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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Bumblebee w/4 cyl sounds like V6! - 2007 Pontiac G5
By Turbo Durby - October 2 - 5:10 pmThis is my 4th Pontiac purchase and the smallest one yet - but not the slowest! The GT trim definitely outguns and is better handling than my 01 Grand Am SE, which was a 4-cyl. as well. Though the Monsoon system is a little complicated to work at 1st, the steering controls make it much simpler! And the acceleration in such a slight car is awesome!
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My Review - 2008 Pontiac G5
By kristinamac - September 26 - 9:46 amThe dealership was amazing and nice but I have had a problem where every time I go to give it gas or go up on a hill it will pull and roar. Its not suppose to do that. I took it to the dealership and they said there was nothing wrong with it. Im going to continue to take it to the dealer until the problem is fixed.
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noises inside - 2007 Pontiac G5
By lco - August 23 - 9:50 pmI love my car, but not long after buying it things started rattling inside. My husbands Pontiac does that, too. Does anyone else think the interior of Pontiacs just doesnt hold together very tightly?
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The worst care I have EVER owned. - 2009 Pontiac G5
By LadyRae - August 21 - 7:51 amI cannot WAIT to get rid of this car. It is simply the worse car I have ever owned. Ive had the ignition replaced on recall TWICE. At less than 78,000, Ive had to replace the brakes at 63,000 (I owned 3 Cavaliers and NEVER had to replace the brakes this early). Ive replaced one wheel bearing and the other needs replaced (again, never had that issue on any other vehicle Ive owned). Basically, the front end is shot. The body is rusting through on the doors, hood, and trunk. It is simply horrible in snow, rain and wind. The front stereo speakers stopped working within 2 years of ownership. The car is noisy, cramped. I will say the engine itself is good. Just everything attached to it is simply horrible.
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Great car but... - 2007 Pontiac G5
By Grotonems5 - July 3 - 10:53 amGreat overall car, I dont like cars but this is a nice mid-priced car, sporty, handles nice, but I have had MAJOR problems every time I take it to the shop and have anything to do with the brakes or hubs. New front rotors at 15000 miles, the g5 rotors didnt fit.. had to get g6 rotors, then a wheel bearing went in the back, have to get a whole new hub assembly, again g5 part didnt fit, had to get g6 part and now my abs and traction control dont work... also had to have some bushings in the front replaced 3 times!!! and my rear defroster never works. and they fixed it twice.
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Needs More Power - 2007 Pontiac G5
By Brian - July 2 - 9:33 pmI 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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G-5 excellent - 2008 Pontiac G5
By Jessie - July 1 - 6:10 pmWe have had our G5 a short while. But I have to say! The car has performed up to its consumer ratings and some. I would highly suggest this car for anyone. A lot of fun to drive. Very sporty looking. And gets great fuel mileage. Very cool little car. Will make you feel young again. We had a 2006 Dodge Charger. Nothing but problems with it. I have always been interested in Pontiac. Until now! I can say! If you have a interest in the G5. Go for it! You will not regret it. We absolutely love our G5.
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Second Chance - 2008 Pontiac G5
By staple_l - June 29 - 2:26 amSo I gave Pontiac a second chance. I traded my 2005 Pontiac G6 in for a 2008 Pontaic G5. This car stinks. Been in the shop too many times for a new car. Motors replaced in windows and locks. Seat belts replaced, failed. And now with only 10,000 miles on it replacing brakes. The engine is loud for a 4 cyl. Chrome peeling off the door handles. Pontiac stinks. I gave them a second chance and I no longer will drive one. Gas mileage stinks, Im lucky to get 24 miles to the gallon, maybe, if I drove 55 on the California freeways, I think not.
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my G5 - 2007 Pontiac G5
By Frank Forehand - June 6 - 3:30 pmVery pleased with G5. Nice size, fun to drive. Wish gas mileage was closer to 30 around town.
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Its a commuter car... - 2009 Pontiac G5
By ed - May 26 - 7:53 amIve had this car for about a month. I love the so-so reviews on this. It keeps demand low and prices. Im very familar with the 2.2 - same engine I had in my 04 Grand Am and loved it. No problems great mileage - good power too. This time I went for MPG with the XFE and the 5 speed. Without any effort I got 35mpg on my first tank of combind city and highway. Its just a good commuter car. Not a sports car (I have the Miata for that) and not a lux car. With incentive and rebates about 5k lower in price than comparably equiped Honda and Toyota. AS far as resale - drive it. The sale of Grand Am brought half of what I paid with 75k on the clock - not bad for having the better half of its life..
