Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV / Hatchback
Key Value Proposition:
Practicality, fuel efficiency, versatility, and affordability, often targeting younger buyers or those seeking a compact and maneuverable vehicle.
Primary Competitors:
Toyota Matrix, Mazda3 Hatchback, Honda Fit, Ford Focus Hatchback.
Platform Sharing:
Shares platform and many components with the Toyota Matrix (GM/Toyota collaboration).
Body Styles:
5-door hatchback.
Powertrain Controls:
Operation of engine, transmission controls, and dashboard indicators.
Chassis Systems:
Information on brakes, steering, suspension (owner-level understanding).
Electrical System:
Operation of lights, wipers, power outlets, basic fuse information.
Climate Control:
Operation of HVAC system, including manual and automatic climate control features.
Infotainment Audio:
Operation of audio system, radio, CD player, and any available speaker configurations.
Safety Restraints:
Details on airbags, seat belts, child seat installation (LATCH system).
Instrument Panel:
Explanation of all dashboard gauges, warning lights, and indicators.
Routine Checks:
Checking tire pressure, fluid levels (oil, coolant, washer fluid).
Fluid Checks Top-Offs:
Instructions for checking and adding essential fluids.
Tire Changing:
Guidance on using the spare tire and jack.
Jump Starting:
Safe procedures for jump-starting the vehicle.
Fuse Replacement:
Identification and replacement of common fuses.
Bulb Replacement:
Guidance on replacing exterior and interior light bulbs.
Cleaning And Care:
Recommendations for interior and exterior cleaning.
Depth Level:
Owner-level operation, basic maintenance, and emergency procedures. Does not cover in-depth mechanical diagnostics or repair procedures typically found in service manuals.
Engine Code And Type:
ZZ Engine (Toyota-sourced), 2.4L DOHC 4-Cylinder (2AZ-FE)
Horsepower:
158 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Redline:
Approx. 6500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline, 87 Octane (Recommended)
Bore X Stroke:
88.5 mm x 96.5 mm
Valve Train:
Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder, Variable Valve Timing (VVT-i)
AWD Availability:
Available on certain models (typically with automatic transmission).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron VI or equivalent (check manual for exact specification and capacity).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil (check manual for exact specification and capacity).
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:
Approx. 19.1 cubic feet
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Down:
Approx. 35.0 cubic feet
Curb Weight Manual:
Approx. 2965 lbs
Curb Weight Automatic:
Approx. 3040 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4200 lbs
Towing Capacity:
Not Recommended for towing.
Wheel Size:
16-inch (standard), 17-inch (optional on GT models)
Tire Size Standard:
205/55R16
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 100 mm
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
5-Star Driver, 5-Star Passenger
NHTSA Side Impact Crash Test:
5-Star Front Seat, 4-Star Rear Seat
IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal:
Good
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS) on some models.
Electronic Stability Control:
Available Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on some models.
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, front side-impact airbags, available side curtain airbags.
Seat Belts:
Three-point front and rear seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.
Audio System Features:
AM/FM stereo, CD player, auxiliary input jack, optional satellite radio and premium audio system.
Display Type:
Standard LCD display for radio/clock, optional color screen for navigation (if equipped).
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Auxiliary Audio Input:
Standard on most models for connecting external audio devices.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), or 7,500 miles/6 months with synthetic oil (refer to manual for exact schedule based on driving conditions).
Tire Rotation:
Every 5,000 miles or as recommended based on wear.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Approx. 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Approx. 15,000-30,000 miles, depending on driving environment.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 100,000 miles (long-life iridium type).
Coolant Replacement:
Initial at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter (Super Long Life Coolant - Pink/Toyota SLLC).
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30, API SN or newer, ILSAC GF-5 certified (check manual for specific GM/GM spec).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (with filter).
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3
Power Steering Fluid:
Use Genuine GM Power Steering Fluid or equivalent.
Oil Consumption:
Some 2AZ-FE engines experienced higher than normal oil consumption, particularly in early models. Regular oil level checks are advised.
ABS Actuator Failures:
Reports of ABS actuator failures leading to ABS warning lights and reduced braking performance.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
Cracks can develop in the exhaust manifold due to heat cycles, leading to exhaust leaks and potential catalytic converter issues.
Rear Strut Mount Noise:
Clunking or popping noises from the rear suspension, often related to worn strut mounts.
Manufacturer:
Pontiac (General Motors division, now defunct)
First Generation Start:
2003
Second Generation Start:
2008
Discontinuation Year:
2010 (Pontiac brand discontinued)
Second Generation Key Changes:
Revised styling (front and rear fascias), updated interior trim, improved features, and a more powerful standard engine.
Manufacturing Location:
Fremont, California, USA (in partnership with NUMMI - New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc.)
Platform Origin:
Toyota MC platform (shared with Toyota Corolla and Matrix).