The Pontiac Pursuit G5, a compact car sold in Canada and later rebranded as the Pontiac G5 in the US, offered an affordable option for drivers seeking fuel efficiency and practicality. However, like any vehicle, some model years proved to be more reliable and desirable than others. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the best and worst years for the Pontiac Pursuit G5/G5, helping you make an informed decision when considering a used purchase.
| Model Year | Reliability & Key Features | Potential Issues |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 Pontiac Pursuit | First model year, decent fuel economy, basic features. Available in base and SE trims. | Early production quirks: Potential for minor electrical glitches. Limited safety features: Compared to later models. |
| 2006 Pontiac Pursuit | Improved interior materials compared to 2005. Engine options remained the same. | Continued electrical concerns: Though potentially addressed from 2005. Rust: A potential issue in regions with harsh winters. |
| 2007 Pontiac G5 | Rebranded from Pursuit to G5 in the US. Minor styling updates. | Ignition switch recall: This is a CRITICAL issue to verify is resolved. Power steering issues: Reports of loss of power steering. |
| 2008 Pontiac G5 | Improved safety features, including standard side airbags. Revised suspension for better handling. | Ignition switch recall: Still applicable; verify resolution. ABS sensor failures: Can lead to erratic braking. |
| 2009 Pontiac G5 | Final model year, considered the most refined. More standard features than earlier years. | Fewer reported issues: Compared to earlier model years. Parts availability: Could become a challenge in the future due to Pontiac's discontinuation. |
| 2010 Pontiac G5 | * Limited production year, mostly fleet sales. | Same issues as 2009: But potentially fewer available examples. Parts availability: Could become a challenge in the future due to Pontiac's discontinuation. |
Detailed Explanations
2005 Pontiac Pursuit: As the inaugural model year, the 2005 Pontiac Pursuit offered a simple and economical transportation solution. It came in base and SE trims, focusing on affordability and fuel efficiency. While offering a decent driving experience for its price point, it also had early-production quirks, especially in the electrical systems.
2006 Pontiac Pursuit: The 2006 Pursuit addressed some of the initial interior material quality concerns and refined the overall design. Engine options remained consistent with the previous year, providing adequate power for everyday driving. However, electrical issues, though possibly mitigated, persisted, and rust became a potential concern, particularly in regions with heavy road salt usage.
2007 Pontiac G5: The 2007 model marked a significant change as the Pursuit was rebranded as the G5 in the United States. There were minor styling updates, and the car continued to offer good fuel economy. However, this year is critically affected by the ignition switch recall, a severe safety issue that could cause the engine to stall and disable airbags. Furthermore, some owners reported power steering problems.
2008 Pontiac G5: The 2008 G5 saw improvements in safety features, including standard side airbags, enhancing occupant protection. The suspension was also revised, resulting in better handling and a more refined driving experience. Unfortunately, the ignition switch recall continued to plague this model year, requiring careful verification of its resolution. ABS sensor failures also emerged as a potential issue, potentially leading to erratic braking performance.
2009 Pontiac G5: As the final model year, the 2009 G5 is generally considered the most refined and reliable of the bunch. It came with more standard features and benefited from lessons learned in previous years. While fewer issues were reported compared to earlier model years, the impending discontinuation of the Pontiac brand raised concerns about future parts availability.
2010 Pontiac G5: The 2010 Pontiac G5 had a limited production run, primarily serving fleet sales. It shares similar characteristics and potential issues with the 2009 model. However, the scarcity of available examples and the ongoing concern about parts availability due to Pontiac's demise make it a less desirable option for most buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Pontiac G5 year is the most reliable? The 2009 Pontiac G5 is generally considered the most reliable due to its refined design and fewer reported issues.
Is the ignition switch recall a serious concern for the Pontiac G5? Yes, the ignition switch recall is a critical safety issue affecting 2007 and 2008 models; verify its resolution before purchasing.
Are there any common rust issues with the Pontiac G5? Yes, earlier models (2005-2006) are prone to rust, especially in regions with harsh winters and road salt.
What engine options were available for the Pontiac G5? The Pontiac G5 typically offered a 2.2L Ecotec inline-4 engine as the base option and a 2.4L Ecotec inline-4 engine as an upgrade.
Where was the Pontiac Pursuit sold? The Pontiac Pursuit was primarily sold in Canada.
Are parts readily available for the Pontiac G5? Parts availability might become a challenge in the future due to the discontinuation of the Pontiac brand.
Was the Pontiac G5 ever sold with a manual transmission? Yes, both automatic and manual transmissions were available for the Pontiac G5 depending on the trim level and year.
What kind of fuel economy can I expect from a Pontiac G5? Expect fuel economy in the range of 25-35 MPG on the highway, depending on the engine and driving conditions.
Did the Pontiac G5 come with anti-lock brakes? Yes, anti-lock brakes (ABS) were available on most models, although potential ABS sensor failures were reported on some years.
What should I look for when buying a used Pontiac G5? Check for rust, verify the ignition switch recall has been addressed, inspect the power steering and ABS systems, and thoroughly test drive the car.
Conclusion
While the Pontiac Pursuit G5/G5 offered affordability and decent fuel economy, some model years presented more challenges than others. The 2009 model is generally the best choice due to its refinements, while the 2007 and 2008 models necessitate careful inspection for the ignition switch recall. Always prioritize safety and reliability when choosing a used vehicle.