| Subcompact car; Built in South Korea |
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| Good condition price range: $8,000 – $9,200* |
2009 Pontiac G3 Front
2009 Pontiac G3 Rear
2009 Pontiac G3 Interior
2009 Pontiac G3 Front
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Like the Chevrolet Aveo upon which it is based, G3 is not a quiet car. While we’ve not measured a G3’s fuel economy, our experience with the similar Aveo indicates that this Pontiac’s mileage would be unexceptional by class standards. A lack of available traction control and curtain side airbags further hurts G3’s appeal. On the plus side, G3 has a comfortable ride, decent road manners, and an inviting interior. Another potential demerit is the fact that the Pontiac brand has faded into non-existence; but that could actually cause used-G3 prices to sink even further than before, to tempting levels.
Overview
Introduced for 2009, the Pontiac G3 was a new entry-level vehicle for the U.S. market from this General Motors division. This subcompact, front-drive, four-door hatchback slotted below Pontiac’s GS, sharing its basic design and powertrain with the Chevrolet Aveo. Like Aveo, the G3 was built in South Korea. The lone G3 engine was as 106-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder that teamed with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Front side airbags were standard. Antilock braking was an option. Only one trim level was offered. Standard features included air conditioning and a CD/MP3 audio system. Prior to model-year 2009, the G3 was marketed in Canada as the Pontiac Wave (2009 Canadian models were called G3 Wave). Initially, all G3 models slated for the U.S. were four-door hatchbacks. A four-door sedan was sold in Canada, and planned for availability in the U.S. later in the model year. That body style failed to materialize. Pontiac’s G3 competed against the Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, and Scion xD.
