Most notable for the G3 is its exceptional fuel efficiency, for a car of its size, at least. Pontiac has managed to squeeze 34 MPG on the highway out of this little car, but this primarily thanks to its small 1.6-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine which delivers 106 horsepower with a manual 5-speed transmission.

If you are looking for luxury then the G3 isn’t the car for you, but a decent collection of utilities/entertainment systems are included and optional. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, power steering, front cloth bucket seats, and an AM/FM radio with a single CD player.

Safety features include front driver and passenger airbags and seat-mounted side airbags for the front row occupants. The 2009 Pontiac G3 also claims the most leg and arm room for passengers than any other small car. Not a bad little run about then, with fuel economy and pricing to suit first time buyers, it’s hard to see the G3 not being snapped up by a few savvy drivers come spring 2009.

It’s a Matrix in disguise, then? Not exactly, as it turns out though the Vibe is well dressed. The Vibes designers opted for some long and well defined lines to mark this car apart from competing products, including the Matrix. There’s also plenty of interior room, and a well laid out seating arrangement creates the optimum leg room for any passengers.

The base 1.8 model sports a 1.8-liter engine creating 132-hp. Base 2.4, AWD and GT models all use a 158-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder. 5-speed manual transmission is standard on the GT, and a 4-speed automatic is optional on the base 1.8 and standard on AWD versions.

Available safety features include ABS, antiskid system, traction control, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags as standard. OnStar assistance is standard with one year subscription to the service included.

The 2009 Pontiac Vibe is an unremarkable creature in almost every aspect, but this very fact makes it almost perfect for its target market. Consistently high safety ratings and a reliability rarely seen nowadays mean that you won’t get any nasty surprises driving it, but don’t expect any nice surprises either.

Notably, the Torrent is built on top of the decent Cheverolet Equinox design and engineering specifications. GM has a history of reusing designs from its various subsidiaries, and it has done well to choose the Equinox as a starting point.

Base Torrent trims use a 185-hp 3.4-liter V6 engine with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The sports themed GXP variation has a 264-hp 3.6-liter V6 and a 6-speed automatic giving the GXP a maximum towing capacity is 3500 lb. fairly standard for a midsize SUV, but this leaves the 185-hp engine falling a little short.

The 2009 Pontiac Torrent benefits from Pontiacs slightly more refined finishing for its interiors and parts, a fact that makes it a more complete package than its Equinox sister. Handing is somewhat superior also, with tighter suspension and a lower centre of gravity. This lends the Pontiac to road driving a little more than off-roading, a sentiment which is re-enforced by the basic trim’s slightly lop-sided power to weight ratio.

This year’s G5’s have their engines squelched down to a 2.2-liter inline-4 that produces a reasonable 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, it’s a shame though that GM have reduced this spec from 2008’s 2.4-liter engine, which was a rare feature giving the car a bit of character.

One thing that the G5 does well is internal fittings ñ it’s not space command, but GM has provided a decent array of entertainment/utility options. These do cost extra in most cases, but their optional inclusion at least gives the G5 a wider array of fittings than is common in cars in this price range.

GM doesn’t cut corners on safety features in any of their cars, and so the G5 is blessed with a range of standard safety equipment, and scored well in impact tests. Full-length side curtain airbags and antilock brakes come as standard.

Overall the 2009 Pontiac G5 is an underwhelming vehicle, but it is cheap and relatively cheerful. The availability of a range of optional extras make it a decent way to get a cheap car with exactly the specifications you desire, but don’t expect to wowed by its performance or handling.

What’s so exciting about the Solistice? It’s a fair question, and one that GM has been trying very hard to answer for the last few years. Perhaps most striking are the Solstices looks: The curved front end giving way to classic retro styling around the grill and wheel arches, the long low top bodywork. Certainly, the Solstice looks exciting!

It’s not falling short in the engine department either. GM has fitted the Solstice with a 2.4-liter DOHC Ecotec four-cylinder engine that makes 170 horsepower and 170 lb-ft. That’s a lot of power for a very light weight car, but it still makes excellent fuel economy with 28 miles per gallon on the highway.

Looks, power, handing. GM is not widely recognized for their handling and breaking technologies, but they haven’t short changed the Solstice. They have thrown in a decent quality four wheel independent suspension system and disk breaks to keep the Solstice feeling exciting, even in tight cornering.

Perhaps 2009 is the year of the Solstice. GM will certainly be hoping so, as they intend to release many other small cars based upon the Solstice’s body work. Overall the 2009 Pontiac Solstice is a hot little roadster with plenty to give.

The G6 uses a 3.5L, 224hp V6, but is available with a more economical co-Tec 2.4L 169hp 4 cylinder engine should it be desired. Both are perfectly capable engines and feel like they provide the right power to weight ratios for the cars. Each produce reasonable fuel economy with the V6 pulling 33 MPG on the highway.

Inside, the G6 is well built with good quality finishing and materials used on all surfaces. General Motors packs its entertainment/utility suite in with most cars around this price range and the G6 is no exception. An XM Satelite Radio, Monsoon surround sound system, 6-disk AM/FM CD and Radio player all come as standard.

