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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  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.

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  Simply amazing! - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By lrymal - April 23 - 12:10 pm

  I have this fun little car for almost a month now. Basically, it is as everyone else has said and if I were to fault this car at all, it would be for the interior plastics. The plastics are easy to scratch. Easy. I mean, you dont mean, but you look, and you see you scratched something. What did it, a coin? Ring? Finger nail? The design layout of the plastic pieces is good, and that is cause of the scratching. Theres a cubby hole for pens, an area to lay the iPod, lots of nice areas to lay thing, but that is how the scratches occur. I gave it "5" for interior design due to this.

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  Great first car but has its own cons - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Brendan McRobie - March 13 - 10:03 pm

  I got this car for my first car and I can pretty much say I love it. I got it used with two previous owners that didnt take care of it it seems. I purchased it and have drove it a lot. I found it needed a fan, sunroof drain pipe fixed, and now it needs new struts. The dealership fixed everything and hopefully will fix the struts. But all of that are used car problems especially when the last owner(s) didnt take much care of it. I love my car. Has everything that comes with it. I dont know if they are added features or if the GT comes with all of it. Sadly mine is an automatic tho. I love the pioneer audio, the heated seats, the sunroof, everything. Its a beautiful car and gives a powerful burst when on the gas even tho its only a small ecotech 4 cylinder. And when I go to fill it halfway up because thats when I always do. Never let it get below half is my way and I always fill it till its full. I spend only $13. Some cons that I noticed are the doors swing pretty far out. Not a con but the con is they can sometimes swing open with small force so Im constantly telling people be careful. Another con. Doors and trunk hit hard. When closing the doors and trunks the seem to slam. Doors I have no idea why but the trunk because the spoiler weighs a lot. Another con involving the trunk is the spoiler being heavy. Not so much a con but makes it hard to open the trunk because when pushing the button to release it it doesnt pop up very far and I dont like using the spoiler. One con is that it doesnt shift until the rpms are pretty high. Unless thats my way of driving. You may get better shifts and better gas mileage where Im averaging only 20mpg where it should get 25-30. Those cons arent that big of a deal but the worst con I have and the thing that I hate the most is the turn radius. You dont want to make a u-turn unless you are clear for a long distance. You may need to back up. I have a fairly big highway to u turn on and sometimes Im still scared. I can barely back into my driveway because where everyone turns into to back into the driveway or back out. Its a pit filled in with gravel and I always end up in the wooded part behind it. So thats my review on the Pontiac G5. I love it but be careful turning always.

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  Went good to bad within a year - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By j9atv - December 25 - 11:56 pm

  Dont get me wrong all cars have their issues but the list is starting to grow on my new 2007 G5. So far within the first year and 35,000 km (21,000 miles) Ive had the fuel sensor and pump replaces, the rear bushings on both front suspension replaced, the radio replaced 4x!! because the original radio that came with the car at the time of purchase was black and the company that GM gets to do the warranty work does not carry radios with black faces (on going issue). So far Im really not impressed with the quality of my G5 and Im just waiting for the next thing to go wrong. I can tell you this my next car will not be a GM (BMW, Acura, Honda). Its sad because everyone in my family owns a GM.

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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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  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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  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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  Last of the Pontiacs: G5 - 2009 Pontiac G5
  By thebarkingspider - October 8 - 11:13 am

  This car has been 100% reliable and, for a small economy car, its fun to drive. Had the dealer correct a minor manufacturing defect with the antenna, and otherwise its been perfect. Steering is solid and precise. Acceleration is good, but wont blow your sox off. Visibility is fair -- the faux spoiler partially blocks the view aft, and side mirrors are a bit small. At 65", I cant rave about space, but it is adequate, and better than most cars of this size (and many larger cars as well). Plenty of storage, with folding rear seats to expand trunk space. Noise level very good as small cars go.

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  Bought a bargain - 2009 Pontiac G5
  By Mean Marcus - July 22 - 10:03 pm

  I would not have bought this tiny car, except for the $4,500 federal rebate. The gas mileage is incredible. The speed sensitive electrical power steering is just ok. Cornering is ok. I think it should have better front brakes, given the weight ratio. Attn. Gm: this is a coupe. Do you understand? am I getting through? its a coupe; a coupe. Make it comfortable for two people. Jump seats would be fine in back. And the parking brake nestled under the armrest is just plain stupid.