2008 Pontiac G5 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The 2008 Pontiac G5, the second year for this model, carries over largely unchanged from 2007. Still available only as a coupe, the '08 G5...
The 2008 Pontiac G5, the second year for this model, carries over largely unchanged from 2007. Still available only as a coupe, the '08 G5 is designed to provide basic subcompact economy transportation with a slightly sporty feel.
Available in two trims, a base model and the sportier GT, the 2008 G5 is a bit more stylish than many of its competitors at the low end of the price curve. Its inline-4 engine choices (a 2.4-liter, 148-horsepower plant on the base model, and a 2.4-liter, dual-overhead-cam, 177-horsepower mill on the GT) aren't anything to write home about; still, they do provide enough power to get the '08 G5 around the highways, considering its less than 3,000 pounds of curb weight.
The '08 Pontiac G5 is marketed as a family coupe; it seats five passengers, but the back seat would definitely be a tight squeeze for adults or growing teenagers. On the other hand, the G5, like its Pontiac Sunfire predecessor, might appeal to bargain-hunting buyers looking for their first new car.
The G5 is pretty solid on fuel economy, too, with EPA estimated mileage of 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway. Like its competitors (the Chevrolet Cobalt, Chrysler Sebring, Nissan Altima, and others) the G5 isn't meant to be a muscle car, but a low-priced, reliable little car that thinks outside the econobox.
What owners say
"Overall, drivers appreciate the 2008 Pontiac G5 for its sporty feel, affordability, and good fuel economy. Many owners enjoy its easy handling and reliable performance, making it a suitable option for new drivers. On the downside, some reviewers mention the lack of power, uncomfortable interior, and issues with build quality. Noise levels and space concern for taller passengers are also frequent points of criticism."
This Pontiac has been consistently reliable for my family. She has driven us long distances, and has never quit on us. The only problem is the lack of leg room for tall men, which our family often hosts. It'll be a shame when we trade her in for a bigger car.
March 5, 2014Great car gas economy wise, but a little tight in the head room. The engine has great pick up for a 4 banger, and the trim is very cool. The stock stereo is not bad for a stock system without a sub.
December 12, 2008VERY NICE CAR!!!! great fuel mileage. lots of get up and go. great sound system. very solid. well put together. lots of interior room. big trunk. very quick
November 18, 2007What owners say
This Pontiac has been consistently reliable for my family. She has driven us long distances, and has never quit on us. The only problem is the lack of leg room for tall men, which our family often hosts. It'll be a shame when we trade her in for a bigger car.
March 5, 2014Great car gas economy wise, but a little tight in the head room. The engine has great pick up for a 4 banger, and the trim is very cool. The stock stereo is not bad for a stock system without a sub.
December 12, 2008VERY NICE CAR!!!! great fuel mileage. lots of get up and go. great sound system. very solid. well put together. lots of interior room. big trunk. very quick
November 18, 2007I love this car. It's my baby. This is my first car and I bought it pre-owned it when I was an inexperienced driver, so as a result, it's a little rough around the edges. Maintenence is fairly cheap, I've avoided my fair share of accidents due to driving skills I've acquired, but also the abilities of the vehicle. I definitely feel like I'm always in control, even in rain and snow unless the roads are completely covered. It's been from NJ to FL and back, and I had no issues at any point in the 18 hr drive. It's comfortable enough for 2 people, and it could take on a third if it had to, but any more than that, and somebody would start feeling cramped. Overall, a good car. No major complaints, nothing to be incredibly excited about. It gets me where I need to go, and that's what cars are for
April 1, 2015Actually, my girlfriend purchased a G5 GT in black with the high mounted spoiler option. Performance: Very impressive, the car actually sounds like a V6 upon acceleration. Smooth riding car...4 Cyl has abundant power. Build Quality: very good, nice fit and finish in regards to the interior materials. Appearance: Very sporty, GT version has more muscular appearance. Cost of Ownership: Good car for the money, very good on gas no problems to report Fun Factor: My girlfriend claims that it is an "awesome car to commute in!" (She still will not allow me to take it for a test spin by myself!!!) * The only complaint that I can come up with is the lack of head room, leg room, and shoulder room in the front seats. But considering I am bigger than the average bear (6'2, 256 lbs., amateur bodybuilder), I would conclude that a man just under 6 feet tall and 180 lbs. would find the car to be a perfect fit.
September 14, 2008It's sporty and easy to control. Excellent for new drivers. I love the fact the gear shift is in the floor.
May 21, 2008Good looking 2 door car, good sound from the engine, good option's list, Easy and fun car to Drive, Lots of room in the back for passengers. the interior looks pretty good for the price u pay. good brakes. speed/RPM/Fuel gauges have a exotic appeal to them.
July 23, 2009I had a week to spend with a G5 Coupe as a rental car. It was a brand new car. I hated almost everything about it. First of all, the ecotec engine is a rattletrap, although provides decent economy, but is lower on power than I'd like. I can't believe how noisy it is, though. The interior is extremely uncomfortable, and I'd say, although stylish, is not well appointed, with the seats not providing very good support, and most controls in unusual locations. Handling and braking are poor to say the least, as is acceleration. The chassis of the vehicle and suspension system is archaic compared to even the now defunct second generation Neon/SX2.0 or the Ford Focus. The point of the G5 is that it is cheap to maintain, drive, and operate, and easy for an entry level owner. But quite frankly, I'd rather take the $15,000 sticker price and buy a used Infiniti, Lexus, Nissan or Toyota, or even Focus or Neon.
February 11, 2008Over all this was my first vehicle. It is very reliable. I never have to worry about this car breaking down on me. It gets great city and highway mileage. Low maintenance car, rare when it is in shop besides oil change and tire rotation. Definitely recommend for someones first car.
May 23, 2015Like that this car has plenty of power to get up to speed when you need too. Good car for finding small parking places to squeeze into. Good car for a couple, small family or as a work car. Lot of truck space to put any from groceries to suitcases for a trip to favorite destination. Cons: Just two doors can be a problem at times.
March 30, 2014Trims & specs
Base MSRP $19,350 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 173 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 13.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 27 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $15,175 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.2L 148 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 13.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 28 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
