Pontiac G5 problems
The Chevrolet Cobalt is a compact car introduced by Chevrolet in 2004 for the 2005 model year. The Cobalt replaced both the Cavalier and the Toyota-based Geo/Chevrolet Prizm as Chevrolet's compact car. The Cobalt was available as both a coupe and sedan, as well as a sport compact version dubbed the Cobalt SS. Like the Chevrolet HHR and the Saturn ION, it was based on the GM Delta platform.
A Pontiac version was sold in the United States and Mexico under the G5 name for 2007–2009. It was sold as the Pontiac G4 in Mexico for 2005–2006 and as the Pontiac G5 in Canada for its entire run (where it was briefly known as the Pontiac Pursuit and later Pontiac G5 Pursuit). The G5 replaced the Cavalier-related Pontiac Sunfire. While the Cobalt was available as a 2-door coupe and a 4-door sedan in all markets it was offered in, the G5 was only available as a coupé in the United States while a sedan version was sold alongside the coupé in Canada and Mexico.
As with their predecessors, all Cobalts and its Pontiac equivalents were manufactured at GM's plant in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico and Lordstown, Ohio. The United States Environmental Protection Agency classified the Cobalt as a subcompact car.
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Pontiac G5 model years
Common Pontiac G5 problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Pontiac G5, several common problems have been reported:
- Transmission Problems:
- Owners of the Pontiac G5 have reported transmission issues, such as no reverse, slipping, and harsh shifting, especially in vehicles equipped with the 4T45E and 6T70 transmissions. These problems can affect the drivability and performance of the car, necessitating repairs or replacements.
- Electrical Problems:
- Electrical issues have been a common complaint among Pontiac G5 owners, including problems with electric locks, ignition key removal difficulties, and rapid taillight burnouts. These issues can be frustrating and impact the convenience and safety features of the vehicle.
- Wheel Bearing Problems:
- Wheel bearing problems have been highlighted by some owners, particularly in higher mileage vehicles. Issues with wheel bearings can lead to noise, vibration, and potentially affect the handling and safety of the car.
- Interior Concerns:
- Some complaints have been raised regarding interior components, with reports of failures in electrical components after a certain period of use. These issues can impact the comfort and functionality of the vehicle's interior features.
- Steering Issues:
- Steering problems have been mentioned by owners, indicating potential issues with the steering system that can affect the handling and safety of the Pontiac G5. Proper steering functionality is crucial for safe driving.
- Fuel System Troubles:
- Fuel system complaints have been noted, highlighting issues that can affect the fuel delivery and efficiency of the vehicle. Problems with the fuel system can lead to performance issues and potentially impact the overall driving experience.
These common problems reported by Pontiac G5 owners emphasize the importance of regular maintenance, timely repairs, and thorough inspections to address these issues promptly and ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.
Is a Pontiac G5 a reliable car?
An extremely reliable, fun car
It's extremely dependable, and it's a lot of fun to drive.
What is the life expectancy of a 2007 Pontiac G5?
100,000-150,000 miles is the life expectancy of american made and 150-200,000 can be somewhat common on foreign made cars.
Is the 2009 Pontiac G5 a good car?
While the 2009 Pontiac G5 offers enough power for the average commuter, handling will most likely disappoint, particularly on the base model. An abundance of body roll and numb steering limit the driver's overall connection to the car -- but to the G5's credit, the ride is both smooth and quiet.
What year did they stop making Pontiac G5?
2009
General Motors discontinued the Pontiac G5 in the United States in 2009.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Pontiac G5 years
We have researched Pontiac problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Pontiac G5 cars and compiled the top 4 most problematic Pontiac G5 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Pontiac G5 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Pontiac G5 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Pontiac G5 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Pontiac G5 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Steering problems
- Electrical system problems
- Air bags problems
- Gasoline problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Pontiac G5 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by G5 model years
A total of 39 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by G5 model years
There were a total of 3 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by G5 model years
There were a total of 36 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by G5 model years
There were a total of 6 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 372 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Pontiac G5 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Pontiac G5 vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Pontiac G5 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-04-12
- VIN: 1G2AL18F387
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Not sure if ignition has ever been changed but I’ve been reading that there is a recall on my eps system as to that matter I have no power steering and would like to kno if it will be covered if I take it to gm dealership close to me
Pontiac G5 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-10
- Date Complaint: 2023-10-10
- VIN: 1G2AL18F887
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G5. The contact stated that while driving at 2 MPH, the steering wheel had become firm. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not towed or taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,400.
