Comments on: GM defends upcoming Pontiac G3

By: ZenMotorist

ZenMotorist — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 05:21:40 +0000

I recently purchased a Pontiac Torrent. Before making my purchase, I read similar comments on how the Torrent was simply a rebadged Chevrolet Equinox, and many of the comments I’ve read here are similar to those I read about the Torrent/Equinox.

When I compared the two, i was shocked at the difference the different front ends made to the appearances of the vehicles. I also noted that the roof racks on the Torrent were tubular, but the Equinox had racks that resembled those from a minivan. Behind the wheel, the gauges were different, and when driving, the Pontiac’s stiffer handling and ride appealed to me more. I’m not interested in helping out my insurance company boost their profits, so I opted for the economical 3.4L engine which produces more than enough power to drive the AWD system.

When it comes down to it, it’s all about giving consumers more choice. I have the choice of red gauges, a stiffer ride, and a cleaner looking front grille without having to pay extra. As far as I’m concerned, Pontiac is all about giving consumers an alternative choice in the cars they buy, and as far as I’m concerned, choice is a good thing in any market. If the only difference between the G3 and the Aveo is a cleaner nose end and red gauges, what of it? I, for one, applaud General Motors for giving consumers this kind of lateral choice.

By: Shriker

Shriker — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 23:48:09 +0000

P.s to “Need more oil for GM”

The Aveo’s and….so obviously.. the Pontiac’s are not and will not be American cars in any real sense of the word. Aveos I believe are primarily made in Korea or something… or at least all major components are.

By: Shriker

Shriker — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 23:45:12 +0000

First off, I am a current Chevy Aveo owner and I worked at a Chevy dealership for over 2 years. What GM NEEDS to do to pick up the image of the American car is to try to pull itself together. The dealership I worked at for years was located literally across the street (and a very small street at that) froma GMC Pontiac Buick. If we were low on parts we’d go across the street and pick up a few because they were made of almost exactly the same components. GM needs to stop competing with itself and pull the industry together to eliminate wasteful spending. It needs to bring everything back together and have it’s remaining dealerships take over a wider range of vehicles….

Dealerships are dying out there and we’re supposed to pay the piper for finally learning to spend our money wisely???? ARE YOU KIDDING???

While the Aveo is not your sports vehicle and you don’t want to drive it with a …”larger” front seat passenger if you’re driving the standard transmission version……. (personal experience) it’s a great car for those with economy in mind. The car is much roomier than it looks once you’re inside and …really it gets the job done. While I understand that it would be good for Pontiac to have a similarly built car…. it’s stupid for GM to have to waste the money to redesign the same damn thing just so that their various arms can compete with each other…… If you’re looking to buy a GM in that size why go through the hassle of putting a new exterior on something already available and then calling it something else…..

What a waste.

By: MurcieMe

MurcieMe — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 01:48:51 +0000

I don’t really see a big problem with this. I find the styling tweaks to the G5 and G3 / Wave improve the look of the boring Chevy. If I was in a market to buy either of these cars and had to pick between the Chevy and the Pontiac, I’d definitely pick the Pontiac.

By: mayer_ray_nagin

mayer_ray_nagin — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 23:10:59 +0000

If Toyota can rebadge dogturds as Yaris’s and sell ‘em with impunity, then GM can do the same.

By: Need more oil for GM

Need more oil for GM — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 20:05:22 +0000

And you’ll be buying American like your supposed to be doing. It’s unAmerican to do otherwise and those people in this country need to die

By: inline6

inline6 — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 19:18:54 +0000

Aveo/G3 are Daewoo-engineered. But I’ve driven them before, and they’re pretty good. I’ve looked at all of the subcompacts on sale right now, and the Aveo seems like the best all-rounder. Sure, the Fit is a better car overall, but it costs 20% more, and it’s sold out. So there goes the value. Its mileage isn’t really any better, and neither is the power. And you don’t get the features for the money. The Versa doesn’t get the mileage that the updated Aveo gets, and it costs more, and its interior isn’t as nice, and it’s an ugly mess (to me). The Rio’s interior is made out of concrete, and its mileage isn’t as good as the Aveo’s, either. The Accent is getting expensive, comparably equipped, and its mileage isn’t up to snuff, either.

The new 1.6L Ecotec is a step in the right direction. It’s smoother, has more power, and gets better fuel economy. And it isn’t just new colors inside with the G3, it’s the gauge cluster that’s different.

But you’re right, this is just a rebadge. If only GM could see fit to make a performance version of this thing…with 16″ wheels, Direct injection, a turbocharger, or both, an uprated suspension, and sport seats, they’d have something.

