Overview & Reviews

SE convertible gets a higher level of standard equipment, including an automatic transmission. Coupes get a new front seatbelt guide loop, and a new Sports Interior trim debuts called Patina/Redondo cloth.

• Good looks, zippy powertrain (Twin Cam), comfortable interior, standard ABS, standard traction control with automatic transmission, good value

• Weight, buzzy powertrain (2.2-liter), excessive body roll.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 51.00

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  its been a long ride - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By almost done - December 25 - 11:33 am

  at 180K + miles it still has the original alternator, original timing chain, replaced the battery maybe 3 times, replaced the brakes 2ce. Ive taken it places that are made for 4 x 4s, yet suffered only minor brush scrapes to the paint from the tumbleweeds. This car is legend in my office for the abuse it has taken. I live far from dealerships--never had the recall items replaced. Manual transmission has decent acceleration for 4 cylinder. Perfect size for 53"-510" person, very comfortable. Handles sudden stops well--had to slam the brakes and veer one eve to avoid a burro at 80 mph, slid and stopped without spinning or rolling.

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  fun /nice looking - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By ed tryin - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I had this car since 1998 had 13,000 miles now it has 90,000 miles . Problems water pump $700 oh yea. and electric window motor $230 I love the car its fun to drive red and black top.

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  All the fun, for half the price - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By bundok - November 26 - 2:16 pm

  I really like my car, but Im reluctant to do any modifications to it. Its an SE but it has the 2.4 liter engine and twin Cams. Its very peppy and handles well, though a little splashy. Great car for driving and the occasional (or frequent) driving wild. You wont feel like Mario Andretti in this car, but it definitely has a kick. The alternator has gone out once and my clutch cables snapped and had to be replaced. It has an oil leak Im assuming is from the oil pan gasket thats pretty bad; all of which I chalk up to my own driving and not the cars reliability.

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  Very reliable and great gas mileage - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Max - August 9 - 5:13 pm

  All Ive replaced are tires, the water pump and belt @112,000 miles, did a tuneup & I change oil every 4000 mi. It has 137,000 miles & Ive had it since 72,000. Im 61 200 lbs & sit pretty comfortably. It takes off fast and cuts around tight curves like a gt should. I plan on keeping this car until it dies since I av. 300-350 miles per week going to work. Its paid for, so why not. It started squeaking last month & I think it is either the wheel bearing or strut. Im still surprised that I can gun that lil red devil and make my head snap into the seat. Its a 5 speed with no performance add-ons, not even K&N. Maybe I should do that and upgrade the chip :D *Best car Ive ever had and Im 34.

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  Gone But Not Forgotten - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Big Grin Lover - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car with 39,400 miles on it and drove the car until the tranny gave out on it at 129,500 about 3yrs later, good car only problem before tranny gave out was a coil pack that went out at about 50,000 miles. Car still ran great after was involved in to accidents.

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  Need a little shine - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Harris - June 16 - 1:16 pm

  I have a 1997 Pontiac Sunfir Gt, and its fine for just driving around, but i have had some problems with it, my sunroof broke about 2 months after i bought it, my brakes went bad after a short while and my alternator went also. J-body cars(Sunfires and Cavaliers) are also known to have water pump problems.

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  Great deal - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By ANJERS - April 24 - 5:10 pm

  This is my 2nd Sunfire (1st one was totaled in an accident). It now has 120,000 miles on it and it still runs beautifully! I had my tranny serviced on it the other day just to keep it healthy and my mechanic was very much impressed w/my car. Had it looked over completely and it is still in amazing condition. The takeoff from a stop is suprisingly quick and has lots of balls for such a small engine. Love it!!

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  i have a sunfire 97 - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By davidjr - April 3 - 2:00 am

  this david and i have a 97 pontiac sunfire and it is a 1997 and i have thought that the brakes wear to tight but i was not sure becuse i had just put some on and i feel it did not do no good becuse before i got the good brakes when i hit thge breakes before i had felt a shaking sound and i had them changed but i still feel the same thing after about 2 weeks let me know what you think and also i have when i hold the brake and turn the wheel in side of the car is hard to steer

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  Good gas & reliable - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Jay - February 4 - 4:26 pm

  I bought this car when it was just reaching 10 years old. Ive had to do only minor work on it and it still gets great fuel economy. Runs good, but the fuel pump can be a little noisy. Handles great and an ok ride. Otherwise one of the best cars Ive ever bought. Perfect for an home and back type car.

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  96,000 and still going!! - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By ski1022 - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car brand new and will probably drive it till it dies. VERY reliable car with very minor maintenance. Had the water pump replaced when the car was new but that was covered, but other than that just your basice oil changes, brakes, tires etc.