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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  i luv this car - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By raaaaaaat2000 - August 10 - 2:00 am

  fun to drive, built solid, great fuel economy, drives like it is on a rail, and it has an affordable price.

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  Sweet Car - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Randy G - August 1 - 2:00 am

  I Love My 97 Pontiac sunfire GT. i got it for a graduation present and i Love it. it is very very sporty and Prety fast for its price. i couldent have asked for a better car!!!

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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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  Good Car! - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Rabbit - July 28 - 5:00 am

  I started way back with a Phoenix, Then a Sunbird. Now the 4 door Sunfire. The next one in the line doesnt have a name in Canada -just numbers. Good fuel economy, fast pick up, sleek body. In 4 years Ive replaced 2 tires, the front wheel bearings and I should replace the gas cap. If I can, when its time to replace this one Id like one just like it. Ive put 48,000 kms on it in 4 years and I am happy with its performance and reliability. I cant imagine driving anything other than a Pontiac. I guess Ive been lucky that my three cars have been stout workhorses. The Sunbird was subjected to a teenage boy and all that entails and still it held up.

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  Loved my car, now having major problems - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By P. Kobasic - July 14 - 6:36 pm

  I have had my car for 4 years and loved it when I first bought it, but now I am having problems. I just had to spend $500 to get the brakes fixed and I only have 44,000 miles on the car! The cylinders were cracked and brake fluid was leaking and the brake pads and shoes had to be replaced. Now, my window doesnt work and it will be another $400 to replace the motor. After reading others comments, the windows are a problem with this car. Beware that your brakes may be a problem too, even if your mileage is less than 50,000. I will never buy a Pontiac again and hope I can hold off having anymore major problems with this car for another year or so.

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  Love my sunfire - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By teri - July 5 - 1:33 am

  I have had my Sunfire for 2 years and drive 50 miles ( all highway) to work and 50 miles home 6 days a week, and I love my car. I too dont think these cars got the reviews they deserved. I love the fold down seats in the back... so much more room ! The gas mileage is great ! the only suggestion I would have is the placement of the cup holders but other than thats its a great little car. I have put 40k miles on it in two years and it still runs like a charm !

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  GREAT car to get back and forth to work! - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Lance - June 27 - 1:26 am

  Traded in my base model Ford Focus, loved the standard features. Couldnt beat the price. Very pleased with gas mileage and handling.

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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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  Fun and Reliable - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By justin_c_wood - June 10 - 4:31 am

  I bought this car with 198 000km on it and it now has 218 000km. This is my first car and Im very happy with it. All Ive done besides regular maintenance ( tires, brakes, spark plugs, oil and e.t.c) is replace a heater fan van vent motor and an idler pulley. Both were cheap to replace. I also find it accelerates decently for a pushrod 4 cylinder motor with the manual 5spd. When driven easy, its not too hard to attain around 32mpg highway.

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  Big Bang for Little Bucks! - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By BluByU - May 22 - 2:00 am

  This is my first new car. I have driven many other makes and models over the years, but the 2003 Sunfire is by far the best bang for the buck! It is absolutly stunning in its appearance. I have the Blue color and I get at least 2 - 4 complements everyday either on the color or the look of the car. The transmission is so smoth (Auto). I live in the mountains of NH, and I can do a steady 80 up hill and not even feel any hesitation or shifting. The only other car I ever drove that was faster was a 70s Pontiac Catalina. And from the front it looks so tough coming at you. I LOVE it and wont ever give it up! Pontiac fan for life.