Pontiac G5 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-20
- Date Complaint: 2023-06-20
- VIN: 1G2AL15F977
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Fuel leaking which appears to be on top of fuel tank. Smell of gas is present inside and outside of vehicle.
Pontiac G5 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-27
- Date Complaint: 2023-05-03
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G2AL18F287
- Components: AIR BAGS,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G5. The contact stated that while making a right turn in an intersection the vehicle failed to accelerate causing a crash with a second vehicle. During the crash, the air bags did not deploy. The driver sustained a shoulder and back injury and the passenger sustained a left torso injury which required medical treatment. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was undetermined.
Pontiac G5 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-30
- Date Complaint: 2023-02-02
- VIN: 1G2AN18B187
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The airbag warning light came on having no prior issues with the car. The car was taken to the local GM dealer, [XXX]. Diagnostics have revealed the Passenger Presence Module may be defective and was not communicating with the SDM. The passenger airbag goes into default mode and turns the airbag off, posing a safety threat to a front passenger. This symptom first appeared August 2022. The vehicle had approximately 120,000 miles on it. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Pontiac G5 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2022-04-05
- Date Complaint: 2022-04-11
- VIN: 1g2al18f687
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G5. The contact stated while driving the vehicle into the garage, there was an abnormal gasoline fumes odor. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed with rusted fuel lines from underneath the engine to the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was currently being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 33,000.
Pontiac G5 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2021-11-01
- Date Complaint: 2022-02-03
- VIN: 1g2al15fx77
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2007 Pontiac G5. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel locked inadvertently. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that both the power steering motor and steering column needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. Upon investigating the cause of the failure, the contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V073000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Pontiac G5 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2021-07-22
- Date Complaint: 2021-07-22
- VIN: 1g2al55f277
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The power steering has gone out 3 times in the last 3 years. I took my car into an auto repair shop each time as it stopped working and wouldn't come back on. Each time they replaced my rack and pinion. The replacements were on 10-02-2019….....10-06-2020......and July 22, 2021. I shouldn't have to replace the rack and pinion 3 times in less than 3 years.
Pontiac G5 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-01
- Date Complaint: 2021-06-14
- VIN: 1G2AT18H597
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2009 Pontiac G5. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the odor of fuel was present. Upon inspection, it was discovered that fuel had leaked from above the fuel tank. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local unknown dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure however, no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA campaign number: 12V459000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 129,000.
Pontiac G5 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-10
- Date Complaint: 2021-06-10
- VIN: 1g2as18h097
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: My 2009 Pontiac G5 was driven to work this morning 6-10-21and parked in a Michigan State vehicle garage. Security notified me at work that my vehicle had a puddle of gas under and near a rear tire. I removed vehicle frome parking garage and parked it in a remote open parking lot. A gas leak in a car is dangerous, and a safety issue for me and others , especially in a parking garage!!! The vehicle has always been maintained as I am the original owner of the car. The car will be delivered to the dealer for inspection on 6/14/21. There are no recalls on this car . Opon my own investigation after the incident, there are numerous complaints logged into NHTSA of a rust issue of the fuel line where it is clamped near the fuel tank. There is also reports of crack developing at the intank fuel pump connection. ALL Cobalts,G5 's and other variations of this vehicle should be recalled immediately and inspections of the fuel system be reported back to NHTSA. Was there a fire? My answer is "NOT YET".
Pontiac G5 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2020-06-17
- Date Complaint: 2021-01-29
- VIN: 1G2AS18H797
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: FUEL LINE LEAKAGE - GAS LEAKS OUT QUICKLY UNTIL THE TANK IS EMPTY. THE CAR IS UNDRIVABLE IN THIS CONDITION, WHICH SEEMS TO BE A HUGELY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2009 PONTIAC G5. A MASSIVE GAS LEAK IS A SAFETY CONCERN.
