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:

• 

  Good car, but too small! - 2009 Pontiac G5
  By cchhr - March 19 - 9:23 am

  I just got my Pontiac G5. When I test drove it, I should have listened to my legs! Im a 511 woman, and I cant wear heels when driving because of the lack of leg room. I have to push the seat all the way back. But the car is a lot of fun to drive, the gas mileage is incredible. A great buy if youre a shorter person. The interior is a little cramped, and there isnt much room to put anything, but once you get used to it, its not that bad.

• 

  Most fun car in 40 years - 2009 Pontiac G5
  By stephen larson - March 3 - 10:00 pm

  This vehicle hugs the road, has great visibility, no factory defects and is fun to drive

• 

  Hello Beautiful - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Jenna - January 23 - 9:16 pm

  Every time I walk out my front door, I look at my 2007 Pontiac G5 and say "Hello Beautiful!" I love my car. The exterior is nice, the interior is easy to keep clean and I get great gas mileage for an automatic. I do a lot of highway driving (70 mph) and this car handles beautifully at high speeds. I have no problems getting up to speed to merge either.

• 

  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!!!!

• 

  I love my GT - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By chicagogt - December 24 - 7:23 pm

  Ive had my GT for a little over a year without any problems. The gray metallic paint, coupe styling, spoiler and 17" brushed aluminum wheels get lots of compliments. Its fun to drive and I appreciate the maneuverability in city driving. City mileage is just fair, but I just returned from a road trip and got a little over 36 mpg on the highway. A little too much wind noise on the highway - but less than in my co-workers 2007 Camry! I was very pleased with this car when gas was $2 a gallon - I"m thrilled with it at $4.50 a gallon!

• 

  Great Little Car - 2008 Pontiac G5
  By DR - December 18 - 1:03 pm

  Purchased this in May 08. I test drove the Chevy Cobalt and ended up liking this a lot. Gas mileage is fairly good. (25 city/32 hwy). Price is right too. Beats buying the Japanese products!

• 

  My first G5 - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By davec - December 10 - 3:16 pm

  After two Honda Civics I decided to give the Pontiac G5 a try and Im very happy I did. After 4000 miles my opinion is that the quality on this car is equal or better than my Hondas. And wow, is it fun to drive. Both handling and engine performance is much better than either of my previous two cars.

• 

  Bad car for petite/short people - 2008 Pontiac G5
  By Rachel - November 8 - 9:06 pm

  This is the car from hell if youre really short. Doors are tall & long & easily bang other doors when opened. Outside rear end/trunk of car sits up high and view is also hindered by rear seat head rests and spoiler. Interior: Poor storage - has 1 shallow console "bin" and no center cup holders. Steering wheel tilts up & to ctr. level but not down. Seats are rock hard & have no cushion or give to them. Speedometer has this silly high arch in dashboard above it that makes it hard to see if youre short. If you raise seat up high to better reach steering wheel, legs are then jacked up at ackward numbing angle making it hard to reach down to pedals.

• 

  First GM Buyer - 2009 Pontiac G5
  By First GM Buyer - October 27 - 12:23 pm

  I bought this car in July with warranty for 5 years or 40,000 miles. The drive is very comfortable however there is a noise problem with the steering wheel (it rattles every time you take a turn). At this moment car is mostly sitting in the garage. The dealer has already replaced the steering column but the noise is still there. GM refuses do anything more, but I am still fighting to get it fixed. I like every other feature though. DonÂ’t expect more in this price range, at least $4000 less than comparing Japanese models and the G5 has better features, look, fuel efficiency. I am not sure why GM took this brand off the market.

• 

  Nice little car from Pontiac - 2009 Pontiac G5
  By IdyJ - October 18 - 3:30 pm

  Very affordable vehicle with rebates and browny points. A great commuter car when you consider the competition is more money for not a whole lot more car. Could have a better interior, but I new what I was getting when I got it. I like the engine very quite.