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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  One Hot G5! - 2008 Pontiac G5
  By Rob - November 30 - 2:36 am

  This was my first car. I got it brand new in 2008 as a 2008 model. Its really fun to drive, sporty looking, and quick for its powertrain. The Pontiac G5 hasnt given me any trouble, and im getting 30.3 mpg average. I baby my car, keeping it clean and not dogging it, only go above 3500 RPMS every so often to hear her hum. People always want to race because it looks so sporty...Victory Red. Love the car, would recommend it to anyone!

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  Great car - 2009 Pontiac G5
  By Shelly - November 24 - 5:47 am

  I have owned my 2009 G5 for 1 1/2 years. I have had great performance, reliability and performance. The only problem I seem to have is the fob keeps burning out. would like to find ananswer for it. I bought it because I travel on the freeway to work every day. Montana has some harsh winter weather, It has great traction in the snow. What I dont like is driving it in the rain on the highway. It seems to hydroplane easily.

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  2008 Pontiac G5 - 2008 Pontiac G5
  By SUnny2735 - November 19 - 7:40 pm

  This car is good for someone buying their first new vehicle. Other than that stay away from this car. The inside is plastic, and feels like its going to fall apart. The handling is crappy and that is putting it nicely. It is supposed to have about 148 HP but it feels like 100. The suspension is terrible. The road noise is outrageous and the radio signal is bad. You get static all the time.

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  Great Coupe - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Beverly - June 3 - 3:46 pm

  Vehicle runs nice and some, takes bumps in the road just fine. Takes turns really well and have not had a problem yet. Front seats have plenty of room for people with long legs

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  best little car - 2008 Pontiac G5
  By g5gt2008 - April 26 - 12:56 am

  i bought the G5 GT because i wanted a new car. i cant be happyer with the car i picked. this car is very powerfull for a 4cyl i have taken to the 1/4 mile and ran a 15.03 all stock with the 2.4 5 speed. i have 30k on it already and my dealer has not seen it ones. i get 40mpg on the highway and 33 in the city. the ride is very nice. the car stoped on a dime and the inside is nice and laid out right with not to many bottons. the seats are for good for long driveing. i just drove it on a 31 hour one was trip and it was great. would def but another one.

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  Pontiac Hits A Home-Run! - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Krista - April 20 - 4:20 am

  I have owned my G5 for almost 2 years now. I absolutely love this vehicle. The handling is great. Purchased $15k, the car feels like a luxury car. The seats are comfortable, and gas mileage is great! I average 25/city and at at 75mph I get 36/37 mpg freeway! The car quickly becomes like an extension of yourself on the road.

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  Best Sub compact ever - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By KMMACK - February 2 - 8:03 pm

  The car handles great, even at high speeds its a smooth ride. I can pull a u-turn just about anywhere and park in the smallest places. When I baby it I can get over 35 mpg and so far I havent dropped below 32. When its cold out I can hear a rattle coming from the front passenger side, I dont know what it is but it hasnt been a problem. My car suprises everyone with its speed. Its no race car, but for its class its impressive. I can easily turn em over in second gear with 3 passengers.

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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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  Get in your Pontiac and ride! - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Stan - January 1 - 5:43 pm

  We looked at and tried a lot of cars, but didnt care for them. My wife suggested that we go to a Pontiac dealer and see what they had. I had never seen a G5, didnt know they existed. The G5 is a real sleeper. It makes you want to throw rocks at the other cars, especially those overrated Asian cars that people are so proud of. Phooey! When I saw the American G5, I knew it was right. I was so certain about this car that I bought it outright without driving it first. My wife and I love it. Its everything we want in a car. We are so glad that we found it. This sport coupe has class. The boring Asian cars have no more charm than kitchen appliances.

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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.