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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  Best Buy For The Buck - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Tanja B - October 13 - 10:00 am

  This car is really fun to drive, and incredibly reliable. It is no joke when I say that this car has NEVER broken down on me. Thsi year I had to replace the shocks, and I am now having minor problems with the power windows.This is the very best and most reliable car I have ever owned. I bought it used in 1997 with 400km on it.

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  Perfect for Car Lovers - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Murdernickle - October 6 - 2:00 pm

  This car is the best purchase Ive made in a long while. Everything about it screams comfort and fun. It hugs curves like no other and is always up for a little bit of free running. It really shines in the country on twisty roads, but its great for the city too. Awesome fuel economy. I get around for weeks on one tank of gas. I would recommend this car to any parent looking to get their kid a reliable, safe, but fun car in order to get them through college.

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  Good quality - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By kotoja - October 6 - 1:36 pm

  Well is a good car. I enjoy driving my car. Is not bad as people are saying. It has nice handling. It responds nice on the street. Is also pretty fast

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  Best Car - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By kthiesen - October 3 - 4:43 pm

  I purchased this car brand new, it currently has 175,000 miles. I have had one minor problem that cost 200 to fix. My car runs better than when I purchased it and it is capable of getting 35 miles/gallon on the interstate. This has been an excellent car for me, if I didnt need more room I would buy another one in an instant. The LCD display on my monsoon radio also went out on one side but that wasnt that big of a deal considering how many miles it has and how great its been to have and drive!

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  Host of Problems - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Cher - September 16 - 7:20 pm

  We bought this car new from the dealer. Since then the headlights have gone out twice under warranty, then paid +$300 to get them fixed again, now the fog lights are out (issue is in a wiring harness that keeps corroding, and even if they replace the entire harness, the same issue will happen because the harness still is built the same way - with poor wires; GM states that it is not their issue, but if you research this, just about every one of them has this problem; sounds like it should be recalled and a completely new harness designed). The fuel pump will go out about every 50k-60k miles. Now the window will not roll down. Many calls to GMs product assist/complaint line go non-returned.

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  Sunfire great but flaws - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By ed - September 9 - 10:43 am

  This is my first car. Runs great cant complain. I had an accident with it. Another person hit me. On the left hand panel. It was like a tank. Nothing broken but the exterior. Lately I was going down the highway and the speedometer went crazy. It looked like I was traveling at 110 mph. I hit the brakes and pulled onto the shoulder. I found out it wasnt the speed sensor but more like the panel cluster which is a huge problem in these cars. It has been causing lots of problems and is now a money pit. With no problems it is very fast and reliable but when it goes get rid of it immediatly.

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  Only thing wrong w/the sunfire - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Jessca91 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I have found, as same with everyone I know that has this car (conv. 2 dr. gt sunfire) that the lights are really dim in comparison to all of the other cars on the road. A friend of mine and I both drive with our brights on, and have never been pulled over.

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  I love this car! - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By nc84grl - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. I love the way it drives and the sporty look of it. Best car I have ever had.

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  The Best - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Sarah - August 23 - 11:06 am

  This car was perfect for my teenage driver, encouraging safe driving, since it has a not-so-extreme power supply. it also handles very well, perfect for the inexperienced driver.

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  Great car! - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By magslena - August 14 - 2:53 am

  This car has been surprisingly good. I was looking for a sporty yet cheap car to take me to school and back. I absolutely love the power, it has a great get-up and go, it doesnt lag behind like other similar models. The GT style and model is what makes the Sunfire.