustang. Things could have been different.

[@NudaMan]

If we would’ve got the SSV or the HSV Variants with LSA superchargers, Dodge would’ve been done for! Lmao imagine a HSV UTE gapping a hellcat 😂

[@thatcarguy6]

Probably the first ever reupload of an older review.

[@P71ScrewHead]

I'll stick to my 09 P71..LOL

[@camaro69green31]

2014 - 2018 Chevy SS would be my choice over the GXP and I love Pontiac. My Dad was a HUGE Pontiac guy and had many. Pontiac should still exist.... shame on GM.

[@1234567890ZETA]

The G8 was the one car Pontiac did right.

[@jonasbaine3538]

They could relaunch it today and sell out.

[@bantuatha]

The last good model of Pontiac, I am suprised I haven't found the old video news about their brand being discontinued on Motorweek news. I've been searching for it on their website but no such luck on it my prediction in 2030 era they will bring Pontiac back but recolored in blue, replace star with a lighting symbol and rebrand into "Pontielectric".... It's been stuck on my head for few weeks.

[@WarMachineSSVHoldenG8]

I’m so glad I own A G8 GT, wish could afforded a GXP at that time . But that’s why I built & Cammed it & slapped a Procharger on it

[@jeff-ds2pr]

One thing you have to give Motor Weeks test driver's "credit" for....they are notoriously lousy at launching cars going all the way back to the 80s. lol

[@777jones]

One of the car mags tested this against the BMW 540i. The Pontiac was a valid competitor, same size, layout and power, with very good build quality.

[@MrCarGuy]

You must be thinking about the 550i, and even then it is more capable. Closer to the E39 M5

[@777jones]

@@MrCarGuy Yes, you are right, 550i.

[@frankb4199]

This car needs to be sold in 2024..

[@BSABD315]

even the regular g8 of this time felt fast if you ever been in one

[@mollari2261]

The only time GM offered a good car in the USA was by importing it from somewhere else.

[@averytulak]

pretty nice for a Pontiac! Between this GXP and the Acura TL type S, they're definitely worthy of their dual dual exhaust

[@raycoe2927]

Love this cars styling

[@steveespinola7652]

A great car that came out too late for Pontiac

[@somejackball]

R.I.P Monaro

[@kawasabi1]

This car aged well.