The 2009 Pontiac G3 is a five-door five-passenger subcompact hatchback offered in a well equipped single trim level. The G3 looks small on the outside, but provides maximum cargo space and a host of other features in its roomy cabin. This hatchback is backed by Pontiac’s extensive warranty coverage that includes 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, 5-year/100,000-mile drivetrain warranty, 6-year/100,000-mile corrosion warranty, and 5-year/100,000-mile roadside assistance warranty.

Power and Performance

Underneath the hood of the 2009 G3 is a 106-horsepower 1.6-liter ECOTEC four-cylinder engine. The G3 offers a front-wheel drive and a standard five-speed manual transmission. A four-speed automatic transmission is optional. The manual transmission’s EPA-estimated fuel economy stands at an impressive 27 mpg in city and 34 mpg on highways while the data with automatic drops down to 25/34/mpg.

Build and Styling

On the exterior, the 2009 G3 gets 14-inch steel wheels; rally-inspired front fog lamps; compact spare tire; and front all-season tires. Sport Package featuring 15-inch painted aluminum wheels, leather-clad shift knob, and leather-wrapped steering wheel; power tilt/sliding sunroof; and sunroof sunshield are available as options.

Standard interior features given on the 2009 Pontiac G3 include cloth seats; front bucket seats with driver and front passenger manual fore/aft, recline, and height-adjustable head restraints with accessory hook; driver lumbar; pass-through rear seat; air-conditioning; auxiliary input jack; six-speaker AM/FM stereo system with CD player; and MP3 playback. The G3’s interior can hold 42 cubic feet of cargo. XM Radio with a free three-month trial is available.

Safety Features

Dual-stage frontal and side-impact airbags for the driver and front passenger; passenger airbag on/off switch; GM’s exclusive one-year OnStar Safe and Sound Plan; daytime running lights; child safety locks; and tire pressure monitoring system are some among innumerable safety elements offered on the 2009 Pontiac G3.

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