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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  Pontiac Can Kiss It - 2008 Pontiac G5
  By staple - February 15 - 5:10 am

  I no Longer will buy a GM product. i got rid of my 05 Pontiac G6 because it was falling apart at only 40,000 miles also i need a commuter car that would get better gas mileage. so first off bad gas mileage in my 08 g5. lucky to get 24 mpg higway. been in the shop about 5 time. engine sounds like a 1950 vw beetle. it all makes wind noise. also rattles and in the dash. rough shifting transmission. brakes squeak all ready. as soon as i can it is gone.

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  I love my G5, but... - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Brooke - February 14 - 11:46 pm

  Dont get me wrong, I love my G5. Love the exterior looks. Black leather, heated seats (Thats what sold me.) But the windshield wipers are horrible, I can see better without turning them on. Rear spoiler blocks view, but you get used to it. I dont how anyone gets 36 mpg with it. I get 21 in the city(moderate traffic) and the best i have ever gotten is 26 on hwy. (Im delicate with my car). And biggest concern, only after 30k mi. Both of my front tires blew out, on the same day. It was like something cut them in a perfect circle on the inside of the tire. I was stuck in BFE Arkansas at a gas station. Dangerous! also having problems with my remote keyless entry

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  If you drive it too much, it gets less fun - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Rhonda - January 20 - 2:00 pm

  I loved this car at first. I still love the way it looks. However, I spilled fruit juice in the car and the gear shifter had TO BE REPLACED. The front of the car rattles. My steering shaft went out. My rotors are cheap and will soon need to replace them with made in the USA steel Ive been told by guys at work because they are constantly wearing down even though I dont drive it irresponsibly. I drive 120 miles a day, and I wish I bought a foreign made car, because the rattling in the front of the car is really starting to scare me. This car will be worthless when I finally pay it off. It looks great, buy maybe good looks arent everything. The feel of the drive really deteriorated.

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  Brand new car troubles. - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Kristin - May 2 - 2:33 pm

  Dont get me wrong, I absolutely love my 2007 Pontiac G5. But now it is starting to have problems already and it hasnt even been five months since I bought it brand new off the lot. Im not sure if it is just my car experiencing these problems or if there are others, but there are not any recalls about leaks. Two months after I bought the car, the front windshield leaks. We just recently had a big rainstorm, I go look in my trunk and there is a good 3 inches of standing water in my trunk surrounding my battery. Other than these problems, which shouldnt be happening, this car is a great choice for my first car. Nice and smooth riding.

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  Ignition problem - 2008 Pontiac G5
  By RainaJoi - April 28 - 4:56 pm

  This is my second car. I bought it for the price and the fuel economy. I have a 5-speed and get 29mpg City. I would highly recommend it as a stylish alternative to the "bubbly" fuel economy cars. It rides beautifully and quietly for a standard. However, I have had it back to the dealer TWICE because of problems with the ignition and my keys not being recognized by the car. They said it was not a "recall" on the car, but there is a "bulliten" on this problem. So, beware.

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  Becoming irritated with my G-5 - 2008 Pontiac G5
  By Shelby - January 6 - 9:33 pm

  I bought my G-5 last July as sort of an impulse buy, part of the "new me" I wish I would have done more research on this vehicle. I also wish I would have known that Pontiac was going under and that right now i can buy my car for as cheap as $10,000! Anyways, I drive my car 90 miles round trip to school and its never left me on the side of road. In the year ive had it though, its been to the shop twice for annoying squeeks. One is in the rear brakes (they said nothing was wrong), and the sunroof squeeks. Also, when i make a turn the car twist and pops the sunroof out of the roof. The crome on the door handles peeled off. The warranty for Pontiac is nice, but not bringing it in for repairs.

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  Good car with minor problems - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Peter Harris - December 5 - 7:38 am

  The front wheel bearings went just two years after buying the car. There was a minor electrical problem with the radiator fan. And, just recently, after ten years, the three major electrical components failed: battery, alternator, and starter. Peter Harris

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  So Cal G5 - 2008 Pontiac G5
  By James - February 2 - 12:30 pm

  I traded in my 2004 Mazda 3 for the new G5 with automatic tranny. Even the dealer asked me why I was trading the "great" Mazda for the Pontiac. But the Mazda was a piece of junk. Over $2k in repairs after warranty. So far Im happy with the little Pontiac. I like the black exterior too. I got the preferred package with the nice 16" wheels/ABS. But my gas mileage has been poor so far. Only averaging about 24 mpg. Maybe 30 on the highway. But So Cal gas stinks too. I would recommend the car for the reasonable price easily instead of the overpriced, underfeatured Japanese makes.

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  Not worth MSRP - 2009 Pontiac G5
  By In Colorado - November 17 - 7:16 am

  I bought this car with a combination of rebates (regular & owner loyalty) plus GM doubled my GM Card fun bucks. Bottom line: I got a car with an 19K MSRP for 12K before taxes. I find the interior to be functional an it looks ok. The exterior is plagued with poor fitting body panels, poor even by American standards. Acceleration is adequate with the 5 speed manual. Handling is ok, much better than the 2002 Toyota Corolla it replaced. Rear visbility is abysmal and I almost didnt buy it because of that, but the bottom line was that it was very well equipped for what I paid. Its a commuter car that will eventually be handed down to the kid.

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  G5 is FUN to Drive! - 2009 Pontiac G5
  By timetodrive - May 30 - 3:01 am

  Not only for teens, being a 60+ guy who wanted to try a stick shift again. Bought new, there is now over 18,000 miles on my G5 - all of it put on by me. Its a blast to drive. Id forgotten how much punch a manual transmission provides compared to the non-premium automatics. The freeway on-ramps are fun again and driving in traffic is even much more interesting than driving an automatic. Ive had absolutely no problems with the car. Mileage is over 28 mpg in town and over 35 on the highway - with regular gas and a fairly "heavy" foot. The ride is fairly quiet and comfortable. Finally, my wife loves to go out with me in our "sports car!"