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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  Worst Piece of Junk Weve Ever Had - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By C. Stewart - June 1 - 1:20 am

  My husband drove a 1998 Ford F150 and it finally died. He wanted something economical on gas so we looked around and found a 2007 G5. WHAT A MISTAKE!!! This has got to be the most uncomfortable car Ive ever sat in, especially on long drives. It shakes and rattles and so far the brakes, tires, rotors,control arm have had to be replaced. The windshield wipers are useless and the road noise is horrible. Weve only had it a year. I drive a 2003 Neon with no options at all and it is a far superior car to the G5. My gas mileage is even better than the G5 Pontiac needs to go back to the drawing board with this one.

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  Big Mistake - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Jimbo - February 5 - 6:13 am

  Havent had a GM product in about 15 years, daughter needed a car for school and the price was right so i bought the G5, what a mistake, has been in the shop twice in less than a year for new rear axel and rear suspension failure covered under warranty. but i need a reliable car not a reliable warranty. Should have gotten a honda. Im so stuck with this its not funny.

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  Never buy a GM again! - 2008 Pontiac G5
  By Disappointed - October 8 - 3:13 am

  This car is nothing but problems! I will never buy anything from GM again. It feels like every day something else is wrong with this car and then when I bring it to the dealer for service, they tell me they have it fixed yet the problem never gets resolved until five trips back to the dealer and after buying parts I didnt even need! I HATE this car! Take my advise and save your money and time, I wish I did. NEVER AGAIN!

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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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  Terrible Pontiac experience - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Bad Experience - October 6 - 10:13 pm

  The Pontiac G5 coupe that I purchased and drove for two weeks has problems. The wind noise in the car is terrible. You can hear the wind noise above the radio when driving at speeds above 50 mph. I had warped rotors on the car that cause the steering wheel to shake upon braking. The trunk opening space is very small and makes things difficult to put in.

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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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  Nothing But Trouble - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Matthew Oliver - July 8 - 1:16 pm

  Everyone in my area that has a G5 has the same trouble.My car has 40000kms and I t has been back for strut boots,linkage kits in front end twice,brake trouble which they cant seem to figure out what is causing it,heater blower motor twice,door strikers on both sides,manual transmission shifter trouble,control arm bushings,Electric motor coil(which was only fixed for a couple of days now causing trouble again)radio and signal lights come on and off on their own(no one seems to know why)overall I would recommend to stay away from it.I was told by the dealership that the G6 has the same troubles so stay away from that too.My father has a 2000 Mazda Protege brought new and never had a hitch yet.

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  Not a very good design. - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By RRRR - January 18 - 6:33 am

  I have owned this car for about two weeks and have driven it about 1000 miles. The car sounds like it has a window open when driven over 45mph. You can hear the air rush over the radio it is so bad. The steering wheel has shaking problems when I step on the breaks. The trunk opening is very small which is a drawback to the big space inside it. I was promised a cruise control for it only to find the EVS dealer is putting on an aftermarket version with no warranty. This car is a terrible car in all of these respects.

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  Bad car for petite/short people - 2008 Pontiac G5
  By Rachel - November 8 - 9:06 pm

  This is the car from hell if youre really short. Doors are tall & long & easily bang other doors when opened. Outside rear end/trunk of car sits up high and view is also hindered by rear seat head rests and spoiler. Interior: Poor storage - has 1 shallow console "bin" and no center cup holders. Steering wheel tilts up & to ctr. level but not down. Seats are rock hard & have no cushion or give to them. Speedometer has this silly high arch in dashboard above it that makes it hard to see if youre short. If you raise seat up high to better reach steering wheel, legs are then jacked up at ackward numbing angle making it hard to reach down to pedals.

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  Second Chance - 2008 Pontiac G5
  By staple_l - June 29 - 2:26 am

  So I gave Pontiac a second chance. I traded my 2005 Pontiac G6 in for a 2008 Pontaic G5. This car stinks. Been in the shop too many times for a new car. Motors replaced in windows and locks. Seat belts replaced, failed. And now with only 10,000 miles on it replacing brakes. The engine is loud for a 4 cyl. Chrome peeling off the door handles. Pontiac stinks. I gave them a second chance and I no longer will drive one. Gas mileage stinks, Im lucky to get 24 miles to the gallon, maybe, if I drove 55 on the California freeways, I think not.