Pontiac’s new compact coupe the G5 joins the model lineup for 2007, replacing the 2005 model Sunfire. The G5 combines performance in a sleek new design that incorporates Pontiac's signature grille, sculpted lines, and GM’s premium Ecotec engine. Designed on the same platform as the Chevrolet Cobalt with snappier styling, the competitively priced G5 coupe takes on economy sport coupes such as the Ford Focus and the Honda Civic.

The 2007 Pontiac G5 is all-new for 2007, offered in base coupe and GT trim levels. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, MP3-capable AM/FM/CD audio system, and a rear spoiler. The GT adds sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch painted aluminum wheels, sport rocker moldings, chrome exhaust tip, fog lights, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, leather-wrapped shift knob, and cargo net.

Top competitors to the Pontiac G5 include the Volkswagen Golf, Nissan Sentra, Toyota Corolla, Scion tC, and Dodge Caliber. The Pontiac G5 come with a powertrain warranty of 5 years or 100,000 miles.

The G5 base trim has a 2.2-liter (L) Ecotec engine that produces 148-horsepower (hp) and 152 lb-ft. of torque. The GT trim has a 2.4L variable valve timing Ecotec engine that generates 173 hp and 163 lb-ft. of torque.

A Getrag five-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard on both models. However, a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with overdrive is optional for both models.

EPA estimates rate fuel economy at 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.

The Pontiac G5 has a sculpted body with a low, broad stance and muscular styling. The coupe wears Pontiac's dual-port grille, sweptback headlamps, 15-inch wheels and a rear spoiler on a high deck, in keeping with its sporty nature. The G5 has a 103.50-inch wheelbase and is 179.80 inches long overall.

The base model of G5 rides on standard P195/60R15 Touring Blackwell tires and 15-inch steel wheels with full bolt-on wheel covers. The GT trim wears 17-inch forged, flangeless painted aluminum wheels and cruises on P205/50R17 Blackwell tires. P205/55R16 Touring Blackwell tires along with 16-inch custom spoke or machine-faced aluminum wheels are available as options on the Base G5 model.

Standard exterior features include Touring tires, compact spare tire, 15-inch steel wheels, power exterior mirrors, power windows, rear window defroster, tinted glass, dual sun visors, intermittent windshield wipers, front and rear bumpers, and a rear spoiler.

The G5 has a snug fit and is well appointed with 42.0 inches of front legroom and 38.1 inches of headroom. Bolstered seats are comfortable and supportive, interior plastics are a dark shade of grey, the dash features a hooded instrument panel with red-on-white gauges giving the interior a classy look even though the plastic used looks of poor quality. The center stack is neat and incorporates deeply recessed cup holders, controls for audio and air-conditioning.

Standard interior features include AM/FM Radio/ CD/MP3 Player, radio data system, interior air filter, manual air conditioning, carpeted floor mats. Seating and storage includes a 60/40 split rear seat, cloth upholstery, manually adjustable driver’s seat, floor storage console, 4 cupholders, and door mounted map pockets.

Optional packages include the Preferred, Premium, Security, Sport, and Sun & Sound Packages which include various value added features.

The G5 makes its debut in the niche compact sport coupe market, a segment that faces competition from SUVs and crossover vehicles. The G5 will compete in terms of performance, safety, ride quality, and accommodations. The G5 delivers a peppy performance and a quiet ride.

Standard safety features include driver airbag, passenger airbag, cutoff switch/sensor, side guard door beams, and a trunk anti-trap device. Side curtain airbags and vehicle theft tracking/notification are optional.

The G5 earned “Excellent” ratings for passenger safety; “Good” for driver safety and “Good” for side impact protection front and rear.