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 Love My Car - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By ProudPontiacOwner - August 9 - 3:13 pm

  My car gets GREAT gas mileage - 34 mph hiway, 24 mph combined (city/hiway). It is has a manual transmission. In the 10 years Ive owned it, Ive replaced the brakes (once) the tires (once) the battery (3 times) the alternator (once) and a belt and hose - ie, very low maintenance.

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  Sunfire SE Rocks - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Trident - July 27 - 10:00 am

  One of the best cars Ive ever owned including my GTOs

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  Good Car for College - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By SarasSunfire - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Its no Honda Civic, but it gets good gas milage and is real roomy.

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  Not soooo bad... - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Jonny the freak - July 13 - 10:00 am

  I wouldnt say its a so bad car ; its OK for the price, offers acceptable performance (I have the manual transmission) and seems reliable for now (it has about 40000 miles). I didnt really have problems with it except that when I stalled (yes it still happens :P) the engine had problems to restart when hot but a visit to the dealer and everything was fine. The only thing I dont like about it is the gaz mileage... it seems poor for the only 115 hp it has... but at least the gas tank has a good capacity !

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  Great Car, going on 6 years, no problems - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By saxguyck - June 19 - 9:36 am

  We have had this car in our family since new in 2003 and have have absolutely no problems with it. Runs perfect, starts right up, minimal maintenance and no repairs necessary. We got a great deal on it; $13,000 fully loaded (dual exhaust, power windows, doors, sunroof, spoiler, 6 speaker monsoon sound system). considering that this is an entry level, commuter car, it has been worth every penny. Great gas milage too. 27-31 (normal driving.. some highway, some back roads, some bumper to bumper traffic)

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  Awful mistake - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Collin Wilson - June 1 - 11:03 pm

  So I bought this car used. Had it 3 days the frame broke. After that its been all down hill. The frame then the alternator then the battery then the radio. 3 months and I have to get rid of it! It started out great ended awful!

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  Ode to my Pontiac - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Noumenon - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Sunfire used in Dec. 97, w/30k mi. I drove it to 112k mi. and it never broke down or needed mechanical repairs. Just normal maintenance. Most reliable car I ever had. Made it through 6 accidents. The metal body had a good heavy weight to it and I always felt safe in it. (It was finally done in on the 7th accident by a Suburban traveling 50+mph). Excellent gas mileage. Las Vegas to Phoenix on one tank of gas. Hugged the road in tight turns on a mountain grade at high speeds no problem. It could pull a U- turn on a dime. It would accelerate on command in an instant without hesitation. I will truly miss this car.

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  4 door model - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By steve b. - May 30 - 2:46 am

  Our car is a 2003 4 door model, which i guess was sold only in Canada. Its actually been pretty reliable except for the power windows. Ive had to replace the motors in several of the windows,some multiple times, and now this spring they are acting up again.Its about $300 a shot for the motors. Two of the interior door panels have popped loose and the digital clock/radio light has died. Ill be getting rid of it soon.

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  Good Basic Economy Car - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By ClaireW - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Decent economy car. Doesnt have all the bells and whistles but dependable transportation. Sound system package well worth the price. Not as smooth and quiet as more expensive models but good basic transportation. Good in snow and on wet roads.

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  I like it! - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Prunedaler - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Just got this car after nine years of minivans. No comparison in interior size, of course, and the minivans had many more conveniences, but I really like driving this car, and I think it looks cool. Mine is orange.