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2009 Pontiac G3 Quality Review

July 3, 2009

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

a solid body structure imparts an absorbent ride
ConsumerGuide

decent-quality materials adorned with metallic-look accents
Edmunds

The 2009 Pontiac G3 scores well for the comfort and quality if offers at the price range in which it exists. “A solid body structure imparts an absorbent ride. Only large, sharp bumps trigger pounding through the suspension,” says ConsumerGuide.

According to AutoGuide.com, “the interior of the G3 is its strong point; it's quite spacious for its exterior size; there's room for five, with accommodations for three in back-provided they're narrow enough in shoulders and hips-thanks to elevated, 'theater' seating." ConsumerGuide agrees, saying the 2009 is “surprisingly roomy for a subcompact, though not great by absolute standards. Headroom is very good. Taller passengers will wish for more legroom, though. The seats are comfortable and supportive. Ease of entry and exit rivals that of some larger cars.”

When the spotlight shines upon what comprises the interior, Edmunds says “the five-passenger 2009 Pontiac G3 sports decent-quality materials adorned with metallic-look accents and several storage areas for small items. Climate controls are straightforward, though the stereo employs an array of buttons instead of more user-friendly knobs.” ConsumerGuide reports “the gauges are easy to read. The audio and climate controls are clearly marked, simple to operate, and mounted high for easy access. There is plenty of hard plastic, but its texturing lends impressive substance.”

“Though the G3 offers a convenient 42 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, that's nothing to write home about—and the 7.1 cubic feet available behind the rear seats won't hold more than a few bags of groceries,” remarks Edmunds. “Not much cargo room with the rear seats up. Split-folding rear seatbacks help increase space. In-cabin storage is sparse, with a meager glovebox and a few small bins," notes ConsumerGuide.

According to ConsumerGuide, noise is an intrusive element detracting from the overall experience: “Like the Chevrolet Aveo upon which it is based, G3 is not a quiet car. The engine sounds coarse and buzzy during acceleration. Wind and road noise can be intrusive, at least partially due to the G3's hatchback body style.”

Conclusion

The 2009 Pontiac G3 features an inviting interior and a comfortable ride.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:a solid body structure imparts an absorbent rideConsumerGuidedecent-quality materials adorned with metallic-look accentsEdmunds The 2009 Pontiac G3 scores well for the comfort and quality if offers at the price range in which it exists. “A solid body structure imparts an absorbent ride. Only large, sharp bumps trigger pounding through the suspension,” says ConsumerGuide. According to AutoGuide.com, “the interior of the G3 is its strong point; it's quite spacious for its exterior size; there's room for five, with accommodations for three in back-provided they're narrow enough in shoulders and hips-thanks to elevated, 'theater' seating." ConsumerGuide agrees, saying the 2009 is “surprisingly roomy for a subcompact, though not great by absolute standards. Headroom is very good. Taller passengers will wish for more legroom, though. The seats are comfortable and supportive. Ease of entry and exit rivals that of some larger cars.” When the spotlight shines upon what comprises the interior, Edmunds says “the five-passenger 2009 Pontiac G3 sports decent-quality materials adorned with metallic-look accents and several storage areas for small items. Climate controls are straightforward, though the stereo employs an array of buttons instead of more user-friendly knobs.” ConsumerGuide reports “the gauges are easy to read. The audio and climate controls are clearly marked, simple to operate, and mounted high for easy access. There is plenty of hard plastic, but its texturing lends impressive substance.” “Though the G3 offers a convenient 42 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, that's nothing to write home about—and the 7.1 cubic feet available behind the rear seats won't hold more than a few bags of groceries,” remarks Edmunds. “Not much cargo room with the rear seats up. Split-folding rear seatbacks help increase space. In-cabin storage is sparse, with a meager glovebox and a few small bins," notes ConsumerGuide. According to ConsumerGuide, noise is an intrusive element detracting from the overall experience: “Like the Chevrolet Aveo upon which it is based, G3 is not a quiet car. The engine sounds coarse and buzzy during acceleration. Wind and road noise can be intrusive, at least partially due to the G3's hatchback body style.” ConclusionThe 2009 Pontiac G3 features an inviting interior and a comfortable ride. 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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