Overview & Reviews

For better or worse (mostly the latter), the Pontiac G5 economy coupe was a rather obvious example of "badge engineering." General Motors started with a Chevy Cobalt coupe, made a few minor changes to things like the grille design, headlights, taillights, interior materials and trim, and then rebadged the vehicle as a distinct Pontiac product. This is nothing new, of course, and not necessarily a bad thing either, provided the shared platform is rock-solid and fully competent.

Regrettably, that was not the case with the Pontiac G5. Its stylish twin-port grille had it all over the Chevy's generic bowtied nose, but otherwise the G5 was a Cobalt by another name. It achieved passing marks in performance and ride quality, but savvy shoppers realized that it lacked sophistication and quality. Pontiac's demise due to GM's 2009 bankruptcy fiasco shouldn't dissuade used-car shoppers, since the G5 is basically a Chevrolet. But the G5's numerous shortcomings prevent us from recommending it as a pre-owned purchase.

Most Recent Pontiac G5

The Pontiac G5 compact coupe was produced from 2007-'09 in two trim levels: base and GT. The base model came with a decent amount of equipment, including air-conditioning, powered accessories, keyless entry and a CD/MP3 audio system. The uplevel G5 GT added Bluetooth ('09 only), 17-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension and cruise control. Additional options included a Pioneer audio system, leather upholstery and, depending on the year, iPod connectivity and satellite radio.

The front-wheel-drive G5 initially came with one of two engines, a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine or a 2.4-liter four. The 2.4 was rated at 173 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque, and it was standard on the GT until being discontinued after 2008. The 2.2-liter was rated at 148 hp and 152 lb-ft until '09, when it became the sole available engine and received some internal tweaks that resulted in more power and better fuel economy. The standard transmission was a five-speed manual, with a four-speed automatic available as an option.

Inside, attractive gauges and a full-featured stereo give the Pontiac G5 a contemporary vibe, and metallic accents on the gear shifter, steering wheel and doors brightened the otherwise stark cabin. Materials quality was poor, however. Both models featured a trip computer that provided useful information such as outside temperature, fuel range and coolant temperature. But even with the optional premium leather trim, our editors found the seat design plain and lacking in comfort -- especially in back, where the bench is flat and low and the quarters cramped.

On the road, our editors noted that either G5 engine provided decent power under normal conditions, but made coarse noises when pressed. The smooth, quiet ride was judged commuter-friendly, but the car's handling on twisty roads was not impressive. Even the "sport-tuned" G5 GT allowed too much body roll, and the electric steering system on both models reacted slowly and with minimal feedback.

Beyond the powertrain adjustments, Pontiac G5 changes were minimal during its brief run. For 2008, all models received side curtain airbags and satellite radio as standard equipment, while the GT trim got stability control and OnStar as standard.

User Reviews:

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  Too Many Troubles! - 2008 Pontiac G5
  By WOOF - October 19 - 2:40 am

  Bought new and had for almost 2 years before finally parting ways. Decent power, styling and MPG but way too many problems. Heres the list of things it went back to the dealer for in no specific order: Power windows, power door locks, sunroof switch bezel fell off repeatedly, std tranny shifting problems repeatedly, water in headlight assy, CD/Radio replaced twice (orig, and replacement both failed), etc. etc. etc. The car did start and run every day, but I feel that the benchmark for a "new" car should be just a little bit higher than that. Wish I had researched before buying. My main reason for choosing it was the "good deal" (rebates). Sorry GM, but Im done now. Just bought a Mazda.

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  G5 GT - Not For Me! - 2008 Pontiac G5
  By Bigron - June 11 - 11:00 am

  I bought this car this past January, but was disappointed. I really only bought it for the gas mileage (since gas prices were peaking just over $4.00 per gallon!). Im an avid weightlifter, a big guy (62 260). I have a small waist (I wear a size 33 inch/34 length cargo pants) but I have very large arms and very broad shoulders. My point is, my upper body feels too cramped in a car this size, and there is not much headroom. Bigger guys definitely should not purchase this car because I guarantee you that you will not be comfortable!