That said, the G3 is getting more standard features than the Aveo. Thing is, I’ve look at the Aveo/G3′s competition. It’s got the best combination of economy, price, space, style, and features. And depending on how Pontiac prices the better-equipped G3, I’ll probably buy it.

By: angelo

angelo — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 18:57:18 +0000

AVEO = rebadged Daewood… it’s even made in South Korea.

By: oldraven

oldraven — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:23:08 +0000

I wouldn’t go so far as to call it a ‘wild sales success’. I see lots of Waves, but not that many. There are still five Yarises to every Wave. Almost as bad as corollas. There are about eight of those to one of everything else on the market, here.

By: Need more oil for GM

Need more oil for GM — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:00:23 +0000

So many unpatriotic a-holes on this site who are going to be eating crow when the G3 is a wild sales success.

By: jayjc08

jayjc08 — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 23:43:25 +0000

desertdriver- Maybe you need to look again. Hell, this thing has what, different gauges and intakes at the front? I could name about 5 times more differences between the Milan and Fusion, not to say there not closely related however…

gehrhardt- The Suzuki Swift+ is based off the same Daewoo that we get. It’s too bad they couldn’t just give Canada the REAL Swift, which I hear is a great car.

oldraven- So what if their just rebadges? We’re talking about Pontiac, the division the GM has supposedly been putting so much “effort” into to put some real life into. Sure GMC and Chevrolet aren’t different at all, but I see no reason and no real way to separate the two anyways. This example has a much bigger difference than the Aveo and G3, but suppose that BMW sold the Phantom in their range, with just a different grill, badge and price tag. How would you feel about Rolls Royce then? Most people wouldn’t see them nearly as exclusive as they did before then, or as “cool”.

By: gehrhardt

gehrhardt — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 21:36:36 +0000

Actually in Canada this is sold as the Pontiac Wave. They probably just changed the guages to MPH and there’s your new G3! It’s based on the Suzuki Swift+, not a Daewoo (not that it makes it any better, just sayin…).

My friend rented a Swift+ this weekend to save some gas on a trip. He had hardly enough room for himself, his dog and a couple of overnight bags. He said it made his wife’s Hyundai Accent hatch seem huge.

By: oldraven

oldraven — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 21:29:27 +0000

Holy crap. It’s just a car, people. If Pontiac wants to sell a G3, and you don’t like it, don’t buy it. I’m sure LOTS of other people will (I expect to see a ton of these around here). Some people like GMCs, some people like Chevys. I like the GMC more, but I like my C-10 more than the GMC of the day. If its not your thing, don’t worry about it. For now, I’m sure the Sierra and Silverado will weather the storm just fine.

Lau, you probably shouldn’t talk as much.

By: desertdriver

desertdriver — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 17:56:07 +0000

Ford is worse than GM with rebadging. GM at least gives the fronts a new treatment. The Milan and Fusion look pretty much the same.

By: Vosotros

Vosotros — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 14:18:35 +0000

Looks halfway decent to me, honestly. But if GM is trying to make Pontiac like a budget BMW or maybe a Mazda, a not even remotely sporty hatchback is NOT the way to do it. Definitely watering down the lineup. They should have concentrated on making the Aveo even better.

By: Aussie#1

Aussie#1 — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 02:46:56 +0000

This car is sooooo SHIT its in australia under the name Holden Barina and it has the lowest saftey rating of any passenger car in the market

By: beatusmongous

beatusmongous — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 02:37:30 +0000

The reason these guys do rebadges is because the Aveo is ugly as hell, and this doesn’t look too bad (to me). Same with the Sky and Solstice. They may be basically the same car, but they sure look different. The reason this is GOOD is because those that vomit at the sight of a Solstice might actually like the Sky, and vice-versa. So the “duplicate entries” makes for more sales, without actually cutting into the sales of their own product. Instead, what they hope for is that the people that vomit at the sight of one car may actually like another similar car of a sister make, and they may buy that instead. For GM, that would be better than if they turned away and went for a Ford or a Honda.

By: Bimmer

Bimmer — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 22:48:53 +0000

Will there be a Saturn or Buick version? LOL

By: Lau

Lau — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 19:21:31 +0000

We can only hope that GM realizes their mistake when this G3 sells like crap….or not sell at all.

By: yarddog82abn

yarddog82abn — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 19:08:40 +0000

Daewoo, Aveo, Yares, WHAT ARE YOU!!!!! …..LOL

By: jayjc08

jayjc08 — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 14:34:29 +0000

And in terms of looks, it looks pretty nice. Just seriously update the rear from the Aveos.

You know what IS a horrible car though? The Hyundai Accent. What a fruity accent it is… probably the worst riding, lowest quality piece of junk I’ve ever been in, seriously. And that’s probably the most quickest, decisive comment I’ve made all day!

