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Pontiac G5 - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Pontiac G5 ranks 34 out of 36 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 30 published reviews and test drives of the Pontiac G5, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The G5 trails the majority of the small car class when it comes to comfort, quality and performance. Take the Mazda3 for a test drive if you're looking for the sportiness previously associated with Pontiac. The 3 also has good cabin comfort and a stronger reputation for quality than the G5.

All in all, reviewers find the 2009 Pontiac G5 does a good impersonation of a sporty coupe, but issues with its underpowered engine and less than luxurious interior keep it from earning any real street cred. There are plenty of other small cars with more sportiness, greater cabin comfort, and more exciting performance.

The G5 changed very little from the 2008 model year, but Pontiac did drop the GT trim's sportier engine and added variable valve timing to the base -- and now sole -- four cylinder engine. For several months the fate of General Motors and by extension, Pontiac, has been uncertain as the scope of the government auto bailout has taken shape. However, GM has now announced its intention to phase out the Pontiac brand by the end of next year. The Pontiac Vibe is the only car scheduled to be released as a 2010 model. You could find a fantastic deal on a G5 right now as the automaker prepares to clear its inventory.

If you're considering purchasing a Pontiac G5 or already own one, rest assured that your warranty will be honored at the remaining General Motors dealerships. The G5 shares a platform and many mechanical components with the Chevy Cobalt and upcoming Chevy Cruze.

• "The entry-level 2009 Pontiac G5 and G5 GT deliver a decent amount of functionality and above-average economy, but not much else." -- Edmunds
• "Bottom line, there's not a lot to get excited over about the G5, but it's a decent option for those that like the equipment level and price of the Cobalt but don't want a Chevy." -- Motor Trend
• "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
• "If small cars light your fire and you prefer to 'buy domestic,' Pontiac cars has an attractive answer estimated at 37 miles per gallon on the highway." --Kelley Blue Book
• "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 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 - 6.8 (Mediocre)

"Adequate" is the best compliment the G5 gets when it comes to its engine, transmission, handling and braking. Car and Driver says, "Competent and comfortable, but the Cobalt and G5 aren't very sporty," when reviewing the coupe and its platform-mate. Test drivers do seem more impressed with the GT trim's engine pep and sporty road dynamics. Read More

G5 Exterior - 7.7 (Good)

Writers really enjoy the Pontiac G5's smooth styling. About.com claims, "I like the G5. It's good looking, well-designed, and user-friendly -- all the hallmarks of a great compact car." According to New Car Test Drive, "The strength of the G5's identity is really quite remarkable, given that only its grille, tail lights, and other minor details distinguish it (externally) from the Chevrolet Cobalt." Read More

G5 Interior - 6.3 (Mediocre)

Reviewers find that the G5's somewhat sloppy design and cheap quality do not do the sporty exterior justice. The Truth About Cars says you "Step inside and cold, hard reality slaps you in the face. The Coupe's interior is 99.9 percent identical to the Cobalt's cabin. Unfortunately, GM forgot to engineer the suck out of it." Read More

G5 Safety - 8.7 (Very Good)

The 2009 Pontiac G5 performs well in government crash tests, but has not been tested by the insurance industry for frontal offset or side impact tests. Read More

G5 Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)

The 2009 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). The 2009 Pontiac G5's basic warranty lasts for three-years or 36,000-miles, and its transferable powertrain warranty and roadside assistance is good for five years or 100,000 miles. Read More