Pontiac G5 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2020-10-03
- Date Complaint: 2020-10-03
- VIN: 1G2AN18B287
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: LEAKY FUEL LINES TOWARD THE LEFT REAR WHEEL WELL. LARGE PUDDLES OF GASOLINE UNDER THE CAR WHEN PARKED. VISIBLE GAS LEAK
Pontiac G5 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2020-09-21
- Date Complaint: 2020-09-21
- VIN: 1G2AL18H697
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: FUEL LEAKING FROM FUEL LINES ON DRIVER SIDE JUST IN FRONT OF REAR WHEEL WELL.
Pontiac G5 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2020-09-18
- Date Complaint: 2020-09-19
- VIN: 1G2AL15F277
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: ON 9/28/2020 POWER STEERING COMPUTER LIGHT CAME ON CAR WOULD NOT STEER AT ALL. FELT LIKE STEERING COLUMN WAS LOCKED UP.BACKED CAR BACK TO FRONT OF HOUSE. WHEN THIS ORIGINALLY OCCURRED, THE CAR WAS ONLY MOVED A HALF OF CITY BLOCK.
Pontiac G5 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2020-08-21
- Date Complaint: 2020-08-21
- VIN: 1G2AS18H997
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL LINE ON THE DRIVER SIDE.
Latest 5 recalls Pontiac G5
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 21 recalls for different components of the Pontiac G5.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Pontiac G5 2009
- Report Received Date: 2014-04-30
- Manufacturer: UCI-FRAM Group
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
- Summary: UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year vehicles during repair and replacement of the original ignition switch. The weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the affected ignition switches to move out of the run position, turning off the engine and disabling the air bags.
- Consequence: If the ignition switch moves from the run position to accessory, the car would stall and the air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the occupants.
- Remedy: UCI-FRAM Group has notified its purchasers to quarantine and return all inventory. Any switches already installed in vehicles will be replaced by GM dealers as part of NHTSA recall 14V-047, free of charge. UCI-Fram's purchasers should contact UCI-FRAM Group at 1-800-890-2075. GM vehicle owners requiring additional information on that recall campaign should contact GM at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac) or 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn).
- Model: Pontiac G5 2010
- Report Received Date: 2014-04-30
- Manufacturer: UCI-FRAM Group
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
- Summary: UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year vehicles during repair and replacement of the original ignition switch. The weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the affected ignition switches to move out of the run position, turning off the engine and disabling the air bags.
- Consequence: If the ignition switch moves from the run position to accessory, the car would stall and the air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the occupants.
- Remedy: UCI-FRAM Group has notified its purchasers to quarantine and return all inventory. Any switches already installed in vehicles will be replaced by GM dealers as part of NHTSA recall 14V-047, free of charge. UCI-Fram's purchasers should contact UCI-FRAM Group at 1-800-890-2075. GM vehicle owners requiring additional information on that recall campaign should contact GM at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac) or 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn).
- Model: Pontiac G5 2007
- Report Received Date: 2014-04-30
- Manufacturer: UCI-FRAM Group
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
- Summary: UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year vehicles during repair and replacement of the original ignition switch. The weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the affected ignition switches to move out of the run position, turning off the engine and disabling the air bags.
- Consequence: If the ignition switch moves from the run position to accessory, the car would stall and the air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the occupants.
- Remedy: UCI-FRAM Group has notified its purchasers to quarantine and return all inventory. Any switches already installed in vehicles will be replaced by GM dealers as part of NHTSA recall 14V-047, free of charge. UCI-Fram's purchasers should contact UCI-FRAM Group at 1-800-890-2075. GM vehicle owners requiring additional information on that recall campaign should contact GM at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac) or 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn).
- Model: Pontiac G5 2008
- Report Received Date: 2014-04-30
- Manufacturer: UCI-FRAM Group
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
- Summary: UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year vehicles during repair and replacement of the original ignition switch. The weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the affected ignition switches to move out of the run position, turning off the engine and disabling the air bags.
- Consequence: If the ignition switch moves from the run position to accessory, the car would stall and the air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the occupants.
- Remedy: UCI-FRAM Group has notified its purchasers to quarantine and return all inventory. Any switches already installed in vehicles will be replaced by GM dealers as part of NHTSA recall 14V-047, free of charge. UCI-Fram's purchasers should contact UCI-FRAM Group at 1-800-890-2075. GM vehicle owners requiring additional information on that recall campaign should contact GM at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac) or 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn).
