2007-2008 Pontiac G5: Full Review

Updated: 11/23/08

2008 Pontiac G5
2008 Pontiac G5
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2007-2008 Pontiac G5 ▼

  • Price Range:  $9,900 - $14,100
CG Rating

48

out of 100

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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2007-2008 Pontiac G5 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.

Pros

  • Fuel economy
  • Handling
  • Control layout

Cons

  • Rear-seat comfort
  • Cargo room
  • Noise

Vehicle Highlights

For the first time since the demise of the Sunfire in 2005, Pontiac offered a compact coupe. Named G5, the new front-wheel-drive coupe shared its basic design and four-cylinder powertrains with the Chevrolet Cobalt. Pontiac offered the G5 in base and GT trim, but did not offer a sedan or supercharged version, as Chevrolet did with the Cobalt. Base G5s had a 148-horsepower 2.2-liter engine; GTs got a larger (2.4-liter) 173-hp version. A five-speed manual transmission was standard; four-speed automatic optional. Traction control was available with the automatic transmission. Antilock braking was optional on the base G5, but standard on the GT coupe. In addition, the GTs had rear disc brakes, fog lamps, and a sport suspension, with 17-inch tires on alloy wheels. Base-model coupes rode on 15-inch tires. Both models included a rear spoiler and cloth upholstery. Leather upholstery with heated front seats was offered for the GT. Front side airbags and curtain side airbags were available only in option groups. GM's OnStar assistance and remote engine start also were optional. In both performance and accommodations, Pontiac's G5 mirrored similarly-equipped Cobalts. Rivals included the Ford Focus, Honda Civic, and Mazda 3.

Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)

Category G5 GT w/auto. Rating
Performance 5
Fuel Economy 7
Ride Quality 5
Steering/Handling/Braking 6
Quietness 4
Controls/Materials 6
Interior Room 5
Room/Comfort (rear) 2
Cargo Capacity 3
Value within Class 5
Total Score: 48
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2007-2008 Pontiac G5. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2007-2008 Pontiac G5.

Year to Year Changes


2008 Pontiac G5: Modifications were minor for 2008. An antiskid system and GM's OnStar assistance system were newly standard on the GT coupe. The GT's 2.4-liter engine was now rated at 171 horsepower.

Our road test for the 2007-2008 Pontiac G5 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2007-2008 Pontiac G5 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2007-2008 Pontiac G5 is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Acceleration is adequate with the automatic-transmission GT coupe, but it's not as lively as the horsepower figure suggests. In fact, it feels only slightly quicker than Chevrolet Cobalts with the 148-hp engine, which also is used in the base-model G5. On the plus side, the automatic transmission is responsive and quick to downshift for more passing power. We have not yet tested the base-model G5 coupe. Fuel economy should match that of the Chevrolet Cobalt, which averaged 25.9 mpg in mostly highway driving, with the 148-hp engine. Base G5s used regular-grade gasoline, but Pontiac recommends premium for the GT coupe. With its sport suspension, the G5 GT is firm and stable on most road surfaces, and never feels uncomfortable. Some body lean is evident while cornering, but the GT has good overall stability and grip. Steering feels quick and informative. The GT's standard antilock four-wheel disc brakes provide good stopping control. Although road and wind noises are modest, the 2.4-liter GT engine buzzes and drones while accelerating and cruising. Control placement is mostly logical, though the climate-control knobs are set too low for easy access while driving. Gauges have indistinct markings, and some are recessed too far into the dashboard for easy reading. Front-seat space and comfort ranks around average for the class. Seats are generally supportive and have generous rearward travel, to accommodate tall drivers. Visibility is fine to the sides, but a tall rear spoiler and high deck on the GT coupe obscure views to the back. Even though the front passenger seats slide forward, access to the rear require contortions. Once back there, space is tight even for medium-size adults. Cargo space is limited. The G5 has a usefully shaped trunk with good room, which is expandable via folding rear seatbacks. However, the trunk opening is too small to accept bulky items. Interior storage is limited to a small glovebox, center console, and door pockets.
Value for the Money
Like the Chevrolet Cobalt, which shares the G5's basic design, Pontiac's coupe is a reasonably priced compact with decent handling response and interior design. A coarse engine and lackluster acceleration, even in the top-line model, betray its sporty intentions. Restricted rear-seat room and Pontiac's lack of a four-door body style limit the G5's appeal.

