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2008 Pontiac G5 Full Review
Date Published: 4/30/08
Also in the 2008 Pontiac G5 Review:
5.
6.
Pontiac G5 Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Pontiac G5 Review
The 2008 Pontiac G5 gets a few minor changes this year. This compact car is similar to the Chevrolet Cobalt, but G5 is only offered as a 2-door coupe. Base G5s have a 148-hp 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine. The sport-themed GT has a 171-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder. Each is available with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. An antiskid system and OnStar assistance are newly standard features on the 2008 G5 GT. Other available safety features on this car include ABS, traction control, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons with wheelbases 99.4 inches or longer.
Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic, Nissan Versa, and Scion xB. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Elantra and Mazda 3.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Ford Focus, Mitsubishi Lancer, Saturn Astra, Scion xB, and Subaru Impreza.
Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic, Nissan Versa, and Scion xB. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Elantra and Mazda 3.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Ford Focus, Mitsubishi Lancer, Saturn Astra, Scion xB, and Subaru Impreza.
News
With Pontiac's focus shifting to rear-wheel drive performance cars, it's likely G5 will be discontinued at some point in the future, rather than being freshened or redesigned.
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2008 Pontiac G5 Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Controls/materials | Engine noise |
| Fuel economy | Rear-seat room/comfort |
| Steering/handling | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
We have only tested a G5 GT with automatic transmission. Acceleration is adequate but not as lively as 171 hp should act. It feels only slightly quicker than similar Chevy Cobalts with the 148-hp 4-cylinder engine used in the base G5. The automatic transmission is responsive and quick to downshift for more passing power.
| GT, automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 4.9 |
We have only tested a G5 GT with automatic transmission. Acceleration is adequate but not as lively as 171 hp should act. It feels only slightly quicker than similar Chevy Cobalts with the 148-hp 4-cylinder engine used in the base G5. The automatic transmission is responsive and quick to downshift for more passing power.
Fuel Economy
We've not measured fuel economy for a G5, but a similar Cobalt with the 148-hp engine averaged 25.9 mpg in mostly highway driving. Base G5s use regular-grade gas. Pontiac recommends premium for the GT.
| GT, automatic | Class Average |
| 7 | 6.4 |
We've not measured fuel economy for a G5, but a similar Cobalt with the 148-hp engine averaged 25.9 mpg in mostly highway driving. Base G5s use regular-grade gas. Pontiac recommends premium for the GT.
Ride Quality
With its sport suspension, G5 GT is firm and stable on most road surfaces. It never feels uncomfortable.
| GT, automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 5.1 |
With its sport suspension, G5 GT is firm and stable on most road surfaces. It never feels uncomfortable.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Some body lean is evident while cornering, but the GT has good overall stability and grip. The steering feels quick and informative. GT's standard antilock 4-wheel disc brakes have good stopping control.
| GT, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 5.8 |
Some body lean is evident while cornering, but the GT has good overall stability and grip. The steering feels quick and informative. GT's standard antilock 4-wheel disc brakes have good stopping control.
Quietness
Though road and wind noise is modest, the 2.4-liter engine in the G5 GT buzzes and drones while accelerating and cruising.
| GT, automatic | Class Average |
| 4 | 4.4 |
Though road and wind noise is modest, the 2.4-liter engine in the G5 GT buzzes and drones while accelerating and cruising.
Controls
Control placement is mostly logical, though the climate control knobs are set too low for easy access while driving. The gauges have indistinct markings and for some are recessed too far into the dashboard for easy reading.
| GT, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 5.7 |
Control placement is mostly logical, though the climate control knobs are set too low for easy access while driving. The gauges have indistinct markings and for some are recessed too far into the dashboard for easy reading.
Details
G5's cabin makes liberal use of hard plastics, but the trim is more sporty than cheap.
| GT, automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 5.2 |
G5's cabin makes liberal use of hard plastics, but the trim is more sporty than cheap.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Average for the class. The 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 obscure the view to the back.
| GT, automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 5.6 |
Average for the class. The 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 obscure the view to the back.
Room/Comfort (rear)
While the front passenger seat slides forward, access to the rear seats requires contortions. Once back there, space is tight even for medium-size adults.
| GT, automatic | Class Average |
| 2 | 4 |
While the front passenger seat slides forward, access to the rear seats requires contortions. Once back there, space is tight even for medium-size adults.
