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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  2004 Pontiac Sunfire - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By pepsigirl - March 14 - 1:46 pm

  I love this car, I have loved it since I test drove it. I have been getting 32-36 MPG, and NEVER have any problems. I work in a position that requires me to take call at all hours of the day and night, I need a 4 wheel drive now since the snowplows go nite- nite at 8 pm. Cd player, clean, no rust, lots of power, even on the steepest hills. Forest green, (this car is sharp to look at and fun to drive).

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  Sunfire - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By CARR - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Not the most comfortable car, and steering is a bit tricky. The car seems to jerk slightly going into a curve, and always has. Very reliable, ok power.

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  I love this car. - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Tatiana - February 20 - 7:53 am

  This car is great. It is economic, fun to drive, very reliable. It is my baby. :)

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  its junk - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By fieroguy - February 15 - 10:00 am

  first, the engine, it makes a lot of noise and not much power, if there are more then two people in the car, you have to shift down allot. The fuel milage is terrible, about 450 to 500KM to a tank. The suspension is terrible, the car leans on all corners, and this combination of power and suspension gives you an uneasy feeling driving over 70KM and passing at any speed. Build quality is terrible. The brakes give an uneasy feeling, if they lock the car pulls to the left. Inside the car, there is a lot of noise, the sand and gravel on the road in winter sounds like you are driving on a gravel road and can get annoying. This is not a winter car

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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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  my crazy driver - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By nicoel - January 31 - 2:00 am

  the car is nice inside and out it has a lot of power

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  Very Good Car - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Ozzie - January 18 - 10:33 pm

  I bought a 2005 Sunfire with 28k miles on it and after one year and 16k later my Sunfire is getting better despite considering that I bough it with a salvage title (the car was in an accident). I put $15 on gas and my Sunfuire is taking me to work all week and my job is 18 miles from home.

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  05 Pontiac Sunfire - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By ladevic - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought my sunfire with 5,000 miles on it. It had done well besides some issues.. The first was the dash, had to replace that after two weeks since the gauges all fell.. now my problem is the electrical, things keep shorting out.. other than that the car is great. Drive to NY twice a year 700 miles each way, to Fla each year and to work each day. Knock on wood, it hasnt failed me yet. Great at high speeds, low speeds and gas mileage is the best. Oil changes every 5-7000 miles..

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  Amazing - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Praetorian - January 12 - 2:00 am

  This is an amazing car. I would totally recommend it!

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  sunfire - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By mrsjspicer - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I really like this car.When we bought it they had it specially customed. It has decals all along the sides, a body kit, ground effects, and custom rims. I love the lighting in it, especally the lights under the rear view mirror, I love how it looks sporty but is not considered a sports car under insurance.