Acceleration

GT, auto.	Class Average
5	4.6

Automatic-transmission GT only G5 made available for test. Acceleration adequate but not as lively as 173 hp should act. It feels only slightly quicker than similar Cobalts with the 148-hp 4-cyl engine used in the base G5. Automatic transmission responsive, quick to downshift for more passing power.

Fuel Economy

GT, auto.	Class Average
7	6.5

No opportunity to measure. Base G5s use regular-grade fuel. Pontiac recommends premium for GT.

Ride Quality

GT, auto.	Class Average
5	5.3

Final evaluation awaits full road test. Preview test drives show G5 GT firm, stable on most road surfaces, and never uncomfortable.

Steering/Handling/Braking

GT, auto.	Class Average
6	5.8

Some body lean evident while cornering, but good stability, grip overall. Steering quick, informative. GT's standard antilock 4-wheel disc brakes have good stopping control.

Quietness

GT, auto.	Class Average
4	4.4

Modest road and wind noise. Tire roar intrudes, even on smooth pavement. Engine buzz annoys while accelerating or cruising.

Controls

GT, auto.	Class Average
6	5.9

Mostly logical control placement. Gauges have indistinct markings and for some, may be recessed too far into the dashboard for easy reading. Cabin has sporty appearance with nicely textured materials, faux carbon fiber trim.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

GT, auto.	Class Average
5	5.6

Average for the class. Seats generally supportive, have generous rearward travel to accommodate tall drivers. Visibility fine to sides, but rear spoiler, high deck partially obstructs view directly astern.

Room/Comfort (rear)

GT, auto.	Class Average
2	4

Front passenger seat slides forward, but access requires contortions. Once back there, space is tight even for medium-size adults.

Cargo Room

GT, auto.	Class Average
3	4.8

Usefully shaped trunk with good room that's expandable via folding rear seatbacks. Trunk opening too small to accept bulky items. Interior storage limited to average-size glovebox, small center console, door pockets.

Value within Class

GT, auto.	Class Average
5	6

Like the Chevrolet Cobalt with which it shares its basic design, G5 is a reasonably priced compact car with decent handling response and interior design. But a coarse engine and lackluster acceleration even in the top-line model betray its sporty intentions. Lack of a 4-dr body style further limits G5's appeal vs. the class leaders.

Total Score

GT, auto.	Class Average
48	52.9

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		42
Average Score		52
High Score		60