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2009 Pontiac G3 Performance Review

July 3, 2009

PERFORMANCE | 4 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

it's a respectable ride for knocking out errands or engaging the daily commute
Edmunds

despite its small size and miserly engine, the G3 won't be the most frugal Pontiac on the highways
Motor Trend

The 2009 Pontiac G3 is powered by a fuel-conscious 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine. Edmunds reports that the G3 motor “generates 106 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque” and “is backed by a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic.” According to ConsumerGuide, the G3 is “quicker than one would expect, but no one will mistake these subcompacts for a sports car. The automatic transmission is relatively responsive, though saps a fair amount of what little power there is on tap.”

ConsumerGuide observes that the G3 is “nimble enough due to its petite size and responsive steering, though some testers say steering effort is a bit heavy at low speeds. They add that, “like Aveo, G3's body leans more in turns than class rivals. The brakes provide decent stopping control but are nothing special in terms of pedal feel.”

Edmunds says, “While the Pontiac G3 doesn't provide much in the way of vehicular entertainment, it's a respectable ride for knocking out errands or engaging the daily commute." Edmunds adds, "Though the five-speed is rated as slightly more economical around town, its ratios are overly wide, and it's not especially pleasant to operate.”

Regarding fuel efficiency, ConsumerGuide isn’t impressed, noting that comparable Aveo5 models "with the automatic averaged 28.3-28.7 mpg…These figures are not impressive for the class.” Motor Trend also finds discrepancies with Pontiac’s claim of fuel efficiency: “Surprisingly, despite its small size and miserly engine, the G3 won't be the most frugal Pontiac on the highways when it arrives in Pontiac showrooms. Pontiac lists the base G5 coupe at 37 mpg highway.”

Conclusion

The 2009 Pontiac G3 is far from being a performance vehicle but neither is it a class leader in terms of fuel efficiency.

PERFORMANCE | 4 out of 10Expert Quotes:it's a respectable ride for knocking out errands or engaging the daily commuteEdmundsdespite its small size and miserly engine, the G3 won't be the most frugal Pontiac on the highwaysMotor Trend The 2009 Pontiac G3 is powered by a fuel-conscious 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine. Edmunds reports that the G3 motor “generates 106 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque” and “is backed by a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic.” According to ConsumerGuide, the G3 is “quicker than one would expect, but no one will mistake these subcompacts for a sports car. The automatic transmission is relatively responsive, though saps a fair amount of what little power there is on tap.” ConsumerGuide observes that the G3 is “nimble enough due to its petite size and responsive steering, though some testers say steering effort is a bit heavy at low speeds. They add that, “like Aveo, G3's body leans more in turns than class rivals. The brakes provide decent stopping control but are nothing special in terms of pedal feel.” Edmunds says, “While the Pontiac G3 doesn't provide much in the way of vehicular entertainment, it's a respectable ride for knocking out errands or engaging the daily commute." Edmunds adds, "Though the five-speed is rated as slightly more economical around town, its ratios are overly wide, and it's not especially pleasant to operate.” Regarding fuel efficiency, ConsumerGuide isn’t impressed, noting that comparable Aveo5 models "with the automatic averaged 28.3-28.7 mpg…These figures are not impressive for the class.” Motor Trend also finds discrepancies with Pontiac’s claim of fuel efficiency: “Surprisingly, despite its small size and miserly engine, the G3 won't be the most frugal Pontiac on the highways when it arrives in Pontiac showrooms. Pontiac lists the base G5 coupe at 37 mpg highway.” ConclusionThe 2009 Pontiac G3 is far from being a performance vehicle but neither is it a class leader in terms of fuel efficiency. 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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