Cargo Room
G5 has a usefully shaped trunk with good room that's expandable via folding rear seatbacks. The trunk opening is too small to accept bulky items, however. Interior storage is limited to a small glovebox, center console, and door pockets.
| GT, automatic | Class Average |
| 3 | 5 |
G5 has a usefully shaped trunk with good room that's expandable via folding rear seatbacks. The trunk opening is too small to accept bulky items, however. Interior storage is limited to a small glovebox, center console, and door pockets.
Value within Class
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. A coarse engine and lackluster acceleration even in the top-line model betray its sporty intentions. Lack of a 4-door body style further limits G5's appeal.
| GT, automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 6.1 |
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. A coarse engine and lackluster acceleration even in the top-line model betray its sporty intentions. Lack of a 4-door body style further limits G5's appeal.
Total Score
| GT, automatic | Class Average |
| 53 | 58.2 |
Scores for all Compact Cars
| Low Score | 50 | |
| Average Score | 58 | |
| High Score | 71 |
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2008 Pontiac G5 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/04/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| Base 2-door coupe | $15,475 | $14,624 | $660 |
|
|
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| GT 2-door coupe | $19,650 | $18,569 | $660 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, tire-pressure monitor, emergency inside trunklid release, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/height-adjustable driver seat, center console, split folding rear seat w/trunk pass-through, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media connection, satellite radio, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear spoiler, 195/60R15 tires, wheel covers.
GT adds to Base:
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine.
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar assistance system w/one-year service, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, Pioneer sound system.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, sport suspension, 205/50R17 tires, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Preferred Pkg.
|
||
|
Base
|
$1,095
|
$964
|
|
Antilock brakes, traction control (automatic), cruise control, cargo net, bodyside moldings, 205/55R16 tires, unique wheel covers.
|
||
|
Sport Pkg.
|
||
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Base
|
$695
|
$612
|
|
Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, fog lights, chrome exhaust tip, alloy wheels. Requires Preferred Pkg.
|
||
|
Premium Pkg.
|
||
|
Base
|
$990
|
$871
|
|
Base w/Sun and Sound Pkg.
|
$695
|
$612
|
|
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, Pioneer sound system. Requires Sport Pkg.
|
||
|
Sun and Sound Pkg.
|
||
|
Base
|
$995
|
$876
|
|
Power sunroof, Pioneer sound system. Requires antilock brakes.
|
||
|
Style and Sound Pkg.
|
||
|
Base
|
$1,240
|
$1,091
|
|
Antilock brakes, Pioneer sound system, 205/55R16 tires, alloy wheels. NA w/Preferred Pkg., Sport Pkg.
|
||
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Awareness Pkg.
|
||
|
Base
|
$349
|
$307
|
|
iPod adapter, chrome exhaust tip. NA w/Sport Pkg.
|
||
|
|
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Powertrain |
||
|
4-speed automatic transmission
|
||
|
Base, GT
|
$925
|
$814
|
|
|
||
Safety |
||
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Antilock brakes
|
||
|
Base
|
$400
|
$352
|
|
Includes traction control when ordered w/4-speed automatic transmission.
|
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|
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
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OnStar assistance system
|
||
|
Base
|
$295
|
$260
|
|
Includes one year service.
|
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|
Power sunroof
|
||
|
GT
|
$750
|
$660
|
|
Leather upholstery
|
||
|
GT
|
$695
|
$612
|
|
Includes heated front seats.
|
||
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
|
||
|
Base, GT
|
$295
|
$260
|
|
Pioneer sound system
|
||
|
Base
|
$295
|
$260
|
|
Requires antilock brakes.
|
||
|
Remote engine start
|
||
|
Base, GT
|
$190
|
$167
|
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Requires 4-speed automatic transmission.
|
||
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Smoker's Pkg.
|
||
|
Base, GT
|
$35
|
$31
|
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Ash tray, lighter.
|
||
|
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
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Engine-block heater
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||
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Base, GT
|
$75
|
$66
|
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Special paint
|
||
|
Base, GT
|
$295
|
$260
|
|
|
||
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Pontiac G5 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Pontiac G5 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.
Engines
| dohc I4 | dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.2 /134 | 2.4 /145 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 148 @ 5600 | 171 @ 5800 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 152 @ 4200 | 167 @ 4500 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 5-speed manual | 24/33 | 22/32 |
| 4-speed automatic | 22/31 | 22/31 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Pontiac G5 2-door coupe |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 4 |
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%. Side-impact
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Pontiac G5 Review:
5.
6.
Pontiac G5 Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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Vehicle History Report
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