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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  My Fire Review - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Jason - January 5 - 8:13 am

  Its a nice smooth shifting 5 speed. It does have some get up and go and many after market parts for the tuner world. Biggest complaint is the dark cloud that I get and all my ecotec motor friends get on first startup especially really cold ones

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  Dont Buy - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Julie Dunagan - December 28 - 10:00 am

  I will never buy another pontiac. After 1 year everything started falling apart.

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  Fun and Pretty, But Impractical - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Heather - December 24 - 9:26 am

  This is my first car with a loan. Despite the fact that I did about everything wrong when buying from a dealership, this car has turned out to be a decent deal. My only regret is that I bought it because it was pretty rather than researching it before I signed on the dotted line.

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  Want it back - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By 67carjunkie - December 13 - 4:40 pm

  I loved my car until I got hit on the back right side. Edmunds said that it has poor side crash test mine survived the crash much better then the 08 civic. Was not the fastest car but it was decent just couldnt get me out of the crash. Edmunds also said not that fast but I beat a brand new mazda 6 with a 04 sunfire that had 4 cylinders.

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  Still great after 8 years - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Vivian - December 4 - 11:50 pm

  Bought it brand new in 2002, little white coupe. Manual 5 speed with a 4 cyl, gets 33 mpg on highway. Just worried about all the bigger cars on the road not seeing me. Great car, no major problems.

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  Great car for the price - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By sm214 - November 15 - 10:00 am

  Im not sure why Jon Leibowitz and fieroguy had so many problems with the car. I have a 96 sunfire with 200,000 miles and it hasnt had any bad problems yet. For the price, they are durable cars. the 2.2L ecotech is nice too. If you know how to use good driving techniques and maintenance then the car will last a long time.

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  Excellent - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By michael barker - November 15 - 10:00 am

  I could not ask for a better car for what i paid. The power of this car is unbeatiable for a 4 banger. I motify cars for a living and my sunfire is totally pimped out now with extras includeing chrome rims, masterflow exhaust, nos, and dozens of other extras. This car is just plainly an excellent car to work with and there is no other way of saying it in words. When i drive down the road even when it was a complete stock car i still turned heads to see peole looking a awwwwwing.

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  THE SUNFIRE ROCKS! - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By rocky1 - November 15 - 10:00 am

  The pontiac sunfire is an awesome affordable sports car with the most horsepower in its class!!!

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  Best Bang for the Buck - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Slats - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I am now purchasing my 3rd Sunfire GT. This is a testiment to the uncanny reliability I have experienced over the years with these inexpensive cars and large number of features for the buck. Simply put, no car for the dollar offers what Sunfire does. I owned a 97 GT, 01 GT and now just purchased an 05 GT. Besides regular maintenance (Oil, brakes and odd recall for software updates), I have had operational failure in these cars. I owned a 95 Honda Prelude that almost bankrupt me in repair bills, then I took a chance on the Sunfire and still cant find a reason leave. Sorry Corolla, Civic and Focus; Youre too expensive and lack Zest!

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  great little car - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By farr - November 5 - 6:36 pm

  Lots of fun to drive. Peppy. All american. Great price.