Which small car Pontiac would you choose?

[GMTruckGuy74]

Finances dictate that we consider a small, fuel-efficient vehicle if we go new (depending on the incentives GM offers and if I'm part of the pull-ahead program with my lease this month). Feel free to post your explanation after you vote, if you'd like.

[Croc]

Solstice. If you need some cargo and passenger space, then the G5 GT.

Edited April 2, 2009 by Croc

[GMTruckGuy74]

2009 Pontiac G5 GT Coupe in Performance Red Metallic:

- - OR - -

2009 Pontiac Vibe GT in Hot Red:

[Intrepidation]

Fit

wait for the Fiesta

[mustang84]

If I had a gun to my head, G5 GT. No real reason other than I'd rather have a coupe, although the new Vibe may be a better built / nicer vehicle.

Otherwise, give me a G8 or an old Firebird.

[GMTruckGuy74]

Solstice. If you need some cargo and passenger space, then the G5 GT.

Oh if a Kappa was in the running I wouldn't hesitate to put another Saturn SKY in my garage in a heartbeat!! The new car has to be able to carry more than the driver and one passenger.

[mustang84]

Do you have kids? If so, go with the Vibe...much less hassle.

[Camino LS6]

I'd look elsewhere...

[ocnblu]

I chose Vibe because you have a family. If you were single, I'd choose G5.

[Z-06]

I'd look elsewhere...

+1

[fightingbee]

G5 GT is great looking loaded out...but damn expensive full sticker price -wise. 23K for a non turbo'd delta? I think not. Better be some good rebates. Dealer near me had a program car GT with <100 mi. and basically everything except auto. down to 16K already.

I like the Vibe but it if your much over 6' the seat doesn't move back enough.

Fit Sport is really a pretty good deal for a small car.

[§carlet §wordfish]

G3

EXCITEMENT!!!

The Cobalt SS is what the base model G5 should be. So it would either be a Cobalt SS or, if I wanted to spend more up front, a 1-series 5-door.

[pow]

If you want something practical, get the Vibe... and in that case I'd choose the cheaper 1.8L over the GT. Around town, it's GM's most fuel-efficient car with a slushbox.

[Blake Noble]

I'd rather walk.

[daves87rs]

Don't waste the money on the GT..

Just get a 2.4 Model w/ 5 speed auto...gives that puppy some go...plus it will save like 4 grand....

I wouldn't waste the money on a G5...if you have to do that, just go Cobalt.

If you don't mind a little less, a bottom feeder Malibu LS or Impy LS can be had at or a bit more than what you might be spending...ditto w/ the G6......Plus, you get a bigger car.

Just food for thought.

[daves87rs]

If you want something practical, get the Vibe... and in that case I'd choose the cheaper 1.8L over the GT. Around town, it's GM's most fuel-efficient car with a slushbox.

Only if you like getting out and pushing your car...

Granted it's better than the old 1.8, but it is still slow....

[daves87rs]

G3

EXCITEMENT!!!

The Cobalt SS is what the base model G5 should be. So it would either be a Cobalt SS or, if I wanted to spend more up front, a 1-series 5-door.

Heck NO! NO G3!

[ocnblu]

GMTG74, stick to your guns, if you want a Pontiac, buy one. The only Vibe that looks good to me is the GT because of the rims, fascias, and interior upgrades. That would be the one I'd get.

[FUTURE_OF_GM]

Vibe GT, hands down... I think it looks good and could look even better with a few mods. Not to mention, it's more practical and since I've owned the Focus ZX3 I've had a sort of fetish for small, aggressive looking wagon thingys.

Honestly though, I would probably buy an HHR SS over anything right now if I were in the market for something small.

[Intrepidation]

Wait for the Fiesta or buy a Fit.

After all, if you buy a Vibe you're essentially buying a Toyota anyway, might as well get a better car.

[GMTruckGuy74]

Thanks for all of the replies, advice, and suggestions so far. Keep them coming.

As for why it must be a GM vehicle, I currently am in a GMAC SmartLease contract that expires in November. In March, GM offered a 5-month pull-ahead program (waived 5 payments) for leases expiring before October 31. I'm figuring GMAC will move the expiration date to include November this month, and that means I'd have to eat just one monthly payment to get out of my lease and into a finance deal. Also, that would mean I would have to buy a GM vehicle too. Plus the fact that my wife's company is entitled to theGM Supplier pricing discount program and the many additional incentives that come with it make it clear that a GM vehicle is the way to go.