Expert Ratings Summary

Category G5 GT w/auto. Rating
Performance 5
Fuel Economy 7
Ride Quality 5
Steering/Handling/Braking 6
Quietness 4
Controls/Materials 6
Interior Room 5
Room/Comfort (rear) 2
Cargo Capacity 3
Value within Class 5
Total Score: 48

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Pontiac G5 includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Pontiac G5 .

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Audio system: When using a portable music player (e.g. iPod) there may be noise in the car's speakers whenever the vehicle's power adapter is used and a ground loop isolator (from Radio Shack) is required between the device and the power outlet to prevent the noise. (2007-08)

Audio system: When using a portable music player (e.g. iPod) there may be noise in the car's speakers whenever the vehicle's power adapter is used and a ground loop isolator (from Radio Shack) is required between the device and the power outlet to prevent the noise. (2007-08)

Check-engine light: The check engine light may occasionally come on during light acceleration due to a damaged torque converter O-ring. (2007-08)

Electrical problem: The power locks, cruise control, shift interlock and other accessories may not work; the engine may not go over 4,000 rpm and the check engine light may come on in cool temperatures (32-50 degrees F) after cold soak due to a problem with the transmission control module. (2007)

Fuel gauge: If the fuel gauge shows low, but there is fuel in the tank, reprogramming is required. (2007)

Oil leak: The oil pressure switch may leak which shows up in the neighborhood of the starter. (2007)

Water leak: Water may leak onto the headliner near the sunroof switch due to the sunroof going out of adjustment and the sunroof trim (bezel) may come also loose. (2007-08)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $990
Alternator $530
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $3,200
Brakes $660
Constant Velocity Joints $2,470
Exhaust System $820
Radiator $690
Shocks and/or Struts $2,490
Timing Chain or Belt $700
Our price chart for this generation Pontiac G5 details a range of prices in year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Prices Good Average Poor
2008
G5 $12,500-14,000 $11,300-12,600 $7,100-8,000
G5 GT $14,000-15,500 $12,700-14,100 $8,500-9,500
2007
G5 $11,000-12,500 $9,900-11,300 $5,900-6,800
G5 GT $12,500-14,000 $11,300-12,600 $7,100-8,000
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
Specs for this generation Pontiac G5 include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification 2-door coupe
Wheelbase, in. 103.5
Overall Length, in. 179.8
Overall Width, in. 67.5
Overall Height, in. 55.6
Curb Weight, lbs. 2991
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 13.9
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 13.2
Seating Capacity 5
Front Head Room, in. 38.1
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 42.0
Rear Head Room, in. 35.7
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 32.2

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

In base form, the G5 coupe used a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine that developed 148 horsepower, with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. A more powerful 2.4-liter four-cylinder went into the GT coupe, with the same transmission choices.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in		 Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy		 Consumer Guide Observed
dohc I41 2.2 / 134 148 152 5-speed manual: 24/33
4-speed automatic: 22/31		 5-speed manual: --
4-speed automatic: --
dohc I41 2.4 / 145 171-173 163-167 5-speed manual: 22/32
4-speed automatic: 22/31		 5-speed manual: --
4-speed automatic: --

1. EPA Note: Figures shown are for 2008 models. The Environmental Protection Agency changed its procedure for 2008 to yield more realistic estimates. Therefore, estimated mileage is lower than for prior years.

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Built In:  USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Pontiac G5 include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test 2008 G5 w/side airbags
Front Impact, Driver 4
Front Impact, Passenger 5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.


No Recall History is available at this time.


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