Green
Trucks
Luxury
Family
Brand
Muscle
See more sites from  HighGear  M E D I A  >>
Compare this car to others like it Try our car compare tool now

2009 Pontiac G3 Bottom Line

July 3, 2009

By Bengt Halvorson's avatar Bengt Halvorson, EditorBengt Halvorson

At TheCarConnection.com, we have small-car experts who have studied the 2009 Pontiac G3 to compile this evaluation. This review also compares the 2009 Pontiac G3 with the best competitors in the class. Our review of reports from a range of respected automotive Web sites adds to the information we give you to make an informed purchase decision.

Likes:

  • Practical hatchback design
  • Roomy interior for class
  • Solid build quality
  • Peppy performance with manual transmission
  • Will be a rare car due to single year of production

Dislikes:

  • Radio doesn't have tuning knob
  • Silly vent in front fender
  • Ride at interstate speeds feels nervous

Buying Tips:


When this Bottom Line was published, Pontiac had a two-year supply of 2009 Pontiac G3s on hand. These are not popular cars. Wait for big incentives if you're looking to buy one.

The 2009 Pontiac G3 is the twin to the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo5 hatchback. The G3 costs approximately $2,000 more than the base Aveo5 because of the G3's higher level of standard equipment, but mechanically the cars are identical. The Pontiac G3 is a front-wheel-drive subcompact that's available with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. This was to be Pontiac's smallest car, and it was for several months until General Motors decided to discontinue the Pontiac brand. The G3 will only be sold for one model year, 2009.

The new G3 looks like the new Aveo5 hatchback and even includes the silly vent in the front fender (just like the Chevy). The change from Chevrolet to Pontiac was made by grafting on a Pontiac dual-port grille in place of the Chevy "bow tie," swapping out the badges, and altering bits of interior trim. The 2009 Pontiac G3 is built in South Korea by GM Daewoo alongside the two Aveo models.

Inside, the cabin has five seat belts, and after putting some miles on several Aveo models, we know that the Pontiac G3 will keep most customers happy using four of them. If only two are seated in the back row, there won't be too much complaining. Seating three in the back would be tight. The rear bench has theater-style seating for better exterior visibility and a 60/40 split for cargo flexibility. Storage and convenience bins are found all over the interior, and some higher-end features like cruise control, XM, and a large sunroof are also optional. Cars from General Motors often have one of the best XM radio setups, but the 2009 G3's radio controls are missing a tuning knob found on most other GM vehicles.

The 2009 Pontiac G3 uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 106 horsepower and 106 pound-feet of torque. Transmissions and chassis components are also similar. EPA mileage is 27/34 mpg for models with a five-speed manual transmission and 25/34 mpg with a four-speed automatic. MacPherson struts, a torsion-beam rear, and a short 97.7-inch wheelbase all conspire to make the G3 a lackluster handler with a hoppy ride. Over 70 mph, the Aveo models we drove felt nervous and we expect the same from a G3. Fourteen-inch wheels are standard, while 15-inchers (and anti-lock brakes) are optional.

Regarding safety, the 2009 Pontiac G3 includes four airbags: two front and two side units (also for the front occupants). ABS remains optional. We like the height-adjustable front shoulder belts because of the extra comfort they provide. Scores for the Pontiac should equal those of the Aveo5; in federal crash tests it scores dual five-star ratings for frontal impacts and dual four-star tallies for side impacts. GM's OnStar is also standard, offering an extra measure of safety not found in other competitors. The IIHS has not tested a G3.

Compared to many low-priced cars, the 2009 Pontiac G3 is well equipped. Features such as air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, rear-window defroster, AM/FM/CD audio system with an aux input jack for an iPod or other device, fog lamps, intermittent windshield wipers, and OnStar are all standard. Options include cruise control, power heated outside rearview mirrors, XM Satellite Radio, and remote keyless entry. Larger wheels (15 inches, up from 14 inches) are also available. General Motors (now that Pontiac will be phased out) continues to back 2009 G3 with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, plus a five-year/100,000-mile warranty on the powertrain.

