2009 Pontiac G5 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$16,275 to $19,575

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.3

avg user rating

(15 reviews)

Pontiac's G5 compact coupe made its U.S. debut in 2006, and has received only minor changes since then. The G5 is built on GM's Delta platform, which it shares with popular compacts like the Chevrolet Cobalt, Chevrolet HHR, and Saturn Ion. The G5 badge replaces the discontinued Sunfire coupe and competes with the Honda Civic, Scion tC, Volkswagen Rabbit, and Saturn Astra.

Although Pontiac markets the G5 as a sports coupe, reviewers agree that there are better performance choices in this segment. The G5 certainly looks the part and even speeds off the line nicely. The ride is relatively smooth throughout the speed range, and because of its size and modest power plant, the coupe also boasts strong fuel economy numbers. However, the G5 is hurt by an overall lack of driving refinement, unresponsive steering, and unsteady handling. Both G5 trims use an electronic power-steering system, versus the hydraulic setup found in most cars. Other shortcomings include low-quality interior materials, a bland cabin design, and a lack of interior storage space.

There are two trims for the 2009 Pontiac G5. The base model comes relatively well-equipped, with essentials like air-conditioning, full power accessories, and a 60/40-split-folding rear seat. Pontiac also includes some items typically not found on the base model of an entry-level car; satellite radio, a CD/MP3 player, an auxiliary audio jack, and remote keyless entry are also included. The GT trim adds 17-inch aluminum wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, a premium Pioneer audio system, and fog lamps. The options lists are extensive for both trims, as the base can be equipped with most of the GT's standard features, and both can add aesthetic enhancements like custom-colored interior lighting, a spoiler, and a body ground-effects package.

Each G5 trim gets its own power plant. The G5 base is powered by a 2.2-liter four cylinder, delivering 148 horsepower and 152 pound-feet of torque. The performance-oriented GT houses a 2.4-liter engine, bumping horsepower to 171 and torque to 167 pound-feet. Both engines are mated to a five-speed manual transmission, with a four-speed automatic available as an option. The G5's fuel economy is estimated at 24/33 mpg with the smaller engine and 22/31 mpg with the GT's mill.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2009 Pontiac G5

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User rating:
by Daniel K D
Jul 16, 2021
great all around vehicle, good color and option package Jul 16, 2021
by Tom B
Jun 30, 2021
Good value all around, with good looks and decent power.Jun 30, 2021
by Anonymous
Feb 09, 2015
The Pontiac G5 is a great car. for either a new driver and hard worker or the Sunday driver. Gas to maintenance its all in budget with this car. parts come cheap enough from GM that doing something yourself makes it possible to get it done or take it to the shop. Feb 09, 2015

2009 Pontiac G5 Pricing

Original MSRP
$16,275 to $19,575
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
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YoY price change
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Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Pioneer · Pioneer premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · XM-ready satellite radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.7 · Front brake width: 0.94 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.1 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Easy entry: manual rear seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio and cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 4

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.84

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler color: body-color

Header

Option Delete: Generic

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Headlights: auto delay off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Sunroof: tilt/slide

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit · Size: temporary

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.6 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.6

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: aluminum

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Pioneer · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 7

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.6 · Front brake width: 1.02 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.6 · Rear brake width: 0.55 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Easy entry: manual rear seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 4

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.84

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler color: body-color

Header

Option Delete: Generic

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Headlights: Auto on

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Sunroof: one-touch

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Kit: tire sealant · Size: temporary

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.6 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.6

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: painted aluminum

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive

See all trims (2)