Pontiac G5 Review

Pontiac G5 photos

The Pontiac G5 is a rebadged Chevrolet Cobalt compact car that was marketed by the Pontiac division of General Motors. It was first introduced in 2004 for the 2005 model year. For 2005 and early 2006, this car was known as the Pontiac Pursuit in the Canadian market, and G5 Pursuit during mid-2006. It was also known as the Pontiac G4 in Mexico from 2005-2006. It was released to the U.S. market in August 2006 as a 2007 model. The G5 and Cobalt are built upon the GM Delta platform and is available as a sedan in Canada and Mexico. In the United States, the G5 is only available as a coupe.

As a result of GM pulling the Pontiac brand after the 2010 model year (2009 in Mexico), GM has announced there will be no G5 production for 2010 for the United States and Mexican markets, although the 2010 model is sold in Canada due to strong sales and having the title of Pontiac's best-seller in Canada. All Pontiac G5 production, including the 2010 model year G5 destined for Canada, ended at the Lordstown, Ohio plant after its final month of production in September, 2009.

Pontiac G5 specs

The independent front suspension has MacPherson struts, while the semi-independent rear suspension uses torsion bars. The wheelbase is 103.3 in (262.4 cm), longer than its competitors, and the width is 68.4 in (173.8 cm). Weight is high at 2808–2989 lb (1273–1355 kg), and overall fuel economy is 23 mpg_-U.S. (10 L/100 km; 28 mpg_-imp). The car is notable for its use of electric power steering, rather than the conventional hydraulic type. It is built at General Motors' Lordstown Assembly plant in Lordstown, Ohio.

On March 2, 2010, GM recalled 1.3 million compact cars, including the G5 and the Chevrolet Cobalt, due to power steering problems. The recall also affects the G5's international variants. Although the G5 was already out of production, the Cobalt was scheduled to be replaced by the Chevrolet Cruze later in 2010.

Engines:

Model variations

Pontiac G5 United States

In the US, the G5 is available in the base model coupe (with a 148 hp (110 kW), 2.2 L I4 engine) and the sporty GT (173 hp, DOHC 2.4 L four-cylinder engine) trim levels. Standard equipment for the coupe trim level includes a 5-speed manual transmission, AM/FM stereo system with MP3 decoder, auxiliary jack for external music devices (such as an iPod), and a spoiler. The first 500 G5's built for the US market included a free upgrade to XM Radio, and free song downloads from Rhapsody. The GT includes the same equipment. Available options for both trim levels include a sunroof and side impact airbags. The coupe lists for US$14,995 while the GT is slightly more expensive, starting at US$17,795. For 2009, the G5 will drop the 2.4 L engine for the GT trim level. Instead, the new base engine, the 2.2 L Ecotec LAP, will be used for both trim levels.

Pontiac G5 Canada

In Canada, the G5 is available as either a coupe or a 4-door sedan, in base, SE, and GT trim levels. The base and SE receives the 2.2 L engine, delivering 148 hp (108 kW) at 5400 rpm and 155 ft·lbf (210 N·m) of torque at 4000 rpm, with a choice of a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. The GT receives the 2.4 L engine, delivering 171 hp (128 kW) at 6000 rpm and 163 ft·lbf (221 N·m) of torque at 5000 rpm, and can be equipped with automatic or 5 speed manual transmission. Brakes are discs at front and drums at the rear. The GT model gets 4-wheel disc brakes. Length is 4580 mm (180.3 in) on a 2623 mm (103.3 in) wheelbase, with a width of 1725 mm (67.9 in), height at 1450 mm (58 in), and weight at 1,459 kg (3,216 lb).

Base models are equipped with 15-inch wheels and a CD player with MP3 playback capability. The SE adds 16-inch wheels, as well as anti-lock brakes, air conditioning, and cruise control (all also available as options on the base model) as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob. The GT adds 17-inch wheels. Other options include side airbags, traction control system, electronic stability control(ESC/ESP), a sunroof, heated leather seats, and a premium audio system amplified by a Pioneer multi-channel power amplifier with 228 W total output through seven Pioneer speakers, including a factory mounted Pioneer 10 inch subwoofer.