As Pontiac set out to make a briskly tuned sports sedan, they would be let down by poor handing and breaking, fortunately the G6 is well catered for in this department. GM includes its StabiliTrack system with each 2009 Pontiac G6 Sedan, ensuring it can handle almost any weather condition on the roads and at most speeds.

Confident lines and an aggressive grill and head lamp design make the G8 stand out on any street, and I’ll even go so far as to say it does the BMW style better than BMW themselves. Underneath the bodywork is a chassis used in a number of Holden’s large Australian Cars.

The G8 comes in two trims; the standard and the GT. The standard offers a 256-hp 3.6-liter V6, while the GT has a 361-hp 6.0-liter V8. A 5-speed automatic transmission is standard on the standard, and a 6-speed automatic is standard on the GT. The basic engine provides a suitable amount of power to keep the G8 feeling powerful.

Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. There is also a range of entertainment / utility systems built in including OnStar assistance, Satellite radio and a wireless cell phone link.

Though the industry may be complex, the 2009 Pontiac G8 is not. It’s a well built car with decent quality parts and design, so you can’t go far wrong. Fuel economy is somewhat lacking, but it’s roughly comparable to others in its class.

The ‘08 Torrent has a lot in store for shoppers this year, specifically the latest GXP trim level that comes with a 264-horsepower 3.6-liter V6, six-speed automatic transmission and sport tuned steering and suspension components. However the base Torrent is powered by 3.4-liter V6 with 185hp and 210 pound-felt of torque. On the other hand, the base trim level is equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, a CD/MP3 player with an auxiliary audio jack, three 12- volt power points, a trip computer, full power accessories and OnStar. The Torrent GPX adds 18-inch wheels, dual exhaust outlets, privacy glass, remote which starting a sport instrument panel, special hood and body-color bumpers, front sport seats with multilevel heating, a power driver seat, steering-wheel audio controls and an auto dimming rearview mirror. Meanwhile, standard features provide better ride and handling characteristics compared before.

This midsize crossover SUV has three rows of seating. It also has a long wheelbase and a rear 60/40-split bench seat that can approximately slide 8 inches, thus providing more room for larger passengers and cargo. A 35 cubic feet of luggage space behind its upright rear seats also offers enough room.

When it comes to safety, the Pontiac Torrent earned a five-star rating for the protection of front occupants and likewise for front and rear occupant protection in its impact tests. Thanks to its antilock disc brakes, traction control, stability control with trailer-way mitigating technology and OnStar it’s able to provide maximum protection and security.

The 2008 Pontiac Torrent is indeed one of the best vehicles of its kind. It is not only stylishly designed but also safe and guarantees better ride performance.

The ‘08 Vibe combines the themes of SUV, minivan and compact sport sedan. Its features include  an elevated driving position, generous passenger room, and an attractive fuel economy. This short sedan is easy to maneuver and can be parked in a short period of time. Buyers may opt to provide power accessories, cruise control and even keyless entry. Moreover, a sunroof and upgraded audio system are also available. Meanwhile, other options include leather seating, satellite radio, and an in-dash six-disc CD changer.

This five-passenger wagon is equipped with a 1.8-liter 126-horsepower four-cylinder engine with matching five-speed manual transmission. Meanwhile, standard features include 16-inch wheels, air conditioning, a CD player and tilt steering. Moreover, chrome-ringed gauges and metallic accents help keep the Vibe more attractive. Its 60/40 split rear seat folds can offer up to 54 cubic feet of cargo space. In addition, fuel economy is guaranteed with 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway for manual transmission-equipped models.

Although front seat side airbags, side curtain airbags, stability control and antilock brakes are all optional, the 2008 Vibe is still safe. Based from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash tests, the Vibe was able to earn a perfect five stars in frontal-impact testing for the driver. Meanwhile, it garnered four stars for the front passengers. However, its body roll is minimal and turn-in is crisp.

The 2008 Pontiac Vibe is definitely a very good companion whether you are road tripping or freeway crossing, it is dependable and comfortable. Shoppers will sure be attracted and delighted by its affordability and fuel economy.

The ‘08 Pontiac G6 four-door sedan comes in four trim levels namely the entry-level Value Leader, base G6, GT and GXP. Coupes have either GT or GXP trim while the convertible is offered only as a GT. The G6 Value Leader sedan includes 16-inch wheels, air-conditioning, fully powered accessories, a four-way manual driver seat with power height adjustment, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, a tilt/telescoping steering column and CD player with an auxiliary audio jack. Meanwhile, the G6 adds 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control and remote keyless entry. On the other hand, the GT comes with V6 power, a sport-tuned suspension, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, and an eight-speaker Monsoon sound system with a subwoofer and satellite radio. The GXP trim includes additional features like 18-inch chromed wheels, a rear spoiler, automatic climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, a six-way power driver seat and heated front seats.

