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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  This Car Rocks - 2008 Pontiac G5
  By Linda - June 30 - 7:20 pm

  After reading reviews Im starting to think people just like to complain. This car is great! I have had mine for 2 years and other than one minor repair it has been extremely reliable. It is one of the smoothest driving cars Ive ever driven and everyone who drives it says the same. The interior is comfy, no noise, no rattles, not cheap. The back seat feels much larger than it looks and dips down giving more room for rear passengers. Battery is in the trunk, no big deal. You cant generally open the hood without getting to the interior either. Im only 52" and the seats adjust for short drivers perfectly!

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  12 Month Review - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By pdxbob - June 29 - 8:53 am

  I am in my 60s and have a degree in mechanical engineering. Bought this car new as a one year old model from the dealers lot. First, the price was incredibly good, with 3 rebates piggybacked. After driving it for 12 months, I have no problems with it, except for one thing, it started bucking when I floored the gas pedal above 50 mph. Before taking it in to dealer, I poured a can of fuel injector cleaner in gas tank, and voila, it is running better than ever. Canceled dealer appointment! Power is very adequate for every day driving, the 4 banger engine is willing and able to rev up as much as needed without getting noisy. Love this car for economy & fun of driving.

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  Great Little Car! - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By rickston - June 26 - 6:10 am

  So far this car has been fun to drive. Very comfortable for a small car and great features available in this class. GM has definitely improved upon their product quality!

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  G5 GT - Not For Me! - 2008 Pontiac G5
  By Bigron - June 11 - 11:00 am

  I bought this car this past January, but was disappointed. I really only bought it for the gas mileage (since gas prices were peaking just over $4.00 per gallon!). Im an avid weightlifter, a big guy (62 260). I have a small waist (I wear a size 33 inch/34 length cargo pants) but I have very large arms and very broad shoulders. My point is, my upper body feels too cramped in a car this size, and there is not much headroom. Bigger guys definitely should not purchase this car because I guarantee you that you will not be comfortable!

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  This car is freaking amazing. - 2009 Pontiac G5
  By imprettychill1 - June 10 - 3:14 am

  Wow, whoever wrote a bad review is totally wrong and has no idea. It made me realize that a lot of people out there will never be pleased no matter what. The Pontiac G5 is the best car Ive ever owned, and my previous car was a six cylinder Lexus ES300. The G5 is small for sure, but it packs a serious punch that I never expected out of a car with a 4 cylinder engine. Its faster than my Lexus was and is way more fun to drive. In my opinion its the best economy car on the market. Seriously, the dudes (or dudettes) who wrote bad reviews need to get their heads checked because the G5 is amazing. Just wish they were still being made. I would get a new one without any type of reservation.

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  Worst Piece of Junk Weve Ever Had - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By C. Stewart - June 1 - 1:20 am

  My husband drove a 1998 Ford F150 and it finally died. He wanted something economical on gas so we looked around and found a 2007 G5. WHAT A MISTAKE!!! This has got to be the most uncomfortable car Ive ever sat in, especially on long drives. It shakes and rattles and so far the brakes, tires, rotors,control arm have had to be replaced. The windshield wipers are useless and the road noise is horrible. Weve only had it a year. I drive a 2003 Neon with no options at all and it is a far superior car to the G5. My gas mileage is even better than the G5 Pontiac needs to go back to the drawing board with this one.

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  i love my new 2 door pontiac 2007 G5 - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By ssunkissedd - May 31 - 8:00 am

  I just got a yellow 2 door Pontiac G5. Its a 2007. I love this car. Ive had it for 2 days now, an couldnt ask for a better car. Great fuel economy, XM radio, great pioneer sound system (stock), sun roof, great interior an exterior look. Its a good car all around. I use to have a 04 sunfire, but Im absolutely in love with this car. An wouldnt trade it even for a Ferrari.

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  Disappointed in my Pontiac :/ - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Meg - April 17 - 8:40 pm

  I 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 pm

  My 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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  Blue Streak Dream - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Michell Obrochta - March 7 - 8:43 am

  I purchased my G5 on 8/28/06. So far I am very impressed. This 4 cylinder engine is very powerful. Shifting is very smooth with the 4 speed automatic transmission. I live in a very hilly area in New York state and have had no problems getting up these hills. If you have looked at this car then take a second look. Breathtaking!!!