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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  Great car! - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Andy - November 15 - 3:20 am

  Ive had my G5 GT for almost a year and a half and love it. It is always a head turner, and hardly anyone else has one. The only problems Ive had is a broken sunroof switch, replaced under warranty, and a glitch in the keyless entry that others have noted. This was my first new car, and I couldnt be happier.

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  Unhappy with the G5 - 2009 Pontiac G5
  By Un Happy - May 3 - 10:06 pm

  My 1st new car and its been to the dealership 3 times for a clunk in the front end, which started around 7,000 miles. After replacing the rack and pinion, it still had the noise, it went back again and this time the inter. shaft and steering column was replaced, it no longer makes the noise (for now), but I have found 2 items not put back together correctly. I am not happy with the car, or the dealership I have it serviced at. The car handles bad and has since I got it, even with new tires it just doesnt handle well, I can see why the company went under!

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  My new G5 - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Amanda - March 26 - 4:46 am

  I love my new G5 it is fun to drive. I have a new Dodge Ram as well so I get the best of both worlds. I wanted something sporty and fun to drive. I found it.

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  Good car, but too small! - 2009 Pontiac G5
  By cchhr - March 19 - 9:23 am

  I just got my Pontiac G5. When I test drove it, I should have listened to my legs! Im a 511 woman, and I cant wear heels when driving because of the lack of leg room. I have to push the seat all the way back. But the car is a lot of fun to drive, the gas mileage is incredible. A great buy if youre a shorter person. The interior is a little cramped, and there isnt much room to put anything, but once you get used to it, its not that bad.

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  Great Little Car - 2008 Pontiac G5
  By DR - December 18 - 1:03 pm

  Purchased this in May 08. I test drove the Chevy Cobalt and ended up liking this a lot. Gas mileage is fairly good. (25 city/32 hwy). Price is right too. Beats buying the Japanese products!

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  First GM Buyer - 2009 Pontiac G5
  By First GM Buyer - October 27 - 12:23 pm

  I bought this car in July with warranty for 5 years or 40,000 miles. The drive is very comfortable however there is a noise problem with the steering wheel (it rattles every time you take a turn). At this moment car is mostly sitting in the garage. The dealer has already replaced the steering column but the noise is still there. GM refuses do anything more, but I am still fighting to get it fixed. I like every other feature though. Don’t expect more in this price range, at least $4000 less than comparing Japanese models and the G5 has better features, look, fuel efficiency. I am not sure why GM took this brand off the market.

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  Nice little car from Pontiac - 2009 Pontiac G5
  By IdyJ - October 18 - 3:30 pm

  Very affordable vehicle with rebates and browny points. A great commuter car when you consider the competition is more money for not a whole lot more car. Could have a better interior, but I new what I was getting when I got it. I like the engine very quite.

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  Great car but... - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Grotonems5 - July 3 - 10:53 am

  Great 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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  Its a commuter car... - 2009 Pontiac G5
  By ed - May 26 - 7:53 am

  Ive 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..

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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.