2008 Pontiac G5
Based on analysis of 25 G5 reviews and test drives.
Pontiac G5 - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Pontiac G5 ranks 31 out of 35 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 25 published reviews and test drives of the Pontiac G5, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The G5 falls short of competitors in comfort, safety features and overall value.
In a competitive class, the 2008 Pontiac G5 lacks enough stand-out virtues to be a winner. While experts find the G5's sports-car like appearance and peppy engine appealing, choppy handling and a lack of interior comfort leaves them generally unimpressed. In addition, reviewers express concerns about the car's overall value -- especially important in this troubling economy.
The G5's physical appeal is considered on of its positive attributes. Although the G5 and its platform-mate the Chevy Cobalt, are basically the same shape, Car and Driver calls the two fraternal twins, with "the Pontiac having inherited a ballerina's body and the Chevy having inherited, well, an accountant's." Changes are minimal for both the Cobalt and the similar G5. The G5 is still available in two trims, with new standard features offered for the top-of-the-line GT. If you're interested in an affordable small car, consider the Honda Civic, which is available as either a sedan, coupe or hybrid model.
- "Do coupes really have more fun? Whether that's true or not, the near-twin, front-drive Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 are welcome in the compact-coupe market, where choices are scarce." -- Car and Driver
- "The Pontiac G5 GT is okay, but unremarkable. The G5 GT competes with some wonderful and really sporty cars such as the Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Volkswagen Rabbit, and Ford Focus ZX3 that offer better handling." -- New Car Test Drive
- "The G5 isn't bad, as small cars go. It has an appealing shape, a comfortable ride and a peppy 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood." -- Detroit News
- "The Pontiac G5 Coupe reminds me of John Steinbeck's classic novel 'Of Mice and Men.' Best-laid schemes aside, no car deserves more to be taken out to a field and shot in the back of the head." -- The Truth About Cars
G5 Performance - 6.6 (Mediocre)
Test drivers find that both the base model and the GT provide adequate acceleration with a peppy yet quiet ride. But its performance score is hurt by handling that is considered less than sporty. Continue with our full Performance Review to read more about differences between the base model and the GT. continue
G5 Exterior - 7.7 (Good)
Reviewers appreciate the 2008 Pontiac G5's sports-car appearance, especially its GT model. As New Car Test Drive writes, the G5 "has a cleaner and smoother look than Pontiacs past." Car and Driver says, "The G5 shares the Cobalt's underpinnings but offers snappier styling." Check out the Pontiac G5 Photo Gallery for images of the G5, or continue with our full Exterior Review to learn more about the coupes similarities to the Chevy Cobalt. continue
G5 Interior - 6.3 (Mediocre)
Interior design and layout are low points for the five-seat Pontiac G5. Seating comfort is found to be sub-standard in both the front and rear. According to the Detroit News, poor quality interior materials make the G5 look like a "much cheaper, more primitive car" than either the VW Rabbit or the Kia Rio. Check out the Pontiac G5 Photo Gallery to see the cloth bucket seats, or continue with our full Interior Review for more reviewer comments on the G5's meager features and comfort. continue
G5 Safety - 8.8 (Very Good)
The 2008 Pontiac G5 receives a very good safety score thanks to class-competitive government crash test results. Still many cite problems with the G5's rear visibility. Our full Safety Review gives more information on the coupe's crash test ratings and safety equipment. continue
G5 Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Pontiac G5 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Pontiac's basic warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles. Continue with our full Reliability Review for information on Pontiac's transferable powertrain warranty. continue
