Segment:
Subcompact car, often categorized as a compact coupe or sedan.
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious buyers, younger drivers, those seeking economical transportation.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cobalt.
Styling:
Sporty coupe styling, available as a sedan as well. Shared platform with Chevrolet Cobalt.
Value Proposition:
Offered a relatively affordable entry point into GM's lineup with a youthful image.
Vehicle Systems:
Operation, maintenance, safety, controls, convenience features, basic troubleshooting.
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 250-300 pages (typical for a model year owner's manual).
Instrument Panel:
Gauges, warning lights, indicators, driver information center.
Controls:
Steering wheel controls, climate control, lighting, wipers, power accessories.
Infotainment:
Audio system operation, radio presets, CD player, auxiliary input.
Comfort Convenience:
Seats, seat belts, airbags, power windows, locks, mirrors, cruise control.
Safety Security:
Airbags, seat belt usage, child restraint systems, anti-theft system, road-side assistance information.
Driving Operation:
Starting the engine, shifting gears, braking, parking, fuel economy tips.
Maintenance:
Fluid checks (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire inflation, basic checks.
Emergency Procedures:
Flat tire changing, jump-starting a dead battery, warning light explanations.
Starting Operation:
Procedure for starting the engine, understanding ignition positions.
Refueling:
Correct fuel type, fuel door operation, capless fueling system (if applicable).
Luggage Compartment:
Opening, closing, and maximizing cargo space.
Wiper Operation:
Front and rear wiper operation, washer fluid activation.
Lighting Control:
Headlight operation (low/high beam), parking lights, interior lighting.
Climate Control Usage:
Operating the HVAC system, fan speeds, temperature, air recirculation.
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Understanding TPMS system alerts and recommended pressures.
Depth:
Focuses on user operation and basic maintenance, not in-depth mechanical or electrical diagnostics.
Compatibility:
Windows, Mac, Linux compatible.
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable PDF for quick information retrieval.
Quality:
High-resolution, printable quality.
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
Paper:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
Engine Code:
LDA (2.2L Ecotec L61)
Displacement:
2.2 Liters (2198 cc)
Configuration:
Inline-4 (I4)
Horsepower:
148 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
150 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Induction:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Emission Controls:
Catalytic Converter, On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)
Optional Engine Code:
LE5 (2.4L Ecotec)
Optional Engine Displacement:
2.4 Liters (2384 cc)
Optional Engine Horsepower:
169 hp @ 6200 rpm
Optional Engine Torque:
151 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Manual Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios would be detailed in a service manual, typically found in the owner's manual as general operation.
Automatic Features:
Overdrive, lock-up torque converter for improved efficiency.
Manual Fluid:
Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or equivalent is often specified for GM manual transmissions for longevity, though specific manual transmission fluids may also be listed.
Automatic Fluid:
Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags, otherwise rated differently).
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags, otherwise rated differently).
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Acceptable (for models with side airbags)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags Standard:
Frontal airbags for driver and passenger.
Airbags Optional:
Available front side-impact airbags, available curtain airbags (depending on trim).
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners, LATCH child seat anchors.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player and auxiliary input jack. Optional upgraded sound systems available.
Driver Information Center:
Provides fuel economy readouts, trip information, and warning messages.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Bluetooth:
Not typically standard on all trims for 2008, may be optional or part of an upgraded package.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil. Check manual for specific recommendations.
Tire Rotation:
Recommended every 7,500 miles.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.
Spark Plugs:
Typically iridium spark plugs with a replacement interval of 100,000 miles.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (Synthetic recommended for optimal performance and longevity)
Coolant Type:
GM Dex-Cool (Orange) Long-Life Antifreeze/Coolant
Common Complaints:
Some owners have reported issues with the ignition system, power steering, and certain interior trim components. Rattles and squeaks can also be present due to the car's platform.
Pontiac Legacy:
Pontiac was known for its sporty image and performance-oriented models within General Motors.
G5 Origin:
The G5 was a rebadged version of the Chevrolet Cobalt, introduced for the 2005 model year in Canada and North America for 2007. It served as a successor to the Pontiac Sunfire.
Production Years:
2005 (Canada) / 2007-2009 (North America)
Manufacturing Location:
Lordstown Assembly Plant, Ohio, USA (Shared with Chevrolet Cobalt).
