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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  Custom Sunfore - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By streeet racers - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a small compact car that I felt had exceptional styling over the import market. Pontiac has in my opinion the best looking sub-compact going in the sunfire, the engine is easily as good or better than most of the current crop form japan, The ecotec 16v dohc, is fantastic ! Its to bad that kids dont take a second look at these for tunning as they are great for just that. Yes, the overall fit and finish may not be up to the higher end from Japan, but in reality its just not that bad, I have zero squeaks after 5000 miles. The GT is an exceptional value !

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  96,000 and still going!! - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By ski1022 - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car brand new and will probably drive it till it dies. VERY reliable car with very minor maintenance. Had the water pump replaced when the car was new but that was covered, but other than that just your basice oil changes, brakes, tires etc.

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  over all - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Roxanne Jordan - April 5 - 1:46 pm

  This has been a very good car. over all repairs were good. In 5 years 1 front strut replaced,Motor for powered windows and fuel pump ( my fault for running on emtpy). Other reviews show that the fog lights have gone out and it has to do with the wire harness mine also has the same problem.I have to get rid of it for it is to close to the ground for getting in and out and it is a very rough ride. Not a car for someone with children.

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  My first car! - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By L33y4 - April 3 - 5:50 am

  I recently bought this car used with only 50,000 km on it. It was extremely cheap, and thats why I got it. Its my first manual transmission, and its so fun to drive! Nothing has gone wrong yet, and hopefully wont for a while! Though the 2 middle air vents dont work. I didnt realize it until after I got the car. Im sure its fixable though. Before this I drove a cheap little Korean car, and compared to that thing, the Sunfire looks and feels like a $40,000 car! I will never drive foreign again! American cars have more fun features to offer with better quality too! Besides the body lasts forever on American.

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  Disapointment - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By DM - March 9 - 9:20 am

  This is my wifes car and I loathe the day I have to drive it. It handles like a top heavy SUV, the seats have no support and no comfort adjustments, and it has no power to accelerate unless you push it off a cliff (Ive considered it). The Insurance Institue of America provides crash ratings for all vehicles. If the impact is over 40mph on this car expect death and or dismemberment for all passengers.

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  Not Worth It! - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Jon Leibowitz - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Consider the Sunfire and similar Chevrolet Cavalier basic transportation only--both are crude, unpleasant, and outdated. The Sunfire sedan has been discontinued, and the coupe received a face lift for 2003. The Sunfires only virtue is its secure handling. ABS is no longer standard. The ride is stiff, uncomfortable, and lacking in control. The four-cylinder engine is buzzy. The thinly padded front seats lack support and are fatiguing on long journeys. The rear seat is badly shaped and cramped, and accessing it takes athletic skill. Interior fit and finish are subpar. Poor side-crash-test results are another minus. Im gonna get a nice new Celica.

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  Great car, small price - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Hayley Adams - March 2 - 10:00 am

  I loved this car and I would still have it if it had not been totalled in a recent accident. It breaks my heart that I have to buy another car now! This car handles really well, is low to the ground, sporty, and gets good gas mileage. It was a highschool graduation gift and lasted me well through college. I believe that it is a good first car for teenagers or 20- somethings. It has a youthful appearance. I would recommend to anyone. Unless youre taller than 60"!!

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  Very good and fun car - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Max - February 11 - 9:33 pm

  This is my 3rd Sunbird/Sunfire, 1st bought new. Very satisfied! 25-28mpg. No mechanical problems at all at 27k miles. Only issue was with bodywork as trunklid twice would not close. Dealer fixed promptly. VG performance from 2.2L engine. Styling still attractive after 4 yrs, beats the G5 handsdown. Dropdown rear seatbacks have allowed me to carry much more than you may think! And yep, cupholders location stink! Kept car simple with base model, no power windows or locks so no problem there. Very good sound system. Normal maintenance. Oil and filters every 3000 miles. Original tires about halfway to replacement

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  My svm 05 sunfire - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By james elliott - February 7 - 5:06 pm

  I am 75 years old and have owned over 50 new cars so I usually dont get too excited when I get a new one. This one did it. The performance is great. The shifter is excelent. Good gas mileage. Good price. A fun to drive green machine.

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  Good Car, Some Faults - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By davyd - February 4 - 3:00 am

  I got an 05 Sunfire with roughly 117000 miles on it, its still going strong! Except the gauges... Im not sure if it has something to do with the heat, but everything works at night and in the mornings. But everyday after school, after my car has been sitting in the sun for 8 hours, the gauges like to "stick". I dont know if this is happenign to everyone or just me. I think its a very nice first car, its got a nice accelation, and gass isnt too terrible on it. But my only problem with it is the Gauges. Im not sure if its electrical and can be fixed manually, but if anyone knows anything, please tell me.