As for why the Pontiac G5 GT or Vibe GT? I like Pontiacs over Chevys, and would like to put my money towards another Pontiac unit (even if it doesn't help GM out greatly). The wife would be the one getting this car, as she prefers to drive a smaller car on her 32-mile one way commute, and these are the two cars she likes and wants us to consider buying (well, really she wants the Vibe but will at least consider the G5). She said that she's be happy with a G3; however, I could never bring myself to put that car in my driveway. I really like the G5 GT styling (even if it is a rebadged Cobalt, I still like it better), and even though it's a 2-door only model my wife would be the sole person in the car 90% of the time (weekend duty would see it used for local errands, ect). As for the Vibe GT, that's what she really wanted last year when she bought the G6 - the incentives weren't on the Vibe at the time and I couldn't see spending $60-$80 more per month for the Vibe over the G6. As for the styling, she likes the racier looks of the GT model over the jelly-bean looks of the non-Gt model, so that trim level wins (ocnblu already pointed this out).

If I had the money I'd be getting a G8 V6 or GT model hands down - that's the one car I want desparetly. But in order to do what I need to with my SmartLease contract, I'd have to go new and not pre-owned or GM Certified. Seeing as how I will eventually need a new car regardless, might as well let the wife have what she really wants. And in the process I get the G6 V6 Sedan, as I prefer a car of that size or larger and have no desire whatsoever to own or drive a Vibe

[GMTruckGuy74]

And for what it's worth, if I was comfortable in a smaller car I'd go with the HHR hands down. The wife can't stand the HHR's styling one bit and refuses to even look at them, otherwise I'd ask her to look into that instead of a Vibe. And while I'm not ruling the Cobalt Sedan out yet, it can't be the SS model as that's a 5-speed manual only car and instead want to find a LT Sedan with the Sport Appearance Package if we go that route.

[trinacriabob]

I'd go for the entry-level G8. But if it doesn't pencil, pick one of the others you mention. The Vibe shares Matrix reliability, right? Hmmm. How about an entry-level 4-cyl Malibu?

[vonVeezelsnider]

If you don't mind a little less, a bottom feeder Malibu LS or Impy LS can be had at or a bit more than what you might be spending...ditto w/ the G6......Plus, you get a bigger car.

Don't waste your money on either. Get a Focus SES Coupe. Too bad you're not in Canada, you can get the Impala LS like mine with Alloys, Flip and Fold Seats, XM Radio and Spoiler. The Malibu LS isn't a bad idear either for that matter.

[daves87rs]

Ok, then Vibe GT...

[GMTruckGuy74]

Well, if the new car purchase was for me and I needed to stay under $27/$28k MSRP, I'd definitely look at the Malibu 2LT with the 3.6L V6 Engine Package and the HHR 2LT with the 2.4L Engine Package - and maybe consider a base G8 V6 (but I'd really want the GT model). Since this car would be for the wife, her choices are between the G5 GT and the Vibe GT right now.

We are going to the NYIAS on Monday, April 13 and will use that time to look at what else GM offers. I told her we're going to look at everything GM has on display and see what else she may consider (now if I hit the lottery, I told her to forget it and I'm getting a G8 GT!!). But keep in mind that this is all contingent on whether or not GMAC has expanded the pull-ahead program to include my lease date.

[Intrepidation]

I wonder how much better the Toyota Vibe drives than the last gen. I drove a last gen Matrix yesterday and it was terrible. The car felt very nervous and frigidity during hard stops. ABS made a lot of noise too. Hell, the old first gen Stratus I test drove yesterday as well stopped with more control.

[daves87rs]

I wonder how much better the Toyota Vibe drives than the last gen. I drove a last gen Matrix yesterday and it was terrible. The car felt very nervous and frigidity during hard stops. ABS made a lot of noise too. Hell, the old first gen Stratus I test drove yesterday as well stopped with more control.

It does...better pick up...a bit more "sporty"...

Looks like a jellybean though...

[Satty]

Not much of a choice. Between the two, I'd go Vibe for a multitude of reasons.

Take a good look at the Astra as well, they're having such a tough time unloading them, you might be able to get such a screaming value that the cars significant shortcomings are easier to overlook.

[gm4life]

Good for you GMC stick to your guns and get what you want... Clearly that is a Pontiac, my vote in a G5 GT or see what you can pick up a G3 for, might be suprised the Aveo5 and G3 are decent little cars. I like the look of the Vibe on the outside but not the Toyota interior or powertrains... I voted G5 and I am with you I like the Pontiac styling better than Chevrolet wonder why I got a Torrent over an Equinox? GET THE PONTIAC. Don't let any of the Pontiac haters on here talk you out of it.

[Intrepidation]

How about a Cobalt? It's the same damn thing as a G5 anyway.

+1 on the Astra.

