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2009 Pontiac G3 Safety Review

July 3, 2009

SAFETY | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Five stars, frontal impact; four stars, side impact
NHTSA

Not tested
IIHS

In tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2009 Pontiac G3 scored five stars in frontal impact and four stars for side impact protection.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not tested a G3, but the comparable 2009 Chevrolet Aveo was rated just Acceptable in frontal offset and Marginal in side impact tests.

Cars.com notes that “side curtain airbags are not available" on the G3, but other safety features include “standard driver and front-passenger airbags, standard front side-impact airbags, standard tire pressure monitoring system.” Edmunds adds that “OnStar communications are standard on all G3s. Antilock brakes are an extra-cost option, and side curtain airbags—a feature increasingly common in other subcompacts—are not available.”

Conclusion

The 2009 Pontiac G3 doesn't offer standout features or especially good crash-test results.

SAFETY | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:Five stars, frontal impact; four stars, side impactNHTSANot testedIIHS In tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2009 Pontiac G3 scored five stars in frontal impact and four stars for side impact protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not tested a G3, but the comparable 2009 Chevrolet Aveo was rated just Acceptable in frontal offset and Marginal in side impact tests. Cars.com notes that “side curtain airbags are not available" on the G3, but other safety features include “standard driver and front-passenger airbags, standard front side-impact airbags, standard tire pressure monitoring system.” Edmunds adds that “OnStar communications are standard on all G3s. Antilock brakes are an extra-cost option, and side curtain airbags—a feature increasingly common in other subcompacts—are not available.” ConclusionThe 2009 Pontiac G3 doesn't offer standout features or especially good crash-test results. 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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