GM unveils Pontiac G3, coming in spring 2009

"The G8 is terrific, the Solstice GXP Coupe is ready to join the roadster, and the even more awesome G8 GXP is waiting in the wings. All rear-drive. All meant to be fun. And then GM goes and does this.

Behold, friends, the 2009 Pontiac G3 Wave. Yes, that's an Aveo5 with Poncho nostrils, and it reeks of product strategy that's more 1989 than 2009. Why not just call it G3 Le Mans? You know, in honor of the last Daewoo-sourced trashback that helped turn that whole "We Build Excitement" thing into a punchline."

Best comment about this car I have read so far....

Yes, rebadging and slapping on a new front bumper and emblems is just STUPID. Why not save the money spend building the new molds and give the execs another raise?

One word: BARF!

Please don't bring that piece of shit over here (Canada), OK?

Exactly. And since the average consumer is thinking about fuel-sipping daily-drivers, creating a sporty-like compact 5-dr will help to satisfy many requirements at once. I've seen too many old Fiestas, Escorts, and Yaris, etc on the road these days to ignore that people will plunk down a few extra dollars to save money at the gas pumps. I know people that are buying a 2nd or 3rd (fuel-sipper) vehicle for their daily commute. They'll either buy with cash or pay it off in 2-3 years. But it would save quite a bit on gas b/c of all the driving they must do. And they'll save their larger car/SUV until they absolute must use it.

Honda FIT

Why does GM continue to pretend that "no one will notice"

Has anyone also taken a look at the NEW Chevy Aveo 5. It actually is a very decent looking car with plenty to offer over the competition of the Honda Fit, Versa, Yaris competitors.

1) On Star
2) XM radio
3) 5yr 100k warranty coverage
4) Starts at $12,120!

The interiors are improved 1000%, the exterior is a HUGE success IMO to the predecessor. And if they wanna put it in Pontiac form then let them, it's cheap to do, gives them more recognition, and allows buyers a little more choice. No different than Stop n Shop buying Rice Krispies from the factory, calling them Puffed Rice and selling them for $2 cheaper.

For Pontiac it seems they took the fascia from a last gen Vibe, and molded it to the Aveo 5. It's a mini-me Vibe so to speak.

Now picture if they make a GXP or SS version of these cars, bigger wheels, different fascias, suspension work, and use the 1.4L EcoTec with a turbo producing 180hp (engine already exists and would fit). Now that would be a fun little car.

I realize most of you drive your Lexus', BMW's, M/B's. But open your eyes and be minded to the rest of the market. No need to get snippy if it's not an article about a Benz or the new Bugatti or what not. I personally stay away from the articles on the really high end exotics. But don't throw bias around because GM is making small cars that are good looking and offer plenty to the consumer for the price.

I will be looking forward to a comparison of the Aveo 5/G3 Wave with the other little ones from overseas to see how they do. Ford is just being left behind and should have moved sooner and brought the Ka over here in all model forms. They would have been the first to offer a little econo car in performance form and rocked the market. Forcing the others to either catch up or stay behind. Now GM has the choice to do so.

They bring over a Korean product that is a good car overall and has proven reliable in it's past here. But they get hazed. Yet when they bring over Opels and call them Saturns, they are praised for expanding the markets of said cars.

Absolutely correct,

I really wouldn't want one, but the new Aveo is MUCH better than the old Aveo (especially the interior). If someone needs an everyday beater that is new, gets good mileage and reliable, GM has really beefed up their offerings.

Aveo / Cobalt / G5 / Astra / Malibu / etc

It would have been nice to see them differentiate it a little better. It's still too obvious a badge-engineered car.