what cars use 5x100 bolt pattern

[Mercedes]

Many popular and affordable compact cars and sedans from the 1990s through the 2010s use the 5x100 bolt pattern. This measurement means the wheel has five lug nuts spaced evenly on a 100mm diameter circle. You'll primarily find this pattern on vehicles from Volkswagen Group (including many Audis), Subaru, and General Motors (GM). Some of the most common models include the Volkswagen Golf/Jetta, Audi A4, Subaru Impreza/WRX/Forester, and Chevrolet Cobalt/Pontiac G5.

The 5x100 pattern was widely adopted for front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive platforms that prioritized a balance of performance, cost, and packaging efficiency. While still common in the used car market, its use has declined in newer models as manufacturers have moved toward larger bolt patterns, like 5x112, for increased strength and to accommodate larger brakes on modern vehicles.

If you're shopping for wheels for a car with a 5x100 pattern, you have a huge selection of aftermarket options from brands like Enkei, BBS, and Konig. It's a very popular pattern in the tuning community, especially for Subarus and Volkswagens. However, always double-check your specific model's requirements, as there can be exceptions. For instance, while most 2002-2007 Subaru WRX models use 5x100, the 2015+ WRX STI switched to a 5x114.3 pattern.

Manufacturer	Model Examples (Years using 5x100)	Notable Exceptions / Notes
Subaru	Impreza (1993-2007), WRX (2002-2007), Forester (1998-2008), Legacy/Outback (1990-2009)	STI models (except 2004-2005 USDM) and newer models (post ~2008-2010) often use 5x114.3
Volkswagen	Golf, Jetta, GTI (many models from 1990s-2000s), New Beetle, Passat (B5 platform)	Newer MQB platform vehicles (e.g., MK7+ Golf) use 5x112
Audi	A4 (B5, B6, B7 platforms), TT (Mk1), A3 (8L platform)	Newer models generally use 5x112
General Motors	Chevrolet Cobalt, HHR; Pontiac G5, G6 (2005-2010); Saturn Ion, Sky	Always verify as GM used many patterns across its brands
Toyota	Matrix (1st gen), Celica (7th gen), Corolla (some 2000s models)	Not as common; primarily on models shared with GM (e.g., Matrix/Pontiac Vibe)

[Nathan]

As a guy who's swapped wheels on my old VW GTI and my buddy's Subaru, I see this pattern all the time. It's the go-to for tuners. Think VW Golfs, Jettas, and most Subarus from the early 2000s, like the WRX. Super common in the used car scene. Just be careful with newer Subarus—they changed it up. Tons of cool, affordable aftermarket wheels fit it perfectly.

[Pluto]

From a parts perspective, the 5x100 bolt pattern is a high-volume specification. It's crucial for inventory planning for models like the Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5, and Saturn Ion. We also stock a significant number of alloy wheels for the Audi A4 (B6/B7) and the first-generation Audi TT. If you own one of these, you'll have no trouble finding replacement wheels, both OEM and aftermarket.

[DelLawson]

I had to figure this out when buying winter tires for my daughter's first car, a 2005 Subaru Outback. The manual said 5x100, which was a relief because it's a very common pattern. It fit wheels from older Jettas and even a Saturn we found online. It made shopping on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace much easier and cheaper than if she had a rare bolt pattern.

[VanJoel]

If you're into autocross or just making your daily driver look sharper, the 5x100 pattern is your friend. It opens up a world of lightweight performance wheels from brands like Enkei RPF1s or Konig Hypergrams. This pattern was used on some of the most modified platforms ever, like the MK4 VW GTI and the '02-'07 Subaru WRX. The aftermarket support is massive, so you can easily find the perfect fitment for your needs.