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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  I Love my G5 - 2008 Pontiac G5
  By LINZI - March 26 - 9:40 pm

  I have had my G5 for sometime now, and have had zero problem. I travel approx 30 min from home to work, and back each day, plus i do a lot of additional traveling aside from that, so with that said i am very happy with my car.

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  New G5 - Great car ! - 2009 Pontiac G5
  By Indiana G5 Owner - January 24 - 8:46 pm

  Just purchased new 2009 G5 with automatic transmission, which was priced $4k lower than similar equiped 2009 Honda Civic. Consumer Reports rated the G5 reliability equal to the Honda Civic except for "body integrity and/or finish" and has a better reliability rating than most American built cars. Also has a better factory warranty than Honda or Toyota. Although time will tell if this G5 will be as reliable as my other car; i.e. Honda. So far, enjoying the creature comforts, sound system and the "GREAT" gas mileage - 39+ mpg! Im happy the car received so-so ratings, keeps the price down and affortable in these tough times.

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  Pontiac G5 - Not bad for GM - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Roger Fitch - December 25 - 10:06 pm

  Car has enough pep. Interior is simple and clear to understand. Exterior is cool. I have only driven 250 miles. So cant talk about reliablity etc.

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  Crash Input - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Tony Milo - October 20 - 3:50 pm

  I owned my G5 for a little over a year, no problems & is used for a commuter back & forth to work. The best mileage I got was a little over 32 with the automatic. The second week of Dec/08 I was driven to work when a 05/G6 made a left hand turn in front of me. I was doing about 40mph & never had the chance to hit the brakes. I was wearing my seat belt & the air bag deployed, I was knocked out, fortunately when I came to I was basically OK. I did sustain some injuries,but nothing major! The G5 did sustain almost $6k in left front damage tho. So I was a crash test dummy & lived to write about it! My G5 should be repaied the second week of Jan/09. Thanks GM for a safe car!

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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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  Dependable Good Gas Mileage - 2009 Pontiac G5
  By shark0311 - October 2 - 4:51 am

  I bought the bright red Pontiac G5 GT coupe with automatic transmission new. I purchased it with every available option, (IE: leather, sun roof, Pioneer XM stereo, heated seats, remote start, 17 inch tires). I drive a lot of highway miles to work and I wanted a car that got good highway gas mileage and looked sporty. I now have 135,000 miles. Original tires lasted to 98,000. Replaced rear brakes at 120,000. I havent had to replace the front brakes yet. I change oil every 4,000 miles and have most routine maintenance performed. This car has met all my expectations.

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  G5 review - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By shannon wasson - September 17 - 9:26 am

  Overall impressed so far. Handles a little different from the car I traded in. Gas mileage excellent. Overall value for money A+

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  My new G5 - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Karen P. - September 11 - 2:10 pm

  I have had my G5 for two weeks now and this is an excellent vehicle in so many ways! I had the Vibe before this and the G5 has a lot of zip and is GREAT on gas! The black interior is very sharp and the bright yellow paint provokes all kinds of comments from people when I drive around. I have the 1st one sold in my small city and I couldnt be more pleased!! I choose to buy American made vehicles, have driven in similar sized imports that belong to friends and this GM car is FAR superior!! The 12 months of XM, music downloads and cool interior accents are just an awesome bonus!!

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  Amazing! - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Kyle D Kelly - July 9 - 12:56 am

  I purchased this car because it was the right price. I bought it stock, empty, and it came with cruise and all power and everything. I love the car it handles real well. The rims are great stock, not cheap. I drove a Miata and miss the convertible but I am getting an installed moonroof. It is a great car to drive and I can fill up for $35 and get 300 miles. It is a looker and I love attention. If you dont like attention, dont get yellow. I test drove many, and the stick GT is the way to go, great buy.

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  Not a bad little car - 2008 Pontiac G5
  By cam - June 28 - 12:46 pm

  I bought this car brand new in 08. Definately an impulse buy. The resale value is bad but that didnt bother me at first. I drove it about 55000km the first year without any major problems. Now had it for a year and a half and put 88000km on it with only oil changes every 5000k. I do 98% highway driving and it does just fine. Plus the dark blue color with 20% tint looks very sharp.