A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 164 horsepower and 158 pound-feet of torque runs the basic Value Leader and G6 sedans. GT comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 with 219 horsepower and 219 lb-feet of torque.

All 2008 G6s come standard with four-wheel disc brakes with ABS including integrated traction control. Moreover, full-length head-curtain and front side-impact airbags are standard on all G6 coupes and sedans while convertibles are equipped with front seat-mounted side-impact airbags.

The Pontiac G6’s seats feature prominent side bolstering to help keep you in place especially in bumpy roads. Furthermore, the cabin features chrome and faux metal accents.

The 2008 Pontiac G6 is packed with significant power and mechanical upgrades. Its stylish design and safety equipment offer a very enjoyable and comfortable ride for the whole family.

The ‘08 Pontiac Solstice comes in two trim levels namely the base and the performance-oriented GXP. Both have 18-inch wheels with 245/45 performance tires, a manual soft top with an acoustic headliner and a glass rear window with defogger, a tilt steering wheel, OnStar telematics, a trip computer and an audio system with satellite radio. In addition, both are equipped with a CD/MP3 player and an auxiliary jack. To these, the GXP adds a turbocharged engine, a limited-slip differential, dual exhaust outlets, foglamps, cruise control, full power accessories, keyless entry and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Meanwhile, air-conditioning, leather seating, upgraded audio with a six-disc CD changer, sport pedals and the Club Sport Package are optional.

With regard to engines, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 177 hp and 166 pound-feet of torque powers the base Solstice. On the other hand, the GXP uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four that generates 260 hp and 260 lb-ft. Owners may opt for a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic.

Safety is at the top of the list of the 2008 Solstice. To address this major concern, four-wheel disc brakes are standard on both trims. Meanwhile, ABS and stability control are standard only on the GXP and optional in the base trim. Based on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash testing, the 2008 Pontiac Solstice scored four stars for both frontal and side-impact tests.

The 2008 Pontiac Solstice combines appealing styling, plentiful grip, powerful acceleration and attractive pricing, making it more competitive with other roadsters of its kind.

The ‘08 Grand Prix is a four-door sedan that comes in two trim levels namely the base and the GXP. The base model delivers 16-inch alloy wheels, full power accessories, keyless entry, cruise control, OnStar and a CD player. On the other hand, the GXP model comes with a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels with performance tires, an upgraded stereo system, heated front seas, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control and a head-up display. Meanwhile, a Sun and Sound package that includes a sunroof and a nine-speaker Monsoon stereo with in-dash six-disc CD player are also available in both trim levels. Other options include a navigation system and satellite radio.

The Pontiac Grand Prix has only two available engines. The base model is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 that produces 200 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque. On the other hand, the GXP generates 303 hp and 323 lb-ft of torque with its upgraded 5.3-liter V8 engine. Both models are front-drive and feature a four-speed automatic, with the GXP featuring a manual-shift mode.

Interior features include reasonable accommodations compared with other midsize sedans. The trunk is equipped with 16 cubic feet of luggage space, allowing passengers enough space for their things. It has a sloping roofline with a hard rear bench situated low on the floor.

The Grand Prix is equipped with several safety features. Standard in both trims is a tire-pressure monitor while antilock brakes and traction control are optional on the base trim and standard on the GXP. It garnered five for its protection of the driver in head-on collisions based from the tests conducted by NHTSA.

The 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix combines affordability, practicality, and maneuverability, making it one of the most popular midsize sedans in the country.

The ‘08 Pontiac G5 model is actually patterned after the Chevrolet Cobalt coupe. Except for very minor differences in exterior and interior designs, the two are almost the same. The G5 takes pride in its sporty profile and respectably powerful engines all at a very affordable price. In addition, it is also a product of General Motors’ “Designed for Action” brand.

The 2008 G5 is a compact sport coupe available in two trims, namely the base and the GT. The base G5 includes 15-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, full power accessories, and remote keyless entry. In addition, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, satellite radio an a CD/MP3 player with an auxiliary audio jack. To these, the GT trim adds 17-inch aluminum wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, foglamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls. Meanwhile, superb entertainment is provided by a Pioneer seven-speaker audio system. Furthermore, a six-CD changer, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a sunroof and remote vehicle starting are also available in both models. You may also personalize the Pontiac G5 by installing other accessories like 18-inch wheels, cat-back exhaust system, custom-colored interior lighting, high-mount spoiler and a body ground-effects package.

The base G5 is powered by a 2.2-liter inline four-cylinder with 148 horsepower and 152 pound-feet of torque. On the other hand, a 2.4-liter engine generating 141 horsepower and 167 lb-ft of torque powers the GT. Both trims are connected to a standard five-speed manual transmission with an option of a four-speed automatic transmission.

When it comes to safety, the GT has four-wheel antilock disc brakes while the base G5 comes with rear drums. Full-length side curtain airbags are standard too.

The 2008 Pontiac G5 gives adequate power and renders a smooth ride. However, this may not be a very good choice for those who look for an exciting behind-the-wheel experience because it lacks handling response and overall refinement.