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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  Sunfire - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By snowbie - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I owned my Sunfire for almost five years without any serious problems. I was content with the car. I recently was in an accident. From the looks of the damage, I didnt think it was too bad but it turned out to be a "total loss". Took a turn too fast for there being snow, and slid into a tree. Not even a knick in that tree and it wasnt anything that big. I guess I shouldnt be suprised since my passenger side door had almost a dozen dings because of the poor body quality. Im just glad it was a tree at 5-10 mph rather than getting in a more serious accident, who knows how badly torn to shreds that car couldve been, not to mention me.

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  I love my Car - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Justin - October 29 - 2:13 am

  the car has been amazing reliable for me, i use it as a daily driver and my work car ( i deliver pizza ) and to be honest for a car with 230,000 on it, its solid the engine is very strong and amazing, its got ample performance and has been bullit proof this far (knock on wood) iv only had to replace the fuel pump and spark plugs, people complaining about brakes is just stupid, they wear thats what they do, iv replaced the brakes probley a good 6x but no biggie, its cheap its a sunfire :), im purchasing a 2008 chrysler 300 limited and still keeping my sunfire cuz it will probley last longer then that car will, its treated me well and i treat it well, il be happy to get it over 500,000kms :)

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  Reliable for being an american Car - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Hydracid - October 23 - 10:00 am

  Only trouble I had was the side view mirro connectors are cheaply made and the light went out in the stereo clock. I have only had to perform routine maintainence which is nice. This is a much better pontiac in comparison to previous brands from previous years.

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  Sunfires Kick Arse - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Babyboy2711 - October 23 - 10:00 am

  The sunfire does great on the road.Its fuel is good on highways, but city needs a bit improving.Its fun to drive and very roomy.The sound system is okie, the front small speakers make it a bit worse then a Dodge Neon but still good.

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  Great Car and Bargain - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By HET - October 23 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car for my wife and she loves it. Ita a big improvement over the Suburban we traded it for. Now she can pull in and out of parking spaces with ease, whip in and out of traffic, and not worry about using gas to go to the grocery store. We didnt get the power package or On-star; the dealership didnt have any on the lot. But thats OK. Shes the only one driving it and her other car is a Cadillac CTS. Eventually, it will be a great get around car one day for our soon to be teenager.

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  Decent car with regard to pricing factor - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By chris - October 18 - 5:53 am

  Ive had the car for 2 years with only 1 minor problem with the AC (the insulation under the dash detached itself and blocked the vent) which, the dealership fixed with no hasel. The car has been very reliable under all conditions and dependable in climate extremes for +115 heat in AZ to -40 in the Rockys. I have put alot of miles on this car (47,000 currently) and have never worried about having a performance related failure. For styling and performance I have yet to find anything else in the same price range that even comes close!

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  Pretty Nice - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By bcr_88 - October 15 - 10:40 pm

  well i have this car for a few months now like half year and its been a pretty good car its very confortable and the interior i like it ...and has good fuel economy tooo

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  A lot of car for the money - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By dabug - September 9 - 5:06 pm

  I bought this car 5 years ago with 32k miles. It now has 90k. I did have to replace the fuel pump at about 50k which is very hard to get to and have changed the brakes once. Other than that no major issues. It has the feel and look of a sports car with the economy of a compact. I am now selling it because I want a truck, but I believe it has a lot of life left in it. Also, reading the other reviews I noticed the ones having the most problems are base models, ones like mine with the dual exhaust and other upgrades tend to be more reliable and a lot nicer cars, however they are harder to find.

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  2003 Pontiac Sunfire - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By stephen g - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Have had this 2003 Sunfire for about a month now. Awesome fun! Im 44 and wanted an inexpensive car just to run around in. This one might end up being my primary car it is so much fun. I have the 1SC package with everything except power windows. Recommend it for any individual. I let our 17 year old daughter drive it a couple times, now I might not get it back!

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  Great Reliable little car - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Lesley Draper - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car in 1999, and during the almost four years I have had it, it has cost me, one battery f & R Brake jobs, 2 sets of tires, new T-stats. This car is prone to heat up when on hard pulls in hot weather. Even rund over half hot in cold weather. Have had no major problems, still gets good gas mileage, and handles great. Good in snow too. It could be a litle more comfotrable, but seems equal to many cars in its catagorie. Keep tranny fluid up, and change the oil every 2k. I use synthetic oil and it gets better performance. I would buy another...For the price its a winner!