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2009 Pontiac G3 Review

July 3, 2009

STYLING | 5 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

isn't in line with the brand's sport-themed rep
Motor Trend

looks identical to the Aveo5
Cars.com

a five-door subcompact hatchback available in a single trim level
Edmunds

The 2009 Pontiac G3 falls far short of conveying Pontiac’s catchphrase of delivering excitement, but considering the current economic climate, the fuel-sipping compact should raise some eyebrows.

“The G3 clearly isn't in line with the brand's sport-themed rep,” says Motor Trend. “But if the G3 helps Pontiac gain sales traction in the now all-important small-car segment, the decision to bring it here could turn out to be prudent one.”

The new G3 may experience identity problems, as it can easily be mistaken for the Chevy Aveo5. According to Cars.com, “from the side, the G3 looks identical to the Aveo5, down to its chrome side vents.” Additionally, “It also gets Pontiac's ubiquitous split grille and a unique bumper fascia and fog lamps.” Motor Trend says “the G3 differentiates itself from its Aveo relative through a slightly reworked front clip featuring the Pontiac trademark dual grille.” However, “the sides and rear of the car as well as the standard spoiler above its back window are identical to those on the Chevrolet variant,” comments Motor Trend.

The G3 is more expensive than the Aveo because the G3’s interior is proprietary. “The G3 gets its very own instrument cluster that's sportier looking than the Aveo5's and comes with chrome-ringed air vents,” reports Cars.com. Motor Trend concurs: “inside the cabin, available aluminum-colored trim adorns the dash and door side panels, while chrome rings outline the air vents. A new instrument cluster with a predominant central speedometer sits behind the Pontiac-branded steering wheel.”

“The 2009 Pontiac G3 is a five-door subcompact hatchback available in a single trim level,” says Edmunds.

Conclusion

The 2009 Pontiac G3 is visually identical to the Chevy Aveo5 on the outside, but it costs $2,000 more.

STYLING | 5 out of 10Expert Quotes:isn't in line with the brand's sport-themed repMotor Trendlooks identical to the Aveo5Cars.coma five-door subcompact hatchback available in a single trim levelEdmunds The 2009 Pontiac G3 falls far short of conveying Pontiac’s catchphrase of delivering excitement, but considering the current economic climate, the fuel-sipping compact should raise some eyebrows. “The G3 clearly isn't in line with the brand's sport-themed rep,” says Motor Trend. “But if the G3 helps Pontiac gain sales traction in the now all-important small-car segment, the decision to bring it here could turn out to be prudent one.” The new G3 may experience identity problems, as it can easily be mistaken for the Chevy Aveo5. According to Cars.com, “from the side, the G3 looks identical to the Aveo5, down to its chrome side vents.” Additionally, “It also gets Pontiac's ubiquitous split grille and a unique bumper fascia and fog lamps.” Motor Trend says “the G3 differentiates itself from its Aveo relative through a slightly reworked front clip featuring the Pontiac trademark dual grille.” However, “the sides and rear of the car as well as the standard spoiler above its back window are identical to those on the Chevrolet variant,” comments Motor Trend. The G3 is more expensive than the Aveo because the G3’s interior is proprietary. “The G3 gets its very own instrument cluster that's sportier looking than the Aveo5's and comes with chrome-ringed air vents,” reports Cars.com. Motor Trend concurs: “inside the cabin, available aluminum-colored trim adorns the dash and door side panels, while chrome rings outline the air vents. A new instrument cluster with a predominant central speedometer sits behind the Pontiac-branded steering wheel.” “The 2009 Pontiac G3 is a five-door subcompact hatchback available in a single trim level,” says Edmunds. ConclusionThe 2009 Pontiac G3 is visually identical to the Chevy Aveo5 on the outside, but it costs $2,000 more. 2009 PONTIAC G3 STYLING | [5 out of 10] Motor Trend: “isn't in line with the brand's sport-themed rep” Cars.com: “looks identical to the Aveo5” Edmunds: “a five-door subcompact hatchback available in a single trim level” The 2009 Pontiac G3 falls far short of conveying Pontiac’s ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

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.

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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!

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