[Camino LS6]

Good for you GMC stick to your guns and get what you want... Clearly that is a Pontiac, my vote in a G5 GT or see what you can pick up a G3 for, might be suprised the Aveo5 and G3 are decent little cars. I like the look of the Vibe on the outside but not the Toyota interior or powertrains... I voted G5 and I am with you I like the Pontiac styling better than Chevrolet wonder why I got a Torrent over an Equinox? GET THE PONTIAC. Don't let any of the Pontiac haters on here talk you out of it.

Pontiac haters?

NO.

G3,G5,Vibe haters. :AH-HA_wink:

[Satty]

The Aveo5 and G3 are decent cars?

I'll let you know when I stop laughing about that one, it may be a day or two.

Seriously Roger, the Aveo and G3 are crummy, unsafe, inefficient boxes of crap compared to just about every other vehicle on the road. Hell, I'd take a 5 year old Hyundai or Kia over an Aveo. I'd take a "mechanic's special" Escort off of Craigslist before I bought an Aveo or G3. I would paralyze myself from the waist down and use an electric wheelchair to get around before I would buy an Aveo or G3. I would pay for a chauffeured Town Car to take my loved ones anywhere they needed to go before I would allow one of them to drive an Aveo or G3.

[z28luvr01]

Don't beat around the bush, Satty. Tell us how you really feel.

What about a certified pre-owned base G6? You can probably get one for the money you'd spend on a new G3 or G5, and have a much bigger car that gets nearly the same fuel economy.

[CaddyXLR-V]

Corsa and Astra should have been Pontiacs. They would be even better if they found a way to fit AWD in them. Imagine the turbo 4cyl from the Solstice in an AWD Astra or Corsa. Sadly, there are no small Pontiacs I would recommend right now.

[GMTruckGuy74]

I haven't ruled out an Astra XR 5-door, thought the wife isn't crazy about them (yet, at least). I still don't like that they are "2008" models and as such are not discounted/incenticized enough to move them (I know, let the flaming begin for expecting more 'cash on the hood', but that's GM's fault for not selling them in '08 and trying to sell them now in 2009). We did go to the ASTRA "Ride & Drive' event back in December '07, and my wife wasn't thrilled with the ASTRAs we drove. But it all boils down to getting my wife behind the wheel without a salesperson so she can enjoy the drive without any sales stress, then she may open her mind up a bit. We'll see after visiting the NYIAS what she says.

If I decide that I can get comfortable in a small car and decide to make it mine, then the HHR and Astra will be what I'll be shopping. Now if incentives galore come out for the Memorial Day or 4th of July sales events, allowing me to get a slightly larger vehicle and going past the $20-$23k MSRP range, then I'll consider other GM suggestions. As it is right now, I have to go *NEW* in order to get out of my lease early, and since there's already a G6 in my garage, I won't be pursuing another one (not enough has changed on them, though a convertible would be nice).

And if I get a decent paying teaching job for September, or a decent paying job in the business world, maybe I'll hold out and look into the new '10 Equinox, seeing as how they're going to be starting at $23k!! http://www.autoweek.com/article/20090402/CARNEWS/904029973

[Satty]

The Astra isn't close to being a good enough car for what they were asking, thats all GM's fault. But if you get the price point down where it belongs the Astra becomes tolerable. They currently have $2500 on the hood, that gets a 5-door XR down to about $15,500 which is closer to where it belongs.

[Sixty8panther]

I voted neither.

1983 Pontiac T1000 is my FINAL answer.

(all joking aside, the G5 because it is a real GM)

[SoCalCTS]

buy the Toyota!

I mean... buy the Vibe. We need the jobs in California.

[Camino LS6]

buy the Toyota!

I mean... buy the Vibe. We need the jobs in California.

So tempting... but I'll let it slide.

[pow]

buy the Toyota!

I mean... buy the Vibe. We need the jobs in California.

The Toyota-equivalent, the Matrix, is made in Canada. So, yeah, the Vibe supports more American workers.

I rode in the back of a new Corolla today, which is like the sedan version of the Matrix. It's the anti-car, but honestly, it's very nice and comfortable. The seats are great, space is plentiful, and the ride comfort is amazing. Quiet, too.

[gm4life]

The Aveo5 and G3 are decent cars?

I'll let you know when I stop laughing about that one, it may be a day or two.

Seriously Roger, the Aveo and G3 are crummy, unsafe, inefficient boxes of crap compared to just about every other vehicle on the road. Hell, I'd take a 5 year old Hyundai or Kia over an Aveo. I'd take a "mechanic's special" Escort off of Craigslist before I bought an Aveo or G3. I would paralyze myself from the waist down and use an electric wheelchair to get around before I would buy an Aveo or G3. I would pay for a chauffeured Town Car to take my loved ones anywhere they needed to go before I would allow one of them to drive an Aveo or G3.