- Model: Pontiac G5 2010
- Report Received Date: 2014-04-10
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
- Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.
- Consequence: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.
- Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. For vehicles that were built with the redesigned ignition cylinder or had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac owners at 1-800-762-2737, and Saturn owners at 1-800-553-6000. General Motors' number for this recall is 14113 for the ignition lock cylinder and key replacement, and 14133 for only key replacements. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.
Latest negative Pontiac G5 car reviews
Latest positive Pontiac G5 car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2008
The dealership was really great and friendly. However, I have been experiencing an issue where the car pulls and roars every time I give it gas or go up a hill. It's not supposed to behave like that. I have taken it to the dealership, but they said there was nothing wrong with it. I will keep taking it back until the issue is resolved.
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Vehicle year: 2008
Haven't spent much other than tires and oil changes. Your vehicle runs great and will continue to do so for another 12 years!
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Vehicle year: 2009
As a 19-year-old who is 6ft and 210lb, I found the car to be very comfortable. I absolutely love the styling, and it looks fantastic when it's well taken care of. Although I found the e-brake under the armrest to be a bit odd, it wasn't really a problem. Even though I drive very aggressively, I still get great gas mileage. Compared to my previous vehicle (2003 Aztek), it's extremely fun to drive. While it does tend to lag slightly until you reach 40+ mph, this can be easily remedied with affordable after-market parts such as performance exhaust and intake.
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Vehicle year: 2007
The vehicle runs really well and handles bumps in the road with ease. It also takes turns smoothly and I haven't encountered any issues so far. Additionally, the front seats offer ample legroom for those with longer legs.
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Vehicle year: 2007
I bought a 07 G5 for my son when he was 17, to use for school and college. The car has 53,000 miles on it. The only issue we've had so far was a small gas leak at the top of the gas tank, but GM (goodwill policy) replaced it under warranty. Overall, the car has been very reliable and safe. I'm a loyal GM customer and will continue to buy their vehicles.
Are you having problems with your Pontiac G5?
Misael Lemke 2024-10-13
Vehicle year: 2009
The exterior styling of the G5 is quite nice, but I was a bit disappointed with the actual gas mileage. The fit and finish is typical of a domestic car, with lots of hard plastics. It's not bad, but it's not particularly appealing either.
Jerrell Ruecker 2024-10-08
Vehicle year: 2008
I am sorry to hear about your negative experience with GM products. It sounds like you had some issues with your 05 Pontiac G6 and your 08 G5. I understand that you needed a commuter car with better gas mileage, but it seems like the G5 did not meet your expectations. It is disappointing to hear that you had to take it to the shop multiple times and that you experienced issues with the engine, wind noise, rattles, and rough shifting transmission. I hope that you are able to find a car that better suits your needs and provides a more positive experience.
Santiago Wisozk 2024-10-07
Vehicle year: 2008
I purchased this car in January with the hope of saving on gas, given the high gas prices at the time. However, I was disappointed with my experience. As an avid weightlifter and a big guy at 6'2 and 260 pounds, I found that my upper body felt cramped in the car due to its size and lack of headroom. I would not recommend this car to bigger guys as it may not be comfortable for them.
Mack VonRueden 2024-10-02
Vehicle year: 2007
The G5 has been a major disappointment compared to our previous Pontiac Sunfire. Despite being under warranty, the dealership has failed to address the persistent issues we've had with the keys, which have caused problems with opening the doors, trunk, and starting the car. The keys have worn out after just one year of driving, causing significant inconvenience. Additionally, the noise while driving is unbearable. These issues need to be addressed immediately to ensure a satisfactory driving experience.
Hailey Champlin 2024-09-29
Vehicle year: 2009
I hope you're doing well! I wanted to share my experience with the car I recently purchased. I was able to take advantage of some great rebates, including 'owner loyalty' and GM Card fun bucks, which helped me get a car with an MSRP of 19K for only 12K before taxes! While the interior is functional and looks okay, I did notice some issues with the exterior body panels not fitting properly. However, the car handles well and has adequate acceleration with the 5-speed manual transmission. It's definitely an upgrade from my 2002 Toyota Corolla! The only downside is the poor rear visibility, which almost made me reconsider my purchase. Overall, I'm happy with my decision, especially since it's a well-equipped commuter car that I can eventually pass down to my kid. Thanks for listening!