The Pontiac G5 coupe is a rebadged version of the Chevrolet Cobalt with a few small tweaks, which even two years ago did not do great things. However it is one thing to rebadge a car when the economy is booming, and completely another thing to do it in a recession. Now in these troubled times, the 2009 Pontiac G5 looks downright unloved, with little to speak for it apart from a nice-looking exterior and good fuel economy. In performance, interior styling, comfort, and handling, the G5 is unspectacular, however on the bright side, there is always a market in the US for unspectacular rental cars (that are ordinary enough that they won’t get stolen) and the Pontiac G5 may just find its niche there.
2009 Pontiac G5 Performance
Last year’s 2.4-liter engine option has given way this year to a slightly more powerful base model, which for many loses the main attraction of the G5. The Ecotec DOHC 2.2-liter four cylinder produces 155hp and 150lb-ft of torque, up 7hp on last year thanks to the variable valve timing that debuts this year. This variable valve timing also improves the fuel economy, making a really quite impressive and top-of-the-class 25-37mpg city/highway with a five-speed manual. Going for the four-speed automatic will reduce that by a few mpg.
Handling on the 2009 Pontiac G5 is perhaps the least spectacular part of this already unspectacular car. The trouble is of course that the coupe segment of the market is dominated by sports coupes which combine performance with sporty styling. The Pontiac G5 just can’t cut it in this company, serving up limp unresponsive steering and the kind of body roll that is usually reserved for SUVs. Suspension is tuned to the comfort end of the spectrum which does not help the body roll, but it does maintain a reasonably comfortable ride for passengers.
2009 Pontiac G5 Interior and Features
The interior of the Pontiac G5 is…you guessed it, unspectacular. Budget materials and an over-use of hard plastic surfaces do nothing to make the passenger feel comfortable. Seats are also hard and make it difficult to find a comfortable position, although there is adequate leg and head room for most people. The rear seat is another story however, offering minuscule legroom and constantly reminding that this is a coupe, not a sedan. The two-door arrangement makes access to the already tight rear seats a considerable contortion exercise, and one better left to children who may still enjoy the novelty factor.
There are two trims available on the Pontiac G5. The base model features 15-inch wheels, air conditioning, CD/MP3 player with satellite radio, OnStar emergency communication system, split-folding rear seats and cloth trim. The upgraded G5 GT trim (which is called XFE when it includes the 5-speed manual) adds 17-inch wheels, sports tuned suspension and other sporty touches, Bluetooth, iPod connectivity, steering wheel-mounted Audio and an upgraded stereo.
There are plenty of options on top of these standard features which help to glam up your G5 just a bit. You can go for the leather seats, cruise control, upgraded stereo on the base model, sunroof, 16-inch wheels and remote engine start amongst other choices.
2009 Pontiac G5 Safety
The 2009 Pontiac G5 gained the full five stars in government crash testing for front impact situations, and four stars in side impacts. Front, front side and side curtain airbags are all standard for all G5s, as well as the passenger sensing system that only deploys the airbags that are needed. Electronic stability control, traction control and ABS brakes are standard to prevent loss of control in emergency situations.
Safety features:
• Electronic stability control, 4 wheel ABS, traction control
• OnStar emergency communication
• Dual-front, front side and side impact airbags
• Daytime running lights
• Tire pressure monitor
Overall the 2009 Pontiac G5 coupe really only comes close to being a “sports coupe” in the GT trim that adds sports tuning features. Otherwise this coupe is a sedate and mediocre vehicle that seems destined to have a rough ride ahead with the economic climate putting so much pressure on the automotive industry (not the least being GMC).