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  Sorry - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Tom - November 9 - 5:10 pm

  My G5 has been in the shop 6 times since i bought it in December 07 with the same problem. Radio has staic rpm fluxuates, tires blown out, gas milage droped from 35 mpg to 27 mpg the first 2 months. I will never buy another GM product. Ill stick with my good dependable FORDS. Dealer still cant fix the car. They just keep reprograming it.

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  Nice car but bad gas mileage - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By BJ - November 8 - 8:43 am

  Bought this car because of the price, not a bad car but the gas mileage is horrendous GM advertises 5.2ltr per 100kms I wish, Im lucky if I get 7.4ltr per 100kms. They also state you will get 952kms per tank. I get maybe 550kms. My 3.8ltr impala is better on fuel than the g5. I will never ever buy GM again. With todays technology theres no reason why a 4 cyl engine should get less than 1000kms to a tank of gas.

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  Not so happy - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Todd - January 18 - 8:03 am

  I have had this car for almost 6 months now and it has been in the shop four times. The windshield makes noise, like wind is coming in somewhere. The front end has had the bearings replaced, the struts, and the rotors have already been turned, and need to be done again. I noticed if the car sits for more than a week, the rotors are totally shot. Is this something that anyone else is having problems with? Im also not happy with the noise in the car, all the plastic is coming loose already. I actually own a Honda Civic Si, and I havent had any problems with it, as well as my Scion TC. I wish I wouldnt have bought this car, but thankfully I purchased an extended warranty!!!!

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  Needs More Power - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Brian - July 2 - 9:33 pm

  I wish I didnt buy this car. The Cobalt SS is about the same price and a much better performer. The G5 is a good look decent all around car, but just dont offer the kind of performance it should at the selling price.

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  DONT buy a Pontiac G5 or Chev. Cobalt - 2009 Pontiac G5
  By rogerandsally - October 13 - 4:03 pm

  Do not buy a Pontiac G5 or Chev. Cobalt. If you could buy one for half the MSRP maybe otherwise look else where. Seats very uncomfortable. Gas mileage not that good for a small 4 cyl. Mine did not even come with a spare tire or jack. It is not only plastic, but cheap plastic. And I am sure resale will be horrible. Do not learn the hard way like I have. I LOVE AMERICA, but not their small cars.

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  Great Little Car - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By pobaldwin - January 1 - 6:35 am

  Our 2007 G5 has the 2.2l and 4 speed automatic transmission. This car has about 165,000 miles on it and is still going strong. Being that we live in Michigan the suspension takes a beating, but components dont seam to wear out any faster than they will on any other car. The engine and transmission still feel strong and neither has ever had a leak. The gas mileage is fantastic, we can get about 36.5 MPG driving with the cruise set around 70 MPH with the A/C on in the summer time.

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  Dead Battery AGAIN!!! - 2009 Pontiac G5
  By PoorService - December 27 - 5:10 am

  Its an otherwise GREAT car but have had a dead battery 2-times!!! Serviced at Steinle GM in Fremont, OH but they cant fix it either because they dont care or dont know how. It has run down protection so the battery should never go dead. They just say "theres nothing we can do".

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  reliable, economical car! - 2008 Pontiac G5
  By mike_sinclair - December 17 - 6:16 am

  bought the car in august of 2007 as an 08 model Ive had this car for six years now and i am amazed, this is a great little economical car great in Canadian winters never had a problem no lights ever came on only thing that i had to replace is the sway bar (links)(my fault) only because I travel on a lot of bumpy roads and dirt roads a lot of the time and about 80% of my driving is city driving barely highway kms, the car has about 200,000 kms on it again never had any problems at all no noises or service lights never hesitated to start all ways started right up like the day I bought it, and i have to admit i dont take the best care of my cars it has a couple dents(me) very reliable car!!!