Other Choices:

If you're interested in the 2009 Pontiac G3, also consider:

Reason Why:

Priced at more than $14,000, the 2009 Pontiac G3 is not a good deal in our judgment. Just considering resale value now that Pontiac is being phased out, we'd recommend a 2009 Chevrolet Aveo5 hatchback instead. There are other solid competitors, too, including the Nissan Versa. The Versa drives and feels most like a larger vehicle, in a positive sense, with a smooth, settled ride on the highway. Our next recommendation would be the Honda Fit because of its sporty driving character, cavernous interior, Magic Seat arrangement, and best-in-class safety. The Rio and Accent (mechanically related to each other) don't feel as roomy as the G3, but come across about the same as the Yaris. The Korean pair is more fun to drive than the Aveo (and, therefore, the G3), but don't expect them to feel as refined—a positive character trait that stood out when we drove the Aveo5. Nearly all of these vehicles get better fuel economy than the 2009 Pontiac G3—except, of course, the Aveo5 because the cars are the same.

The Bottom Line:

The 2009 Pontiac G3 is an example of the model proliferation that hurt GM for decades. It's a decent but not terrific subcompact.

At TheCarConnection.com, we have small-car experts who have studied the 2009 Pontiac G3 to compile this evaluation. This review also compares the 2009 Pontiac G3 with the best competitors in the class. Our review of reports from a range of respected automotive Web sites adds to the information we give you to make an informed purchase decision. Likes:Practical hatchback designRoomy interior for classSolid build qualityPeppy performance with manual transmissionWill be a rare car due to single year of productionDislikes:Radio doesn't have tuning knobSilly vent in front fenderRide at interstate speeds feels nervousBuying Tips: When this Bottom Line was published, Pontiac had a two-year supply of 2009 Pontiac G3s on hand. These are not popular cars. Wait for big incentives if you're looking to buy one. The 2009 Pontiac G3 is the twin to the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo5 hatchback. The G3 costs approximately $2,000 more than the base Aveo5 because of the G3's higher level of standard equipment, but mechanically the cars are identical. The Pontiac G3 is a front-wheel-drive subcompact that's available with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. This was to be Pontiac's smallest car, and it was for several months until General Motors decided to discontinue the Pontiac brand. The G3 will only be sold for one model year, 2009. The new G3 looks like the new Aveo5 hatchback and even includes the silly vent in the front fender (just like the Chevy). The change from Chevrolet to Pontiac was made by grafting on a Pontiac dual-port grille in place of the Chevy "bow tie," swapping out the badges, and altering bits of interior trim. The 2009 Pontiac G3 is built in South Korea by GM Daewoo alongside the two Aveo models. Inside, the cabin has five seat belts, and after putting some miles on several Aveo models, we know that the Pontiac G3 will keep most customers happy using four of them. If only two are seated in the back row, there won't be too much complaining. Seating three in the back would be tight. The rear bench has theater-style seating for better exterior visibility and a 60/40 split for cargo flexibility. Storage and convenience bins are found all over the interior, and some higher-end features like cruise control, XM, and a large sunroof are also optional. Cars from General Motors often have one of the best XM radio setups, but the 2009 G3's radio controls are missing a tuning knob found on most other GM vehicles. The 2009 Pontiac G3 uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 106 horsepower and 106 pound-feet of torque. Transmissions and chassis components are also similar. EPA mileage is 27/34 mpg for models with a five-speed manual transmission and 25/34 mpg with a four-speed automatic. MacPherson struts, a torsion-beam rear, and a short 97.7-inch wheelbase all conspire to make the G3 a lackluster handler with a hoppy ride. Over 70 mph, the Aveo models we drove felt nervous and we expect the same from a G3. Fourteen-inch wheels are standard, while 15-inchers (and anti-lock brakes) are optional. Regarding safety, the 2009 Pontiac G3 includes four airbags: two front and two side units (also for the front occupants). ABS remains optional. We like the height-adjustable front shoulder belts because of the extra comfort they provide. Scores for the Pontiac should equal those of the Aveo5; in federal crash tests it scores dual five-star ratings for frontal impacts and dual four-star tallies for side impacts. GM's OnStar is also standard, offering an extra measure of safety not found in other competitors. The IIHS has not tested a G3. Compared to many low-priced cars, the 2009 Pontiac G3 is well equipped. Features such as air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, rear-window defroster, AM/FM/CD audio system with an aux input jack for an iPod or other device, fog lamps, intermittent windshield wipers, and OnStar are all standard. Options include cruise control, power heated outside rearview mirrors, XM Satellite Radio, and remote keyless entry. Larger wheels (15 inches, up from 14 inches) are also available. General Motors (now that Pontiac will be phased out) continues to back 2009 G3 with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, plus a five-year/100,000-mile warranty on the powertrain. Other Choices:If you're interested in the 2009 Pontiac G3, also consider:Nissan VersaChevy Aveo5Honda FitKia RioHyundai AccentToyota YarisReason Why:Priced at more than $14,000, the 2009 Pontiac G3 is not a good deal in our judgment. Just considering resale value now that Pontiac is being phased out, we'd recommend a 2009 Chevrolet Aveo5 hatchback instead. There are other solid competitors, too, including the Nissan Versa. The Versa drives and feels most like a larger vehicle, in a positive sense, with a smooth, settled ride on the highway. Our next recommendation would be the Honda Fit because of its sporty driving character, cavernous interior, Magic Seat arrangement, and best-in-class safety. The Rio and Accent (mechanically related to each other) don't feel as roomy as the G3, but come across about the same as the Yaris. The Korean pair is more fun to drive than the Aveo (and, therefore, the G3), but don't expect them to feel as refined—a positive character trait that stood out when we drove the Aveo5. Nearly all of these vehicles get better fuel economy than the 2009 Pontiac G3—except, of course, the Aveo5 because the cars are the same. The Bottom Line:The 2009 Pontiac G3 is an example of the model proliferation that hurt GM for decades. It's a decent but not terrific subcompact. At TheCarConnection.com, we have small-car experts who have studied the 2009 Pontiac G3 to compile this evaluation. This review also compares the 2009 Pontiac G3 with the best competitors in the class. Our review of reports from a range of respected automotive Web sites adds to the ...

