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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  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!!!

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  Great commuter, lots of fun - 2009 Pontiac G5
  By T19 - December 6 - 1:13 am

  Love the yellow, Im 6ft 1, 280 lbs and this car fits great. its fun to drive, not what I expected a commuter to be. Controls easy to use, radio good, ride good, road noise very low, build quality good. dont like the light material on the seats and doors, should have bought darker. just hope I can keep my lic. My Son wants this car, wants to dump his old civic.. so why do the car critics trash this car?? I would buy another one.

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  Ordered From Factory - 2008 Pontiac G5
  By Kent - November 20 - 7:46 pm

  This is my 5th car. I have owned a 86 grand am, 84 fiero, 00 grand am gt, and a 04 dodge stratus. I traded in my stratus for this car. I have no regrets! This car is day/night comparison to my stratus. Drives nicer, more leg room in the back, nicer stereo, much more power, and gets much better gas mileage.

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  Horrible - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Allison - November 2 - 1:53 pm

  I have had my G5 for about 6 months now and I love the car but have had MANY problems with it. My dad works at the dealership I bought it from as a mechanic. I have had it in there for a number of problems. Sunroof button kept falling out, coolant leak (4 times for that problem), Oil leak was the recent one. None of them are because of my driving, the car has 8,000 miles on it there is NO reason for this to be happening. Other then that its a great car. Sort of a small backseat when using a car seat for an infant in back but what can you expect with a small coupe. The truck opening is also WAY small, Big truck but small opening

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  Dont waste your money - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By ptg - October 17 - 3:13 pm

  I bought this car with high hopes getting out of a high price for repair VW. Well good thing this car came with a great warranty because I used it 4 times already. My clutch had a manufacturing defect which made it pop off the plate twice leaving me stranded. So they put in a new clutch plate. Then my rotors went at 9000 miles and had to be resurfaced, which they called normal. Ive had cars go 30k and not need that. This car just feels poorly made overall. Its peppy for a 4 banger but the handling is too loose and the transmission shifts awkwardly rough compared to my old cars. I really wouldnt waste your money. Ill definitely never buy another Pontiac again.

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  Pontiac G5 - 2008 Pontiac G5
  By misty - September 8 - 3:53 pm

  I got my Pontiac in May brand new and it ran great until it started getting cold out. Then it decided to have problems starting.We tried jumping it and nothing happened. I have had it in the shop 3 times for the same problem. 1st they asked if I pressed the clutch in far enough, 2nd they replaced the ignition, and 3rd they replaced the starter not to mention they had to put a hose on the radiator due to a recall and fix a leak in the windshield and do some work in the transmission due to grinding when going into 4th gear. So my advice, get the extended warranty, you will need it

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  Nice car for the price - 2009 Pontiac G5
  By kc hillman - July 26 - 8:03 pm

  Needed a new vehicle to use primarily to run around town that would be economical. Noticed the G5 on Pontiac web site. Sticker on vehicle we purchased was over $22500, but GM knocked off $2500 from the start, plus another $2500. off with incentives. The vehicle is a silver GT model which is well loaded (XM radio, remote start, sunroof, automatic, etc.) It rides nice, handles well on 17" rims and is comfortable. It is small interior wise, but we knew that going in. It seems well-built and the whole family is well pleased with it. It may not have a "pure-bred" pedigree since its basically a Cobalt, but it is much nicer than wed anticipated! We are glad we gave it a look.

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  2007 G5 - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By 07g5 - April 15 - 7:20 pm

  I have had my 2dr coupe for almost a year now and overall it is a good car. I have never had maintenance done on my car except for necessary oil changes. I do not have any problems with seeing through the back window because of the rear spoiler like a lot of other people have mentioned. I actually think the spoiler gives the car a more sporty look. Some people may not like the firm seats but personally I find them quite comfortable. The car accelerates well considering the 4 cylinder and is a great around town driver. I would not however recommend this car for someone who does a lot of highway driving as it is very light on the road and tends to sway because of the loose steering.

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  Great but... - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By PM - December 30 - 4:53 am

  I love it - bought it brand new in 07, but its only 2 yrs old with 23K miles & already running like my old 10 yr Chevy Cavalier! So I took it back to dealer for service; whoa, it needed 2 arm controls, a stabilizer and 3 wheel bearing - all still under warranty thank God! I asked them how much life expectancy for this vehicle, and he said that they do keep certain parts in stock for this model. I am very concerned and already considering trading it in.

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  Stuck with it and hate it! - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Jen - October 28 - 11:50 pm

  Got the sport edtion 10/07. Before the end of the year had door panel fixed (it was cracked) door handle inside was peeling, button on shifter knob and on shifter shaft both peeled,very slow acceleration,blower motor had to be fixed,speaker doesnt work in drivers door anymore,leak stain on my head liner by windshield, had to fix lower control arm bushings (after only a year), rims started peeling, center caps fell out, i am the only one ever in my car and the passenger door is cracked now, love the spoiler since i drive on the highway a lot ( it blocks the bright headlights from shining in my face)paid $18,000 and now only worth $5,000 and it is in great shape besides miles on it.