Overview & Reviews

Bells and whistles are nice, but for some car shoppers, the primary need is for cheap, basic transportation. With these frugal buyers in mind, Pontiac launched its budget-priced Sunfire in the mid-'90s.

Budget cars of recent years have undergone an evolution of sorts. Many models have shattered our ideas of what to expect in this segment, offering a level of overall quality that belies their low price tags. The Pontiac Sunfire, unfortunately, wasn't one of them. Build quality was unimpressive and interior materials made no attempt to disguise this Pontiac's econobox status. Safety was an issue; the Sunfire performed poorly in side-impact and frontal-offset crash tests. Also, the fact that Pontiac opted not to give the car any substantial revisions in its many years on the market didn't do the Sunfire any favors. By the time it was retired in 2005, the car was riding on a severely dated platform, lagging well behind its newer competition.

But the Pontiac Sunfire did shine in a couple of respects. More recent models offered a lively engine. Feature content on newer models was also noteworthy, with luxury-themed amenities like OnStar and a sunroof offered as options. It was also one of the most affordable ways to get into a convertible.

Still, these strong points aren't enough to earn the Pontiac Sunfire a recommendation. Though it's inexpensive, used-car shoppers are advised to ignore this siren call and consider more desirable small sedans and coupes instead.

Most Recent Pontiac Sunfire

The Pontiac Sunfire was available in one generation, built from 1995-2005. Upon its introduction, this Pontiac was available as a coupe, sedan and convertible.

Initially, sedans and convertibles came in one trim level, the SE. Coupes, however, were available in both base SE and GT trims. In 1999, the convertible's sole trim level had its name changed to GT; a couple of years later (in 2001), the convertible was dropped from the lineup. The Sunfire's lineup was further streamlined in 2003 with the elimination of the sedan, leaving the coupe as the sole offering. That year, the Sunfire coupe was only available in base trim, but in 2004, an even more inexpensive Special Value trim was added to the lineup.

When the Pontiac Sunfire was introduced in 1995, two engines were available. Base models were powered by a 2.2-liter four-cylinder capable of 120 horsepower and 130 pound-feet of torque. GT models got a more muscular 2.3-liter inline-4 good for 145 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque. The following year, the 2.3-liter was replaced with a more powerful 2.4-liter that promised 150 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque. In 2003, both engines were dropped from the lineup and a more fuel-efficient 2.4-liter "Ecotec" four-cylinder good for 140 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque became the sole available engine. Buyers had three transmissions to choose from: a three-speed automatic (which was dropped from the lineup in 2002), a four-speed automatic and a five-speed manual (standard on most Sunfires).

Though the Sunfire saw no redesigns, it did see a few tweaks and upgrades over the years. The standard features list on early Sunfires was sparse, with little more than cloth seats and an AM/FM radio; on the plus side, ABS was standard. Options included air-conditioning and a power moonroof. In 1996, traction control, remote keyless entry and auxiliary steering-wheel-mounted audio controls were added to the options list. The following year, convertible Sunfires saw upgrades in standard equipment, with an automatic transmission being added to that roster. In 1998, safety got a boost, thanks to the addition of second-generation airbags to the standard features list; a new sound system was also added to the options list.

Further revisions in 2000 added new front and rear fascias and a new five-speed manual transmission; a premium Monsoon audio system was also added to the options list. In 2003, the Sunfire got another refresh, with an upgraded sport suspension and new front and rear fascias. ABS was no longer standard on base models, though it was available as an option. Satellite radio, side airbags and OnStar became available as options.

The Sunfire won't win any awards for cabin design. Materials quality is subpar, build quality is lacking and the overall aesthetic falls short when it comes to style. Furthermore, its seats don't offer much by way of comfort. Still, later models do offer impressive options like OnStar and satellite radio.

In editorial reviews, the Pontiac Sunfire scored decent marks for overall handling, though its manual shifter drew some fire for being somewhat imprecise. The Ecotec engine was also praised for its power and smooth delivery.

We'd recommend avoiding this vehicle, but if you've got your heart set on one, choose a 2003, 2004 or 2005 model to enjoy a Sunfire with the Ecotec, the model's best available engine.

User Reviews:

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  Reliable as heck - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By njrp2000 - January 28 - 10:00 am

  Outdated or "ancient" as the GM Cavalier/Sunfire models may be they are still reliable. I got the first Sunfire off of the delivery truck back in 1996 here in Orlando and I still own that car. 190,000 miles later I have never had a transmission slip and asides from the traditional A.C. problems. I have never had more than minor service work done on the vehicle. Recently passed on my old sunfire to a friend and bought the 2003 and at 36,000 miles (after only 1 year) the car is an absolute beast when it comes to performance. And I say that in a good way. Outdated? Hah! This car must be like a fine wine then. The older it seems the better it gets.

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  Excellent - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Gavin Lin - December 30 - 10:10 pm

  Excellent fun to drive sporty car.

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  SunFire - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Lorraine Fernandez - December 25 - 2:00 am

  My experience so far has been a good one. Its a fun car to drive especially if it has a sun roof.

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  Great Car - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By hambone - December 25 - 2:00 am

  Great car

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  Not so bad, but could be better - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By MaxwellSE - December 21 - 3:33 pm

  Owned the Sunfire for two years, really good gas mileage and engine power for the price. The interior has a nice layout but some components were cheap. I have had a few problems including the brake rotors wearing out every six months and the wiring has a short, which causes the CD player to reset and the enigine has trouble starting sometimes.

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  Sunfire 2003!!! - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Sunfire Goddess - December 21 - 2:00 am

  I love my car. The Sunfire is the coolest looking car on the market today. I love the radio, the seats, the performance. I feel safer in this car than I did in my Dodge Neon (1998 model). I wish that people would not give this car such a hard time. It is a great car for a great price. The only thing that I may not be happy with about this car is that it is hard to open the drivers visor without messing up the rearview mirror.

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  Very Satisfied With my Pontiac - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Pontiac Rules Baby! - December 19 - 10:00 am

  When I bought my Sunfire GT in Feb. 02, I was very excited to own a newer car. Now in July, Im still just as excited to own this baby! I love this car. Its quick, manoevers great and loves the corners. Ive heard lots of people knock this car, and I used to do it too...until I bought one. Now I tell people how great this car actually is. NOw, for those of you who have complaints about the Sunfires, (especially the convertibles) all I have to say is, "serves you right". The Sufire and Cavalier convertibles are probably the ugliest cars around and I have no Idea what would posess anyone to buy one. I went with the sunroof and thats good enough for me.

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  good car - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By doofus - December 5 - 2:06 pm

  just good transportation

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  nice car - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By fanfluckintastic - December 1 - 6:20 am

  The clutch is touchy but im getting use to it. Love the looks and it handles great. Im glad i purchased it!

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  Great car, no problems at 120k - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By fingaz - November 12 - 12:41 am

  My dad first purchased the Sunfire new in 2003 as a 2nd vehicle to commute to work. He got it with all the bells and whistles (which only is power windows, A/C, sunroof, monsoon sound system, dual exhaust and spoiler) for only $13,000! I ended up taking the car off his hands and it has NEVER failed me. 120k mile and I have never ever had one problem with it. Of course I keep up with oil changes, tires, brakes and the like. The car still looks current and modern and it does perform well for only having 140 horses!