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.