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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  Okay but not special - 2009 Pontiac G5
  By tommyboy181 - August 29 - 4:13 pm

  Exterior styling is nice one the G5 but actual gas mileage is lower than I expected. Fit and finish is typical of a domestic lots of hard plastics. Not bad but not appealing either

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  My first brand new car purchase the GT - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By holliewood - June 20 - 11:13 am

  The G5 GT is my first brand new car purchase. I couldnt have picked a better car. I love it!! It is perfect for me. Its sporty, great gas mileage I average 21 mpg every day to and from work and I work 35 to 40 miles from home. These are definitely not the 4 cylinders of old. The motor has power I never expected. Its fast and its sharp!! I like the looks I get when I pull in somewhere. No one has even seen this car yet and I have been told several times that it looks like a GTO at first glance, thats sweet. My GT has an awesome interior design. I love this car and I am very lucky to have it. Thanks Pontiac!!

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  dont buy this car!!! - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By david snepts - May 25 - 5:43 pm

  Stay away from this car! Ive had nothing but problems with it. Steering column replaced, steering shaft replaced, right control arm bushing, a link in right stabilizer, weather stripping due to wind noise, and part of the left fender had to be glued on to the car because it wasnt fit properly...all before 18000 miles. Oh, also brakes done (rotors and pads), and was told by guy at dealership I needed new tires. I dont drive hard, and I respect the vehicle. Enough said!!!

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  All around good car - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By tray - March 30 - 11:53 pm

  I have had my G5 Coupe SE for two years now, and have had no problems but one small wire chaffing for my a/c. It has been an all around good car. I do wish the seats were more comfortable, on long trips especially. The trunk opening could be a bit bigger. Overall its been a good car.

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  Awesome - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Kate - March 19 - 11:20 am

  When looking to get a new car I knew that I needed something that was decent in the snow, smaller in size, appealing to the eye, and better gas mileage. I chose the Pontiac G5 because it looks great and gets me to where I need to go using very little gas.

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  G5 Wonderful Car - 2009 Pontiac G5
  By Dtothebrown - February 18 - 11:53 pm

  At first i was a little skeptical as anyone purchasing a new vehicle are. I am 64 250 LBS and I find it has more room than most other cars i have driven. The seat has the ability to move back far enough for even me. I was surprised that the actual fuel milage was up near 30 mpg even with someone like me (19 years old) driving it. I love the Intermediate feature even though I really wanted the 5 speed, it is nice to just shift down to that to slow down, very good feature that I have never seen before. The biggest downfall for me, the AC Outlet is placed under the armrest which annoys me.

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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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  Great First Car!!! - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Landen G - January 15 - 6:31 am

  I got my 2007 g5 gt with 162,000 miles on it and i love it!!! The only problem i had was with the sunroof drains being clogged but that was it. Love the Pioneer Audio, sunroof, styling, wheels and comfort. Only thing i dont like is the rear visibility but thats it!! GREAT CAR!!!