Pontiac G8

As the song asked, “isn’t it ironic” that possibly the best Pontiac ever could very well be the last new Pontiac?

Based on the latest Commodore from GM’s Holden branch in Australia, the Pontiac G8 is the full-size sedan that the division needed for a very long time. Some may not be enamored with the styling, but I think the big Pontiac is a very desirable piece.

Any G8 is an athletic, well-balanced, and very practical rear-drive sedan, but when either V8 engine is added, the car becomes a true sport sedan that is comfortable in the twisties and sounds great at the same time. The staff here at Consumer Guide was impressed enough with the G8 to make it a Best Buy award winner for 2009. Collectors should check out the 2009-only GXP with its Corvette-bred 6.2-liter engine and available 6-speed manual transmission.

The Holden Commodore has already spawned Chevy and Buick variants for other markets, so I hope the “new” GM finds a place in the U.S. fleet for a different version of this basic car; it’s too good to lose this soon.