Overview & Reviews

The five-door Pontiac G3 subcompact hatchback enjoys the dubious distinction of being the shortest-lived Pontiac model of all time. It debuted for 2009 and GM went bankrupt shortly thereafter, necessitating the discontinuation of the Pontiac brand. If you're interested in a G3 (though frankly we're not sure why you would be), keep in mind that the car of which it is a clone, the Chevy Aveo, continued to be produced after '09.

Like the Aveo, the Pontiac G3 traced its roots to GM's Korean Daewoo division, which had a little runabout called the Kalos available for rebadging purposes. There wasn't much to be said for the G3 when it was new, and there's even less going for it on the pre-owned market -- other than its assuredly rock-bottom price, that is. Despite the G3's diminutive size, its fuel economy wasn't any better than the larger Honda Civic's, and its performance and refinement were unimpressive.

Most Recent Pontiac G3

Produced for 2009 only, the Pontiac G3 was a five-door subcompact hatchback available in a single trim level. Standard equipment included steel wheels, foglamps, a rear spoiler, a tilt steering column, manual accessories (meaning no power windows and such), air-conditioning and a six-speaker CD/MP3 stereo with an auxiliary input jack. Notable options were power accessories, cruise control, satellite radio, aluminum wheels and a sunroof.

Power came from a 1.6-liter four-cylinder rated at 106 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque. This engine was backed by a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic. The former's EPA-estimated fuel economy was 30 mpg combined, while the latter's dropped to 28 mpg combined.

Inside, the Pontiac G3 was attractive enough, sporting decent-quality materials adorned with metallic-look accents. Climate controls were straightforward, though the stereo employed an array of buttons instead of more user-friendly knobs. The G3 offered a convenient 42 cubic feet of cargo space with the 60/40-split rear seats folded, but the 7.1 cubic feet available behind the rear seats won't hold more than a few bags of groceries.

In reviews, we noted that the Pontiac G3 got the job done in a competent but forgettable way. The steering was responsive enough and the ride was adequate by subcompact standards, but the engine protested loudly when full power was needed. We actually preferred the optional automatic transmission to the manual gearbox. Though the five-speed was rated as slightly more economical around town, its ratios were overly wide, and it was a chore to shift.

User Reviews:

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  2009 Pontiac G3 - 2009 Pontiac G3
  By 2009 Pontiac G3 - May 31 - 1:26 pm

  I bought this "used" with 1200 miles. I now have 3000 miles on it. Like the car - however, having similar issues with the check engine light keeps coming on. In 2 weeks, I have driven the car for 1.5 days. It is BACK at the dealership and they cant figure out why it keeps coming on. Changed coils and wire and not happy that I am driving a G6. I bought the G3 for better gas - but so far, I am spending more money on the loaner car this year than I wouldve saved keeping my other car. If they can fix this, I will be happy very happy.

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  have you driven a PONTIAC lately? - 2009 Pontiac G3
  By Pontifan - April 17 - 3:36 pm

  Traded in a 95 Jeep Cherokee for this beauty! Anything better than 12mpg in town was worth it. But this car is amazing! Love the interior, only it needed a full center console for storage. Love the lumbar support. It really is FUN to drive. I look forward to going to work every morning just to get in it! I, too would like to have tinted windows. Im down south, and it makes a difference. Got it fully loaded for $10,200!! By the way, I was going to get a g5, but muuuch less head room! Thanks, Pontiac, for the great car.

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  Just LOOKING at it makes me smile! - 2009 Pontiac G3
  By MichaelB - December 5 - 10:23 pm

  What a fun car! Even when youre not driving it you can just look at it and get a good chuckle! Surprisingly good seat comfort (thats vital to me). Great gas mileage. Performs just fine on the freeway, but theres a little road noise at freeway speeds.

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  LOVE MY G3 - 2009 Pontiac G3
  By tonidale - April 18 - 1:42 am

  I bought my g3 new july of 09, and love it, i have over 20,000 already have to have new tires :(. other than that i love it, i am a large size woman and when dealer showed me that car i laughed at him and said no way i can be comfy in that car, he proved me wrong. i only had i small thing wrong with it when i fisrt bought it. and since then it has been fine. i dont think i get that great of gas milage. but love the car.

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  Small,But Roomy,and Fun...To Pass Gas St - 2009 Pontiac G3
  By Chris - January 15 - 2:03 am

  Just a great car,American cars(Pontiac) is the way to Go,Quality,Value,Fun,....Pontiac is Quality for a Great Price!!I Recommend this car in a tough economy over that Toy.Previous car any day of the week...Im American and want the $$ to go to an American Co.