Two out of Three 2010 Camaros Sold Equipped with...
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 G5 Performance Review

February 18, 2009

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

the frisky G5 responds enthusiastically to the gas pedal
Kelley Blue Book

the four-banger was a little raspy, but it wasn't horrible
MyRide.com

the automatic transmission is responsive and quick to downshift for more passing power
ConsumerGuide



Most reviewers find the 2009 Pontiac G5 has adequate power, but they have plenty to complain about with respect to steering and handling.

The 2009 Pontiac G5 offers one engine choice. Edmunds states that a "2.2-liter inline four-cylinder with 155 horsepower and 152 pound-feet of torque motivates the base G5." MyRide.com adds that the "G5 GT [performs] admirably without any hesitation or lack of power." On the base version of the Pontiac G5, Kelley Blue Book reviewers report that "the frisky G5 responds enthusiastically to the gas pedal, while starting off or at speed."

Transferring the power on either version of the 2009 Pontiac G5 to the road is "a standard five-speed manual transmission, with a four-speed automatic available as an option," according to reviewers at Edmunds. For 2009, Pontiac's automatic transmission receives higher praise, as MyRide.com appreciates the "relatively smooth shifts" and Car and Driver describes it as "quick-reacting." Consumer Guide also chimes in by saying that "the automatic transmission is responsive and quick to downshift for more passing power."

Fuel economy is one of the highlights on the 2009 Pontiac G5, especially considering the car's above-average engine performance. The G5 achieves up to 25 mpg city, 37 mpg highway with the five-speed manual.

Now for the not-so-delightful side of the G5: handling. Edmunds says that commuters "will probably be less impressed with the car's handling and directional responsiveness when the road starts to bend" because the suspension of the Pontiac G5 "allows too much body roll, and the electric steering system on both models is slow, with minimal feedback." MyRide.com is less kind when they remark that "the highway ride is on the stiff side," and that, while driving the G5 is better than "your annual proctology exam, or the last child you delivered au naturel," it still "isn't all that fun." It may not handle or ride well, but stopping isn't a concern. Car and Driver contends that the G5 offers "excellent 164-foot stops from 70 mph," for the GT model with anti-lock brakes.

Conclusion

The 2009 Pontiac G5 has decent powertrain performance, but its handling and ride don’t live up to the promise of the brand.

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:the frisky G5 responds enthusiastically to the gas pedalKelley Blue Bookthe four-banger was a little raspy, but it wasn't horribleMyRide.comthe automatic transmission is responsive and quick to downshift for more passing powerConsumerGuide Most reviewers find the 2009 Pontiac G5 has adequate power, but they have plenty to complain about with respect to steering and handling. The 2009 Pontiac G5 offers one engine choice. Edmunds states that a "2.2-liter inline four-cylinder with 155 horsepower and 152 pound-feet of torque motivates the base G5." MyRide.com adds that the "G5 GT [performs] admirably without any hesitation or lack of power." On the base version of the Pontiac G5, Kelley Blue Book reviewers report that "the frisky G5 responds enthusiastically to the gas pedal, while starting off or at speed." Transferring the power on either version of the 2009 Pontiac G5 to the road is "a standard five-speed manual transmission, with a four-speed automatic available as an option," according to reviewers at Edmunds. For 2009, Pontiac's automatic transmission receives higher praise, as MyRide.com appreciates the "relatively smooth shifts" and Car and Driver describes it as "quick-reacting." Consumer Guide also chimes in by saying that "the automatic transmission is responsive and quick to downshift for more passing power." Fuel economy is one of the highlights on the 2009 Pontiac G5, especially considering the car's above-average engine performance. The G5 achieves up to 25 mpg city, 37 mpg highway with the five-speed manual. Now for the not-so-delightful side of the G5: handling. Edmunds says that commuters "will probably be less impressed with the car's handling and directional responsiveness when the road starts to bend" because the suspension of the Pontiac G5 "allows too much body roll, and the electric steering system on both models is slow, with minimal feedback." MyRide.com is less kind when they remark that "the highway ride is on the stiff side," and that, while driving the G5 is better than "your annual proctology exam, or the last child you delivered au naturel," it still "isn't all that fun." It may not handle or ride well, but stopping isn't a concern. Car and Driver contends that the G5 offers "excellent 164-foot stops from 70 mph," for the GT model with anti-lock brakes. ConclusionThe 2009 Pontiac G5 has decent powertrain performance, but its handling and ride don’t live up to the promise of the brand. 2009 PONTIAC G5 STYLING | [6 out of 10] Cars.com: "Yawn" ConsumerGuide: "control placement is mostly logical" MyRide.com: "the climate system is easily operated with large, clear controls" The 2009 Pontiac G5 is the latest in what is called “badge engineering.” Rather than develop a ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

The 2009 Pontiac G5 is a near-twin of the Chevrolet Cobalt coupe, but lacks the Chevy's optional SS trim with its turbocharged four-cylinder. The Honda Civic is the most sophisticated in this class. Its four-cylinder engines are flexible and rev freely, the manual transmission is a pleasure to shift, and its interior quality is top notch. The Ford Focus coupe isn’t pretty but has plenty of features, including the new SYNC entertainment controller. The Scion tC is reasonably handsome, with a rev-happy four-cylinder engine and a much more visually satisfying interior, but it's also quite cramped.

Next Steps:

Get a free price quote

for the 2009 Pontiac G5 from a dealer near you

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2009 Pontiac G5

Check Financing Rates

for the 2009 Pontiac G5

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2009 Pontiac G5 near you

See the Pontiac G5 in Other Years:

2009 | 2008 | 2007

Comments (2 total)

  1. By Jim #1, Posted: 6/22/2009

    Good commuter car- traded in an 03 Sunfire and not sorry. At $12k, 30 plus mpg- I won't complain.
    I see too many newer import cars here in the rust belt doing just that-rotting out- because of cheap foreign steel. Expect my G5 to hold up as well as my Sunfire did in that regard. Spotless.

  2. By darren budd #2, Posted: 9/30/2009

    I have a pontiac g5 gt and i had it about 2 months and i love it, great fuel economy great price and it was loaded with every bell and wistle and it hasnt rattled out like my sisters cobalt did i recomend this car over a cobalt as chevy is poorly assembled in the end

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