Other Choices:

Priced at more than $14,000, the 2009 Pontiac G3 is not a good deal in our judgment. Just considering resale value now that Pontiac is being phased out, we'd recommend a 2009 Chevrolet Aveo5 hatchback instead. There are other solid competitors, too, including the Nissan Versa. The Versa drives and feels most like a larger vehicle, in a positive sense, with a smooth, settled ride on the highway. Our next recommendation would be the Honda Fit because of its sporty driving character, cavernous interior, Magic Seat arrangement, and best-in-class safety. The Rio and Accent (mechanically related to each other) don't feel as roomy as the G3, but come across about the same as the Yaris. The Korean pair is more fun to drive than the Aveo (and, therefore, the G3), but don't expect them to feel as refined—a positive character trait that stood out when we drove the Aveo5. Nearly all of these vehicles get better fuel economy than the 2009 Pontiac G3—except, of course, the Aveo5 because the cars are the same.

Next Steps:

Get a free price quote

for the 2009 Pontiac G3 from a dealer near you

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2009 Pontiac G3

Check Financing Rates

for the 2009 Pontiac G3

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2009 Pontiac G3 near you

See the Pontiac G3 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009

Comments (1 total)

  1. By Alan Bautrenne #1, Posted: 8/10/2009

    22 yrs ago, I purchased my first "micro-car" - '87 Chevy Sprint (2 dr hatchback) for about $7,000 brand new; carbuerated 1.0 liter - 3 cyl (49 hp), 5-speed, NOTHING power - not even the steering. It did have A/C, 2 radio speakers (no radio), 12-in tires, cloth/vinyl seats, 40-50 mpg, 12/12,000 warranty; that's it. I loved THAT CAR!
    Three weeks ago, for about the same price (adjusted for inflation) - $13,250 with tax! (4-dr hatchback) 1.6 l - 4-cyl, VVT w/ MPFI (106 hp), Auto Trans, PS, PW, PL, AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3, 6 spkrs, tach, digital odometer w/ 2 trip-ometers, cruise control, intermittent wipers, steering wheel radio controls, tilt wheel, fog lamps, DRL's, rear window and outside mirror defogger, four airbags, remote & keyless entry w/ alarm, tire pressure monitor, rear spoiler, 3 cupholders, ONSTAR, 14-inch tires, high-quality full cloth seats w/ armrest & adj. lumbar support for driver, all seats have adjustable head-restraints, 5yr/100,000 warranty: It rides well for its class, the sound system is above average, gets decent mileage, and has so many features not found in the competition and not available at any price 22 yrs ago. Yesterday, Aug 9, 2009, I drove to DFW from San Antonio. I got 37 mpg driving 70 mph with A/C. (I double checked my math) I REALLY love THIS CAR! It's a bargain, looks good and fun-to-drive!

Post a comment

Post anonymously, or
(Required)
(Required - will not be published, sold or shared)
(Optional - your 'posted by' name will link to the URL)

Remember Me?

I have read TheCarConnection.com's privacy policy