They really are nice little cars, I would rather have one of them than alot of the cars you mentioned. Go with the G5, Roger I know you'll love it!

[GMTruckGuy74]

Here's the '09 G5 GT coupe I found at the BPG dealer we've been purchasing from; it fits exactly what I'd want in a G5 GT:

I wonder what the "red tag" deal means? Only the G5's on the lot had them (all of teh G5s), and they don't list a price rather instruct you to see a salesperson for 'details'.

If I do go for teh G5 it would mean the wifey gets this car on a daily basis and I'd get the G6 as my dd. Now if I decide to go small for myself and for under $24k, I will definitely consider the blue HHR (2LT) I've posted/talked about before too:

And I think I will definitely consider a 2009 Pontiac Torrent AWD if there's a good amount of incentives on them due to the release of the new '10 Equinox & Terrain (late summer, early fall of course).

[daves87rs]

HHR!HHR!

*stomps feel*

[Satty]

The HHR definitely pwns your other choices in the styling department.

[Intrepidation]

Camaro LS starts at $22,995

[GMTruckGuy74]

Camaro LS starts at $22,995

While they are nice and I really like the RS-equipped models, unless GM offered a Pontiac Firebird I'm not biting on the Camaro. My first car was a '78 Camaro LT back in late '92, but I wanted a lated 2nd gen or late 3rd gen Firebird/Formula/Trans Am more at the time (unfortunately I couldn't fiond any Pontiacs in my price range and the Camaro was).

The HHR does have some style to it, and I really do like them. I will be checking it out out at the NYIAS late next week, and assuming I can get the seats arranged how I'd be comfortable, I'll have the whole family in it to see how it all works out. I haven't relinquished the new car purchase to the wife yet, since she did get to pick out the G6 for herself last year and wouldn't consider anything I recommended. I told her that she chose the G6 without regard to my input and that was her choice; why should I get stuck with a car I didn't pick out? I like the G6, but we decided to go back to "his and her" cars last year and I want to get something I like. The downside is that with me becoming jobless in July and no idea what the job market will be like in teaching or whatever else, car shopping really should be the VERY last thing on my list

[GMTruckGuy74]

Oh and that HHR is still available (checked it out last Saturday night after my niece's bday party; the dealer is in the town my sister lives in). That HHR has been there at least 2-3 weeks before I took the picture on March 15, and was still there on April 4th. Once I know what GMAC is doing with the pull-ahead program (still only covers leases until October 31), I'll be more active about searching for the AURA's replacement. At this point I think either late May or July 4th will be the earliest GMAC will include November leases for pull-ahead.

[caddycruiser]

Hmm, GM really does have quite a few interesting "smaller" choices. And to think, last year I almost was into an HHR myself. Still really like them, a lot, for various reasons. But, just...couldn't...do it. Then again, after a G6 GT, Malibu, and now G8 GT, that should be understandable.

The Pontiac "thing", aside from the G3, and even re-fascia'd G5 and all, really grabs me, which I never, ever, ever expected and I still don't understand. Ever since the G6, problematic and all, it just felt and looked right to me...of all the GM brands, go figure.

G5: Cool little side friend to your G6, refined enough, efficient, etc. and not exactly wow, but especially in GT form a cool little car that's more standout than a Cobalt. The awesome, awesome south Jersey dealer I bought my G8 from still has a leftover '08 GT in red apparently...hmm...?

G3: I know several Aveo drivers and they all love their cars, but most also use them as 2nd cars, town runabouts, or commuters. The Pontiac nose & such isn't a horrible thing, but isn't great either. I'd say not enough car, at least for what you'd want.

HHR: Fun little wagon that's not overly spacious like a lot of new small wagons, but fun, refined, efficient, etc. and not at all a bad choice.

Vibe: Kinda like the HHR but a Toyo, a slight bit more functional inside, etc. just not as distinctive, optionable, etc. And, well, not your typical new GM, both good and bad.

Really hard to say, except for our own personal preferences. Hopefully you can do some in depth looking, driving, etc. and get a good offer from GM, in time.

[gm4life]

GMCT that '09 G5 GT is pure sex, also do consider a "more basic" Torrent my wife and I, hell the family loves ours. Decent fuel economy, good styling, nice MCE in the center stack and pretty good pep. I would say personally get the G5 GT or Torrent but I am considering a G3 for another car so that might be a more economical option as well. Get what you want but I suggest getting a Pontiac, at least while you can! As for the HHR, I like them on the inside and in SS trim, but I am luke-warm on them from the outside.

Edited April 7, 2009 by gm4life