By: jayjc08

jayjc08 — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 14:27:54 +0000

Stupid move. I would have updated the platform, invested in it in other words since it’s been around since… 2003 or so, and then maybe put out the G3 with a few tech goodies standard, a tighter suspension and an extra few ponies (CPU change?). Different gauges, backlighting and trim. Offer a sport package with the new 1.4 turbo, sporty seats, larger rims, sportier tires and a few other minor performance upgrades. How much would that have cost them, sell it at a base $800 premium over the regular Aveo which is about the cheapest car in America… not much could go wrong. I doubt I would dare say it’d be a fun car, but it would probably be comparable to the Fit in terms of driving with a fair amount of extra horsepower.

By: JoshyLofty

JoshyLofty — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 06:53:30 +0000

why the hell is the 5 door aveo & now G3 so ugly & dopey looking but the sedan version look pretty good & has better interior & such. why don’t they stop refreshing these POS cars and base a new 5door on the sedan aveo. FYI- the sedan version is designed in korea & the 5 door in america.

By: howsmydriving

howsmydriving — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 06:29:19 +0000

Don’t you love his title? Jim Hopson, Pontiac’s Communications Manager = Pontiac’s Spinmeister.

By: deutschetouring1337

deutschetouring1337 — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 03:36:07 +0000

You guys do know this is a rebaged Daewoo right not an Aveo?

By: Lau

Lau — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 02:21:18 +0000

tzu, totally right. GMC nerfs Silverado and Colorado sales, and etc. Aren’t they just WASTING money doing all of this? Have a Saturn Sky, and screw the Solstice, end of story. Have 1 of each, not 5 of each.

By: carbonsigma

carbonsigma — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 02:20:18 +0000

Come on More Oil for GM, where are you?

By: tzu13

tzu13 — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 00:55:45 +0000

As usual, GM just can’t resist the urge to compete with itself, and will end up that much worse because of it.

By: tyler_is_aero_tt

tyler_is_aero_tt — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 00:43:38 +0000

WTF it’s a rebadged Aveo!!! WHY CAN’T YOU GET THIS THROUGH YOUR THICK SKULLS?

By: sharpie

sharpie — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 00:25:08 +0000

“Different color gauges” is the “unique brand identity” on the inside? No wonder GM is in such bad shape.

By: TomF

TomF — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 21:10:37 +0000

GM still hasn’t abandoned the wasteful and absurd axiom that says every division needs a vehicle in every market segment.

If Pontiac is the “performance / fun-to-drive” brand, it doesn’t need a re-nosed Chevy Aveo on the lot; in fact, its presence HURTS the Pontiac brand.

This is actually all moot, because if the drama on Wall Street keeps up, nobody will be able to get a car loan of more than $500 anyway.

By: yarddog82abn

yarddog82abn — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 21:05:13 +0000

LOL…
GM; “What The Freak? “we got this car from Toyota”…. Toyota; “Ya and we gave you the bad one’s” “HA-HA-HA-HA…….” GM; “dam! they got us again!”

By: RaineMan

RaineMan — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 20:58:50 +0000

I do find it funny that Chevy has the “performance” version of the Cobalt… and Pontiac is just left with the old basic G5. Now if Pontiac were to… say drop the turbo 1.4 ecotec from the Cruze into the G3… they might have a little pocket rocket on their hands.

By: Lau

Lau — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 19:57:27 +0000

A bunch of excuses from GM is all that i’m getting. Honestly, if I took on look at this at a Pontiac dealership, I’d ask the guys there why they’re selling a rebadged Aveo, and then I’d probably go to a Chevy dealer and buy the Aveo. I’m not going to waste my time with something like this, it’s pointless. So the G3 has a new nose and different colors. Whoop the frickin doo. Grats GM, you’ve made one of the most useless cars the makret has ever seen.

By: johnnycanuck

johnnycanuck — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 19:53:33 +0000

Why the hell should he have to defend anything? They’re in business to sell cars, right? And small cars are a hot commodity these days, right? So I’m failing to see a problem with this program. It’s just like the loss-leader in advertising: people come in looking for the bargain and more often than not they end up leaving with something a notch or two up. So why are they so worried about image? If Pontiac was that worried about image there’d be a Trans Am coming down the pipe same time as the Camaro. Pontiac’s just happy to be alive right now, and anything that generates numbers is a good thing. The only thing that’s really unfortunate is the name: G3. I liked Firefly. I dated a chick with a Firefly once. That was a good thing, because I knew when I saw the car that it probably wasn’t going to take much to impress her.

By: sprockkets

sprockkets — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 19:49:07 +0000

Just how many G5s did you sell GM compared to the Cobalt? Exactly.

Going back to its old ways? They still do it very much so today.