DecodedCars2009 Pontiac G3
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- Wave 4dr Hatch FWD /Se, Wave 4dr Sedan FWD /Se
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 30 combined · 27 city / 34 hwy
- Length
- 152.8–169.7 in
- Curb weight
- 2,436–2,531 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 30 MPG combined — 39% better than the average 2009 subcompact car (21.6 MPG).
- Few owner complaints8 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 25 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 6 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 Pontiac G3 is a subcompact car offered with a 1.6L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 153 inches long and 66 inches wide on a 98-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,436 lb (Wave 4dr Hatch FWD /Se).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 30 MPG combined (27 city / 34 highway), 39% better than the 2009 subcompact car average of 21.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,250 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wave 4dr Hatch FWD /Se | 152.8 in | 65.7 in | 59.1 in | 97.6 in | 57.1 / 55.5 in | 2,436 lb | 63/37 |
| Wave 4dr Sedan FWD /Se | 169.7 in | 67.3 in | 59.4 in | 97.6 in | 56.7 / 56.3 in | 2,531 lb | 62/38 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G3 Wave 5 | 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 34 / 30 | +39% | $2,250 | 296 |
| G3 Wave | 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 34 / 30 | +35% | $2,250 | 296 |
| G3 Wave 5 | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 34 / 28 | +30% | $2,400 | 317 |
| G3 Wave | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 34 / 28 | +26% | $2,400 | 317 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Pontiac G3 under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Pontiac G3 (this car) | 30 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2009 Toyota Yaris | 32 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2009 Hyundai Accent | 29 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2009 MINI Clubman | 32 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Scion tC | 24 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2009 Scion xD | 29 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2009 Suzuki SX4 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (1)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Fluid · Jul 29, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V460000 · 1,968 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Chevrolet Aveo and 2009 Pontiac G3 vehicles. The vehicles may contain brake fluid which does not protect against corrosion of the valves inside the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module, affecting the closing motion of the valves.
- Risk
- If the ABS valve corrodes it may result in longer brake pedal travel or reduced performance, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS module, free of charge, in any vehicle that did not have its module replaced under a previous customer satisfaction campaign. The recall began in late September 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), and 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac). GM's number for this recall is 14505.
Not every 2009 Pontiac G3 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 Pontiac G3 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 3 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Service Brakes — 2 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Power Train — 1 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 68,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 Pontiac G3. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other G3 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 G3 | 30 | 152.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Pontiac. How we calculate this →