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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G5 gt - 2008 Pontiac G5
By Mario Armanno - October 20 - 12:19 amThe car is great handles like a champ all the power u need with a 2.4 gt I think it is a great car solid feel better than any Japanese cars Ive drove I wish the just had a wider wheel stance for better cornering not that its bad now with the gt but 2 inch wider would make it a true sports car very quite solid running car that fits young family and sports car very nice
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G5 - A Bargain - 2008 Pontiac G5
By AMP - December 17 - 8:06 amI bought my G5 six months ago - so far, it has exceeded my expectations. My daily commute is 57 miles round-trip, 90% highway. Im averaging 32.5 MPG, despite the 4-speed auto transmission. The 4-cyl Ecotec has plenty of power and the cabin is quiet for an economy car. The tire-pressure monitor alerted me to an air leak in one of my tires caused by a nail BEFORE I drove on the Interstate - very nice. The climate control system is excellent - HOT heat and COLD AC. I like the firm, supportive seats - like a VWs and very comfortable over long trips. If you like soft, cushy, couch cushions, this isnt the car for you.
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Excellent car! Id buy again - 2007 Pontiac G5
By Gerald Rogers - October 11 - 11:26 amThe price was great, and the economy is typical of a 4 cylinder (hi 20s in town, mid 30s highway---regular gasoline). I dont see a compelling reason to go Japanese any more if vehicles like these continue being offered. Interior for me as the driver centers on ease of getting to the radio, ample opportunities of getting the iPOD connected to my radio, simple reach for the HVAC. Mine is the coup and blind spots abound, as others have probably noted. I would have no problem buying this car again.
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Still Impressed - 2007 Pontiac G5
By JB29MD - August 5 - 3:26 pmI purchased my G5 (Manual Trans.) in September of 06. 6 months later, I am still impressed. The fuel economy is outstanding. All of my miles are interstate/highway miles, and tank after tank I average 34-36 mpg. The pickup is sweet. Turns are remarkably easy and U turns still make me smile. Great car for the money.
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Disappointed in my Pontiac :/ - 2007 Pontiac G5
By Meg - April 17 - 8:40 pmI have had my g5 gt for 2 years now and it has given me nothing but trouble!! dont get me wrong i love my lil bumble bee!! shes fast and cute and has appealing features! but its not worth it!! so far i have had a blown amp, replaced a/c, replaced radio for AUX jack, power steering failed while driving on the highway!, and most recently a gas leak w/ noise coming from front driver side and a starter elated issues!! i love my car but im just dissapointed that all this has happened...i never drive far with her nor take her on tough roads...it makes no sense....guess i just have bad luck.. but good thing i have a 10 yr warranty or Id be screwed!! goodluck!! :/
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Wish I could get rid of it! - 2008 Pontiac G5
By BLCurry - March 8 - 1:46 pmMy car has had many small issues, speaker went out, air vents wont turn, blinker doesnt tick anymore. The one thing that set me over the edge is that the battery is in the trunk. That is really not a problem, until you combine that with the whole anti theft thing where when your battery is unhooked or dies, your key gets stuck in the ignition. How are you supposed to get to your dead or unhooked battery that is in your trunk with the key stuck in the ignition? Seriously? Most women (and this is a womans car) do not keep their spare on them. So, that leaves us with either climbing into the trunk or calling a popalock to open our trunk. Oh, and now the thing is on the recall list FANTASTIC!
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Good car but room for improvement - 2007 Pontiac G5
By 06G5GT - February 26 - 5:33 amMy 1st car and just clicked over 13000k and so far the car has been good through the summer and very reliable in winnipegs -40 weather.Brakes rust really badly and look terrible behind the revealing rims.This car is tough to upgrade power wise without putting alot of money into it,it can handle bolt ons but anything more and you will need new injectors and a tune that will void your warrenty.Premium fuel is recommended and it shouldnt run without it if u want optimum performance, but with the price of gas its getting harder to afford the extra 10-15 cents per liter.Gas mileage is so so i get about 24mpg all city.Overall very good car in 5 speed very fun and i recommend it!
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great little car - 2009 Pontiac G5
By jerry c - September 6 - 3:20 pmthis car has been a great so far,love the trunk,our skis even fit inside with the seat folded down,milage has been very good always over 35mpg and as good as 42mpg with the 5 speed trans
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Okay but not special - 2009 Pontiac G5
By tommyboy181 - August 29 - 4:13 pmExterior styling is nice one the G5 but actual gas mileage is lower than I expected. Fit and finish is typical of a domestic lots of hard plastics. Not bad but not appealing either
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All around good car - 2007 Pontiac G5
By tray - March 30 - 11:53 pmI have had my G5 Coupe SE for two years now, and have had no problems but one small wire chaffing for my a/c. It has been an all around good car. I do wish the seats were more comfortable, on long trips especially. The trunk opening could be a bit bigger. Overall its been a good car.
